Graco EasyTurn 360 2-in-1 Review

Crash Test

The EasyTurn earned crash test results that put it below the group average in our analysis. While not terribly below average, it wasn't a standout.

All of the seats in this review are presumed safe and meet federal guidelines. We run our tests faster than these requirements, looking for standout seats with the lowest g-forces possible.

The EasyTurn HIC results compared to those of one of the best in the group, the Graco 4Ever.   Credit: GearLab and MGA Research

This chart compares the g-force recorded by the chest clip sensor on the EasyTurn crash test dummy with that of the Graco 4Ever, which is among the lowest in the group.   Credit: GearLab and MGA Research

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The EasyTurn earned average results for both the HIC and chest clip sensors. The g-forces for the chest clip were lower than those for the HIC, but neither were impressive nor disappointing. Other rotating seats showed lower readings for both sensors, so if this is a top concern, we'd recommend comparing the EasyTurn to the competition.

Ease of Install - LATCH

Once again, the EasyTurn earns a below-average performance result, this time in the LATCH install.

While it is remarkably close to average and perhaps not challenging to install, it pales in comparison to some seats that make installation feel like a dream.

One upside here is that it uses the same installation for both forward- and rear-facing. The process is the same, as you are really installing the base portion and the seat swivels on top to the desired direction.

The EasyTurn has push LATCH connectors on a flexible strap, a lock-off, and a slide level indicator on one side. There isn't much getting in the way, and the SnugLock system stays open as long as you need it to. It is somewhat tight to thread the strap through, but not difficult. The wider base makes accessing the anchor points on the vehicle more challenging, but shifting the base makes them easier to reach.

The lock-off doesn't do much to tighten the strap, however, so we had to really tighten it before closing the lock. It's awkward, but most parents should be able to do it. Once installed, it had minimal movement in our wiggle test. We didn't need any rolled towels in our test vehicle.

Uninstalling isn't difficult, especially if you skip stowing the LATCH straps.

Ease of Install - Belt

Installing the EasyTurn with the vehicle belt is the installation method where it shines.

It is so much easier and above average that it would be our preferred method. Most seats will require installation using the vehicle belt at some point, so it's nice to know it isn't hard.

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Installing with the belt is similar to the LATCH; it is one method for both directions and uses the same lock off. The pathway is not color-coded, but it is pretty obvious, and we didn't have trouble with routing the belt.

The belt routing path for the EasyTurn.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The shoulder strap on the vehicle belt is secured with a clip on the EasyTurn.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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We think it is easier to tighten the belt than the LATCH strap was, and we had no trouble getting it tight enough before closing the lockoff. It feels stable when installed. It would be easier with a tensioner, but we managed okay without one.

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Ease of Use

This Graco is easy enough to use, coming in really close to the average once again, but this time slightly above.

The EasyTurn has latch plate retention loops to help prevent the parts from being hard to access under a child's bottom.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The unlocking lever on the side of the EasyTurn make rotation a straightforward process.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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While removing the cover is a cinch, and tightening and loosening the harness was smooth, the rest is a little more of a hassle than it needs to be.

Harness

The buckle works well with latch plates that slide in easily. The plates also slide up and down the strap freely, and they flipped on us a lot. It is nice that there are elastic loop holders for the plates, so they don't get lost under little tushies, but they only work if you remember to use them.

The chest clip has two prongs, and patience is required to get both prongs in simultaneously without missing either.

The shoulder straps are non-rethread style with 10 height adjustments via the headrest assembly, providing a 10-inch range between the tallest and shortest positions. There are two positions for the crotch strap, and together combined it should be plenty for most children to find a good fit.

The harness tightening strap on the EasyTurn is super smooth.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The EasyTurn's harness release button is located under the seat cover and cushioning.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Tightening the straps is smooth as butta', so smooth we had to check it twice because Graco isn't known for that. The release button access isn't great and is pretty deep under the cover, and we ended up using our thumb in a sideways position.

LATCH Storage

LATCH storage is on the base near the portion that rests against the vehicle seat. You can only access it when the seat is in recline position 1. The compartment is almost too small, but we managed to shove all the parts in it eventually. It is easier to finagle the straps and connectors inside with the seat outside of the vehicle.

The manual slides into a pocket on the back of the seat.

Cover

Removing the cover is easy and is primarily attached with elastic loops. It took about 2:30 minutes to take it off and put it back on. It is easier than many and makes it a good choice for those who plan to wash the cover regularly.

Comfort/Quality

For the price, we would have expected somewhat better comfort and quality; as it is, the EasyTurn is below average, even failing to match many other Graco seats.

The padding here pales in comparison to most competitors. It has a padded-fabric feel rather than supportive foam. It compresses easily and isn't evenly distributed, with more in the seat area than the legs.

The fabric on the EasyTurn is soft, but doesn't feel very breathable.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The EasyTurn has padding in all the right places, but it struggles to match some competitors' lushness.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The EasyTurn's padding is better than some, but it isn't particularly supportive and easily gives under slight pressure.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The fabric is soft, but doesn't feel breathable. It is hard to say for sure that it isn't, but there is a smooth slickness to it that feels like it could stick to sweaty skin sitting in the sun.

The shell is smooth, with few nooks and crannies for gunk to hide, though the base is messier where it goes against the vehicle seat back and the tether stores. There is the usual fare of stickers for warnings and instructions. With rotation seats, we worry about spills on the base inhibiting rotation. This looks more likely in the forward-facing position than in the rear, but given the way the fabric wraps around, we don't think it's super likely to create a functional problem.

The cup holder works well and fits our kid's water bottle nicely. Our kid tester had no problem using it while buckled in.

Weight/Size

The EasyTurn is neither small nor lightweight. While not the biggest nor the heaviest, it still ranks below average for weight and size.

Those seeking smaller rotating seats will likely be disappointed with the EasyTurn. Most rotating seats are wider than traditional seats, but even if they aren't, they tend to be longer from front to back when rear-facing. Some are so long that it can be nearly impossible for an adult-sized human to sit in the seat in front of them.

The EasyTurn is one of the narrowest at 16.9 inches, making it a potential contender for putting multiple seats in a single row. However, its length is over 32 inches, making it a poor choice for smaller cars with limited space between the first and second rows. You Mini lovers will likely need to look elsewhere.

Should You Buy the Graco Easy Turn 360 2-in-1?

Probably not. No matter what you want in a rotating car seat, there is one in our lineup that does it better than the Easy Turn. It isn't a bad seat, and we suspect many people will love it. It has an easy belt installation, a narrow fit at 16.9 inches, and a reasonable price, but it is sort of meh and not a standout in a burgeoning market full of rotating choices. It's hard to be enthusiastic about a seat this average. However, if your budget can't go higher, and you simply must have a rotating seat, it is good enough, but you won't be wowed.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?

For around fifty dollars more, the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 is by far the better rotating option. While we get that $50 is no small potatoes in hard economic times, it has one of the best crash test analysis results in the group. It is also easy to install with the vehicle belt, and you only need to do this once for forward- or rear-facing. It offers more comfort and quality and is significantly shorter from front to back when rear-facing, making it better for smaller cars. If we can talk you out of a rotating seat, we think they are fine, but not necessary. You can save real money and space by going with the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, which also earned better crash test analysis results. If you're sold on rotation and worry about installation and ease of use, the Chicco Fit 360 was a tester favorite, but this beast is big, heavy, and costs more.

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