REASONS TO BUY
Looks nice
Booster mode
Cup holder
Better crash test analysis
REASONS TO AVOID
Not aircraft certified
Leveling line
Disappointing rear belt install
Joie Saffron SI Review
Stylish seat that grows with a child, with good crash test results and awesome cupholders, but belt installation is harder
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ September 11, 2025
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
Our Verdict
The Joie Saffron SI has some stiff competition that prevents it from achieving award-winning status, but compelling reasons exist to give it a second look. This convertible seat has a reasonable price tag and some of the best crash test results in the group. It has better comfort and quality than many competitors, especially at this price, with lots of soft fabric and a polished fit and finish with wrap-around fabric. It is also easy to use with a non-rethread harness height adjustment, magnetic chest clip, and quick remove cover for easy cleaning. It is more complex to install in most methods than other convertible seats, and we struggled to get a wiggle-free result in every test car, giving us pause and preventing it from ranking higher. This was somewhat car-dependent, and we encourage buyers to check before their return window closes. Overall, the Saffron could be a contender if you want a less expensive seat that looks luxurious and offers better crash test results. However, if you worry about installation and have anxiety about getting a stable fit, we'd pass.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Saffron had some of the best crash test analysis results.
Credit: MGA Research
Crash Test
Every seat for sale in the United States is assumed to have passed federal guidelines and should be considered safe. Our tests are looking for seats that perform better during testing than the average seat. For this goal, we use a faster test and a sled that mimics more modern-day seats to find options that are better than average.
The Saffron earned an impressive crash test analysis result that indicates it might offer a margin of protection over the average seat in the lineup.
This seat has better HIC (head sensor) results than the average seat. While not the best or lowest in the group, they are far better than many competitors. The chest clip sensor results are where the Saffron really stands out and has one of the lowest readings in the group (lower is what you want). Only a handful of options performed better in our commissioned tests.
The LATCH strap on the Saffron uses the same belt pathway and lockoff as the vehicle belt installation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Install - LATCH
The lack of a lockoff for the rear-facing configuration prevents the Saffron from being a standout, easy-to-install seat. It still manages to be easier than the average car seat, but it could have been better with this addition. Luckily, there is a lockoff for the forward-facing method.
The Saffron has push-style LATCH connectors on a flexible strap. They push onto the LATCH anchors easily and release with the push of a button.
The Saffron lockoff/tensioner is only usable in the forward-facing configuration. It would have been useful to have a lockoff for the rear configuration as well.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
We had some difficulty with the tensioner/lockoff for forward-facing, with the LATCH strap sometimes being too loose and sometimes too tight to get the tensioner to close. It is off to the side and somewhat narrow, which makes it more challenging to use than if it were wide and in the middle.
We think this style is easier than hooks, which require the strap to be significantly loosened before pushing the hooks forward for release. For rear- and forward-facing installation, the path for the strap has indicator stickers.
The Saffron reat tether takes a little oomph to get it to release.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Clipping the tether for the forward-facing configuration is easy and doesn't require removing the headrest because it creates a triangle around the headrest instead.
The angle adjustment on the Saffron requires making your adjustment before installation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Forward-facing was somewhat easier to get things tightened because you can put your knee in the seat to get leverage for a tighter strap pull. All of this struggle could be avoided with a well-designed tensioner or lockoff.
The Saffron's level line indicator is not our favorite style of recline assessment device.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The recline adjustment is on the foot of the car seat.
It is easy to adjust, and you can check for the right angle using the line, sticker decal on each side of the seat. We prefer a ball or bubble indicator, but the line works okay, especially if you are on a flat surface.
Ease of Install - Belt
Installing the Saffron with the vehicle belt is more challenging than installing most competitors' seats. There are definitely worse seats, but given that most families will have to install the seat using the belt at some point (due to child weight), it is important you feel comfortable doing it.
Installing the Saffron rear-facing with the vehicle belt is harder than most of the competition, with more issues related to tightening the belt.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Installing rear-facing was more challenging than forward-facing and resulted in a seat that was more wobbly than we care for. There is a lock-off for the forward-facing installation, which significantly helped our testers get the seat stable and secure. It is less effective when rear-facing as the belt slides around. Luckily, forward-facing is when you will likely be forced to use the belt. You have to move the headrest up to thread the belt, but this is easy, even if it is annoying.
The Saffron has color-coded pathways for forward- and rear-facing installations. You need to thread it behind the harness straps, which is an odd path, and we worry parents lacking attention to detail might miss this part of the process. Overall, we'd avoid installing this seat rear-facing with the vehicle belt, and in most modern cars, this won't be a problem.
The Saffron angle adjuster is located under the seat, requiring advanced positioning before installation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The angle adjustment is relatively standard and requires assessing before you complete the installation. There is a level line you only use when rear-facing
Ease of Use
The Saffron is easier to use than most. Its performance isn't top-tier, but it also won't leave you frustrated.
The Saffron harness is easy to use, and we loved the magnetic chest clip.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
The Saffron has a non-rethread harness adjustment with 10 shoulder height positions and two crotch strap positions. The headrest moves fairly smoothly and is easy to use.
Using the buckle is average, but it's stiff to press. You need to pull the prongs out by hand, but there are loops to retain them out of the way so they don't slide down the strap. The chest clip is magnetic and slides down from the top instead of sliding in from both sides—no fears of pinching skin or clothing with this clip. The release buttons are springy and work well.
The Joie headrest assembly moves up and down to adjust the height of the shoulder straps.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Tightening is standard with the usual pull strap. The loosening works well, but the button is kind of hard to find. We suspect this problem would disappear if you used it daily, but it's not worth mentioning as a standout compared to most seats.
LATCH Storage
The LATCH storage is really something special. When installing rear-facing, storage is on the front, and when installing forward-facing, it is in the back. These are easy-to-use clips. The back storage is somewhat covered by the cover, but is easy to find when you lift the fabric.
The Joie's user manual tucks into a pocket on the back of the seat, free of messes and out of the way.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The manual has a slide pocket on the back of the shell, somewhat hidden in a slit on the fabric backing.
The Saffron cover is about average to remove and has more snaps than most. It can take careful consideration the first few times you do it, but it gets easier with practice.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Cover
Taking the cover off and putting it back on is relatively easy, with only a few loops to hassle with. It relies primarily on snaps. Some of the snaps are harder to reach, but we prefer them over those that have little elastic loops.
The Saffron has more padding and better fabric than expected at this price point.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort/Quality
The Saffron offers a lot in terms of comfort and quality, especially for its lower price. While the fabric is a bit rougher than some competitors, it is only noticeable when compared side-by-side with other contenders.
The Saffron fabric is soft enough, and the padding is adequate, if a little cushier than supportive.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Saffron feels plush and fluffy, if not as supportive as others. The back of the seat is somewhat thinner than others, but it isn't uncomfortable and still has more than about half of the competition. The back padding is two pieces snapped together for all passengers, and the seat has side impact bolsters for children who weigh less than 40 lbs.
The Saffron cup holders are a little far from the passenger, but depending on the style of cup or bottle, they can still reach them.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The shell is almost entirely covered in fabric, something we haven't seen before. It has a clean and refined look with labeling that is less in your face than many seats.
The cup holder is deeper and broader at the top than at the bottom. It oddly tapers in an unnecessary way, limiting how far some sippy cups and bottles can sit inside the holder. Still, nothing fell out during testing.
At almost 23 lbs, the Saffron is heavy, but it isn't the biggest offender.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Weight/Size
The Saffron is a broader option, likely due to the fabric and padding, which make it look lovely but serve no real purpose. It is 19 inches wide, making it one of the widest in the group. If you need to fit three across, it isn't likely to fit. Seats with widths closer to 16.5 in are a better bet.
The Saffron is also heavier, at 22.4 lbs, but still lighter than the average. While not super heavy, there are lighter options if you need something for travel or plan to move it frequently from car to car.
The Saffron is a wider seat with extra fabric surrounding the shell and wide-set cup holders.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Joie Saffron SI?
We kind of love this new popular brand of car seat on the baby gear scene. With impressively high crash test analysis results and a plush look and feel, it is easy to fall in love. When you see the price, you might think it's your soul mate. This seat is easy to use and has a straightforward LATCH connection that is simple enough, even if it isn't foolproof. However, installation with the vehicle belt is harder than most seats, and it is pretty wide, though lighter than expected. Overall, we see it as a compelling option and think some families will be pleased with what they get, but some seats do everything a smidge better and cost a bit less.
What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?
The Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 can save you some money, has slightly better crash test results, and is easier to install using both methods. It is 2 lbs lighter but still wide, with the exact width measurement of the Saffron. For a little more than the Saffron, the Graco 4Ever DLX gives you better crash test results, easier installation, and straightforward features.
Manufacturer's Video
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Joie Saffron SI versus top competing products:
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