Nuna Rava Next Review

Crash Test

The Rava Next earned one of the highest crash test analysis results in the group. While not the highest, it is pretty close, making it a seat for consideration if safety is top of mind.

The Rava Next has some of the lowest combined sensor readings we've ever seen. With one of the lowest HIC results (low is better) in the group, it is a standout by any measure. The chest clip is almost as impressive, with a very low result, though not among the lowest.

The Nuna Rava Next HIC test results compared to the best results in the group.   Credit: GearLab and MGA Research

The graph shows the Rava results (in black) compared to one of the top performers in the group, the Graco 4Ever   Credit: GearLab and MGA Research

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We run our tests slightly faster than the federal requirements and on a more modern sled, looking for seats that are better than average and may offer an additional margin of protection. While all seats are assumed safe, we want to identify those that stand out. The Rava Next is one of those seats.

The Rava Next has a flip-out side impact protection device on both sides of the seat back.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The side impact protection devices can only be opened on the side where no person is sitting next to the seat.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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SIP

While the Rava has a side-impact protection (SIP) feature via a pop-out component on each side of the seat. In theory, it can absorb some impact during a crash, but we can't say for sure how this feature would function in an actual accident. While we love safety features and think they can be useful in helping parents split a tie between seats, we recommend relying more on the crash test data and analysis than any specific individual safety feature the manufacturer brags about.

Ease of Install - LATCH

Installing the Rava with LATCH is a breeze thanks to a useful lockoff and straightforward design. It earned an above-average result and slightly pulled ahead of the original Rava.

The push-style LATCH connectors are stored inside the seat behind the tensioner. Taking them out for use is easier than putting them back in, as the strap is long and takes up a lot of space. The strap pathway is color-coded and the same as it is for the vehicle belt installation. There is no level indicator, but there is a lockoff.

Installation in both rear- and forward-facing is easy but involved. There is a lot to do here, like opening the cup holders, moving the headrest and padding/cover, lifting the lockoff, and threading the belt.

Forward-facing LATCH installation on the Rava requires lifting the fabric and padding from the seatback to access the connectors, lockoff, and the pathway.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Making the LATCH connection and pulling the strap tight on the Rava is easier than most.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

There are two different tensioners/lock-offs on the Rava for forward and rear-facing configurations.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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It's pretty involved. Tightening the strap leans on the more difficult side, but the tensioner helps lock the seat in place and get it secure. The tensioner is a little hard to push closed. It felt stable and passed our wiggle test in both configurations. While the entire process isn't perfect, we think most parents just want to know they can do it and the final result feels secure and locked in place. This seat is that.

Tether

When the seat is in forward-facing mode, you must use the tether strap to secure it to the vehicle seatback. This is easy enough, but clipping the tether in place is easier than removing it.

Ease of Install - Belt

The Rava Next is even easier to install using the vehicle belt, which is great because you'll need to do this at some point.

Every LATCH connection has a weight limit, and the Rava's is somewhat longer than most, but at some point, you will be required to install this car seat using the vehicle belt.

While installation isn't difficult in rear- or forward-facing modes, the amount of stuff you need to adjust, shift, lift, or work around feels stupidly high. Sure, it is easy to do, some might even say it is intuitive, but given how easy some competitors make it to access pathways and lock-offs, this feels like a chore.

The rear-facing installation of the Rava requires threading the belt through the lower portion of the seat, where the cup holders fold in and under tension in the seat bottom.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Forward-facing installation for the Rava has the belt or LATCH strap traveling through the color-coded pathway on the back of the seat.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The pathway is color-coded, requires popping out the cup holders, and removing the seat padding to access the tensioner/lockoff. Forward-facing uses a seatback lock-off, while rear-facing uses a bottom-mounted lock-off, but the process is pretty much the same. The rear-facing tensioner has a push button to open rather than a pull lever, which, in our opinion, isn't as useful because it is counterintuitive to push rather than pull. The lockoff means you don't need exceptional strength to tighten the belt. As long as it lies flat in the lockoff and is pulled tight, the tensioner does the hard work for you. It feels pretty stable when installed and passed our wiggle test.

Forward-facing has less fabric to move out of the way and, in general, was easier to manage than rear-facing. The process isn't a quick one, but it is easy and painless.

Ease of Use

The Rava Next isn't the easiest seat to use, but it isn't the hardest; it falls really close to the average. We weren't frustrated with it, but some competitors just made life easier.

Harness

The buckle and harness are about average. The latch plates slide on the strap almost too freely, but they do provide side keepers that keep it from getting lost under little bottoms if you use them. The button is easy enough to press, and the crotch padding doesn't get in the way.

The Rava's chest clip is one of the best we've seen, with a simple stick-and-lock-button design.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The pinch button at the top of the Rava headrest is easy to operate and provides leverage to pull the headrest up.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The crotch strap padding on the Rava is sewn to the cover, which helps prevent it from shifting around during use, so the button is always open and uncovered.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The chest clip is somewhat unique: it's generally a stick that slides into the opposite side, with a locking button on top. It is easy to slide together, and very forgiving in a way that those with two prongs are not. It is also easy to remove, even with longer fingernails.

The forward facing configuration allows for easier access to the Rava's harness tightening pull strap.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Rava's pull strap and release button are well placed and easy to use.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The harness tightening strap works smoothly, but we prefer it in forward-facing mode. In rear-facing mode, the placement leaves it jammed between the car seat and the vehicle seatback, making it more challenging to use. Forward-facing, the belt is easy to access. The release button is on top and under the fabric, which is an improvement over the prior version, where it sat on top and got hot in the sun. It is easy to press, and we preferred to use our thumb over our index finger. Rear-facing is again more challenging, as it is hard to get a good angle on the button because the seat is tight against the vehicle seat.

The shoulder-height adjustment is made by moving the headrest assembly up and down. The headrest has 10 positions with an 8-inch range from top to bottom. It moves with a squeeze of the top button. The crotch strap has two positions, 2 inches apart, and there is likely enough variation between the two adjustment points to find a good fit for most kids.

LATCH Storage

The LATCH connectors are stored in the rear-facing tension lock. While it keeps them out of the way, it almost feels too small, and it is a pain to get all the extra strap tucked inside. We suspect parents won't use it until their child graduates to seatbelt installation, and then it will be a one-and-done operation.

While the LATCH connectors are strap-fit in the tensioner pocket, it is a tight fit and kind of a hassle.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Rava owner's manual slides into a pocket on the base.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The user manual is stored in a dedicated plastic pocket on the bottom of the base. This keeps it away from spills and curious fingers.

Cover

Removing the fabric for cleaning is easier than the average seat. There are snaps and plastic inserts with a few elastic loop bands. We wish the manual offered instructions, given that you will need to do this at least a handful of times over the life of the seat, but it is pretty straightforward. The cover is machine washable, but hang to dry. Putting the cover back on was more challenging than taking it off, almost doubling the time from 2:35 to 5:48. The space is tight, and some of the plastic inserts resist going back to their homes.

Comfort/Quality

Despite its above-average comfort and quality score, we think it could have offered more given the higher price. Some seats were better and cost less.

The fabric is pretty soft, but the fabric feels rougher than the original Rava. It isn't likely to cause a rash, but it isn't an improvement as we would expect from a new version. The fabric is listed as moisture-wicking, and we think this is a good touch for a toddler on a hot summer day.

The plush padding on the Rava creates a cozy place to rest.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Rava headrest is soft to the touch, and the padding is perfect for long drive napping.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The shoulder strap padding on the Rava isn't a standout, but it is nice to have something there.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The real improvement over the prior version is the padding. It is a major upgrade and goes further in justifying the higher price than the OG Rava did. The similarities to the more expensive Nuna we tested are so close it's tough to call. For most kiddos, the padding will impact comfort over the fabric softness, so if we only got to choose one to be exceptional, we'd choose padding.

The infant insert is the same fabric as the seat. There is a cushiony wedge along with the infant insert and headrest cushion for smaller babies. Which parts to use depends on the baby's weight, and you should also follow the owner's manual instructions on when and how to use them. There are also multiple recline options, but which you can use varies based on the seat and its configuration. It is best to refer to the owner's manual for details.

The Shell of the Rava has some areas where grime and gunk could collect and be hard to clean, even if it doesn't impact performance.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The pop-out side impact protection device on the Rava Next creates a crevice that could make cleaning more challenging.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The shell is only so-so and not a standout. It is clean and tidy, but it has some flaws. There is a tensioner under the seat padding, and if something sticky gets past the fabric, it will be hard to clean. There are lots of nooks and crannies to gather, dust, grime, smoothies, etc.

The cup holder flips out and feels like it could break off. Our kid's water bottle barely fits, and it doesn't reach the bottom, so it is more likely to fall out. The opening is only about 3 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches deep. It is removable for cleaning, which is a perk.

Weight/Size

The Rava earned an average result for weight and size. It weighs just over the average for convertible car seats (23.6 lbs), but it is wide compared to the competition at 19.2 inches.

It is somewhat shorter from front to back, taking up less room when rear-facing than much of the competition, but none of these results make it a real contender for saving space.

Should You Buy the Nuna Rava Next?

If your budget is big enough, there is much ot love in the Rava Next. Without selling a kidney, like you might to buy the Nuna Exec Next, the Rava Next provides slightly better crash-analysis results, similar installation ease, and better ease of use. It performs remarkably similar to the original Nuna Rava, and we think anyone who is a fan of Nuna will love it. However, it is still expensive, and it isn't even fair to say it is reasonably priced, because we suspect that for most folks, it isn't. So whether you should buy it depends on your disposable income. There are seats with similar crash test results for under half the price. And with safety being the most critical factor, it's hard to justify paying more, especially if you have less.

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