REASONS TO BUY
Soft
Chest padding
Better crash test
REASONS TO AVOID
Cup holder durability
Only one holder
Harder LATCH install
Hard to access LATCH connectors
Expensive
UPPAbaby Rove Review
Better crash test scores might not be enough to overcome a harder-to-use design and LATCH install
The UPPAbaby Rove.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ January 30, 2026
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
Our Verdict
The UPPAbaby Rove is the second convertible car seat UPPAbaby has offered. While we prefer this over the now-discontinued Knox, neither is impressive enough to break into the upper echelon of this competitive category. While the Rove earned impressive crash test results, its mediocre performance in LATCH installation, ease of use, and weight make it a non standout. It is a convoluted seat with more going on than is necessary, and the design falls short of what we typically see in UPPAbaby, where their attention to thoughtful details typically makes parenthood easier. While we understand being drawn to the Rove for the crash results alone, studies show that proper installation and the proper use of features like the harness are critical factors in real-world crashes. Since this seat is harder to install than many competitors, we worry about accidental improper installation. We suspect most families would be pleased with the Rove if they choose it, but it wouldn't be our top choice, and for the price, we think there are more compelling options.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Rover performed well in our commissioned crash tests. Credit: MGA Research
Crash Test
The Rove earned one of the best crash test analysis scores with sensor G-force readings that were below the average for both the head sensor (HIC) and the chest clip (g clip). Lower G-forces are better, as they indicate less force on the passenger. Not many competitors have impressive results for both sensors, making this a standout seat for crash test results.
The Rove HIC sensor readings (black line) compared to one of the top scorers. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
A comparison of the sensor reading results for the Rove chest clip compared to the Graco 4Ever. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
While all of the seats meet federal guidelines, we are specifically looking for those that perform above and beyond the average competitor. To identify these options, our tests are slightly faster and use a sled that better approximates modern cars. Performing better than average could indicate that the Rove has an additional margin of protection compared to the average seat.
LATCH installation for the Rove is more involved than that of many competitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Install - LATCH
LATCH installation with the Rove is about average in terms of difficulty. It isn't the easiest in the group, but it is manageable and didn't give us too much trouble. The Rove has push connectors on a flexible strap with a push button to release.
The LATCH pathway on the Rove and the lock-off/tensioner is more convoluted than those of many competitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
For rear-facing installation, there is a lot more to do than with more straightforward arrangements. There are several steps, including adjustments to the cover, feeding straps through the cover, and lock-off manipulation strap tightening.
Installing the Rove with LATCH connectors requires more steps than most. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The worst part was fiddling with the seat cover, which seems like a poor design. Tightening the strap was the high point here, with no difficulty or exertion. The tensioner is large and provides a lot of leverage, and we got the seat tight with minimal effort. Its final stability was good; we couldn't get the base to move.
The Rove tensioner and lock-off work well. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Rove tensioner and lock-off are located under the zip-open seat padding. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Forward-facing installation is a bit harder. You have to remove a bunch of stuff to get started, including the seat/lower back cover, and move the headrest up.
Installing the Rove in the forward-facing position requires raising the headrest and pulling up the back padding to gain access to the belt pathway. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Install - Belt
Installing the Rove with the vehicle belt would be our preferred method. Not only is it significantly easier than using the LATCH, but it is also much easier than many competitors' systems.
UPPAbaby recommends attaching the tether for forward and rear-facing installations. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The rear-facing belt path is color-coded, with a bubble indicator on each side to check leveling.
The rear-facing belt path on the Rove is tucked under the seat bottom padding. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Rove's forward-facing belt path travels behind the padding, which must be moved to access it. Credit: Matt Lighthart
There is a lock-off under the cover and a zipper to remove the part of the cover you need to get under. We thought the cup holder was in the way, so we removed it rather than mess with it.
Connecting the Rove tether for rear-facing installation is rather unique to this seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
UPPAbaby recommends using the tether strap for forward and rear-facing installations, which is somewhat unique. Tightening is easy enough, and the lock-off is easy to close; partial closing on one side helps the other side close. The final installation was very stable with minimal movement.
The Rove has bubble level indicators on each side of the seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The forward-facing installation is also color-coded with a lock-off and bubble level. This requires raising the headrest to access the path behind the cover, but threading the belt was easy, and we didn't have to remove the slack. The tensioner is easier to use than the lock-off, but the final install is stable.
Rear-facing installation of the Rove allows for multiple recline adjustments. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Rove is harder to use than many competitors, earning a below-average ease-of-use score. While not the hardest option to use, it is one of the lower-scoring options.
The Rove chest clip is straightforward and similar to others. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Rove harness is easy to use and offers comfortable padding, but the button can be hard to press for those with longer nails. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
The entire harness apparatus is about average. The buckle and latch plates are standard, but a little stiff. The button is smaller and somewhat indented. So if you have longer nails, it's going to be tough. The chest clip is large and easy for an adult to operate.
The Rove headrest, harness height adjustment assembly moves up and down with a pull tab at the top. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Rove's harness latch plates can be stored in pockets on the sides, keeping the area clear for little ones to sit without blocking access to the straps. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The harness has 9 height adjustments in a non-rethread design, with the headrest moving up and down to the desired spot. There are 3 crotch strap positions, which is a lot compared to many that only have one. The height range is only 7 inches, which might be enough, but it isn't as wide as some competitors with more than 10 inches of play.
Tightening the Rove harness is easy, but making fine-tuned adjustments is less so. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Tightening the harness requires some resistance, limiting the ability to fine-tune the sizing. It isn't as bad as some, but we wish harnesses in general weren't so “all or nothing” in their designs. The harness release button is easier than some, but nothing impressive.
Rove's LATCH storage is under the cover that secures to the pocket top with four snaps. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Rove's LATCH storage pocket is located under the foot area of the base behind the cover inside a compartment. Credit: Matt Lighthart
LATCH Storage
The storage for LATCH isn't our favorite. It is somewhat challenging to get to and requires unsnapping the cover from the front. There is a tray to pull down and buttons to press to release the connectors. While it is well hidden and the straps stuff inside easily, it seems like a lot of effort and care should be taken to properly close the compartment to avoid the straps migrating out.
Cover
This cover comes off like it's getting paid to be fast. In under two minutes, we had it off, and the process was straightforward, except for the plastic pieces around the seat's curve. Reinstalling takes closer to 6 minutes.
The Rove didn't perform as well as many competitors for comfort and quality. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort/Quality
Generally, UPPAbaby produces higher-quality gear with durable materials that feel, look, and function better than most. The Rove is only about average compared to the competition, with comfort bringing it down in our testing rather than quality.
We like the attention to detail, like the Rove's shoulder strap padding. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The fabric is soft and comfortable, reminding us of cozy yoga-pant leggings. The padding is relatively thin, but less squishy and more supportive than some competitors. While we think it is comfortable enough, it wasn't as plush as some competitors, with a denser feel that is less “airy.”
The Rove cup holder has an open design that clips on the side. We worry items the holder will break off under weight if leaned on as children climb into and out of the seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Rove cup holder is wide enough to fit our Thermos water bottle. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The shell is less busy than many competitors, with fewer stickers. The cover wraps nicely around with a good overall fit and finish. The cup holder feels like it could break easily, and we suspect it won't be long before most kids accidentally break it by putting their weight on it while getting in and out. The opening is plenty big and fits our test bottle with ease. It has open sides, which might collect less crud, but it also allows things to fall through depending on their shape and size.
The Rove is one of the wider convertible seats and could be a problem for crowded back seats. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Weight/Size
While the Rove is wider than the average seat with a measurement of 19.2 inches, where the average is closer to 18, it is surprisingly about average for weight. We weighed it at 25.7 lbs, which is almost dead on the average for the group.
The Rove has an average weight for the group. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the UPPAbaby Rove?
The Rove is a strange, odd duck of a seat, being good at some things like crash test results, mediocre at others like LATCH installation and ease of use, all while sporting a higher price tag. While we generally are impressed with UPPAbaby strollers, they still struggle to really knock a car seat out of the box. While the Rove has some of the best crash analysis we've seen from UPPAbaby, there are more well-rounded seats in the lineup that do more things well for a similar or cheaper price. While we get the appeal and love of UPPAbaby, it's hard to say the Rove is a people pleaser for most, and we think there are better options for many.
What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?
If you want impressive crash test sensor readings on par with the Rove but hope to save a couple of hundred dollars, the Graco 4Ever DLX is the one to watch. With an easier installation and ease of use, this seat only pales in comparison for comfort and quality, but the lower price, lighter weight, and narrow design make up for any quality concerns. If your budget is tighter or you need something narrower, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 has crash analysis results just shy of the Rove, and it performed better in our tests for comfort and quality. If you want the best crash test results and your budget is bigger, the Nuna RAVA is sure to please, with an $80 price bump above the Rove on average.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare UPPAbaby Rove versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $500 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | Better crash test scores might not be enough to overcome a harder-to-use design and LATCH install |
| Pros | Soft, chest padding, better crash test |
| Cons | Cup holder durability, only one holder, harder LATCH install, hard to access LATCH connectors, expensive |
| Rating Categories | UPPAbaby Rove |
| Crash Test (35%) | |
| Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%) | |
| Ease of Installation - Belt (15%) | |
| Ease of Use (15%) | |
| Comfort/Quality (10%) | |
| Weight/ Size (5%) | |
| Specifications | UPPAbaby Rove |
| Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight | 14-50 lb |
| Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight | 30-65 lb |
| Rear Facing Maximum Height | 49 in |
| Forward Facing Maximum Height | 49 in |
| Weight | 25.7 lb |
| Harness Type | Non-rethread |
| Anti-rebound Device | No |
| Measured Minimum Rear Facing Length | 30 in |
| Measured Minimum Seat Width | 19 in |
| Headrest/Shoulder Harness Positions | 9 |
| Crotch Strap Positions | 3 |
| Number Of Recline positions | 5 |
| Head Support | Yes |
| Infant Positioning Insert | Yes |
| Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat | Bubble Indicator, both sides |
| Booster Mode Available | No |
| Foam Type | EPP |
| Seat Lifespan | 10 years |
| Onboard Manual Storage | Yes, backrest padding |
| Aircraft Certified | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited |
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