Chicco Keyfit Max ClearTex Review

Crash Testing

The Chicco performed about average in our crash testing compared to the competition. Every seat we test is presumed to have passed federal safety guidelines for car seats and should therefore be considered safe.

Our crash tests are conducted at a higher speed and use a firmer sled cushion to better approximate modern vehicle seats. Our goal is to identify seats that perform better than the average seat.

The Max's HIC sensor result (in black) compared to one of the best results in the group (in green).   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

The chest clip sensor results from our crash tests of the KeyFit Max (in black) compared to some of the best results in the group (in green). Lower is better.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

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While the sensor readings for the Chicco are better than some competitors, they are largely average and not a standout in this stiff competition. Nothing about its performance gives us pause or concern; rather, there are more impressive results in the car seat test group.

Ease of Installation LATCH

LATCH installation of the Max is its most straightforward installation and the one we would choose. That said, it is only average for the group, and some seats are easier to install. This seat features an anti-rebound bar but no load leg.

The LATCH connectors are push-style with a flexible strap between them. It has a center-pull cinch strap that provides ergonomic leverage when tightening, unlike a side-pull strap.

We had no difficulty getting the push LATCH connectors on the car anchors. The strap is easy to pull and has a lever for release, making removal just as straightforward. The strap has a loop at the end for better grip, and the center location gives you a place to put your other hand to stabilize the base as you pull. The final installation was stable and passed our wiggle test, with just under 1 inch of movement from side to side.

We love that the level adjustment lever is on the top of the Max base, so it is easy to access even after the seat is partially installed.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The KeyFit Max has bubble level indicators on each side of the base.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Recline Adjustment

The Chicco has six angle adjustments to help achieve the right installation angle. There are bubble levels on each side. We appreciated the multiple levels, which helped us achieve a level fit. Leveling is smooth, and the lever works well. The recline angle adjustment lever is on top of the base, so it can be accessed after the seat is mostly installed.

Ease of Installation - Belt

Installing the Max with the vhilce belt and the base is the most challenging method for this seat, and it is one of the hardest to install in this manner in the group.

This base has an odd lock-off that only works with the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt. It didn't work well and felt more like an afterthought. In our opinion, the design doesn't help much to stabilize the base.

Threading the belt through requires some patience, as you need to slide a flat belt through a thin slot. The manual (always follow the manufacturer's instructions) says not to lock the vehicle belt using the car lock, which is another head-scratcher, meaning not much is holding this seat in place.

The belt pathway on the Max is easy to access.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Both portions of the vehicle belt thread through the base, with only the shoulder portion sliding through the side lock-off.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Threading the belt includes openings large enough to avoid frustration. The pathway is color-coded, but it isn't in your face and is more minimal than some other seats. Getting the vehicle belt tight was easier than for some competitors. It felt like we could get more leverage, and without a traditional lock-off to worry about, we didn't have to gauge tightness to get a lock-off to close. The final installation passed our wiggle test and felt more stable than some competitors', but we still think the design could use some work.

The Max can be installed without the base using the European method that wraps the shoulder portion of the belt around the back of the carrier.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The back belt retention clip on the Max can be harder to thread than some competitors', but it feels secure once it's in place.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Ease of Installation - w/o the Base

Installing the Max without the base is about average compared to the other seats we tested. It isn't hard, but it isn't a standout seat either.

The vehicle belt retention clip on the back of the KeyFit Max.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The belt path across the foot of the carrier is open, but the fabric needs to be compressed to seat the strap fully.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The Chicco allows for the American or European installation method with the vehicle belt. There is a decal with a level line to help ensure the carrier is installed at the right angle. The pathway has blue arrows pointing to it, and it is fairly open, but you need to squish the fabric a little to get it done. The guide in the back is somewhat tight, but not prohibitively so.

In our tests, this seat feels less stable than most competitors. While it is far worse with the American method of using only the lap belt across the foot portion of the carrier, we still had trouble achieving a stable final installation with the European method using the shoulder belt across the back. It passes the wiggle test, but we had no problem getting it to twist and shift

Ease of Use

The KeyFit Max is easier to use than some seats, but it barely earned an above-average result in our tests.

Buckle

The crotch padding partially hides the buckle, and you need to hold it out of the way. The button requires moderate pressure, and we had to press it firmly to release the latch plates. The plates don't pop out on their own, and we wish there were some indication that they'd been released so we knew when to pull them out, but there wasn't. We experienced resistance pushing the plates into he buckle, and the left side was harder to get in than the right.

The chest clip components slide together easily, and they don't require perfect alignment to get the job done. The button was easy to press to release them, and we liked it better than some of the Graco options we've tested.

Harness Tightening/Loosening

The harness is easy enough to tighten, and the straps move smoothly. The chest straps are a little harder to fine-tune if you accidentally over-tighten. The release button is exposed on the top of the carrier instead of hidden under the fabric, making it easy to press, but even a quick press resulted in too much slack in the harness.

Harness Adjustment

The harness has non-rethread adjustments in five positions. We love non-rethread as it makes it easy to make adjustments as soon as you realize it is necessary. The adjustment process isn't as easy as it could be, as you have to pinch buttons on the back to move it, but we still think it is better than rethreading. Some parents might need to remove the carrier from the car to adjust it. The crotch strap only has one position.

Carrier to Base Connection

This is one of the only seats we've seen with an arrow indicating which way to connect it on the base. It only fits one way, and all infant seats are rear-facing, so it is somewhat of a head scratcher, but at least there is less room for error.

The carrier weight alone helps it click into place without effort. Releasing the seat is also very intuitive, and the button feels naturally placed, as we never had to search for it.

Handle/Canopy

The canopy has three positions, and it somehow always feels in the way. When fully deployed, it is hard to grasp the handle because both are touching, leaving no room for our hand. The canopy framework sits right under the handle and is somewhat bendable, but it shouldn't be there in the first place, as many competitors don't have this collision issue. With the canopy closed, it bunches up against the back of the carrier and gets in the way when removing taller babies. Moving the handle over the canopy will cause both to get hung up, and if the canopy is open, you can't hold the handle in the crook of your arm, which is a common carry method for many parents.

Max's LATCH connectors stow in pockets on the end of the base under the anti-rebound bar.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Max's manual stows in a dedicated pocket in the base.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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LATCH and Manual Storage

The Chicco has push-style LATCH connectors, and they tuck into the back of the base. There isn't anything locking them in place, but when we pulled the slack out of the LATCH strap, they didn't fall out. However, you'll then need to loosen the strap to remove them when you are ready to use them.

The manual has a pocket near the foot end of the base on the bottom. This location makes it hard to retrieve after the base is installed, and you won't have the manual should you need it away from the base.

Comfort/Quality

The Chicco is a budget seat, but the comfort and quality give you a bit more than what you pay for compared to similarly priced competitors.

Fabric and Padding

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The padding is relatively uniform in thickness all over, which is rare in a group where many seats limit padding in the bottom area. The leg area is relatively cushy, but the back area padding starts to get thin as you move up, and we wonder if some little ones will be able to feel the non-rethread design in the backrest.

Handle and Canopy

The handle has a rubbery grip in the center that is almost a circle. It isn't as comfortable as some, but at least our hand didn't slide around. The canopy is only medium in size and extends about halfway over the carrier. You can disconnect it from the back to rotate it forward, but the coverage is still limited, and it struggles to hold its shape when you do this. The canopy is thick, but it is a little saggy. It has no ventilation, but given the smaller size, it probably isn't an issue.

Shell

The shell is relatively smooth with the standard but limited stickers for warnings and directions. We don't see any obvious places for liquids or gunk to collect, but, interestingly, parts of the shell have a matte finish while others are glossy.

Weight/Size

The Chicco is not exceptionally lightweight, weighing almost a pound over the average at 11.1 lbs in our tests. While some weigh more, others weigh below 8 lbs, making 11 feel like a lot in comparison. If you plan to frequently carry your baby in the carrier, this should be a consideration.

Should You Buy the Chicco Keyfit Max ClearTex?

We've always loved the great Keyfit series of car seats, but the shine is starting to dim. While the Max version is a good seat with nothing to hate on, it isn't as compelling as prior versions. In some ways, it is as if the Keyfit stands still while others continue to move forward, creating better options. This seat is easy enough to use and offers better-than-average quality and comfort. However, the crash test results are only average, and it isn't in the upper echelons for ease of installation. While we still think it is a potential choice for pairing with a stroller, it isn't the best seat in the group. It isn't even the best Chicco in this review. We think most families will be happier with other alternatives.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?

If you want to pair with a stroller and need a seat that might go with just about anything, we prefer the Chicco Keyfit 30 over the Max. This cheaper seat earned slightly better crash-test sensor results and is easier to use and install. Why spend more for similar or better performance? If you want the best crash test results and your budget is bigger, the Nuna Pipa RX is our favorite with an easy-to-use, high-quality design, and the best crash test results we've seen in infant car seats. If you want better crash test analysis than the Chicco but still need to save some money, the Britax Willow S is a budget-friendly choice, but it doesn't pair with as many strollers.

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