In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Review

The disappointing crash test results make this a seat we'd avoid over better higher performing seats
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Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $180 List
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Manufacturer:   Graco
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 20, 2023
55
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 14
  • Crash Test - 40% 4.2
  • Ease of Install - LATCH - 20% 6.0
  • Ease of Install - Belt - 10% 7.8
  • Ease of Install - w/o Base - 5% 3.8
  • Ease of Use - 15% 7.0
  • Comfort/Quality - 5% 4.0
  • Weight/Size - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 is an inexpensive basic seat from our best infant car seat review. It has a lightweight carrier portion and compatibility with Graco strollers and others with an adapter purchase. While Graco is a popular brand name, this seat is not one to sing about. This seat did not perform well in any metric of importance, and we struggled with everything from the handle/canopy collision we hate to the disappointing crash test analysis compared to the best car seat competition. While it is easy to use and carry, we think most families will be disappointed overall and wish they had found a little room in the budget for something better.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy install with belt
Lightweight carrier
Budget-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Disappointing crash testing performance
Hard to install w/o base
Poor comfort features
Editor's Note: We updated our infant car seat review on October 1, 2023, with all new testing of 17 seats. A subsequent update to remove discontinued seats happened on October 20.

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Star Rating
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Bottom Line If your budget is small, there are similarly priced seats with better crash test analysisNot as comfy for little ones, but the crash test results are impressiveGiven the higher crash test results it would have been nice if it were easier to use in generalIf your budget is small, this seat has impressive crash test resultsHard to install and more challenging to use overshadows the better crash test analysis
Rating Categories Graco SnugRide Snug... Chicco KeyFit 30 Evenflo LiteMax DLX Graco SnugRide 35 L... Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
Crash Test (40%)
4.2
7.9
8.1
8.4
7.7
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
6.0
6.8
4.3
3.0
3.5
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
7.8
6.8
6.0
3.5
2.5
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
3.8
5.5
5.8
3.8
4.5
Ease of Use (15%)
7.0
8.0
3.5
5.5
3.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
4.0
5.5
4.5
3.0
4.0
Weight/Size (5%)
8.0
7.2
7.9
8.5
7.9
Specs Graco SnugRide Snug... Chicco KeyFit 30 Evenflo LiteMax DLX Graco SnugRide 35 L... Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs
Maximum Height 32 in 30 in 32 in 32 in 30 in
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 8.5 lb 9.8 lb 8.6 lb 7.6 lb 8.7 lb
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes No No
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Rethread Rethread Non-rethread Rethread Rethread
Belt Routing Style American American European American American
Anti-rebound Bar No No No No No
Load Leg No No Yes No No
Shoulder Harness Positions 4 3 5 4 3
Crotch Strap Positions 2 1 2 2 1
Number of Recline Positions 4 5 4 4 4
Locking Handle Positions 4 3 4 4 4
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Any position Any position Position 1 & 3 Any position Not listed
Level Indicator On Base needle, one side Bubble, both sides Rotating dial needle, one side On Infant Seat, one side only
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Hanging Indicator
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

In 1942, Russell Gray and Robert Cone launched the Graco company. However, it only fabricated car parts at that time. After Gray left the company, the remaining partner hired an engineer to move Graco into a new kind of product, including the first baby swing. This favorite baby swing was trendy, making Graco a household name. Graco is currently a leader for baby products, including car seats in all safety seat categories and some of the best full-size strollers and some options in our best travel strollers review.

Performance Comparison



This is the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 crash test video that BabyGearLab commissioned from MGA Research. It earned one of the lowest crash test analysis results in the lineup.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Testing


This Graco did not perform as well as the average seat in this group in our crash testing, with head and chest sensor results below the average. While all of the seats in this review are considered safe and meet the expectations of the federal guidelines, we are looking for options that perform better than the competition. This Graco earned a low score compared to competitors.

The head sensor crash test results compared to those of one of the...
The head sensor crash test results compared to those of one of the best performing sets in the group.
This chart shows the chest sensor test results for the Snuglock...
This chart shows the chest sensor test results for the Snuglock compared to one of the best in the group, the Clek Liing.

The sensor data for the SnugRide HIC (head sensor) and the chest clip indicated higher G forces impacting the crash test dummy. It has one of the highest results for the chest clips (lower is better) in the group. Plus, one of the highest results for the HIC sensor (also lower is better). With so many seats offering better results, this option doesn't likely provide a potentially higher margin of safety over the average seat.

Installing the SnugLock using LATCH is harder than it should be and harder than most of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation LATCH


LATCH is the second easiest installation method for this Graco, which is a bummer considering the method was created to make installation easier. This Graco is one of the few in the lineup with the older hook-style LATCH connectors. It also lacks other popular safety features like a load leg or anti-rebound bar. There is a needle-style level indicator on one side.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the release button for the latch connectors on the snuglock is hard...
The release button for the LATCH connectors on the SnugLock is hard to reach, and the button is hard to press.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This base has clip-style connectors that require more visibility to the LATCH anchor points than push-style connectors. They are both harder to get in place and much harder to remove. This process will be even more challenging if you have larger hands or a car with significant padding. We twisted our straps and put the wrong connector on the wrong side on the first go because everything was just a little harder to see. The lock-off works well, and tightening wasn't hard.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the snuglock is harder to install with most methods. the easiest is...
The SnugLock is harder to install with most methods. The easiest is with the vehicle belt, but we were disappointed that the LATCH wasn't easier.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Removing this base from the car is where trouble begins. The clip connectors need enough loose straps to push forward to detach from the anchors. It requires your whole hand to be between the cushions and is far more of a struggle than pushing a button or pulling a tab.

Squeezing the recline adjustment button is easy,l but you won't be able to reach it once the base is installed, as it pushes up against the vehicle seat back.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Recline Adjustment


This recline level adjustment has four different options. Adjusting is pretty straightforward by squeezing in on a big red button on the foot end of the base.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the level indicator on the snuglock is easy to read but it is only...
The level indicator on the SnugLock is easy to read but it is only on one side and it takes a minute to settle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Unfortunately, you need to make your level choice before you install the base, as the adjustment button will be unreachable after the base is installed since it presses against the vehicle seat.

Ease of Installation - Belt


The easiest installation option here uses the vehicle belt. The pathway is not color-coded, but it does have a built-in lock-off or tensioner to help get the vehicle belt tight and keep it tight. Something we struggled with on the less expensive Graco we tested.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the snuglock belt path is a little harder to navigate than most, but...
The SnugLock belt path is a little harder to navigate than most, but the central lock-off works well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The slots on the base are not as open as we'd like, and we had trouble getting a visual on the belt pathway all the way through. The lock-off should be lifted before you start your threading, and forgetting this step will set you back. The lock-off is harder to press down, and it helps if you carefully keep straps flat and untwisted. The lock-off works as a tensioner to help get and keep the strap tight and prevent sliding from side to side. The lock-off required little effort and was a nice addition over the other Graco we tested without one. However, even with the tensioner, it isn't as tight as some higher-ranking competitors.

Installing the SnugLock without the base is fairly straightforward, but it is so hard to get the seat tight, and the American pathway limits the ability to get the carrier snug and tight.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base


Installation without the base is one of the most challenging methods for this Graco, and it again scored below the average for this metric. It utilizes the American belt path across the foot portion of the carrier, and the pathway is not color-coded. It sports a line for leveling on a stick decal on the carrier's side. We typically prefer the European pathway as it utilizes the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt across the back of the carrier to help snug it up against the vehicle seat.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the snuglock uses the american pathway across the foot of the...
The SnugLock uses the American pathway across the foot of the carrier. The pathway is not marked.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This seat had a little bit of fabric in the way of the belt path, but it was easy enough to guide it through. The real problem was getting the carrier tight enough to pass the wiggle test. It took multiple attempts and a rolled towel to get the job done in both test vehicles.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the side slots on the snuglock for the vehicle belt require a little...
The side slots on the SnugLock for the vehicle belt require a little more work since it isn't very open, and the fabric requires some effort to get past.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

It feels like this could be easier with the European method or a lock-off. We had to play around with getting the vehicle belt tight enough, with the carrier at the right level angle and in the right position in relation to the seat. The whole thing was more of a chore than it needed to be.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the snuglock buckle and chest clip are only average.
The SnugLock buckle and chest clip are only average.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


This Graco is slightly better than average for ease of use of daily functions. While a handful of features could have been done better, overall, it isn't a frustrating seat to operate.

Buckle


The buckle has a square center button that is more or less flush with the buckle bevel. The crotch strap being adjustable might help give the user more room to handle the buckle, depending on their baby's size. The chest clip has the Graco logo instead of instructions, and it uses a pinch-style connection that is easy to operate.

The slot in the fabric of the SnugLock is small and we suspect...
The slot in the fabric of the SnugLock is small and we suspect larger fingers are going to have trouble accessing the button.
The SnugLock tightening strap works as expected, but it shares an...
The SnugLock tightening strap works as expected, but it shares an access point with the release button.

Harness Tightening/Loosening


The webbing allows for smooth movement of the chest clip and shoulder padding as you pull the strap to tighten. It is easy peasy with no hiccups or feelings of strap congestion. The release button is under the fabric through a smaller slit on the carrier foot area. It is a smaller space, and we worry those with larger hands might struggle. The release button and tightening strap share the same space and come from the same fabric split, which is odd and not the typical design of most seats we've tested.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the snuglock uses a rethread harness height adjustment where you...
The SnugLock uses a rethread harness height adjustment where you unthread and rethread the straps to the required height.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Adjustment


This seat uses a rethread style of shoulder strap height adjustment. There are four possible height positions and two crotch strap positions. Rethreading requires the baby out of the carrier and access to the back. You remove the straps from the metal splitter plate and unthread the straps from one whole e to another, equal on both sides. It isn't hard but more convoluted than those that move without rethreading. Once your little one is over 12 lbs (according to the manual), you'll need to unthread the straps to remove the insert.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the release handle on the snuglock is easy to use and helps balance...
The release handle on the SnugLock is easy to use and helps balance the carrier when you remove it from the base using the handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Carrier to Base Connection


We couldn't find a wrong way to connect this seat, and the lighter weight makes it easier to hoist into the car. For releasing, there is a handle higher up on the back of the carrier that releases the connection and gives one hand a lift point. Your main lifting handle will be the carrier handle, but this lever can help provide support. Removing the carrier is a bit more finicky than most of the competition, and we had to rock it around a little to get it to come off.

Handle


Why does Graco keep making their handles and canopies the same height? This frustrating problem has been around as long as we've been testing seats, and the constant rubbing and movement of the canopy when you use the handle is ridiculous. It is a simple fix, and many competitors seem to understand the assignment. The release buttons to move the handle are on the front of the joint to rotate it; it has four possible positions, and all are okay for driving. It moves pretty smoothly, but you will take the canopy along for the ride.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the snuglock canopy is a nice size and avoids looking frumpy, but...
The SnugLock canopy is a nice size and avoids looking frumpy, but the handle collision problem is bad, and it won't stay in position if you need to move the handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Canopy


The canopy comes past the halfway point when open, but it doesn't move equally on both sides, so you need to do some straightening after it's open. It also gets hung up on the handle and will move when the handle moves past it in whatever direction the handle is traveling. This is a terrible design flaw; we don't know why Graco keeps doing it. In our opinion, there is no reason your hand should have to fight for space with the canopy to grip the handle. It stays open as long as the handle doesn't get in the way and looks decent enough.

The central compartment on the SnugLock base houses the storage...
The central compartment on the SnugLock base houses the storage manual and LATCH connectors.
The SnugLock storage compartment holds the LATCH connectors and...
The SnugLock storage compartment holds the LATCH connectors and manual. It is out of the way of messes, but you won't have it should you install without the base.

LATCH and Manual Storage


The LATCH clips are stowed in a compartment on the front of the base. When you take them out, you have to thread them through the holes on the side to position them for use. The compartment is easy to access, but you must ensure the clip and all the extra webbing are entirely in the storage area. The manual is kept in the same place under the straps and connectors.

Comfort/Quality


This Graco offers slightly more comfort and quality than its smaller brother but not enough to get genuinely excited about. It still managed to be one of the lowest-scoring options in this metric and failed to come close to the average score for the group.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the graco, like many car seats, uses eps foam for assistance with...
The Graco, like many car seats, uses EPS foam for assistance with absorbing impact forces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fabric and Padding


The padding and fabric on this Graco are marginally better than the less expensive brother, but not by a lot. The insert material is softer than the rest of the seat and has a more plasticky feel that might be good for wiping clean. The logos and warnings are not within reach of little ones. Both the insert and seat padding are thin. It is so thin that we aren't sure what the point is of the insert, as it doesn't seem to provide much additional support to smaller infants. There is a general lack of comfort padding in any area, which is woefully lacking in this department compared to most of the competition. It has thin padding on the shoulder straps that might help prevent webbing chaffing, but there is nothing on the crotch strap.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the handle on the snuglock moves well, but it has a strong conflict...
The handle on the SnugLock moves well, but it has a strong conflict with the canopy that cannot be understated and impacts the ability of either component to move independently of the other.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle and Canopy


The handle is flat in some areas and round in others. It has a rubbery center grip, which is nicer for holding than those without it, and it is friendlier on your arm should you loop it through to carry. The canopy is larger than most and is a thicker canvas to keep the sun out, but it feels more plastic and less breathable than we like.

Shell


The SnugLock shell has smooth sides and two strips of rubber on the bottom. This can help prevent slipping on hard surfaces, but you still shouldn't leave little ones in their carrier on high surfaces like tables and countertops. Most of the warning stickers are on the lower parts of the shell.

graco snugride snuglock 35 - the snuglock shell is smooth, but the stickers could get damaged...
The SnugLock shell is smooth, but the stickers could get damaged over time with any liquid messes or cleanup efforts.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


One of the few metrics where the SnugLock stands out is weight, with one of the highest scores in the group. This Graco carrier weighs 8.5 lbs in a lineup where the average seat is closer to 10 lbs, and the heaviest is over 17. While a couple of pounds might not sound like a big deal, it could be as your baby grows.

Should You Buy the SnugLock?


The SnugLock did not impress us during testing. With disappointing results in critical metrics we think are most important, there isn't much to rave about here, and we think parents will be happier with a different seat. No matter your hopes for an infant seat, this one is unlikely to meet them.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?


If your budget is ultra-tight and you need an inexpensive seat with good crash test results, then the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is one to consider. With one of the lowest prices around and one of the highest crash test scores, this is a basic seat that puts crash test safety first. If your budget has some wiggle room and you can move to a mid-priced seat, the Chicco Keyfit 35 is a great all-around seat with better-than-average crash test results and easy installation for both methods. There is much to love about the Keyfit 35, and we think it is a good fit for most parents and worth the increase in price over either Graco if your budget allows.

Manufacturer Videos


Car Seat Features


Car Seat Installation

Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz