REASONS TO BUY
Better crash tests
Lightweight
Easy LATCH
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Canopy/handle collision
Basic padding
Hard belt install
Joie Rue Review
A compelling infant seat with a low price, better crash test results, and an easy LATCH install
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ September 11, 2025
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
Our Verdict
The Joie Rue is a budget-friendly infant car seat with impressive crash test results in our commissioned tests. We love so much about this impressive seat that it is hard to know where to start. The easy LATCH install? The lightweight carrier? Or maybe the comfy fabric? The Rue has below-average crash test sensor data (lower is better), giving it one of the highest crash test results for its price range, performing better than seats that cost more than double. It is a nice, sleek-looking seat that is easy to carry, with everyday functions that work well and are easy to use. While we wish it had a more stable feeling when installed with a vehicle belt, we can forgive this misstep. Overall, it is an excellent budget seat for those looking for a potential additional margin of protection for a lower price.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Joie launched in 2011 in the United Kingdom. They make car seats, strollers, and other gear for babies.
The Rue earned above-average crash test analysis results and is uber impressive for the price.
Credit: MGA Research
Crash Testing
We assume this seat has passed all federal guidelines and is considered safe. We run our crash tests using speeds somewhat faster than the guidelines and a seat that more closely aligns with modern cars. Our goal is to identify car seats that might offer an additional margin of protection over the average seat.
These charts show the sensor data of the Rue compared to one of the best in the bunch.
Our crash tests gather g-force data from the head (HIC) and chest (chest clip) sensors in the crash test dummy. We use these results to analyze each seat against the competition. Lower sensor results are better for these tests. The Rue has lower-than-average chest clip and HIC sensor readings. Together, they indicate a potential additional margin of protection. Given its lower price, it is wonderful to see such impressive results, performing better than seats that cost twice the price.
Push-style LATCH connectors and an effective lock-off make the Rue one of the easiest bases to install.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Installation LATCH
LATCH installation is by far the easiest installation method for the Rue.
This base has push-style connectors on a flexible strap, an anti-rebound bar, but no load leg. The tensioner works well and makes it easy to get a snug fit after fighting the LATCH strap. The LATCH connectors push in place and release with a red button, making them easier to remove than hook-style connectors. You don't need to tighten the strap as much as others because the tensioner/lockoff does the heavy lifting for you. It feels stable and didn't move much after installation. We like that releasing the tensioner first makes removing the connectors easier.
Installing the Rue using LATCH is one of the easiest in the group and the easiest method of the Rue.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Recline Adjustment
There are four recline adjustments and a bubble level on both sides. However, it suffers from a similar design issue to many other seats: the recline adjustment button is pressed against the vehicle seat back when you need it most.
So you need to adjust it before installation, and if further adjustments are required, you have to disconnect the LATCH connectors to reach the button.
The bubble level indicator on the Rue works well and is easy to read.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The bubble level works well and is easy to see. It isn't as forgiving as some competitors, and there is a narrower window of acceptable angles it will accept.
During installation, the belt lockoff tensioner helps snug the vehicle belt to the base.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Installation - Belt
The Rue's most difficult installation method is with the vehicle belt when LATCH is not an option.
Installing the Joie with the vehicle belt isn't as easy as LATCH, but the lock-off once again helps tighten and secure the base to the car.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The actual installation method of routing the vehicle belt and using the lock-off is pretty easy, and we enjoyed the lock-off design. The base has a QR code to access an installation video, which is especially helpful if you misplace your manual. The thread path has larger holes, but you need to ensure you don't twist the belt.
The center lockoff is thin, and we worried about pinching our hands. We didn't, but it still gave us the willys. Pushing the lockoff down doesn't take a lot of effort, but the major drawback is getting the belt tight enough, but not too tight, so the lockoff wouldn't close.
While the Rue lockoff is easy to use and the pathway is easy, the final product didn't feel as stable as we would like.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
This seat would have earned a better score for this method of installation if we felt the final stability was better. While it doesn't move left or right much and the lock off seems to be doing its job, there was more of a twisting than most competitors. While it passed the wiggle test, we didn't like it as much as those that we couldn't twist.
The Joie uses the European belt path, where the shoulder portion of the belt goes around the back of the carrier shell.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Installation - w/o the Base
The Rue's lighter weight makes it a compelling travel companion, so installing it without the base is critical.
It uses the European belt path, which includes the vehicle's shoulder belt around the backside of the shell.
The pathway is color-coded, making it easier to do if you're a newbie. Threading the belt is straightforward, with a line decal sticker to double-check its level.
We love the color-coded pathway indicators with words to provide more instruction.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Depending on our test car, we had to use a rolled towel to get a stable fit, and it always felt like a struggle to get it “tight enough.” It moves around a lot after installation, and we can see how some parents might be uncomfortable with the final fit.
The Rue buckle and chest clip are easy to use, though the chest clip doesn't slide apart as smoothly as some.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Rue isn't as easy to use as some seats, but given its sleek look and lower price, we can forgive any shortcomings.
The chest clip on the Rue doesn't slide as smoothly as some competitors, but it isn't prohibitively hard.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Buckle
The chest clip doesn't slide as easily on the Rue as some competitors', but it doesn't get hung up or cause frustration. The buckle is easy to use and not very interesting. The prongs don't pop out when you press the button, but they aren't difficult to pull out.
The harness tightening strap on the Rue works well without significant friction that can make pulling difficult.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness Tightening/Loosening
Tightening the harness is fine, but it felt awkward in a way that is hard to describe. The release button is hidden under the fabric, and while harder to find, it was easy to press and worked well without friction on the strap as you pulled the harness toward you.
Harness Adjustment
The harness shoulder strap height adjustment is a rethread style, which is what we'd expect for the lower price. The process is pretty straightforward, and rethreading the straps was easy. However, we worry parents will skip making adjustments because they are more complex and take time.
Connecting the Rue carrier to the base is straightforward, and the carrier's lighter weight is a bonus.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Carrier to Base Connection
The carrier is so darn light that it is easy to lift it up and onto the base. It connects swiftly without any issues or spots to get hung up on.
Releasing the Rue carrier from the base is a smooth process.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Handle
The handle rotates, but not as smoothly as others, and the canopy collision problem is annoying. It consistently gets hung up on the canopy and doesn't leave space for your hand.
The Rue canopy is adequate, but not as big as some competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Canopy
The canopy rotates smoothly and stays open without looking frumpy. It isn't that big and has no special features.
The Rue LATCH connectors stow on the sides of the base when not in use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
LATCH and Manual Storage
The manual is stored under the base, so it is likely out of the way of messes, but it means you won't have the base if you travel without it. It is a minor issue shared by many brands.
The Rue LATCH connectors clip onto the bottom of the base when not in use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The LATCH connectors clip onto the underside of the base, one on either side.
The Joie looks and feels more high-end than the price indicates.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort/Quality
The Joie isn't the best for comfort and quality, but it is pretty great for the price. Overall, it has a nicer look than most cheap choices.
The Rue padding is somewhat lacking, but it is pretty standard for the price range, and the fabric is soft, but not the softest.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fabric and Padding
The fabric is somewhat rougher than competitors', but doesn't feel so unfriendly that we'd worry about discomfort or chaffing. It lacks impressive padding, but it is better than other options in the lower price range.
The handle and canopy have a slight collision problem on the Rue.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Handle and Canopy
The handle has an ergonomic shape, but it looks and feels cheaper. However, it works well and makes carrying easier, so we can forgive its lackluster impression.
The handle and canopy on the Rue work well. While they lack an inspired design, they do the job well enough.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The canopy has adequate coverage but doesn't shield the baby's face completely and would be insufficient for use with a stroller.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Shell
The shell is solid and has more fabric than many competitors'. This gives it a better overall look, with fewer stickers and warning clutter than many.
The Rue is very lightweight, with a carrier weight measured at just over 7 lbs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Weight/Size
The Rue has one of the lightest carriers we've ever seen, with a measured weight of only 7.1 lbs. This makes it close to the lightest and a far cry from the heaviest.
If you travel a lot or plan to carry it frequently, this could be a compelling reason to consider the Rue.
We think most families will be pleased with the features and functions of the Rue, especially for the price.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Joie Rue?
Almost everyone can find something to love about the Rue, and it is definitely one we'd recommend to a friend. With one of the lowest prices we've seen for an infant car seat in a long time, it gets your attention immediately. Then it excelled in crash tests, earning an above-average analysis score with lower g-forces on the chest clip than most contenders. It is easy to install using LATCH, and offers nicer comfort and quality than others in its price range. It is a standout for every shortlist.
What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?
If you want to pair your carrier with a popular stroller, the Rue might not be the one for you. The Chicco Keyfit 35 pairs with a lot of favorite strollers (with an adapter), is easier to use, and easier to install. It has a lower crash test analysis, but not by much, and it costs more. If your budget can stretch a little, we also like the Britax Willow S. This reasonably priced option has somewhat better crash test results, and a higher overall performance.
Manufacturer Video
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Joie Rue versus top competing products:
You Might Also Like
