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Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Review (2021): A Compact & Versatile Model with Harness & Belt Modes

March 6, 2021 by Sam Webster Leave a Comment

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat (Dusk)

Please click image for more info

Convenient for large families and those who carpool, the slender and versatile Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat can provide years of use for children who are ready to ride facing forward. Since it measures only 18 inches wide, it’s easy to fit three or more across the backseat of most vehicles.

This dual-mode model can be used in its five-point harness setting and then transformed into a seat belt-positioning booster suitable for kids up to 100 pounds in weight. It has received the distinction of “Best Bet Booster” by the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which means it provides a good belt fit for typical kids aged four to eight in most vehicles.

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Table of Contents
Overview of the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 
Video Overview of Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Boost Car Seat
Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Boost Car Seat Specs
Cosco Finale Car Seat Features
Who is the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 suitable for?
What is included with the Cosco Finale?

Pros and Cons of the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1
Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Installation
Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Owner’s Manual:
Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat vs. Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Booster Seat
Mamours Malaysia's Cosco Finale DX 2-in1 Car Seat Review
Conclusion


Overview of the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 

The two modes of the Cosco Finale include the five-point safety harness, which is designed for toddlers at least one year old who weigh between 30 and 65 pounds and range from 32 to 49 inches tall. As your little one grows, you can convert it to the belt-positioning booster mode, which is suitable for children from 40 to 100 pounds in weight and 43 to 52 inches in height. When in the 5-point harness setting, this seat can be installed using your vehicle’s LATCH system, and the belt-positioning booster mode is to be secured using your car’s seat belt.

This lightweight and slender choice is a breeze to transfer from car to car, which is convenient for families who carpool or for households that own multiple vehicles. Busy parents will appreciate that the fabric seat pad can be removed and placed in your washer and dryer anytime it needs cleaning. It comes with a reversible cup holder that can be situated on either side of the seat, and which is safe for placement in the dishwasher. This model is made in Columbus, Indiana, by a company that has been manufacturing children’s products for more than 70 years, and it exceeds federal standards for safety.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, rated the Cosco Finale as follows when it comes to factors such as ease of use and instructions:

  • Labels: 3/5 stars because the labeling provides neither a full picture of a child properly restrained nor supplemental sizing information.
  • Instructions: 5/5
  • Securing the child: 4/5 stars because parents need to rethread the harness after cleaning or when readjusting the seat for a child’s growth.
  • Installation features: 3/5 stars due to possible interference between the crotch buckle and the car’s seat belt or LATCH belt.
  • Overall ease of use: 4/5 stars
  • Does this model have:
  • LATCH-enabled connectors? Yes

Video Overview of Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Boost Car Seat

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Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Boost Car Seat Specs

FEATURE

DESCRIPTION

Child weight- harness mode

30-65 pounds

Child height- harness mode

32-49 inches

Child minimum age for harness mode

1 year

Child weight for belt-positioning booster mode

40-100 pounds

Child height for belt-positioning booster mode

43-52 inches

Product weight       

11.5 pounds

Product dimensions       

18.25” wide x 19” long x 29.75” tall

Expiration          

10 years from manufacture date

*Note that the manufacturer states that not all children within the exact above ranges will fit comfortably in this seat. It is important to test to ensure your child fits properly before use.


Cosco Finale Car Seat Features

FEATURE

DESCRIPTION

Safety features

  • A five-point harness, used in one of the two modes, helps ensure a safe, secure fit.
  •  In the safety-harness mode, LATCH connectors make for a stable installation.
  • Meets or exceeds federal safety standards, as well as those set forth by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
  • This model’s expiration date is 10 years from the manufacture date, which appears on a label on the side of the product.

Longevity

  • What is a child’s height limit for harness mode? 49 inches
  • What is a child’s weight limit for harness mode? 65 pounds
  • What is a child’s height limit for belt-positioning booster mode? 52 inches
  • What is a child’s weight limit for belt-positioning booster mode? 100 pounds

Ease of Use

  • LATCH system? Yes (in five-point harness mode)
  • Machine washable fabrics? Yes
  • Removable cup holder? Yes

Comfort and Convenience

Not only is this 2-in-1 combination model affordably priced, but it will also provide additional bang for your buck because it functions as a front-facing harness seat and a seat belt booster seat, so you won’t have to purchase two separate models. Its slender footprint allows you to install three in a row in most vehicles, which makes it a great choice for families with several small children. It’s also conveniently lightweight, making it easy to transfer among cars, as needed.


The fabric can be removed and placed in the washer and dryer, making it simple enough to clean, whether dirt has accumulated over time or the inevitable spills or potty-training accidents have occurred. In reviewing this car seat, some parents felt the padding could be thicker, and thus more comfortable.

Ease of Installation

  • What is this model’s weight? 11.5 pounds
  • What is this model’s width? 18.25 inches
  • What is this model’s length? 19 inches
  • What is this model’s height? 29.75 inches
  • Is the fabric seat cover removable? Yes
  • Is the fabric machine washable? Yes
  • Is the included cup holder removable? Yes

Who is the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 suitable for?

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat (Dusk)

The Cosco Finale can be used in harness mode by children weighing from 30 to 65 pounds and who are 32 to 49 inches tall. The belt-positioning booster setting is good for kids between 40 and 100 pounds in weight, and 43 and 52 inches in height. Note that the manufacturer states that depending on body type, some children within these ranges might not get quite a proper fit. For instance, if your child in on the smaller end, it’s important to make sure the straps fit snugly and he or she doesn’t slide around when strapped in.


What is included with the Cosco Finale?

The Cosco Finale comes with a removable cup holder that is safe for the dishwasher. When it comes to attaching it to the seat, it conveniently can be installed on either side, as preferred.


Pros and Cons of the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1

Pros

  • Slender build is good for compact vehicles or families using multiple car seats at a time.
  • Lightweight and easy to transfer from car to car
  • FAA approved when used in harness mode
  •  Highly affordable price
  • Removable and machine-washable cover
  • Removable cup holder is safe for the dishwasher.

Cons

  • Small amount of assembly required
  • When in booster mode, it needs to be buckled in when not in use.
  • Some users feel it could use more padding.

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Installation

Tutorial installation videos are available below:


Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Owner’s Manual:

The Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Owners manufacturers manual is available online at the following link:

Cosco Finale DX 2-in1- Owner's Manual


Click Here for Best Price

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat vs. Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Booster Seat

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat (Dusk)

Cosco Finale DX

VS

Graco Atlas 65

These two models both have 5-point harness and belt-positioning booster modes. Both are suitable for kids of up to 100 pounds who ride facing forward, and both are conveniently lightweight for easy portability. Both feature fabric that can be removed and placed in the washing machine; that of the Cosco Finale, however, can go into the dryer, whereas the cover of the Graco Atlas needs to be air-dried. The Graco Atlas does feature a couple of nice perks that are not present with the Cosco Finale: An integrated storage compartment allows you to stow the harness straps on board when it’s in the booster mode.

In addition, the Atlas comes with two cup holders, whereas the Finale only provides one. Having two can come in handy when you want your child to have both a snack and a drink close at hand. As you can see, the Graco model provides a couple of conveniences that you won’t find with the Cosco one. However, it is priced quite a bit higher, so your choice depends on how important the extra features are to you and your family.


Mamours Malaysia's Cosco Finale DX 2-in1 Car Seat Review


Conclusion

Are you finding it hard to find the right toddler booster seat for a smaller-sized kid? The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 DX has a lower cost price tag and utilizes two different restraint types depending on your child's age.

The Finale is lightweight and uses the LATCH system for kids up to 50 pounds. But, that is not a lot for a toddler booster seat. Another worry is that it does score well in crash tests and has issues with the top tether for children that weigh over 40 pounds.

Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Combination Booster Car Seat (Dusk)

Cosco Finale DX (click image for more info)

The ease of installation is a higher note when it comes to the Finale. The LATCH system makes it easy, but only up to that 50-pound ceiling. The belt installation is less than ideal. The storage is a bit simpler than some toddler booster seat because the heavy harness stores inside the seat.

The truth about the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 DX is that there are far better options on the market. The basic crash protection is simply not enough, even with its low cost.

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Cosco Scenera Next Review (2021): Rock-Bottom Price and Lightweight Design – Perfect for a Tight Budget

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Cosco Mighty Fit 65 Review (2021): Rock-Bottom Price & Great Features

Best Cosco Convertible Car Seats: Safety Ratings, Top Models & More

Cosco Car Seat Installation & Care (2021): Complete Guide for Parents

When Do Cosco Car Seats Expire? Cosco Car Seat Expiration Dates & What to Do with Your Used Cosco Car Seat

Sam Webster

With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!

To contact me directly please click here.

Filed Under: Cosco

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Hey! I’m Sam, mom of Sadie and Xavier.

When I started searching for a convertible car seat I was overwhelmed by the choices out there.

But being a research nerd, I relished the challenge of finding the best seat for my needs. And in the process, I gathered a ton of info!

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