• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Safe Convertible Car Seats

MENUMENU
  • Safety Laws
    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • California
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New Mexico
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming
  • Learn
    • Types of Car Seats
    • Car Seat Stages
    • Federal Safety Standards
    • What's a Convertible Car Seat?
    • How to Choose
      • Infant vs Convertible
    • Car Seat Expiration Guide
    • Get Your Seat Checked
    • Safest Places for Car Seats
    • Toddler Unbuckling Car Seat
    • Accessories & Clothing Safety
      • Infant Car Seat Safety Accessories
      • Car Seat Head Support Safety
      • Car Seat Protector Safety
      • Car Seat Strap Covers Safety
    • Buying Used Car Seats
    • Safest Cars
  • Brands
    • Britax
      • Advocate ClickTight Review
      • Allegiance Car Seat Review
      • Boulevard ClickTight Review
      • Emblem Review
      • Marathon Clicktight Review
      • Marathon vs Advocate vs Boulevard
      • One4Life Review
      • Britax vs Chicco
      • Accessories
      • Expiration
      • Installation & Care
    • Chicco
      • Fit4 Review
      • NextFit Zip Review
      • Nextfit Sport vs Britax Marathon
    • Clek
      • Fllo Review
      • Foonf Review
      • Foonf vs Fllo
    • Cosco
      • Apt 50 Review
      • Mighty Fit 65 Review
      • Scenera Next Review
      • Installation & Care
    • Diono
      • Radian vs Rainier
      • Radian RXT Review
      • Radian 3QXT Review
      • Radian 3RXT Review
      • Radian 3RX vs Radian 3R
      • Rainier 2AX Review
      • Accessories
      • Installation & Care
    • Evenflo
      • EveryStage Review
      • Sonus Review
      • SureRide Review
      • Symphony DLX Review
      • Symphony LX vs DLX
      • Tribute Review
      • Triumph LX Review
      • Accessories
      • Installation & Care
    • Graco
      • 4Ever Review
        • 4Ever Tutorial
      • Contender 65 Review
        • Contender 65 Tutorial
      • Extend2Fit Review
      • Extend2Fit vs 4Ever
      • Milestone Review
        • Milestone Tutorial
      • My Ride 65 Review
        • My Ride 65 Tutorial
      • Sequence Review
      • Size4Me 65 Review
        • Size4Me 65 Tutorial
      • SlimFit Review
        • Slimfit Tutorial
      • Expiration
      • Installation & Care
    • Maxi-Cosi
      • Magellan Review
      • Pria 85 Review
      • Pria 85 vs 3-in-1
      • Accessories
      • Installation & Care
    • Peg Perego
    • Safety 1st
      • Continuum Review
      • Guide 65 Review
      • Grow and Go Review
      • MultiFit EX Air Review
      • Grow and Go vs Graco 4Ever
      • Accessories
      • Installation & Care
  • Buyer's Guides
    • Safest Car Seats (Top 30)
    • Best for Small Cars
    • Best for Budget
    • Best for Newborns
    • Best for Travel
  • Free Car Seats
    • Medicaid
    • WIC
    • Recycling & Donation
  • About Me

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

January 7, 2021 by Sam Webster Leave a Comment

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat with Cup Holder (Moon Mist Grey)

Please click image for more info

The Cosco Scenera Next is a simple, convertible, lightweight car seat with the affordable safety features that parents have come to expect from Cosco's line of car seats.

The side impact protection and five-point harness of the Scenera both meet or exceed federal safety standards. The car seat is fully adjustable with a padded cover parents can remove quickly, and clean in the washing machine. The Scenera Next offers one of the lowest prices available.

The car seat is available in a good choice of colors and styles. The Cosco Scenera Next is suitable for children between five and 40 pounds, with a 19 to 43-inch height range. The car seat provides both the front and rear-facing modes, ensuring the Scenera Next will last for approximately four years. The look is stylish, with a weight making it easy for parents to carry.

Click Here for Best Price
Quick Navigation
Cosco Scenera Next Overview
Video Overview of Cosco Scenera
Cosco Scenera Next Specs
Cosco Scenera Next Features
Who is the Cosco Scenera Next Most Suitable For?
What is Included with the Cosco Scenera Next
Pros and Cons of Cosco Scenera Next
Cosco Scenera Next Installation
Cosco Scenera Next Manual
Cosco Scenera Next vs Cosco Apt 50
Baby Gizmo's Cosco Scenera NEXT Review
Summing Up

Cosco Scenera Next Overview

The Scenera is a good car seat for families with more than one child due to the slim design. Three car seats can fit into the back of the majority of vehicles. Children are kept safe with an adjustable five-point harness with three locations for the buckle and five heights. The car seat provides an excellent fit as the child grows. The Scenera Next is also great for airplane travel. The car seat is aircraft certified, with a compact design and no excess weight.


Video Overview of Cosco Scenera

Click Here for Best Price

Cosco Scenera Next Specs

  • Suitable for five to 40 pounds in the rear-facing mode
  • Rear-facing mode accommodates heights between 19 and 40 inches
  • Suitable for 22 to 40 in the forward-facing mode
  • Forward-facing mode accommodates heights between 29 and 43 inches
  • Height of the shell is 23 inches
  • Lowest harness position is five inches
  • Highest harness position is 13 inches
  • Weight of the seat is 6.8 pounds
  • Side impact protection
  • Five-point safety harness
  • Latch connection
  • Widest width is 17 inches
  • Expires eight years after manufacture date
  • Three buckle strap positions for the crotch

Cosco Scenera Next Features

  • The rear-facing mode is suitable for children between 19 and 40 inches in height, with a minimum weight of five pounds, and a maximum weight of 40 pounds.
  • The forward-facing mode is suitable for children between 19 and 43 inches in height, with a minimum weight of 22 pounds, and a maximum weight of 40 pounds.
  • The Scenera Next is FAA compliant for air travel. The car seat is slim and lightweight to make navigating narrow airplane aisles much easier.
  • The Cosco Scenera Next installs easily. The average time required is under three minutes. If parents are using the vehicle seat belt, the car seat secures easily.
  • The Scenera Next weighs just 6.5 pounds. Parents will be delighted with no longer needing the muscle to lift a 16 or 18-pound car seat.
  • The car seat is easy to use, and very simple to maintain. The cover removes easily, and is washing machine and dryer safe. Cleaning the harness is also easy with just a damp washcloth required.
  • The size of the car seat is so compact, parents can install three in the back seat of the average vehicle. With only one car seat installed, two adults can easily fit into the back seat comfortably.
  • The Cosco Scenera Next offers parents a great selection of patterns and colors to personalize the car seat.
  • The car seat provides children with the comfort they desire, without sacrificing the safety they need.
  • The expiration date of the car seat is eight years after the manufacture date. There is a label located on the right side of the car seat by the belt path for the rear-facing mode with the date of manufacture.
  • The car seat provides storage for the manufacturer's manual in case the parents have any questions, or need assistance with installation. Three tabs are located on the top of the car seat's back to easily store the manual.
  • The Scenera Next is approved by the FAA. The label is located on the left side of the car seat containing airline approval information.
  • The car seat includes one removable cup holder so the child can access a drink easily during travel.

Who is the Cosco Scenera Next Most Suitable For?

In the rear-facing mode, the car seat is appropriate for a child between five and 40 pounds, with a height of 19 to 40 inches. In the forward-facing mode, the Scenera Next is appropriate for a child between 22 and 40 pounds with a height of 19 to 43 inches.


What is Included with the Cosco Scenera Next

The car seat includes one removable cup holder. Additional accessories are sold separately, and available from the manufacturer.


Pros and Cons of Cosco Scenera Next

Pros

  • Three positions for the crotch strap
  • Five positions for the harness
  • Simple installation with either the vehicle seat belt or latch system
  • Approved by the FAA
  • Made in the USA
  • Shell is compact for smaller vehicles
  • Lifespan of eight years
  • Three car seats fit in the back of the average vehicle
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable Price
  • Cleans easily
  • Lightweight at just seven pounds
  • Good selection of color options

Cons

  • No EPS foam
  • Basic padding and fabric
  • Height of the top harness is just 13 inches
Click Here for Best Price

Cosco Scenera Next Installation

Installation videos are available for both forward and rear-facing modes at:


Cosco Scenera Next Manual

The manufacturer's manual is available at:

Click to download Cosco Scenera manual here.


Cosco Scenera Next vs Cosco Apt 50

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat with Cup Holder (Moon Mist Grey)

VS

Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat (Black Arrows)

Both the Cosco Scenera Next and the Cosco Apt 50 are good options for a convertible car seat capable of keeping the child safe while traveling. Both models are inexpensive for every budget, and offer simple functions, use and installation. If width is an issue, the Scenera Next requires less room than the Apt 50. The narrower width enables parents to install up to three car seats in the back of the vehicle.

The Apt 50 will last a little longer because the maximum weight capacity is 50 pounds, as opposed to the 40-pound weight limit of the Scenera Next. Although there are numerous similarities between the two models, there are obvious differences as well. Both models are priced almost exactly the same, with either car seat cost-effective. The price is less than the majority of other brands on the market.

The price means parents can afford to purchase a second or third car seat for multiple children, or for a caregiver or relative frequently taking care of the child. When the cost of the average name brand car seat is considered, parents can purchase three of either model for about the same amount of money. This is also an important factor if there is a collision, the parents are on a strict budget, and the car seat needs replacement.

Two cup holders are standard with the Cosco Apt 50. The holders are integrated into the car seat's design. The dual cups enable parents to provide the child with both a drink and snacks during car rides. Although the Scenera Next only has one cupholder, this may be an advantage. The Scenera Next cupholder can be detached, enabling the parents to install two additional car seats.

Once the cupholder is detached, five additional inches of space allows multiple car seat installation. Since it is not possible to detach the cup holders on the Apt 50, a maximum of two car seats can be installed in the average vehicle. If the family has three small children, this difference is critical because the safest place to travel with a child is in the back seat.

Both models have an approximate weight of seven pounds. The difference is in the height of the car seats. The Apt 50 is one inch taller than the Scenera Next. This will enable parents to use the car seat for an additional year. Depending on the parent's budget, the extra year can be an important consideration. There is only one difference in the models regarding the front and rear-facing modes.

The Apt 50 is suitable for children a maximum of 50 pounds, but the Scenera Next has a weight limit of 40 pounds. Both car seats can be converted to the forward-facing mode suitable for new babies, and small children. As the child grows, parents can simply convert the car seat to the rear-facing mode for slightly older children. Both car seats also offer a booster mode for older kids.

The Cosco Apt 50 will enable the child to remain in a car seat for a longer period of time for safety reasons. Both models offer an integrated seat. There are no additional parts with the exception of the cupholder for the Scenera Next. Both car seats offer a nice selection of colors and styles. Neither model adds any additional padding for the comfort of the child. Despite this, the padding included is sufficient.

Both the Scenera Next and Apt 50 are available in a good variety of colors and patterns to suit the tastes of every parent. Both car seats provide a solid black base with a separate cloth easily removed for washing when dirty. The cloth covers are both safe for the washing machine. Both can also be placed in the dryer for faster replacement on the car seats.

The Apt 50 is suitable for children a maximum of 50 pounds or to the age of four years. There are six harness positions for five, seven, nine, 16, 13 and 11 inches. This means the car seat is appropriate for infants through older children. There are five harness positions for the Cosco Scenera Next, with the highest position at 13 inches. This may be an issue for parents with taller children.

The Apt 50 provides four strap positions for the buckle from the seat back at two through six inches. These straps are used to secure the crotch of the child. The Scenera Next has one less buckle position with no position for six inches. If the thighs of the infant are chubby, this may be an issue. Both models have been approved by the FAA for use on an airplane.

The Scenera Next is the better option if the family travels on airplanes fairly frequently. The width of 17 inches combined with the removable cup holder makes it much easier to move around crowded airports, navigate narrow aisles on airplanes, and allow enough room for passengers on either side. Due to the lighter weight of both models, carrying the car seats through the airport does not require much muscle.

Both the Scenera Next and the Apt 50 provide basic padding to ensure the comfort of the child. Despite the lack of any additional padding, the majority of user reviews are positive regarding the comfort of the child. Both car seats are designed as basic models. Although all safety regulations have been met, many of the features of the more expensive car seats are not included.

Neither model includes covers for the harness or any extra accessories with the exception of the Scenera Next cupholder. The manufacturer for the car seats does offer numerous options for accessories sold separately including harness covers. There are a lot of parents unable to afford an expensive car seat. Both models make it possible to make an affordable purchase covering the basic needs and safety of the child.


Baby Gizmo's Cosco Scenera NEXT Review


Summing Up

The Scenera Next is a good convertible car seat parents on a strict budget will be able to afford to keep their child safe. The car seat is so light in weight, parents will be able to install, uninstall, and carry the Scenera Next easily. The car seat is suitable for children from birth until the age of three or four in the rear-facing mode.


The car seat is excellent for traveling, with parents of multiple children able to install up to three car seats in the back of the average vehicle. The Cosco Scenera Next is an excellent option for parents unable to afford a more expensive model concerned with the safety of their child. The installation is easy, ensuring the car seat is installed correctly.

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat with Cup Holder (Moon Mist Grey)

Scenera Next (click image for more info)

Click Here for Best Price

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

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

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!

Read More About Me

SafeConvertibleCarSeats is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Safety Laws
  • Learn
  • Brands
  • Buyer’s Guides
  • Free Car Seats
  • About Me