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Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Review (2021): An Excellent Option for Taller & Heavier Children

January 5, 2021 by Sam Webster Leave a Comment

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat, Devoted Black

Please click image for more info

The search for a convertible car seat can be a bit overwhelming. Despite hundreds of different models on the market, they share so many similarities.

They have all passed the same federal tests and meet the same safety standards. They all claim to be easy to use and install. And they all seem to share the same height and weight limits, which can make it a challenge for parents with children who are big and tall, but who still need the safety of a car seat.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is a bit different than other convertibles. With a weight range of 14 – 85 pounds, it's not an all-in-one convertible, and not suited for newborns. But it is a convertible that holds children who are heavier and taller than other convertible car seats, which aren't safe for children over 65 pounds. For many parents, that makes the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 the perfect car seat for their child.

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Quick Navigation
Who is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Most Suitable For?
Pros and Cons of Maxi Cosi Pria 85
Overview of Maxi Cosi Pria 85
Video Overview of Maxi Cosi Pria 85
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Specs
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Features
What is included with the Maxi Cosi Pria 85?
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Installation
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Manual
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 vs. Maxi-Cosi Magellan
PishPoshBaby's Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 User Review
Conclusion

Who is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Most Suitable For?

source

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85, with the impressive 85 pound forward-facing weight limit and generous dimensions,, is an excellent choice for children who are large for their age, and may struggle to fit into car seats with lower weight and height limitations.

It's perfect for parents with children who are growing faster or taller than average, and have concerns about the long-term usefulness of most convertible car seats with lower height and weight limits. Since a car seat can be a big investment, it's good to know that the Pria 85 is large enough to get the full value out of the car seat and keep children comfortable even as they get bigger and older.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is also a good choice as a convertible car seat for parents who are transitioning from an infant or newborn car seat to a toddler seat. Newborn car seats are incredibly convenient for new parents, but children quickly grow out of them and need a bigger seat.

Many convertible car seats are designed as an all-in-one from 4 or 5 pound babies, but they are also big, heavy car seats that don't have the portability and convenience of an infant carrier carseat. The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is a great car seat to upgrade to when a baby has outgrown their newborn car seat and are ready for the next level of protection.


Pros and Cons of Maxi Cosi Pria 85

Pros

  • A convertible that has a larger size and weight range than most, for kids from 14 – 85 pounds
  • Light weight for a car seat in this class
  • Easily adjustable headrest and harness
  • Harness holders keep the harness out of the way when putting a child into a seat
  • Premium fabrics and padding
  • Very easy to clean
  • FAA approved

Cons

  • May not be very durable
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Overview of Maxi Cosi Pria 85

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat, Devoted Black

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is a convertible car seat that switches from rear-facing to forward-facing modes as a child grows. It has higher weight and height limits than other convertibles on the market, which makes it a great choice for children who are big and tall, or for parents who want to protect children in a car seat for as long as possible.

It also has a convenient harness that adjusts quickly with no rethreading, comfortable design and premium fabrics, and, despite the higher weight limits, isn't bigger or heavier than most standard convertibles. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and protects children up to 85 pounds and 52 inches in height.

Safety

What are this model’s NHTSA ratings?All car seats sold in the USA must meet or exceed strict federal safety standards, so the NHTSA does not rate car seats for safety. Instead, they offer ratings and evaluations for ease of use.


According to the NHTSA, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 has earned (for the forward-facing installation):

  • Labels: 3/5 stars because the labels do not illustrate how to remove and prepare LATCH attachments, and there is not a picture of a properly restrained child on the labels.
  • Instructions: 5/5 stars
  • Securing the child: 5/5 stars
  • Installation features: 2/5 stars because it may be uncomfortable for people with large hands to route the seat or LATCH belt through the belt path, padding or seat components may need to be moved or interfere with the belt route system, the LATCH and tether storage area is not clearly labeled, and the LATCH attachments have buttons that need to be pressed for removal.
  • Overall ease of use: 3/5 stars

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 also has an NHTSA rating of 3/5 stars for the rear-facing installation, for very similar reasons to those given for the forward-facing rating.

  • Does this model have:
  • Side impact protection? Yes
  • Energy-absorbing base? No
  • Metal frame? No

Longevity

  • What is this model’s child height limit? Rear-facing: 40 inches, forward-facing: 52 inches
  • What is this model’s child weight limit? Rear-facing: 14 – 40 pounds, forward-facing: 22 – 85 pounds

Ease of Use

  • Does this model have the LATCH system? Yes
  • Seat belt installation? Yes
  • Non-rethread harness system? Yes

Ease of Installation

  • What is this model’s weight? 19.84 pounds
  • What is this model’s width? 20.8 inches
  • What type of harness adjustment system does this model have? Five-point, easily adjustable harness
  • Is the seat cover machine-washable? Yes

Comfort and Quality

  • What is the quality of padding (overall)? Well Padded
  • What is the quality of padding in the head area? N/A
  • Is the seat fabric breathable? Yes
  • Does this model include an infant insert pillow? Yes

Video Overview of Maxi Cosi Pria 85

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Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Specs

FEATURE

DESCRIPTION

Rear-facing child height

40 inches

Rear-facing child weight

14 – 40 pounds

Forward-facing child height

52 inches

Forward-facing child weight

22 – 85 pounds

Car seat weight

19.84 pounds

Car seat dimensions

29.7 x 20.8 x 19 inches

Car seat life span

10 years


Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Features

FEATURE

DESCRIPTION

Safety features

  • Air Protect advanced air cushion system for side impact protection
  • Extended weight range protects children for longer

Ease of use

  • One-handed harness height adjustment
  • Harness holders keep the harness out of the way when putting a child into the car seat
  • Seat pad and harness covers come off with a snap and no rethreading
  • Harness covers and seat pad are machine washable and dryer safe

Longevity features

  • Rated to an amazing 85 pounds in forward-facing mode
  • Harness height micro-adjustable settings create customized fit

Quality and comfort features

  • Premium fabrics and padding
  • Built in cupholder keeps drinks or snacks convenient
  • Built in harness covers prevent rubbing
  • Deep recline for extra comfort

What is included with the Maxi Cosi Pria 85?

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 comes with a Cosi Cushion.


Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Installation

YouTube channel The Baby Cubby has a great series of videos covering everything about installation of the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85. The series includes:

Setting up the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85

Installation of the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 rear-facing with LATCH

Installation of the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 rear-facing with a seat belt

Setting up the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 for forward-facing installation

Installation of the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 forward-facing with LATCH or seatbelt

How to remove the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 seat cover for cleaning


Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Manual

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 owner's manual can be found here:

Click to download Maxi Cosi Pria 85 manual here. 


Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 vs. Maxi-Cosi Magellan

Maxi Cosi Pria 85

VS

Maxi Cosi Magellan

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 and Magellan are both popular convertible car seats, and both have the same safety engineering and testing. However, they are very different in function, and best for different needs. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

Header

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85

Maxi-Cosi Magellan

Rear-facing child height

40 inches

40 inches

Rear-facing child weight

14 – 40 pounds

5 – 40 pounds

Forward-facing child height

52 inches

49 inches

Forward-facing child weight

22- 85 pounds

22 – 65 pounds

Belt-positioning booster child height

N/A

57 inches

Belt-positioning booster child weight

N/A

40 – 120 pounds

Car seat weight

19.84 pounds

25 pounds

Car seat dimensions

29.7 x 20.8 x 19 inches

24.88 x 19.56 x 24.63 inches

Harness

Easy-adjust 14 positions

Easy-adjust micro positions

Installation

One-click LATCH

Conventional LATCH

Fabrics and padding

Premium quality, machine washable and dryer safe

Premium quality, machine washable and dryer safe

In addition, the Magellan integrated belt lockoffs that make installation easier, but the Pria has the harness holders and buckle position that keep the harness out of the way when placing a child into it.

Both of these Maxi-Cosi car seats are similar in price, so the primary difference comes down to whether a parent prefers a car seat that can hold a tall, heavy child in the forward-facing position, or whether a parent prefers a car seat with a belt-positioning booster that can protect a child all the way until they are ready to transition out of a car seat into an adult seat belt.

For a parent who wants a convenient all-in-one that will protect a child from a 5 pound newborn until they don't need a car seat any more, the Maxi-Cosi Magellan is a great choice.

For a parent who is using a newborn car seat and needs to upgrade as a child grows, or for a family member or caregiver who needs a car seat with a high height and weight capacity, the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is a great convertible car seat.


PishPoshBaby's Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 User Review


Conclusion

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is a car seat that protects big and tall babies, or simply protects children for longer, keeping them safe and comfortable for longer than other car seats.

Considering the years of use you will get out of it, it's surprisingly affordable. And it has excellent padding and premium fabrics that are comfortable for kids and easy to clean. 

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat, Devoted Black

Maxi cosi Pria 85 (click image for more info)

If you have a big and tall baby, or if you simply want the extra insurance of knowing that your child won't grow out of their convertible car seat too soon, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 might be the perfect car seat for your family.

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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: Maxi-Cosi

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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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