• 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
    • Baby Trend
      • Baby Trend Hybrid Review
    • Britax
      • Advocate ClickTight Review
      • Allegiance Car Seat Review
      • Boulevard ClickTight Review
      • Emblem Review
      • Highpoint Review
      • Marathon Clicktight Review
      • Marathon vs Advocate vs Boulevard
      • One4Life Review
      • Britax vs Chicco
      • Accessories
      • Installation & Care
      • Expiration
    • Chicco
      • Fit2 Review
      • Fit4 Review
      • GoFit Review
      • KeyFit 30 Review
      • KidFit Review
      • MyFit Review
      • NextFit Zip Review
      • Nextfit Sport vs Britax Marathon
    • Clek
      • Fllo Review
      • Foonf Review
      • Foonf vs Fllo
      • Liing Review
      • Olli Review
      • Oobr Review
    • Combi
      • Kobuk Review
      • Coccoro Review
    • Cosco
      • Apt 50 Review
      • Finale DX Review
      • Mighty Fit 65 Review
      • Scenera Next Review
      • Installation & Care
      • Expiration
    • Cybex
      • Sirona M Review
      • Aton 2 Review
    • Diono
      • Monterey XT Review
      • Radian vs Rainier
      • Radian RXT Review
      • Radian 3QXT Review
      • Radian 3RXT Review
      • Radian 3RX vs Radian 3R
      • Rainier 2AX Review
      • Solana 2 Review
      • Accessories
      • Installation & Care
      • Expiration
    • Doona
      • Doona Infant Car Seat Review
    • Evenflo
      • Big Kid LX Review
      • EveryStage Review
      • Gold Review
      • Maestro Review
      • SafeMax 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
      • Nautilus 65 Review
      • Sequence Review
      • Size4Me 65 Review
        • Size4Me 65 Tutorial
      • SlimFit Review
        • Slimfit Tutorial
      • SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Review
      • Installation & Care
      • Expiration
    • Maxi-Cosi
      • Magellan Review
      • Pria 85 Review
      • Pria 85 vs 3-in-1
      • Accessories
      • Installation & Care
    • Nuna
      • Nuna Pipa Review
    • Peg Perego
      • Primo Viaggio Review
      • Primo Viaggio 4-35 Review
    • Safety 1st
      • Continuum Review
      • Guide 65 Review
      • Grow and Go Review
      • MultiFit EX Air Review
      • Grow and Go vs Graco 4Ever
      • Accessories
      • Installation & Care
    • UPPAbaby
      • UPPAbaby MESA Review
  • Buyer's Guides
    • Safest Brands
    • Safest Booster Seats
    • Safest Convertible Seats
    • Safest Infant Seats
    • Best for Small Cars
    • Best for Budget
    • Best for Newborns
    • Best for Travel
  • Free Car Seats
    • Medicaid
    • WIC
    • Recycling & Donation
  • About Me

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 vs 3-in-1: Features, Pros & Cons, and How to Choose

January 8, 2021 by Sam Webster 2 Comments

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat, Devoted Black

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85

Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Harbor Side

Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1

Maxi-Cosi is one of the few popular and well-known car seat brands that offers an extensive line of convertible and all-in-one car seats, and in this article I’ll be reviewing two of their most popular models: the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 vs 3-in-1.

The Pria 85 is a 2-in-1 car seat with a minimum to maximum weight limit of 14 to 85 pounds. It comes with superior side impact protection along with enhanced features that provide the ultimate protection for your little one until it's time for them to transition to a booster seat.

The Pria 3-in-1 is a convertible car seat with a minimum to maximum weight limit of 4 to 100 pounds. It can be used in the rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster positions, so it's the only car seat you'll ever need.

In this article, I'll compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the Pria 85 and the Pria 3-in-1. I'll also provide a thorough breakdown of each model's features and specs to give you a better idea of what sets each of these car seats apart. Afterward, I'll give you my recommendation for the car seat I believe is better suited to meet your needs.

Quick Navigation
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Specifications Compared
Major Similarities Between Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1
Major Differences Between Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1
The Pria 85
The Pria 3-in-1
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 3-in-1 Video Overview
Conclusion

Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Specifications Compared

Header

Maxi Cosi Pria 85

Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-IN-1

Cell
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat, Devoted Black
Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Harbor Side

NHTSA Overall Ease of Use Rating (RF):

3 stars

N/A

NHTSA Overall Ease of Use Rating (FF):

3 stars

N/A

Side Impact Protection:

Air Protect Air Cushion System: safer side impact protection

Patented GCell Foam: side impact protection absorbs crash energy

3-Position Recline Base:

easier and faster to install correctly

easier and faster to install correctly

Weight:

10.58 pounds

22.65 pounds

Width:

20.2 inches

24 inches

Harness System:

One-Hand Harness Height Adjustment: w/ micro-adjustment

Quick-Fit Shoulder Harness: automatic harness and headrest adjustment

Machine-Washable Seat Pad and Harness Covers

Yes

Yes

Child Weight Limit (RF):

40 inches or less

19 to 40 inches

Child Weight Limit (FF):

29 to 52 inches

29 to 49 inches

Child Height Limit (B):

Cell

43 to 52 inches

Child Weight Limit (RF):

14 to 40 pounds

4 to 40 pounds

Child Weight Limit (FF):

22 to 85 pounds

22 to 65 pounds

Child Weight Limit (B):

Cell

30 to 100 pounds

One-Click LATCH Connectors

Yes

Yes

Compatible w/ Seatbelt Installation

Yes

Yes

Non-Rethread Harness

Yes

Yes

Fabrics and Padding

CosiCushion Fabrics and Padding

Soft-To-Touch Cushions w/ Premium Fabrics and Padding

Infant Positioning Wedge

Yes

Yes

Cell
Get Best Price for Maxi-Cosi Pria 85
Get Best Price for Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1

Major Similarities Between Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1

While the Pria 85 and the Pria 3-in-1 are both high-quality car seats, they only share a few small similarities. The biggest similarity between these two models is that they both utilize the One-Click LATCH Connectors to make installation faster, easier, and safer. These connectors also ensure that you install the car seat securely and correctly.

Smaller similarities between the Pria 85 and Pria 3-in-1 include the machine-washable seat pad and covers, the infant positioning wedge, and the 3 position recline base. Both car seats are equipped with a removable seat pad that can be removed without rethreading the harness. The infant positioning wedge provides comfort and support and ensures that your little one is seated properly and comfortably. Also, the 3-position recline base offers more room to position your child at an angle that’s comfortable and safe.

Additionally, while both of these car seats come with different harness systems, you don’t have to rethread them to adjust the harness. Both models use special harness adjustments that make it easier and quicker to adjust the harness with little effort.

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat, Devoted Black
Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Harbor Side

Major Differences Between Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1

The biggest difference between the Pria 85 and the Pria 3-in-1 is that that the Pria 85 is a 2-in-1 car seat that only offers the rear-facing and forward-facing positions with a minimum weight limit of 14 pounds, so it can’t be used from birth. The Pria 3-in-1, on the other hand, is a convertible car seat that offers the rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster positions with a minimum weight limit of 4 pounds, so you can use it from birth.

That being said, the Pria 85 will eventually need to be replaced when it’s time for your child to transition to a booster because it has a maximum weight limit of 85 pounds. Conversely, the Pria 3-in-1 has a maximum weight limit of 100 pounds, so it can be used until the time your child outgrows the need for a car seat.

Another difference between these models lies in the side impact protection. The Pria 85 is equipped with an Air Protect air cushion system that surrounds your child’s neck and head to provide superior protection against the impact force of a collision, and it’s been tested safe in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions. The Pria 3-in-1 comes with built-in patented GCell foam that’s designed to absorb crash energy and provide the ultimate protection for your child’s neck and head.

Finally, the Pria 85 is equipped with a One-Hand Harness Adjustment that makes it easy to adjust the harness quickly and without too much effort. It can also be easily adjusted without rethreading the harness. The Pria 3-in-1 utilizes the Quick-Fit Shoulder Harness that automatically adjusts to comfortably fit your child’s growing height. Similar to the Pria 85, the Shoulder Harness can also be adjusted without rethreading the harness.

The Pria 85

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Convertible Car Seat, Devoted Black

The Pria 85 is a 2-in-1 car seat that’s outfitted with CosiCushion fabrics and ample padding to provide a luxurious and first-class car riding experience for your little one. For an added measure of safety, the Pria 85 utilizes Air Protect side impact technology to provide superior head and neck protection in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions.

 In addition to that, the Pria 85 comes with a One-Hand Harness Height Adjustment that makes it easier and quicker to adjust the harness, so much so that you can do with one hand. Along with the harness are convenient harness holders that secure the straps and buckle out of the way to make it easier and hassle-free to get your child in and out of their car seat. The Pria 85 also comes with a removable seat pad that’s machine-washable, and you don’t have to uninstall the car seat to remove it or put it back on. 

For added comfort, the Pria 85 features an infant wedge pillow that also offers support and promotes proper alignment while your child is their seat.

Pros

  • The Pria 85 is ues Air Protect side impact technology to provide superior protection for your child’s neck and head.
  • It comes with three recline for safer and comfortable installation.
  • The seat pad can be removed without installing the car seat, and it’s machine-washable.
  • For a 2-in-1 car seat, the Pria 85 has a high weight limit of 85 pounds.
  • The harness can be easily adjusted with one hand and without rethreading it.

Cons

  • For a 2-in-1 car seat, it’s a bit pricey.
  • The Pria 85 won’t be the first or last investment you make in a car seat. It can’t be used from birth, and it’ll have to be replaced when it’s time for your child to transition to a booster seat.

The Bottom Line

The Pria 85 is a high-quality car seat with premium features that work to drastically enhance safety and comfort. It comes with superior side impact protection and utilizes an easy-to-adjust harness system that can be adjusted without rethreading the harness. It also comes with One-Click LATCH connectors that make installation safer and easier. However, I will say that while the Pria 85 is equipped with such enhanced features, it may not be worth it to spend that much money on this car seat when it won’t be the first or last one you buy.

Click Here for Best Price

The Pria 3-in-1

Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Harbor Side

The Pria 3-in-1 is a convertible car seat that can last from birth until your child outgrows the need for a car seat. It has a very low weight limit of 4 pounds with a high maximum weight limit of 100 pounds. The Pria 3-in-1 comes with three recline angles to ensure that your child is seated at the safest and most comfortable angle. It’s also equipped with the QuickFit Shoulder Harness that automatically adjusts to your child's growing height.

The harness comes with five easy-to-adjust headrest positions to create a comfortable and customized fit for your growing child. In addition to that, the Pria 3-in-1 is rigged with patented GCell side impact protection that’s built into the headrest to provide the ultimate protection for your child’s head and neck. 

To enhance comfort, the Pria 3-in-1 also comes with an infant wedge pillow that offers support and promotes proper alignment while your child rides in the car. It’s also clothed in a machine-washable cover that can be easily removed without uninstalling the car seat. Also, similar to the Pria 85, the Pria 3-in-1 comes with One-Click LATCH connectors that makes easier and safer to securely install your car seat.

Pros

  • The Pria 3-in-1 is a convertible car seat that doesn’t need to be replaced when it’s time to transition to a booster.
  • It comes with superior side impact protection that absorbs crash force energy.
  • The harness automatically adjusts to fit your child’s height.
  • You can easily remove the machine-washable seat cover without uninstalling the car seat.
  • There are five headrest positions.
  • It comes with LATCH connectors that maken it easier and safer to install.

Cons

  • It’s a bit pricey for a convertible car seat.
  • It’s pretty heavy.

The Bottom Line

The Pria 3-in-1 is a luxurious convertible car seat with top-rated features that enhance safety, comfort, and reliability. It’s the only car seat you’ll ever need, and it has an exceedingly low weight limit of 4 pounds, unlike other name brand car seats. The Pria 3-in-1 is heavy-duty and comes with standard features that make it a worthy first and last car seat.

Click Here for Best Price

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 3-in-1 Video Overview

Conclusion

The Pria 85 and Pria 3-in-1 are both highly exceptional car seats that offer that ultimate safety and protection for your little one. Furthermore, they both have things, like any other car seat, that makes and breaks them from being the perfect car seat.


Out of the two, I recommend the Pria 3-in-1 because while it's pricey, it's the only car seat investment you'll have to make. It can be used from birth until your child outgrows the need for a car seat.


The Pria 85 is pricey, but you can't use it from birth and it can't be used as a booster, so somewhere down the line, you'll have to invest in another car seat. I don't think it's worth the money to do that when instead, you can buy the Pria 3-in-1 that'll last.


Infant Car Seat vs Convertible Car Seat: Safety, Tips for Choosing & More

Safest Place for Car Seat (2021): What Studies Say About the Best Place to Put Your Car Seat

Car Seat Protector Safety: Are Car Seat Protectors Safe? We Look at the Evidence & Alternatives

When Do Convertible Car Seats Expire? Guides to Graco, Britax & Other Major Brands

Buying Used Car Seats: Are Used Car Seats Safe + Tips for Buying

How to Choose a Convertible Car Seat (2021): Complete Guide for New Parents

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

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. alex says

    October 23, 2020 at 4:00 am

    thank you so much for posting this! i couldn’t understand why a 2in1 would be more expensive than a 3in1 and probably would’ve bought the 2in1 because i associated higher price with higher quality.. shallow i know. ill definitely be investing in the 3 in2! thanks a bunch!!

    Reply
    • Sam Webster says

      November 13, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      Thanks for your compliments, Alex! Much appreciated!

      Reply

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
  • Privacy Policy