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.
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 | 
| 
|
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 |
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.
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 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
Cons
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.
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
Cons
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.
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.
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!
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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!!
Thanks for your compliments, Alex! Much appreciated!