Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 Maxi-Cosi Vello 70
This is a side-by-side comparison review of the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 and the Maxi-Cosi Vello 70 convertible car seats. Please note that I am comparing the newer Pria 70 with TinyFit insert in this article rather than the older Pria 70 that did not come with TinyFit.
The “70” that forms part of the model names for both of these convertible car seats is a reference to their overall maximum child weight limits.
But aside from that similarity, what exactly are the main similarities and differences between the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 and Vello 70 convertible car seats?
For those parents that are looking for a Maxi-Cosi convertible car seat for less than $200, there is the Maxi-Cosi Vello 65 to consider.
The Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 & Vello 70 Comparison Table
| Feature | Pria 70 with TinyFit | Vello 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-Facing Weight | 4 - 40 lbs (with insert) | 4 - 40 lbs (with insert) |
| Rear-Facing Height | 40" (see below) | 40" (see below) |
| Forwards-Facing Weight | 22 - 70 lbs | 22 - 70 lbs |
| Forwards-Facing Height | up to 52" (see below) | up to 52" (see below) |
| No-rethread Harness | Yes | Yes |
| LATCH Installation | Yes | Yes |
| Belt Installation System | Standard | Standard |
| Recline Positions | 3 | 3 |
| Side Impact Protection | Air Protect SIP | Standard SIP |
| Self-Wicking Fabrics | Yes | No |
| Washer / Dryer Safe Seat Pad | Yes | Yes |
| Cup / Snack Holders | 1 | 2 |
| Top Tether | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Expiration | 10 years | 10 Years |
| FAA Approved for Flights | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Latest Price | Check Latest Price |
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 vs Vello 70 – The Main Similarities
So, what are the main features that are shared by both the Pria 70 with TinyFit and the Vello 70 seats?
1. Seat Installation Methods
Both seats come fitted with a simple “one-click” LATCH installation system that makes it easier to fit the seat properly within your vehicle.
This is the best way to install these seats at the start, but there will come a time when you need to reinstall the seats using the vehicle seatbelt.
This is not something that is unique to these Maxi-Cosi seats, but is due to the fact that all convertible car seats have maximum child weight limits for installing them using LATCH connectors. You will need to check the User Manual to find out the maximum LATCH weight limits for these seats prior to use.
Once you have reached the LATCH limit for the seat, you will need to learn how to fit the seat using your vehicle’s seatbelt. There are instructions within the User Manual and a brief reference to it in the video below.
If you find that you are unable to achieve a good installation (no more than 1″ movement in any direction when you tug at the seat), I recommend that you pop down to your local Fire Station or NHTSA center, where you should be able to find someone to help and advise.
2. FlexTech System for Crash Energy Management
The FlexTech Energy Management System is not something that you can actually see by looking at photographs of the seats and that is because it is hidden away within the structure of the seats themselves.
Maxi-Cosi have used the latest computer crash-test modelling systems to devise a structure that is rigid in some parts and flexible in others.
The basic idea (without getting too technical and scientific) is that in a crash situation you don’t necessarily want the seat to be rigid in all areas or flexible in all areas.
By extensively simulating various different common crash scenarios, Maxi-Cosi has developed what it considers to be an optimum combination of rigidity and flexibility within the structure of the seats.
3. Harness Adjustment & Seat Cleaning
Both seats have 9 adjustable harness positions to help achieve a good fit.
In order to adjust the harness height position, you simply squeeze and pull the handle at the top of the seat shell upwards until you reach the desired level.
There is a demonstration of just how easy this is in one of the videos below.
Cleaning child car seat covers can be a real chore. It often involves unfastening and later re-threading harnesses through spaces that are poorly designed for parents with normal-sized hands. You will also usually have to uninstall the seat from your vehicle.
One big practical advantage of both seats is that their seat pads can be removed very easily via a pair of snap connectors. The pads can then be washed, dried, and re-installed without any harness re-threading and without needing to remove the seat from your vehicle.
As an added bonus, they are washer and dryer safe too.
4. Deep Rear-Facing Adjustment
Maxi-Cosi boasts that these seats have been developed to make it easier to fit into small spaces whilst rear-facing.
Here is their video demonstration of this and other features …
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 vs Vello 70 – The Main Differences
1. Child Height & Weight Limits
These seats have similar child height and weight restrictions, but there are some subtle differences to take into account.
Vello 70
Rear-Facing: 4 – 40 lbs (with insert) / 40″
Forwards-Facing: 22 – 70 lbs / 29 – 52″ (must be aged 2 years+)
Pria 70
Rear-Facing: 4 – 40 lbs (with insert) / 40″
Forwards-Facing (reclined): 22 – 40 lbs / 29 – 43″ (must be aged 1 years+)
Forwards-Facing (upright): 40 – 70 lbs / 43 – 52″ (must be aged 1 years+)
Both seats come with infant inserts to improve the chances of a snug fit for small babies, but the inserts are slightly different (see below)
So, the main difference between these seats so far as height and weight limits are concerned is that the Pria 70 has different forwards-facing limits depending upon which recline position is being used, but it can also be used forwards-facing from a younger age than the Vello 70.
Having said that, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain rear-facing until at least 2 years of age. Both of these seats will allow you to comfortably comply with that recommendation, and more.
2. Air Protect Side Impact Protection
The Pria 70 comes fitted with Maxi-Cosi’s enhanced Air Protect Side Impact Protect System, which is featured in both the main seat itself and also the TinyFit Infant Insert.
The Vello 70 just comes with Maxi-Cosi’s standard Side Impact Protection.
If you look carefully at the images of the Pria 70 seat, you can see that the Air Protect area on both sides are marked with “<air>” labels.
These “air cushions” are positioned in such a way as to protect the head, neck and face areas in the event of a collision.
The basic science behind the Air Protect system is that, in the event of a collision, air is released within the cushions and this acts to better distribute the crash forces away from the most vulnerable parts of your child’s body.
3. Seat Fabrics
There are 2 big differences between the seat fabrics used on the Pria 70 and Vello 70 seats.
Firstly, the Pria 70 comes with a self-wicking fabric that helps to keep moisture away form your child when used in hot climates. So, if you live in a part of the country that experiences very warm weather, the Pria 70 fabrics might be a better option to keep your child cool, dry and comfortable.
The Pria 70 is also available in a lot more fabric color options that the Vello 70. There are currently 9 different options for the Pria 70, but just 4 options for the Vello 70.
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 – One More Video
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 vs Vello 70 – My Verdict
Unless you desperately need 2 different drink / snack containers, the Vello 70 doesn’t have anything that the Pria 70 doesn’t also have.
The Pria 70 comes with improved safety and convenience features, including Air Protect Side Impact Protection and the self-wicking fabrics. Aside from those features, though there isn’t much to choose between them.
They are both good mid-range premium convertible car seats with solid safety features. They don’t come with the top-end premium features like automatic recline level indicators and the like, but that is reflected in their price points.
If you are not buying a seat for a newborn baby and want even higher rear-facing and forwards-facing limits, you should check out the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85.
Check Latest Price of the Pria 70
Read User Reviews of the Pria 70
Check Latest Price of the Vello 70
Read User Reviews of the Vello 70
Safety Information
After purchasing any child car seat, you should always read the User Manual thoroughly before using it. It is also advisable to visit your local Fire Department or NHTSA Child Car Seat Inspection Centre to ensure that the seat is definitely suitable for your child’s specific requirements and that you have installed it correctly. These services are usually provided free of charge.
You can find your nearest NHTSA Centre here.
Get in Touch
If you have any comments to share or questions to ask about my Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 vs Vello 70 comparison review, please leave a comment in the box below or send me an email.
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