Chicco Nextfit 65 vs Nextfit iX – Comparison Review

January 17, 2018 By Kristian

Chicco Nextfit 65 Chicco Nextfit iX

The New Chicco Nextfit iX Range of Convertible Car Seats

There is a new range of Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seats on the US market. They all have “iX” as part of their model names and there are 4 different iX versions to choose from. These seats are more expensive than the previous models, but thankfully, if you cannot afford one of these newer iX seats the original Nextfit 65 seats remain available to buy instead.

The 4 new Nextfit iX models are:

Although the shells on the newer iX seats are pretty much identical to the original Nextfit version, there are some important upgrades to be found on the equivalent iX models. In this article, I am going to discuss these upgrades so that you can make a fully informed purchasing decision.

So, the main purpose of this Chicco Nextfit 65 vs Nextfit iX comparison review is to help you discover the important similarities and differences between these 2 premium convertible car seats.

Chicco Nextfit 65 Vs Nextfit iX – 6 Important Similarities

#1 Child Weight/Height Limits

The Nextfit 65 and Nextfit iX seats both have exactly the same minimum and maximum child weight and child height limits.

For both seats the weight limits are:

Rear-facing: 5 to 40 lbs
Forwards-facing: 22 to 65 lbs

Although you can use these seats in the forwards-facing mode from 22 lbs, it is strongly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that you keep your children rear-facing for as long as possible. They suggest a minimum age of 2 years for forwards-facing unless your child has already outgrown the maximum height or weight limits for that mode of use before that age.

For both seats the height limits are a little more complicated. Chicco state that the seats should be used as follows:

Rear-facing: You can use this mode for as long as the harness straps can still be positioned at or below the top of your child’s shoulders.

Forwards-facing: You can use this mode for as long as top of your child’s ears remain must below the top of the shell (with headrest in maximum position). The harness straps must be positioned at or above the top of the shoulders, and your child’s height must not exceed 49 inches.

Note: Some sources on the internet state that the maximum height limit is 50 inches, but the February 2017 version of the User manual clearly states 49 inches.

#2 SuperCinch Latch System

Both seats can be installed using Chicco’s premium connectors and SuperCinch Latch system.

This fantastic user-friendly system uses a force-multiplying technology to enable you to get a safe and secure installation with the minimum of physical effort.

Since the correct installation of any child car seat is fundamental to ensuring that any child using it is afforded the maximum possible protection in the event of a collision, this innovative SuperCinch Latch system is very popular amongst parents and Car Seat Safety Technicians.

Anything that makes the task of installing a child car seat easier and more foolproof is a great thing, and there is no doubt that the Chicco Nextfit range of car seats are amongst the easiest to use properly.

When your child’s weight exceeds the maximum permitted for LATCH installation (Check User Manual), you will need to re-intall the seat using the vehicle seat belt.

Here is a video demonstration of SuperCinch created by “The Car Seat Lady”:

… and here is a video from ChiccoUSA:

#3 Steel Frame, EPS Foam & Side Impact Protection

All Chicco Nextfit and Nextfit iX models come fitted with a steel reinforced frame and premium energy-absorbing EPS foam around the sides of the seat and within the head wings.

This extra seat strength and padding provides essential protection in the event of a side impact collision.

#4 Multiple Recline Positions (9) & Dual Level Indicators

All Chicco Nextfit models can be adjusted to one of nine different recline positions. The big yellow recline adjustment handle is conveniently positioned at the bottom of the front of the seat and is very easy to operate.

What’s more, parents have the benefit of an easy-to-use system of dual level indicators to tell them when the seat is reclined in a safe and suitable manner.

You use the “red” bubble level indicator lines when your child is seated in a forwards-facing position.

You use the “blue” bubble level indicator lines when your child is seated in a rear-facing position.

This system really is very simple to understand and totally foolproof.

Chicco have even included a simple diagram on the seat to highlight the appropriate (and different) shoulder strap heights for forwards-facing and rear-facing travel.

Some Other Similarities …

In addition to the similarities described above, the following features are also found on both the Chicco Nextfit 65 and Nextfit iX seats:

Built-in Lockoffs for Belt Installation
Cup Holder
Infant Insert for use between 5 and 11 lbs
2-position Crotch Strap
NEW removable shoulder pads
NEW longer crotch strap for easier tightening
Integrated LATCH storage compartments
Lifespan of 8 years
Certified for Air Travel

Chicco Nextfit 65 Vs Nextfit iX – 3 Big Differences

#1 Multiple Adjustment Headrest with “Auto Harness”

All Nextfit seats come fitted with adjustable headrests, but the number of positions are different.

The Nextfit 65 seats come with 6 different headrest positions, whereas the Nextfit iX comes with a total of 9 different headrest positions.

This makes the Nextfit iX model more versatile and you will find it a little easier to get the perfect headrest position for your child as they grow.

Whether you buy a seat with 6 or 9 different headrest positions, the headrest adjustment method remains the same and is very simple. You simply press on the yellow button and pull upwards or downwards until the headrest clicks into the desired height position.

What’s more, when you adjust the height of the headrest, the width of the shoulder harness is “automatically” adjusted to accommodate your growing child too!

#2 Chest Clip Positions

The original Chicco Nextfit 65 seat comes with a unique “2-position” chest clip mechanism. One of the positions was used for smaller children and the other when they reached a certain size later on.

For some parents, this was a very welcome extra feature but for others it simply added another unnecessary thing for them to worry about and i’m sure that lots of kids travel around to this day with the wrong chest clip option selected.

As a result, the newer Nextfit iX seats come with a single chest clip position that can be used whatever the age and size of your child.

#3 Locksure Belt Tightening System

The LockSure Belt Tightening system that is found on all Nextfit iX seats makes it even easier to enquire a correct, snug, and safe installation when using the vehicle seat belt rather than the LATCH connectors.

Watch the BabyCubby video below for more information about the Locksure Belt Tightening System.

See close-up pictures of the Nextfit iX Seats.

Chicco Nextfit 65 Vs Nextfit iX – Videos

Here is a User Review of the Chicco Nextfit:

Here is the “Baby Cubby” review of the Nextfit iX Zip:

NB: The Nextfit iX has all the same features as the iX Zip apart from the “Zip and Wash”.

Chicco Nextfit 65 Vs Nextfit iX – My Verdict

There is a difference of about $50 between the RRP for the original Nextfit 65 seat and the newer Nextfit iX version.

The extra features found on the iX version are described above and you will simply need to decide whether or not you need and/or can afford to pay the extra money for them.

Don’t worry if you can’t afford the Nextfit iX seat. The original Chicco Nextfit 65 convertible car seat remains and excellent product and has almost all of the same safety features as the newer iX model.

The main safety benefit of the iX seat is the additional 3 headrest positions, which make it easier to maintain a perfect fit to your child as they grow.

Overall, if you can afford the extra $50, I consider that there are just about enough additional safety and convenience features on the Nextfit iX to justify the added expense.

Chicco Nextfit 65 Vs Nextfit iX – Color Options

These seats come with different fabric color options and here are some of my favorites.

Nextfit 65

Check Full Range of Color Options Here.

Nextfit iX

Check Full Range of Color Options Here.

Where to Buy Chicco Nextfit 65 & Nextfit iX Seats

Check Best Price of the Nextfit 65

Check Best Price of the Nextfit iX

If you are still a little unsure about which one to choose, you can read more user reviews of the Nextfit seats here:

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

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