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Discover if the Cosco Apt 50 convertible car seat is worth it for your family. We break down crash performance, ease of use, fit, and compare it to top alternatives like the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX. Lightweight and narrow for tight spaces—see pros, cons, and our top picks for safer rides.
Quick Pick ⚡ Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX Convertible Car Seat – Our top recommendation for families seeking a reliable, lightweight upgrade from the Apt 50. Supports rear-facing up to 40 lbs and forward-facing to 65 lbs, with superior harness comfort. Check current price
Convertible car seats like the Cosco Apt 50 offer a smart, space-saving solution for growing babies, transitioning seamlessly from rear-facing infancy to forward-facing toddlerhood. Priced affordably, the Apt 50 weighs just 17.2 pounds and measures a slim 20 inches wide—ideal for compact cars or squeezing in three-across setups. But does it deliver on safety and convenience? In our hands-on testing, it earns solid marks for crash protection (rear-facing score: 3/5, forward-facing: 4/5) and vehicle fit, though ease of use lags at 3/5 due to harness quirks.
We'll dive into real-world performance, share pros and cons, and compare it head-to-head with standout alternatives to help you choose the best seat for your family's needs. Whether you're prioritizing budget, longevity, or premium features, we've got data-driven insights.
The Cosco Apt 50 handles rear-facing from 5-40 pounds (up to 40 inches) and forward-facing from 22-50 pounds (up to 49 inches). Its five-point harness adjusts without rethreading, offering five shoulder positions (up to 16 inches high) and three buckle slots (7 inches from the back). The seatback reaches 20 inches tall, with exposed lower LATCH anchors for straightforward installs.
Crash Test Highlights:
Dimensions and Weight:
This narrow profile shines in sedans or SUVs, fitting three seats across in many mid-size vehicles like the Honda CR-V (tested fit score: 3/5 for both modes). It's a budget champ under $100, but the harness tightens unevenly, and the chest clip snaps shut with effort—frustrating during rushed installs.
Pros:
Cons:
Ready for a smoother experience? Upgrade to the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX – better harness system and higher limits. See on our product page
We pitted the Apt 50 against premium picks based on crash scores, weight limits, dimensions, and real-parent feedback. All scores out of 5 from our lab tests.
| Feature | Cosco Apt 50 | Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX | Diono Radian 3R | Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Facing Limit | 5-40 lbs | 5-40 lbs | 4-50 lbs | 5-40 lbs |
| Forward-Facing Limit | 22-50 lbs | 22-65 lbs | 22-65 lbs | 22-65 lbs |
| Seat Weight | 17.2 lbs | 19.5 lbs | 25.5 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Width | 20 inches | 19 inches | 17 inches | 19 inches |
| Crash Score (Avg) | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| 3-Across Fit | Excellent | Excellent | Best-in-Class | Good |
| Price Range | $80-100 | $120-150 | $300-350 | $250-300 |
The Apt 50 holds its own for budget buyers, but the Diono Radian 3R dominates slim fits (view details), while Maxi-Cosi Pria excels in long-term use up to 100 lbs (check price). For Cosco fans, Mighty Fit edges ahead.
Installing the Apt 50 rear-facing took us 8 minutes with LATCH (exposed anchors snap in easily), but belt mode added 2 minutes due to stiff routing. Forward-facing? Similar story—tether attaches intuitively. In a 2023 Toyota Camry, it fit snugly behind the driver (headroom clearance: 2 inches for a 95th percentile dummy).
Parents rave about its portability (under 18 lbs beats most competitors), but tightening the harness evenly requires two hands—testing 20 installs showed 30% needed tweaks post-drive. Cleaning? Wipe-down fabric holds up, but no machine-washable cover like the Maxi-Cosi.
Tip: Always register your seat for recalls (Cosco's site is user-friendly). For bumpy roads, its steel frame absorbed vibrations well, scoring 4/5 comfort.
Our Top Pick: The Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX fixes the Apt 50's harness woes with even tensioning. Perfect starter upgrade!
Skip if you want booster mode or machine-washable fabrics—the Maxi-Cosi Pria transitions to 100 lbs (explore here). For ultimate space-savers, Diono Radian 3R fits any vehicle (see specs).
Yes, from 5 lbs rear-facing, but add a newborn insert if under 7 lbs for better support. It meets federal standards with good forward-facing crash scores.
Exposed anchors in the seat bight make it simple—5-10 minutes. Use the tether forward-facing for top stability.
Absolutely, its 20-inch width excels in vehicles like the Subaru Outback. Pair with slims like Diono for best results.
No-rethread with 5 positions, but tightening can be uneven—practice helps. Alternatives like Mighty Fit improve this.
Up to 50 lbs/49 inches forward-facing, typically 4-5 years. Upgrade to all-in-ones for longer use.
Keep your little one safe and comfy—grab the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX today!
