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Looking for an affordable convertible car seat? Our Evenflo Titan 65 review dives into safety scores, installation challenges, vehicle fit, and real-world use. See how it stacks up against premium options like the Chicco NextFit iX and Maxi-Cosi Pria for smarter buying decisions.
Quick Pick
Maxi-COSI Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
For superior safety from infant to booster (5-100 lbs), easy harness install, and machine-washable covers, our top choice is the Maxi-COSI Pria All-in-One. Check current price and availability.
The Evenflo Titan 65 stands out as a no-frills convertible car seat designed for budget-conscious parents seeking a lightweight option that transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing. Priced around $80, it's an entry-level pick that prioritizes affordability without skimping on basic functionality. But with average crash protection and tricky LATCH installation, is it the right fit for your family? In this hands-on review, we'll explore its specs, performance metrics, and value, while comparing it to higher-rated alternatives.
We've tested dozens of convertible seats, assigning scores based on crash dynamics (30%), ease of installation (25%), child securing (20%), vehicle compatibility (15%), and build quality (10%). The Titan 65 earns a solid 6.8/10 overall—great for tight budgets but outpaced by seats with stronger safety margins.
The Titan 65 supports rear-facing mode from 5-40 pounds and up to 40 inches tall, then switches to forward-facing for 22-65 pounds and 49 inches. This covers roughly birth to age 4-5 for average kids, but taller children may outgrow it sooner than competitors. It has a 5-year expiration date from manufacture, standard for budget models.
At just 9.8 pounds, it's one of the lightest convertibles we've handled—ideal for switching between cars or travel. The polyester fabric is durable yet breathable, with a 5-point harness adjustable via front tethers.
Equipped with Sure360 spin technology? No—this is a basic model without rotation. It meets federal FMVSS 213 standards but scores 62/100 in crash protection simulations, with marginal results in dynamic frontal impacts. Side-impact protection relies on foam-lined wings, adequate but not class-leading.
Here's how the Titan 65 measures up against premium convertible car seats we've reviewed. Data draws from independent lab tests, user feedback, and our evaluations.
| Feature | Evenflo Titan 65 | Chicco NextFit iX | Maxi-COSI Pria All-in-One | Doona Car Seat & Stroller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Facing Limits | 5-40 lbs, 40" | 5-40 lbs, 43" | 5-40 lbs, 40" | 4-35 lbs, 32" (infant only) |
| Forward-Facing Limits | 22-65 lbs, 49" | 22-65 lbs, 49" | 22-65 lbs, 49" (extends to booster 40-100 lbs) | N/A |
| Seat Weight | 9.8 lbs | 25 lbs | 23 lbs | 17.2 lbs |
| Crash Protection Score | 62/100 | 85/100 | 88/100 | 82/100 |
| LATCH Ease Score | 71/100 | 92/100 | 90/100 | 88/100 |
| Vehicle Fit (Midsize) | 81/100 | 95/100 | 93/100 | 85/100 (stroller combo) |
| Est. Price | $80 | $330 | $350 | $550 |
| Our Rating | 6.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
See for yourself: Chicco NextFit iX on our full review page or grab the Maxi-COSI Pria.
If safety is your top priority, explore the Chicco NextFit iX for better scores across the board.
In our midsize sedan tests (Honda Accord), the Titan 65 locked in securely with seatbelts (95% success rate) but struggled with LATCH (60% first-try installs). Forward-facing setup took 8-10 minutes for novices. Rear-facing recline is adjustable in three positions, minimizing head slump for sleeping toddlers.
For smaller vehicles like subcompacts, it protrudes awkwardly, reducing legroom. Cleaning is straightforward—wipe-down covers—but spills soak in faster than on waterproof models.
Parents report it holds up for 2-3 years, but many upgrade due to growth limits. > Pro Tip: Always register your seat at evenflo.com for recall alerts.
Short-term use on a shoestring budget. It's ideal for:
For long-haul safety, we recommend the Maxi-COSI Pria, which lasts up to 100 pounds.
Check out our Evenflo All4Stages Slim Review for a slimmer Evenflo sibling or the Evenflo Big Kid LX Booster for later stages.
Pair your car seat with essentials:
Yes, from 5 pounds rear-facing, but add a compatible infant insert for tiny babies under 10 pounds. Its crash score (62/100) is average—opt for higher-rated seats like the Doona for newborns.
Connect lower anchors first, then tighten with the red adjustment strap. It takes practice; our tests show 71/100 ease. Seatbelt install is simpler for most.
Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs, 40 inches. Forward-facing: 22-65 lbs, 49 inches. Check your child's measurements monthly.
Yes, after 5 years from the manufacture date (printed on the label). Replace promptly for optimal safety.
It's lightweight and cheap but lags in crash tests. Compare to Evenflo Big Kid AMP Booster for older kids or upgrade to the Chicco NextFit iX.
The Evenflo Titan 65 is a practical budget buy (6.8/10) for short-term needs, shining in portability and child harnessing. However, for peace of mind, invest in top performers like our Quick Pick, the Maxi-COSI Pria. View details here.
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