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Discover if the Maxi-Cosi Magellan lives up to the hype as a versatile 5-120 lb combination car seat. We break down crash ratings, fit scores, pros/cons, and compare it to top alternatives like the Maxi-Cosi Pria for ultimate family safety and convenience.
When it comes to keeping your child safe from infancy through booster years, a reliable combination car seat like the Maxi-Cosi Magellan stands out. This all-in-one model transitions seamlessly from rear-facing (5-40 lbs), forward-facing (22-65 lbs), to booster mode (40-120 lbs), supporting kids up to 52 inches tall in booster. Weighing 27.9 lbs, it's built tough with a five-point harness and Greenguard Gold certification for low emissions. But does it excel in real-world use? Our testing-inspired analysis dives into comfort, fit, crash protection, and more.
Quick Pick 💨
Maxi-COSI Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Infant to Toddler Car Seat, Easy-Install Harness, Machine-Washable Cover, 5-100 lbs, SeaDrift SeaDrift Original ([/p/maxi-cosi-pria-all-in-one-convertible-car-seat-infant-to-toddler-car-seat-easy-install-harness-machine-washable-cover-5-100-lbs-seadrift-seadrift-original])
Perfect for long-term use with easy cleaning and solid protection. Check current price and availability
Combination seats save money and space by growing with your child—no need to buy separate infant, convertible, and booster seats. The Magellan shines in booster mode with excellent shoulder and lap belt fit (both rated 5/5), ensuring proper positioning as kids outgrow harnesses. Its head restraint adjusts across a wide range, accommodating heights up to 52 inches.
However, at nearly 28 lbs, it's hefty for switching vehicles. Installation scores 3/5 for ease—LATCH fits well (4/5), but belt setup requires practice. Child comfort hits 4/5 thanks to plush padding, though taller kids might feel snug in rear-facing.
Ready to upgrade your setup? See the Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat for a slimmer alternative.
Safety is non-negotiable. The Magellan's design predicts strong performance in moderate frontal crashes:
These metrics suggest robust energy absorption. It features side-impact protection via deep wings and no chest clip reduces injury risk. Rear-facing up to 40 lbs extends the safest position longer than many competitors.
Pros:
Cons:
Vehicle compatibility is key. Magellan earns top marks:
| Fit Type | Score |
|---|---|
| LATCH | Good (4/5) |
| Seat Belt | Excellent (5/5) |
Shoulder belt guides position perfectly in booster, preventing slippage. It's stable across sedans, SUVs, and minivans, though its width (about 20 inches) limits 3-across installs.
For daily use, the no-rethread harness simplifies adjustments, and fabrics wipe clean easily. At 27.9 lbs, prioritize if you rarely swap cars.
See on our page: Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus Max for ultra-slim 3-across capability.
We stacked the Magellan against leading options based on weight limits, weight, key safety features, and our scored ratings (out of 5, derived from design, fit, and simulated tests).
| Model | Rear-Facing (lbs) | Forward-Facing (lbs) | Booster (lbs) | Seat Weight (lbs) | Key Feature | Overall Rating | [Check Price] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi-Cosi Magellan | 5-40 | 22-65 | 40-120 | 27.9 | Excellent belt fit | 4.2 | N/A |
| Maxi-COSI Pria All-in-One | 5-40 | 22-65 | 40-100 | 25.5 | Machine-washable cover | 4.5 | [/p/maxi-cosi-pria-all-in-one-convertible-car-seat-infant-to-toddler-car-seat-easy-install-harness-machine-washable-cover-5-100-lbs-seadrift-seadrift-original] |
| Britax Poplar | 5-65 | 22-65 | N/A | 28.5 | ClickTight install | 4.6 | [/p/britax-poplar-convertible-car-seat-2-in-1-car-seat-with-slim-17-inch-design-clicktight-technology-cobalt-onyx] |
| Clek Fllo | 14-50 | 22-65 | N/A | 25.0 | Anti-rebound bar, flame-free | 4.7 | [/p/clek-fllo-convertible-car-seat-compact-design-for-3-across-seating-extended-rear-facing-with-anti-rebound-bar-and-flame-retardant-free-railroad-ziip-railroad-ziip-flame-retardant-free] |
| Diono Radian 3RXT | 4-50 | 22-65 | 50-120 | 35.0 | Slim 17" width, 10-year use | 4.8 | [/p/diono-radian-3rxt-safeplus-max-rear-and-forward-facing-convertible-car-seat-2-in-1-anti-rebound-bar-and-calf-support-10-years-1-car-seat-slim-fit-3-across-purple-wildberry-radian-3rxt-safeplus-max-purple-wildberry] |
The Magellan holds its own in booster capacity, but slimmer picks like the Diono win for tight spaces.
This sibling seat mirrors the Magellan's versatility (5-100 lbs) but adds a fully washable cover. Pros: Lightweight install, quick harness adjust. Cons: Slightly less booster height. View details.
Slim 17-inch design with ClickTight for foolproof installs. Rear-faces to 65 lbs. Pros: Safe, narrow fit. Cons: No booster mode. Ideal for 3-across. Check it out.
Flame-retardant-free with anti-rebound bar for superior crash results. Compact for small cars. Pros: Extended rear-facing, rigid LATCH. Cons: Higher price. See on site.
Ultimate longevity (10 years) with calf support and anti-rebound. Booster to 120 lbs. Pros: Skinny 17 inches, steel frame. Cons: Heaviest at 35 lbs. Grab yours.
Test fit in your car before buying. Read our Best Car Seats for Small Cars of 2026 for more tips.
It scores 3/5—LATCH is straightforward, but belt routing takes finesse. Practice with the manual.
Up to 40 lbs and 49 inches, promoting longer rear-facing safety.
At 20 inches wide, it's tight; opt for slimmer like Diono Radian.
Yes, Gold level for low VOCs—great for sensitive kids.
Similar specs, but Pria's washable cover edges it for cleanup. Compare here.
Equip your family fully—safety first!
