Choosing a good car seat comes with a set of challenges as there are so many different models and brands out there to consider. Well, the good thing here is that both of these car seats, Graco Nautilus 80 vs Argos 80, are stellar choices. These strollers are very similar but there are also many noteworthy differences. So, which one should you choose?
Read more below to find out or you can just jump to bottom to find out right now.
Graco Nautilus 80 – Click here to see price
Graco Argos 80 – Click here to see price
Graco Nautilus 80 vs Argos 80: How to Choose...?
Size and Appearance
Graco Nautilus 80
It is important to note that colors may vary depending on the retailer. Both seats are a 3 in 1 combo complete with infant pads, toddler cushions, and a booster seat for older children. Neither seat has a rear facing ability so the seats are long and straight that stand up right. They are very similar in appearance and both represent a cozy and comfortable seating complete with infant inserts and dual cup holders attached to the base.
Height and Weight
Graco’s Argos and Nautilus seats are both lightweight and easy to maneuver. They are made to withhold the child for a longer period of time so that the seat last until the child is old enough to sit without added height and assistance. This is what makes these seats a 3 in 1 combination. The Argos series has a minimum weight limit of 20 pounds a maximum of 100 pounds while Nautilus holds 22 pounds (minimum) and 100 pounds (maximum). Each seat is compatible for babies to young preschool aged children, typically ranges from ages 1-7.
Comfort and Maintenance
It is always a good incentive to have seat covers that can be removed and easily cleaned to maintain the longevity and beauty of any product. Both car seats are equipped with removable machine washable covers and cup holders. Nautilus contains a comfortable seat pad and body support, harness and buckle covers, and 2- position adjustable padded armrest. Both seats also have a 3 position recline and harness system. Argo offers a steel reinforced frame for added protection and durability. Argos expires in 10 years and Nautilus in 8 years and there didn’t seem to be any customer complaints about parts breaking or malfunctioning with either seat. If a part needed to be replaced, Graco offers replacement parts that can be ordered through their website.
Accessories/Features
Each seat contains its own storage basket and a cup holder attached to the base. Argos has a SimpliSafe Adjust Harness System that allows a one handed adjustment without rethreading and automatically adjusts. This is a great feature for many parents considering most competitor brands, including the Nautilus, have to unlatch and rethread as the child grows and/or when converting the seat into another weight and height bracket. Three reclining positions are available for added comfort on both models and two (2) position arm rest. A five (5) point harness is available in both seats, although the Argos harness is built in a way which increases the safety and security value. So, how does each seat as an individual compare since they are essentially three separate seats?
Click here get more details on the Graco Nautilus 80
Click here to get more details on the Graco Argos 80
5 Point Harness
The 5 Point Harness with the Argos model is great, as said by many consumers. To adjust you just have to pull the strap and it automatically clicks into the next position. This makes tightening the car seat to the vehicle’s seat easier to install. The Nautilus model does not have an automated tightener and has to be performed manually by pulling the straps in the back and front. Many customers complained about the difficulty level of this and often noticed the seat would wiggle and not be as secure as it should. Argos adjustable headrest just needs to be moved up or down without having to remove the entire harness, unlike some other competitors. Nautilus requires harness removal to re-position and has to be weaved back in the slots and adjusted all over again. This is time consuming and frustrating to many.
High Back Booster
The high back booster is the next car seat phase once the child outgrows the harness (usually at about 65 pounds). The high back in Argos was said to be rather large and children have difficulty buckling themselves in. The high back booster in the Nautilus model is a bit smaller so this didn’t seem to be an issue.
Backless
The backless option is when the child weighs anywhere from 40-100 pounds on average. This doesn’t apply to every child and parents should abide by how the child fits into the seat rather than a typical weight requirement. Again, in the Argos model some customers complained of it being too high and children were unable to buckle in or sit comfortably. If the child is shorter they may not be able to transition into this booster right away.
Safety
These car seats are pretty equal in safety. They both provide EPS impact absorbing foam, which aides in subsiding the depth of impact. The headrest is adjustable to ensure the child is strapped in the most safest and comfortable way. Crash testing and side impact testing passed and abided by the US safety standards with both brands. Argos as an additional approved safety feature for occupant retention with just solely using the built in 5 point harness system. This is a safety feature that Nautilus does not have.
Pros and Cons
Both products are quite similar in what they offer. They are both a product of Graco so it would seem they would be. The seats are sold at a variety of retailers, including straight from the manufacturer. Buying straight from the source often means a higher price tag as well but there are also more option available this way. Both of the seats are ranked as a high sellerr in their class. The reviews on these products are great and rating highly by customers but it seems people were more impressed and/or willing to buy the Nautilus seat. This might be due to the price difference in the two.
Unless there is a substantial discount being offered on the Argos at the time you buy, the Argos is significantly more expensive at list price. If you’re willing to pay a premium, the Elite models of these two brands are available too. The Elite models have a few added features, like an extra cup holder, extra cushion, etc., but beyond that they are pretty much the same product. Some customers didn’t really think that these extras were worth the additional cost. The safety and security of your child is one of the most important decisions when transporting so you are ultimately the judge of which seat best suits your family.
Click here to check reviews and ratings for the Graco Nautilus 80
Click here to check reviews and ratings for the Graco Argos 80
Summary and Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two car seats, Graco Nautilus 80 vs Argos 80, I’d most likely go with the Argos. Personally, I think that the added convenience and safety features are worth the price. I especially like the SimpliSafe feature that allows you to adjust the harness with one hand without rethreading. It also automatically adjust.