The 10 Best Rear Facing Car Seats of 2025

Below are the top 5 products for which we spent the most time researching, along with a summary of their benefits and drawbacks.

1. Best Overall: Disney Baby Onlook 2-in-1

2. Best Budget: Safety 1st Crosstown

3. Best Comfortable: Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air

4. Best Compatibility: Evenflo Platinum Symphony Elite

5. Best Design: Evenflo Tribute LX

1. Disney Baby Onlook 2-in-1

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Product Summary

This car seat is designed to accommodate children up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing position, which is higher than many other car seats on the market. It also features an extendable leg rest, which allows your child to ride comfortably in the rear-facing position for longer.

Specification

• With two modes of use, this LATCH-equipped Cosco car seat accommodates infants from 5 pounds up to toddlers weighing 40 pounds in rear-facing mode and kids up to 40 pounds in forward-facing mode.
• The five-point harness adjusts easily from the front of the seat and features six heights and three buckle locations. more

Reasons to buy

• Provide better protection for a child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a car accident.
• Safer for young children than forward-facing car seats.
• Reduce the risk of serious injuries in a car accident.

Reasons to avoid

• Can be more challenging to install correctly than forward-facing car seats.

2. Safety 1st Crosstown

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Product Summary

This car seat features a installation system that makes it easy to install securely in your vehicle. It also has a steel frame and side-impact protection, which provides additional safety for your child in the event of a crash.

Specification

• BUILT TO GROW: The Safety 1st Crosstown All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is for extended use through 3 stages: Rear-facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-facing 22-65 pounds, and Belt-positioning booster seat 40-100 pounds.
• SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION: The Crosstown's side impact protection helps keep your child safe through all of the All-in-One convertible car seat’s stages. more

Reasons to buy

• Designed to support a child's developing bones and muscles.
• Can help prevent ejection from the car in the event of a crash.
• Provide a better view of the child while driving, making it easier to monitor their safety.

Reasons to avoid.

• Can take up more space in the back seat of a car.

3. Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air

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Product Summary

This car seat is designed to accommodate children up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing position, and it also has nine different recline positions, which makes it easier to find the perfect fit for your child.

Specification

• EXTENDED REAR-FACING USE — NextFit Max Zip Air offers 25% more legroom than other NextFit car seats and a 50 lb. weight limit maximizes time in rear-facing position; forward-facing mode for older children (up to 65 lbs.) with more calf support.
• BUILT TO GROW — The 9-position, Easy-Extend Headrest System with one-hand adjustment raises with the 5-point harness to effortlessly accommodate growth in both modes and a removable newborn positioner provides support for infants weighing 4-11 lbs. more

Reasons to buy

• Can help prevent injuries from side-impact crashes.
• Can be used for infants as young as newborns.
• Can accommodate children up to two to three years old.

Reasons to avoid

• Can be heavier and bulkier than forward-facing car seats.

4. Evenflo Platinum Symphony Elite

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Product Summary

This car seat is designed to grow with your child, and it can be used in the rear-facing position for children up to 50 pounds. It also has an adjustable headrest and harness, which allows you to customize the fit as your child grows.

Specification

• 3 Modes in 1 Seat: Accommodates children from 5 - 110 lbs - Rear Facing, Forward-Facing Harness and Belt-Positioning Booster
• 5-point harness tested to a 65 lb weight limit: Allows longer harness use until child is ready for belt-positioning booster more

Reasons to buy

• Can help prevent injuries from rollover accidents.
• Can help protect a child's internal organs in the event of a crash.
• Can be installed in a variety of vehicles.

Reasons to avoid

• Can limit the amount of legroom for other passengers in the back seat of the car.

5. Evenflo Tribute LX

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Product Summary

This car seat is designed to accommodate children up to 45 pounds in the rear-facing position, and it also features a steel frame and side-impact protection. It also folds flat for easy storage and travel.

Specification

• MEET THE HIGHLY REVIEWED CAR SEAT WITH UNBEATABLE VALUE: This fan- favorite offers a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing safety, comfort or ease
• TRAVEL SLEEK AND LIGHT: Compact design offers an ideal fit for smaller vehicles, while lightweight design makes this a popular car seat for family travel more

Reasons to buy

• Usually easy to adjust as a child grows.
• Can be lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel.
• Can provide a more comfortable ride for a child.

Reasons to avoid

• Not be suitable for children with certain medical conditions or special needs.

Safety:

Your child's safety should be your first priority when choosing a car seat. Also, be sure to choose a car seat that is appropriate for your child's age, weight, and height, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing and using the car seat.

Ease of use:

To make sure that it is installed correctly each time, choose a car seat that is simple to use and install. Pay attention to details like straightforward installation instructions, user-friendly harnesses, and plain labeling.

Durability:

To survive the wear and tear of frequent usage, choose a car seat that is well-built and manufactured from high-quality materials.

Comfort:

Pick a car seat with lots of cushioning and support that is cozy for your youngster. On extended vehicle travels, look for amenities that can keep your youngster comfortable, such as adjustable headrests and recline settings.

1. Can a child's legs be too long for a rear-facing car seat?

   No, a child's legs cannot be too long for a rear-facing car seat. It is safe for a child's legs to bend or touch the back seat of the car while in a rear-facing car seat. However, if your child is uncomfortable or seems cramped in their car seat, you may want to consider a larger car seat or switching to a forward-facing car seat.

2. Can a rear-facing car seat be used in the front seat of a car?

   No, a rear-facing car seat should never be used in the front seat of a car. It is always safer for children to ride in the back seat of a car, and many car seat manufacturers explicitly state that their rear-facing car seats should only be used in the back seat.

No matter which car seat you choose, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and make sure that the car seat is installed correctly. You should also regularly check the car seat for signs of wear and tear and replace it if it is damaged or has been involved in a crash.

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