10 Best Extended Rear-Facing Car Seats (Safe & Roomy)
Your child’s safety is the main priority when traveling by car. The last thing you would ever want is for your child to incur unnecessary injury in the event of a car accident.
The best extended rear-facing car seats increase your child’s safety, are comfortable, and provide adequate leg room.
Our Favorites
Best Extended
Clek Foonf
Anti Rebound Panel
Nuna Exec
Best 3 Across
Diono Radian 3RXT
Extended Rear-Facing Car Seats
1. Clek Foonf Extended Rear-Facing Convertible Car Seat
Designed to be able to allow your child to remain rear-facing until 4. The Clek Foonf is one of the best convertible car seat for extended rear-facing.
Allowing your child to remain in their rear-facing car seat up to 50 lbs. With the inclusion of the steel anti-rebound bar, this seat provides increased leg room, with the benefit of increased comfort.
Another key safety feature is the built-in side protection of this seat. Made up with wide side wings and energy-absorbing foam, head to toe, your child is fully protected.
The biggest improvement from the previous models is the range of colors that are now available for this seat. However, this seat could be improved if additional extras such as a cup holder were included.
What We Liked
- Narrow, slim design supports this seat being used 3 across.
- Can be secured with the seat belt or the latch system.
- Offers extended rear facing to your child’s 4th birthday or 50lbs.
- The material is water resistant, making it easily wipeable.
- The Foonf is compatible with being used in aircraft.
What Can Be Improved
- The covers are not designed to be removed for washing.
- If you wish to use it from birth, a newborn insert needs to be purchased separately.
- The seat is extremely heavy due to its steel-reinforced design.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Up to 43 in (109 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 17.5 x 16.9 x 28 inches
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date
2. Nuna Exec Extended Rear-Facing Car Seat
The Nuna Exec not only can be used from birth through to booster, but it is also one of the top extended rear-facing car seats.
When secured within your vehicle, it can be used as a rear-facing car seat to 50 lbs or 49 inches. However, this is reduced to 35lbs if installed with the anchor points.
Not only one of the safest extended rear-facing car seats, the Exec also includes the additional safety measures of an anti-rebound panel. Keeping the seat secured and protecting your child from crumpling over.
Including the slim design upgrade from the past version. The Nuna Exec can now fit 3 across in the majority of vehicles. A disadvantage of this large rear-facing car seat is its weight.
What We Liked
- The Exec is slim and designed to support 3 across the rear seats.
- This seat can be used from birth right through to booster.
- When secured with the seat belt, it offers extended rear facing up to 50lbs.
- There is a wide range of colorful designs to meet all tastes.
- It is compatible to be fitted in your vehicle with a latch or seat belt.
What Can Be Improved
- The seat is heavy, which can make moving it between vehicles difficult.
- The seat requires reinstalling when moving from rear to front facing.
- The extended rear-facing option is not available when connected using latch connectors
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average when secured with the seatbelt.
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 22.5″L 18.5″W 26
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
3. Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Convertible Extended Car Seat
Whilst some car seats only support rear-facing until your child is 2. The Diono Radian 3RXT+ provides some of the longest rear-facing car seat use.
This car seat that rear face up to 50 lbs will allow you to keep your child rear-facing until they are approximately 4 years old. Giving their head, neck, and spine more protection for even longer.
Additionally, this car seat also includes the additional safety features of 12 headrest positions. Giving your child’s most sensitive parts protection that can easily be changed as they grow.
The biggest improvement from the prior model includes advanced side protection. Giving your little more protection in the event of a side collision.
A disadvantage of this seat is that it is difficult to release the straps.
What We Liked
- The seat is narrow and supports 3 across in the majority of vehicles.
- It is a 50 lb rear-facing car seat, allowing your child to be rear-facing until 4 years old.
- The same extended rear-facing car seat can be used from birth to booster.
- Provides maximum comfort for your child with memory foam padding.
- Includes super latch connectors for easy installation.
What Can Be Improved
- The harness release button is small and hard to locate.
- The weight of the seat may make moving between vehicles difficult.
- Although the covers are washable, it is tricky putting them on again.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Up to 44 in (111 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
4. Peg Perego Convertible Kinetic Car Seat
Allowing your child to remain rear-facing until 45lbs. The Peg Perego Kinetic is the perfect rear-facing car seats for bigger babies.
Suitable from birth to preschool, this car seat will allow you the opportunity to keep your child rear-facing for longer before they move to forward-facing.
This extended backward-facing car seat also includes the added safety benefit of energy-absorbing foam. Giving further protection for your child’s head.
Including the upgrade since the earlier model, this seat provides more leg room for your child. Making keeping them rear-facing even more comfortable.
The biggest disadvantage of this car seat is that it is wide and will not support 3 across.
What We Liked
- The anti-rebound bar increases rear-facing leg room by 2 inches.
- The energy-absorbing foam provides more protection for your child’s head.
- Includes a top tether for increased stability when front facing.
- It is easy to install with the latch tightening system.
- Includes soft and plush padding for your child’s comfort.
What Can Be Improved
- The car seat is wide and will work if you need 3 across.
- The harness release button is narrow and hard to locate.
- There is a limited color range that may not appeal to everyone.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 3-4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Unknown
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 45 lbs (20 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 26.25 x 18.75 x 25.75 inches
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
5. Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat
The Clek Fllo is definitely the best-looking extended rear-facing convertible car seat as it can accommodate your child in the rear-facing position until they are approximately 4 years old, with a maximum height of 43 inches and 50 lbs.
With the inclusion of the anti-rebound bar, not only will you get a snug fit in your vehicle, but additional leg room is provided.
In addition to being one of the car seats that rear face to 50 pounds, the Fllo also includes deep wings to protect your child’s body.
Although the structure of the seat has not changed, Clek now offers more colors and variety as a change since the last version.
A disadvantage of this seat is that it is heavy and potentially difficult to lift when moving between vehicles.
What We Liked
- It has one of the largest rear-facing weight limits at 50lbs.
- Narrow design supports 3 across, making it ideal for parents of multiple children.
- The anti-rebound acts as a car seat extender for long legs.
- The material is water resistant, making it easily wipeable.
- It has a rigid latch system when it comes to moving your child to the front-facing.
What Can Be Improved
- The covers are not designed to be removed for washing.
- If you wish to use this seat from newborn you need to buy separate inserts.
- The car seat is heavy, making it difficult to move between vehicles.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Up to 43 in (109 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 22 x 16.9 x 26 inches
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date
6. Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit 4 in 1 Car Seat
Including the Extend2Fit panel, this Graco seat adds an additional 5 inches of legroom, making it one of the most extended rear-facing car seats.
It not only allows you to keep your child rear-facing until 40lbs or around their 4th birthday but also provides additional comfort.
Not only is it a car seat with extended leg room, but the Graco 4Ever is also easily adjustable.
By offering 10 different headrest positions, your child will remain comfortable whilst benefitting from maximum head protection.
Compared to the previous version, this extended leg room car seat now gives your child those additional inches for their leg’s comfort.
A disadvantage of this car seat is the crotch strap is short and may not be comfortable for children with chunky thighs.
What We Liked
- The seat provides additional leg room for use in the rear-facing position.
- The latch system makes it easy to install and fit in your vehicle.
- Supports your child staying in the rear-facing position until 50 lbs.
- The seat can be used from birth right through to booster.
- The padding is generous to keep your child comfortable.
What Can Be Improved
- The crotch buckle strap is short and may cause irritation.
- The seat is wide and will not support 3 across.
- The seat is large in size and bulky to move between vehicles.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 21 x 19 x 23 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
7. Diono Radian 3QXT+ All in One Convertible Car Seat
The Diono Radian 3QXT+ will see your child through from birth to booster, making it the best car seat for extended rear-facing.
The benefits of extended rear-facing are additional protection for your child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision.
This seat allows your child to remain rear-facing until 50lbs or a maximum of 49 inches.
Another benefit of this seat is the super latch connector, allowing a rigid installation into your vehicle. A disadvantage of this car seat is that the crotch strap is short and may pinch into some children’s thighs.
What We Liked
- This car seat can be used from birth right through to the booster.
- It carries one of the highest-weight rear-facing car seats up to 50lbs.
- The seat includes a top tether for additional stability when front facing.
- The seat is narrow and supports being able to use 3 across.
- The seats are deluxe and plush.
What Can Be Improved
- Due to its height, you might need to remove the headrest.
- The car seat is heavy, making it hard to move between vehicles.
- The harness release strap is narrow, making it hard to locate.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Up to 49in (124 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
8. Cybex Eternis S SensorSafe Car Seat Up to 50 lbs
As one of the best extended rear-facing car seats, this Cybex car seat carries one of the highest rear-facing weight limits.
Compatible to allow your child to remain rear-facing until 50lbs, you can keep your child safer when traveling for as long as possible.
Based on supporting the highest rear-facing height limit, you can continue rear-facing until your child is 4 years old.
This car seat also includes the benefit of the SensorSafe, which notifies via an app if your child is at risk. Either by being too hot, cold, in the car too long or too far from your phone.
A disadvantage of this car seat, however, is that it is wide and will not support 3 across.
What We Liked
- The sensor-safe technology notifies your mobile if your child is at risk.
- The padding on this seat is soft and deluxe.
- Includes a magnetic buckle holder to make strapping your child easier.
- The seat can be reclined with one hand.
- Includes 12 headrest positions to provide maximum protection for your child’s head and neck.
What Can Be Improved
- The car seat is wide and does not support 3 across.
- The car seat is bulky and not easily moved between vehicles.
- There is a limited color range that may not appeal to everyone.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Unknown
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 57 lbs (144 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 25.3 x 20 x 25.5 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
9. Chicco NextFit Max Zip Air Convertible Car Seat
Allowing you to keep your child rear-facing until they are 50lbs. The Chicco NextFit provides additional leg room for your child’s comfort whilst being one of the cheapest extended rear-facing car seats.
To increase your child’s protection even more, the Chicco NextFit also includes air mesh backrests to increase breathability and keep your child from overheating or getting too hot.
Along with the choice of installation either by the klatch system or the use of the seatbelt.
A disadvantage of this car seat is that the material used is not as gentle as others and could be softer to accommodate young and delicate skin.
What We Liked
- The car seat facilitates rear-facing until 50lbs, which is higher than other car seats.
- The design is modern and attractive.
- The car seat is easy to install with the use of Chicco technology.
- 3D air mesh backing will keep your little one cool and assist in protecting from overheating.
- Easy to remove covers for washing.
What Can Be Improved
- The material used could be softer to make the seat more comfortable.
- The harness release strap is small and tricky to locate.
- The width of this car seat prevents it from being used 3 across.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Seat Dimensions: 22.75 x 19 x 29.2 inches
10. Diono Radian 3RX Convertible Car Seat
The Radian 3RX car seat provides maximum protection by keeping your child rear-facing until around their 4th birthday and then reaching 50lbs.
Keeping your child rear-facing for as long as possible provides further protection for their head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident.
In addition to offering extended rear facing, this car seat also offers a steel reinforced frame for increased stability and comes with 12 headrest positions.
A disadvantage, however, is once the seat is installed and fitted, it is not easily adjusted.
What We Liked
- The car seat is narrow and can be used for 3 across.
- The steel reinforced frame makes it robust and sturdy.
- The same seat can be used from birth right through the booster seat.
- Available in a range of bright, attractive colors.
- The seat is foldable for travel or when not in use.
What Can Be Improved
- The seat is heavy due to its steel reinforced frame.
- Once installed, you cannot change the incline of the seat.
- It is not easy to apply the covers after each wash.
Rear-Facing Age Limit: Up to 4 years on average
Rear-Facing Height Limit: Unknown
Rear-Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Seat Dimensions:16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Laurel Davidson
Laurel brings her passion for parenting and years of problem-solving experiences to ParentingMode. She is the editor of ParentingMode, ensuring that the content is relevant and valuable to the readers. Laurel received her master’s degree in public administration with a certificate in economic development. She is a stay-at-home mom, raising two adorable kiddos, Aurora and Thomas. Laurel enjoys sharing her experience as a parent, traveling, and good food.