REASONS TO BUY
Comfy headrest
Smooth fabric
Rigid latch system
REASONS TO AVOID
Disappointing padding
No foam in the headrest
Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport Review
Easier to use and install seat with a comfortable headrest, but a basic feel and lower quality design
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Skinny
The Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport is a high-back booster from our best booster seat review. This high-backed option is generally average in every way, earning an above-average overall score thanks to its slightly above-average crash test rating and higher ease-of-use performance. While we think there are some interesting features on this booster, like a rigid LATCH installation to keep it in place and a comfortable headrest kids will love, it simply isn't enough to beat out higher-scoring competitors that offer better crash test analysis and more for a lower price. Whether you are looking for great crash test results, superior comfort, or a budget-friendly price, there is an alternative to the Maxi-Cosi we'd choose first.
Editor's Note: The RoadiSport underwent side-by-side testing with the other boosters in our update performed on January 26, 2024.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | ||
| Price | $180 List $179.99 at Amazon | $160 List $159.99 at Amazon | $37 List $39.99 at Amazon | $120 List $99.99 at Amazon | $29 List $26.09 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The comfy headrest and rigid LATCH aren't enough to make this booster a stand-out choice | Great choice for most families with better crash testing analysis, easy installation, and cozy seating for kids | Great for travel and carpooling, but the quality and crash results make it less appealing as an all-the-time booster | A comfy headrest and good crash test results make this lightweight choice an option that won't break the bank | This basic booster offers disappointing results in most metrics, including crash test analysis, making the low price less appealing |
| Rating Categories | Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport | Chicco KidFit Zip A... | BubbleBum | Diono Cambria 2 | Graco TurboBooster... |
| Crash Test (35%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Weight/Size (15%) | |||||
| Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport | Chicco KidFit Zip A... | BubbleBum | Diono Cambria 2 | Graco TurboBooster... |
| Modes | High Back Booster, Backless Booster | High Back Booster, Backless Booster | Backless Booster | High Back Booster, Backless Booster | Backless Booster |
| High Back Booster Weight Range | 40-100 lb | 40-110 lb | N/A | 40-120 lb | N/A |
| High Back Booster Height Range | 43-57 in | 38-57 in | N/A | 38-63 in | N/A |
| Width | 17.7 in | 18.2 in | 11.3 in | 19.9 in | 16.3 in |
| Weight | 13.2 lb | 11.8 lb | 0.9 lb | 12.0 lb | 4.5 lb |
| Backless Booster Height Range | 43-57 in | 38-58 in | 40-57 in | 38-63 in | 43-57 in |
| 5 Point Harness Weight Range | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 Point Height Range | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| LATCH Equipped | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| #REF! | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! |
| Recline Positions | 2 | 2 | N/A | None | N/A |
| Foam Type | None | EPS | None | None | None |
| Seat Lifespan | 10 Years | 8 Years | 4 Years from purchase date | 8 Years | 10 Years |
| Aircraft Certified |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
In 1984, Maxi-Cosi, a European company, launched its first car seat. With roots in the Netherlands, Maxi-Cosi claims they created Europe's the first safety car seat. Maxi-Cosi continues to grow and is a leading manufacturer of baby-centric gear.
Performance Comparison
The Maxi-Cosi earned an average crash test analysis score. It had a better HIC sensor result than the chest clip, but neither where a standout in this competition.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Crash Test
The Maxi-Cosi earned a crash test analysis result that is average for the group.
While all of the boosters in our lineup presumably passed the federal guidelines and are considered safe, we ran our test hotter to see if there were any potential stand-out choices. Our tests used a crash sled that is more similar to modern vehicle seat cushions, and we ran our test a bit faster than the federal standard.
The Maxi-Cosi HIC and chest sensor results were okay for the group, with the HIC faring somewhat better than the chest clips sensor, but neither results were brag worth nor disappointing. About half of the seats offered better performance.
The headrest on the Maxi-Cosi is adjustable up and down to help position the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The RoadiSport earned a relatively high-performance score for ease of use, with a result higher than the average. Buckling for our passenger didn't seem to be a problem.
The belt is easy to thread, and you don't need to reach back very far to grasp it. However, the belt rubs the seat side when you push it in the buckle. This could create a challenge for smaller kids or those who are frustrated easily. The shoulder guide held the belt without a problem, and it seemed well-placed for most children.
The rigid LATCH connectors on the Maxi-Cosi are somewhat unique and can be operated and installed with one hand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The RodiSport is easy to move with a handle at the top and an indent at the bottom for carrying. It has a rigid LATCH system that is somewhat unique in its design and easy enough to finish with one hand.
The system somewhat rattles, and it didn't make too much of a reassuring click when we attached it, so we gave it a few good tugs to ensure it was properly attached the the vehicle anchors.
The Maxi-Cosi has a single cup holder that clips on the side and easy to remove, which could result in a lost cup holder.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This seat has one cup holder that slides off easily, and we suspect it will become a fidget toy or lost in the car somewhere. We couldn't find optional additions to purchase, but in fairness, most kids don't need a cup holder at all, so one is probably enough. It did pass our kid's water bottle test.
The Maxi-Cosi is a bigger seat but it can be made more manageable by removing the back, so kids can carry it themselves.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Size
This seat weighs 13.2 lbs, making it neither lightweight nor heavy for this group of seats. With options weighing less than a pound and one closer to 26 lbs, we can see how this booster might be appealing for some considering weight alone.
The measured width of this booster is 17.7 inches, making it relatively narrow compared to other boosters. There are a handful of options that have smaller widths, but this one is not prohibitive compared to those that are closer to 20 inches. The shoulder belt has some slack after buckling, and this leads us to believe there must be some friction in the shoulder strap guide. It isn't a huge problem, but it needs to be adjusted every time.
The Maxi-Cosi headrest is height adjustable to ensure the shoulder positioner is placed properly and to ensure comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
The Maxi-Cosi performed well compared to others for comfort. The comfort padding is not impressive as it looks and feels like packing foam. However, the cover has some attached padding that increases the thickness and comfort factor. The back of the seat also has nice padding, which is an area many competitors ignore. The headrest and armrests have similar padding all around, and our child testers enjoyed them.
The Maxi-Cosi fabric is soft and feels cooling, which might be nice on hot days or in the direct sun.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The fabric on this seat feels smooth and cooling and we like it on our face. The headrest isn't as deep as we'd like.
The Maxi-Cosi is a good-looking seat that offers average-quality materials and final fit and finish.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The Maxi-Cosi quality is about average here, with no real standout features that indicate thoughtful design. The added padding gives this option a little more of a quality feel than those without it. The cover snaps in place and tucks in for a nicer look. The seeing on the cover is somewhat better than those that don't wrap well and bunch up. The headrest has no foam, and there doesn't seem to be much to reinforce the seat; there is a flimsy feeling overall.
While this is a nicer-looking seat, we think there are higher-performing seats in the review that most families would prefer.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport?
The RoadiSport is a slightly better-than-average high-backed booster with a slightly higher-than-average price. While there isn't a single significant disappointing feature or performance result to be had with the RoadiSport, there also isn't anything truly compelling about it either. This middle-of-the-road seat is generally average, and we think parents and kids alike will be left wanting more, especially for the price.
What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?
For a lower price, the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is the booster we'd recommend to most families. This Chicco has some of the best crash test results in the group, and it performed well in our metrics for ease of use and comfort. We love the leg lounger to help with dangling legs, and the LATCH install prevents it from moving about when there is no passenger. If your goal is the booster with the absolute best crash results, then the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is the option for you. This higher-quality choice is uber-high-ranking in most metrics and provides an additional level of adjustability over the traditional booster with side wings that can be widened. Overall, either is a more satisfying choice than the Maxi-Cosi.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz
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