The Evenflo SureRide DLX Review: Best Lightweight Car Seat?

If you are looking for a car seat that is lightweight, and easy on the wallet, you have probably heard of the Evenflo SureRide DLX. You may already know that it is a great car seat for switching in and out of vehicles as well as airplane travel. But how safe is it? How easy to install? And how comfortable?

Read on to find out.

Or, if you already know you want it:

Click Here to Check Today’s Price of the Evenflo SureRide DLX on Amazon

Main Features

The Evenflo SureRide DLX has all of your basics you need in a car seat. Being both rear-facing and forward-facing, it will grow with your child. It also has 6 harness positions so you can keep your kid in a harness much longer than other seats. I think this is an important feature, as I always do, to delay them from sitting in just the vehicle seat as long as possible.

It has cupholders, fun fabrics, and it’s lightweight. Combined with it’s safety features it really does hit all of the important marks on your checklist. I like that you can swap it in and out of vehicles easily, too. That’s what a little over 9 pound car seat does for you!

Another easy and wonderful thing about the Evenflo SureRide DLX is that it’s machine washable. While that shouldn’t be the only reason you choose this car seat, you should really take it into account. Not all car seats have machine wash options. It really does make cleanups so much easier. There WILL be clean ups. Just know that going in and appreciate the machine wash approval.

Pros and Cons

There are good sides and bad sides to every product. The Evenflo SureRide DLX does not stray from this theory. Although it is easy on the wallet and lightweight, there are a few things that I disliked about it, too. It’s good to have a full picture of what you want and don’t want in a car seat before choosing one. It’s also a good idea to look at both the good and the bad.

PROS:

• 6 harness slot positions
• 4 of the 6 slots are rear-facing
• FAA approved for airplane use
• Easy to use harness
• Inexpensive
• Weighs only 9.7 pounds
• Machine washable cover
• Great safety statistics

CONS:

• Bulky
• Insufficient padding for comfort
• Hard to install/uninstall
• Large gap between the 3rd and 4th harness slots
• Has to be in full recline while rear-facing
• No handle to carry infant in
• Doesn’t come with strap pads

Weight, Dimensions, and Weight Limits

One of the best features of the Evenflo SureRide DLX is that it’s lightweight. This makes it great for traveling, especially by plane. I also really like that you can swap it car to car easily. It’s weight and dimensions are as follows:

Shell height: 26.5 inches

Seat weight: 9.7 pounds

Seat depth: 12.5 inches

External widest point: 19 inches

Crotch strap depth: 4.5 and 6.5 inches (2 options)

Harness slot heights: 6.5 inches, 8.5 inches, 10.5 inches, 14.5 inches, 17 inches, and 19.25 inches

Rear Facing Weight and Height Ranges:

Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds

Height range: 19 to 40 inches (or when your child’s head is 1 inch from the top of the shell)

Forward Facing Weight and Height Ranges:

Weight range: 22 to 65 pounds

Height range: 28 to 54 inches (or when your child’s head is 1 inch from the top of the shell)

As you can see, this car seat is going to last you quite awhile. It really does have a wide range of height and weight capabilities. This is so important to keeping them safe!

Safety Review

Speaking of safety, let’s talk about the most important facet of a car seat- safety. The Evenflo SureRide DLX meets all federal guidelines for crash and safety. It also meets all of the FAA regulations.

Besides those important facts, being a convertible seat with 6 harness positions and a wide height and weight range, it keeps your child rear-facing longer. It also keeps them forward facing in a car seat longer. I can’t stress enough how important this is for the safety of your child. The longer they can be in a car seat the better. You can rest easy at night with the Evenflo SureRide DLX.

Have There Been Any Recalls?

There have been no recalls on the Evenflo SureRide DLX in the U.S. However, there has been a recall in Canada. The recall involved the harness crotch buckle. Apparently, it may become resistant to unlatching over time from getting all those sticky icky things your child may contaminate it with (juice, goldfish, etc.). This can pose a risk to removing your child from the seat.

Evenflo stresses there is no risk as long as the buckle is functioning normally. They will continue to meet all federal safety standards and be safe for your child as long as your buckle is functioning normally. There have been no injuries to children in regard to this recall.

Evenflo is also remedying the situation by giving a new buckle replacement kit to all of those affected by the recall free of charge.

All that being said, I think this stresses the importance of doing due diligence on inspecting your car seat. If you notice something not functioning well, speak up! You could save your child’s or another’s life.

How Does it Compare to Other Car Seats

I think it’s really important to stand up the Evenflo SureRide DLX to other car seats for a couple of reasons. First of all, you want to make sure you are making the best choice possible for a car seat. Second, it shows you the differences and helps you decide what’s important are unimportant in your car seat choice. Let’s see how the Evenflo SureRide DLX stacks up to other car seats.

Evenflo SureRide DLX vs Triumph LX

There’s no doubt about it that the Triumph LX has more amenities. That’s why I’ve been banging on about the SureRide DLX being a secondary car seat or a basic car seat. You can see that the safety and weight capacities are the same between the two. The Triumph LX just has some extras that make it a more luxurious car seat than the SureRide DLX.

Evenflo SureRide DLX

• Less expensive
• 65 pound weight capacity
• 6 position harness
• 1 recline position
• Side impact tested
• Removable head/body pillow
• Single cup holder

Triumph LX

• More expensive
• 65 pound weight capacity
• Infinite slide harness
• 3 recline positions
• E3 side impact protection
• Side impact tested
• Removable head/body pillow
• Tension right adjusters
• Buckle pockets
• Dual cup holder

Evenflo SureRide DLX vs Symphony

There are quite a few differences between the Evenflo SureRide DLX and the Evenflo Symphony. The Symphony is a 3-in-1 car seat while the SureRide DLX is a 2-in-1. The SureRide DLX actually has better height capacity than the Symphony in forward facing while maintaining the same weight limit. The SureRide DLX is less expensive and for good reason. It has less amenities and no booster capability like the Symphony.

Evenflo SureRide DLX

• 65 pound weight capacity
• 54 inch height capacity
• Forward and rear facing
• Less expensive

Evenflo Symphony

• 65 pound weight capacity
• 50 inch height capacity
• Forward and rear facing
• Booster seat
• Re-thread harness
• Nearly double the price

Evenflo SureRide DLX vs Tribute LX

There are a lot of similarities between these two seats. However, the few differences may sway you to pick one over the other. The SureRide DLX has a higher weight limit and 6 shoulder strap positions. While the Tribute LX costs less.

Though it’s more expensive, I believe you are paying for those attributes and they are certainly worth it.

Evenflo SureRide DLX

• Convertible car seat
• Rear-facing weight limit 40 pounds
• Side impact and federal crash tested
• More Expensive
• 22-65 pound forward facing capacity
• 6 shoulder strap positions

Evenflo Tribute LX

• Convertible car seat
• Rear-facing weight limit 40 pounds
• Side impact and federal crash tested
• Less Expensive
• 22- 40 pound forward facing capacity
• 4 shoulder strap positions

Evenflo SureRide DLX vs Titan 65

Both car seats are from Evenflo and have the needed safety standards. The biggest difference between the two is that the Titan 65 is more heavily padded making it more comfortable for the child. The Titan also has some amenities like machine washable head and body pillows. All that in consideration, the SureRide DLX is less expensive with the same safety, weight, and height statistics.

Evenflo SureRide DLX

• Upfront harness adjustment
• Removable body pillow
• Maximum weight capacity 65 pounds
• Less Expensive

Evenflo Titan 65

• More padding
• Upfront harness adjustment
• Seat guard base
• Removable body pillow
• Maximum weight capacity 65 pounds
• Higher rated by ½ star
• More expensive

Evenflo SureRide DLX vs Safety 1st Guide 65

There’s a clear winner here. The SureRide DLX has a lot more to offer and seems way more convenient than the Safety 1st Guide 65. On top of that, it’s less expensive. I think that the Safety 1st Guide 65 is probably an OK choice for a car seat, but when you have the option of the SureRide DLX, I’m not sure why you would get it.

Evenflo SureRide DLX

• 2-in-1 car seat
• 65 pound weight capacity
• 54 inch height capacity
• Safe for newborns
• Less Expensive

Safety 1st Guide 65

• 2-in-1 car seat
• 65 pound weight capacity
• 52 inch height capacity
• Better for 3-4 month year olds and up
• More expensive

Evenflo SureRide DLX vs Graco Myride 65

The Evenflo SureRide DLX wins out again. It has more accommodating and comfortable features than the Graco Myride 65. It is less expensive as well. I think the fact that the Graco Myride 65 is big and bulky puts an extra strike against it as well.

Evenflo SureRide DLX

• Less expensive
• 65 pound weight capacity
• 5 point harness system
• 6 shoulder harness positions
• Shoulder cushions
• Ideal for any vehicle

Graco Myride 65

• More expensive (still generally under $100 though!)
• 65 pound weight capacity
• 5 point harness system
• Too big for smaller vehicles
• No shoulder cushions

How to Install the SureRide DLX Front Facing

Always follow the instruction manual that comes with your car seat for installation instructions

Installation with LATCH System

• Make sure the recline is in the upright position.
• Make sure the straps are in one of the upper 3 harness spots.
• The straps have to be at shoulder height or above, whichever is closest to your child’s shoulders.
• Make sure the splitter plate is attached to the bottom of the harness strap in the child position.
• Place the car seat in the vehicle facing forward.
• Lift the seat pad up.
• Route the lower anchor connector through each side of the forward-facing belt path.
• Make sure the belt lies flat without any twisting.
• Locate your vehicle’s anchor bars.
• Attach the right hook to the right anchor bar and the left hook to the left anchor bar.
• Double check that the latches are secure by pulling really hard on them.
• Use all of your weight to push the car seat into the vehicle seat.
• Pull on the lower anchor connector strap as tight as you can.
• Double check that the car seat does not wiggle front to back or side to side.
• Connect the tether hook to the vehicle tether anchor.
• Pull the strap and tighten securely.

Installation with Seat Belt

• Make sure the recline is in the upright position.
• Make sure the straps are in one of the upper 3 harness spots.
• The straps have to be at shoulder height or above, whichever is closest to your child’s shoulders.
• Make sure the splitter plate is attached to the bottom of the harness strap in the child position.
• Place the car seat in the vehicle facing forward.
• Lift the seat pad up.
• Route the seat belt through each side of the forward-facing belt path.
• Make sure the belt lies flat without any twisting.
• Fasten the seat belt.
• Install locking clip if necessary.
• Use all of your weight to push the car seat into the vehicle seat.
• Pull on the seat belt as tight as you can.
• Double check that the car seat does not wiggle front to back or side to side.
• Connect the tether hook to the vehicle tether anchor.
• Pull the strap and tighten securely.

How to Install the SureRide DLX Rear Facing

Always follow the instruction manual that comes with your car seat for installation instructions

Installation with LATCH System

• Adjust the car seat to the recline position.
• Put the car seat in the vehicle facing the vehicle seat.
• Adjust the car seat so that the level arrow is level with the ground.
• Double check that both harness straps are installed on the splitter plate (back of the car seat).
• Take the seat pad off the front of the car seat.
• Route the lower anchor connector strap and hook through the rear facing belt paths.
• Double check that the lower anchor connector strap is in front of the crotch strap.
• Also check that the strap lies flat and not twisted.
• Reconnect the seat pad to the front of the car seat.
• Make sure that the harness straps are in one of the bottom three slots.
• The strap must start at shoulder height or lower, whatever is closest to your child’s shoulder height.
• Find your vehicle’s lower anchor bars.
• Attach the right lower hook to the right anchor bar and the left hook to the left anchor bar.
• Double check that the latches are secure by pulling hard on them.
• Using all of your weight push the car seat into the vehicle seat.
• Pull on the lower anchor connector as tight as you can.
• Check to make sure that the car seat can not wiggle side to side or front to back.

Installation with Seat Belt

• Adjust the car seat to the recline position.
• Put the car seat in the vehicle facing the vehicle seat.
• Adjust the car seat so that the level arrow is level with the ground.
• Double check that both harness straps are installed on the splitter plate (back of the car seat).
• Take the seat pad off the front of the car seat.
• Route the vehicle seat belt through the rear-facing belt path.
• Continue through the opposite opening of the car seat.
• Make sure the seat belt is in front of the crotch strap.
• Also make sure that it lies flat without any twisting.
• Fasten the seat belt.
• Reconnect the seat pad to the front of the car seat.
• Install locking clip if necessary.
• Using all of your weight push the car seat into the vehicle seat.
• Pull on the seat belt as tight as you can.
• Check to make sure that the car seat can not wiggle side to side or front to back.

It’s also important to note that the long harness has 2 sets of loops on the ends. It can be shortened for infants or small babies. For babies up to 10 pounds, the buckle can be shortened by threading it from the rear slot to the front slot.

Airplane installation

Always follow the instruction manual that comes with your car seat for installation instructions

Rear-facing Airplane Installation

• Adjust the car seat to the recline position.
• Put the car seat in the airplane seat facing the airplane seat back.
• Adjust the car seat so that the level arrow is level with the ground.
• Double check that both harness straps are installed on the splitter plate (back of the car seat).
• Take the seat pad off the front of the car seat.
• Route the airplane seat belt through the rear-facing belt path.
• Continue through the opposite opening of the car seat.
• Make sure the seat belt is in front of the crotch strap.
• Also make sure that it lies flat without any twisting.
• Fasten the seat belt.
• Route the excess strap back through the rear facing belt path.
• Using all of your weight push the car seat into the airplane seat.
• Pull on the airplane seat belt as tight as you can.
• Check to make sure that the car seat can not wiggle side to side or front to back.
• Reattach the seat pad.

Forward-facing Airplane Installation

• Adjust the car seat to the upright position.
• Put the car seat in the airplane seat facing forward.
• Adjust the car seat so that the level arrow is level with the ground.
• Double check that both harness straps are installed on the splitter plate (back of the car seat) to child.
• Take the seat pad off the front of the car seat.
• Route the airplane seat belt through the forward-facing belt path.
• Continue through the opposite opening of the car seat.
• Make sure that it lies flat without any twisting.
• Fasten the seat belt.
• Route the excess strap back through the forward facing belt path.
• Using all of your weight push the car seat into the airplane seat.
• Pull on the airplane seat belt as tight as you can.
• Check to make sure that the car seat can not wiggle side to side or front to back.
• Reattach the seat pad.

As a side note, the Evenflo SureRide DLX does not recline all the way on airplane seat. Be careful if you do need it to do that. It would be unsafe for newborn that cannot hold their head up. Also, the car seat does not fit through the x-ray machine so make sure you leave enough time to go through security the old fashioned way.

What Colors and Fabrics Does the SureRide DLX Come In?

The Evenflo SureRide DLX has a nice selection of colors. It comes in: Bishop (a grey, white, and black combination), Nicole (light pink and black leopard print), Paxton (black and light grey with grey pattern), Sugar Plum (plum and black and white pattern), and Windsor (black with light grey texture).

Do Kids and Moms Like It?

We gave the car seat to a few moms and grandmoms as a gift and asked for their honest opinion. Here is what they said:

Donna Blalock from Summerville, GA:

If you’re in need of a car seat, I can’t wait to tell you about the Evenflo SureRide DLX because I couldn’t be more pleased!

Around 6 months old, my grandson really started hating his infant car seat because he couldn’t sit up and look out the window. As he has grown, I felt the infant seat didn’t really offer him enough protection or enough room and wanted to find something bigger.

The Evenflo SureRide DXL is well constructed and provides a safe seat for my grandchild. The seat is rear facing and forward facing for when the my grandson reaches the intended weight, age, and height requirements.

The most important thing about this car seat is that it has superior safety ratings! This is what I look at first when looking for a seat to protect my little grandson.

There is actually no assembly involved with this seat. When you open the box, the seat comes out fully assembled.

This seat is very solid and secure. It was easy to put into our car. Installing was pretty easy with both LATCH and seat belt. I had heard complaints about the latches on this seat but I didn’t have a problem.

It’s lightweight, the straps are easy to adjust and our little man, and seems to be a very comfortable seat. He’s usually asleep within 15 minutes into our driving time.

I love that its adjustable as they grow and it can face backwards or forwards! It’s great knowing as he gets bigger, he can use the same car seat.

I was impressed with the quality of the material. It is very soft and has held up well so far. It is well padded and my grandson looks very comfortable. This is one of the most padded car seats I’ve seen!

The gray and black color allows the seat blend in without clashing with the car’s interior.

This seat is very easy to get my grandson in and out of compared to the others that we have tried. It’s also very easy to adjust the harness and tighten once he is strapped in which has been a problem for me with other seats.

I definitely see it lasting not only for my grandson, but also for another child when he outgrows it.

My grandson is 7 months old so he’s still rear facing. He looks so comfortable and he sits like a little prince in this car seat. Like he is snuggled up in a comfortable recliner, he is loving it!

The side impact protection is a little bulky but is very comfortable without blocking his view.

I do like the size and feel of this car seat, and my grandson seems to like it too. There’s plenty of padding for my sweet baby. Keeps him snug and secure, which is so important to me.

I feel safe putting him in this seat. You can tell he just woke up after a ride.

Samantha Cooper from Unionville, VA:

This is a great seat for the money spent, especially for a large infant.

The issue we have run into with having a larger infant (born weighing barely 6 lbs and now at 9 months old weighing over 25) is that our son needed a bigger seat that differed from the traditional carrier style seat that most infants use.

Our son loves the comfort of this seat and we love the ease of installation.

This is a great secondary seat especially for Grandparents who need a way to transport their precious cargo. We love the simplicity while still being safe.

Brittany Millsaps from Mount Juliet Tennessee

I used the Evenflo SureRide DLX car seat with my 23 month old.

I love that it came fully assembled and took me less than 10 minutes to install it. It is a convertible car seat which is great because my son is currently transitioning from rear facing to forward facing.

I would definitely say that it is a good car seat at a reasonable price.

My son seemed to be comfortable riding in it and still has plenty of room to grow before outgrowing it.

If you are looking for a good carseat that is budget friendly I would recommend this one.

Mary Ware from Mashpee Massachusetts:

The Evenflo SureRide DLX is a quality seat for an affordable price.

While it does not have the same features as more expensive convertible car seat options, it is functional, washable, and provides a safe space, comfortable space for newborns through young children, thanks to the 6 safety harness slots.

It comes with a removable head and body pillow and an attachable cup holder.

It is a great option for families looking for a car seat for a second car, or if they have tall children. My daughter is close to outgrowing some convertible car seats at only 2 years old, but the Evenflo SureRide features a very tall seat back and can accommodate children up to 54” in the forward-facing position (up to 40” rear-facing).

However, this seat height does cause some issues, and will not fit in all car models. We, unfortunately, are unable to use it in the rear-facing mode due to it only having one recline setting (which is a deep recline suitable for newborns) as the seat does not fit comfortably in the backseat of our car.

Once we are ready to do forward-facing, however, it will be a great option for our second car and is easy to install. I would love to see this seat with multiple recline options to allow for older infants and toddlers to sit more upright and stay rear-facing longer.

Overall it is a good, budget-friendly option that provides safety and security for families—just as long as the size and style work for them and their cars!

The Bottom Line

Although this car is not the best convertible car seat that you can find, I think this is a really good secondary car seat.

The Evenflo SureRide DLX is inexpensive, lightweight, and perfect for travel. It has all the safety standards you want while not breaking the bank. I would highly recommend this for an on the go family or those who want an extra car seat.

Click Here to Check Today’s Price of the Evenflo SureRide DLX on Amazon