Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Review

Looks Great | Standard Safety Features | Very Comfortable

Differing from the Pria 85 Max in only a few ways, the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is not newborn compatible (14 pounds and up only), does not have moisture wicking fabrics (making it less ideal in hot climates), and has a different, but also perfectly fine, chest clip. Everything else is the more or less the same.

Things We Love

Great Looking: The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is a modern, great-looking seat, especially in Night Black and Nomad Sand.
Forward-Facing Until 85 Pounds (But Only 52 Inches): This is one of the higher forward-facing five-point harness weight limits out there, but know that most kiddos will hit the car seat’s height limit of 52 inches long before they hit that 85 pound limit.
No-Rethread Harness: The height adjustable headrest automatically positions the harness into the correct spot. It is a little jankier than the headrest on the Pria 85 Max, but significantly nicer than the headrest on the Pria 70.
Easy Install: The install is uncomplicated and straightforward.
Easy Recline: The Pria 85 has push-button recline.
Washable Cover… But Beware: The Pria 85 cover can easily be removed and washed, but beware! The color can fade. For best results wash in cold water and hang to dry.

Things We Don't Love As Much

Not Newborn Compatible: The Pria 85 is for babies 14-85 pounds and does not accommodate newborns.
Difficult-to-Tighten and Loosen Harness: For whatever reason, the Pria 85 harness tends to be a bit sticky and difficult to tighten. Since you have to tighten your kid's harness every time they're in the seat, this could be a deal breaker. Maxi Cosi recommends pulling the straps from the back of the seat to tighten and loosen to prevent snags.
Standard Safety: The Pria 85 has pretty standard safety features, including Air Protect side impact protection and multi-directional energy management, but nothing fancier than that. Maxi Cosi is a brand known more for its good looks and cushy feel than its stellar safety features.
Standard Rear-Facing Weight Limit: The Pria 85 is designed for rear-facing until 40 pounds, which most kids hit sometime between ages three and five.
Too Wide for Three Across: If you need to fit three carseats in your backseat, Maxi Cosi convertible car seats are not for you.
Medium Weight: At 23.8 pounds, the Pria 85 is neither tremendously heavy nor wonderfully light. Regardless, it is not a car seat you want to be moving from car to car with any sort of frequency. Most people rarely move their convertible car seats from car to car, so weight is really not much of an issue.