ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2024
Searching for the ideal car seat to ensure your child's safety? We've summarised the outcomes from ADAC's rigorous test this year to assist you in selecting the perfect car seat.
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2024
Looking for the best car seat to keep your little one safe? We've translated the results of this year's rigorous ADAC test to help you decide your perfect car seat.
Are you in the market for a new car seat? Well, you're in luck! We've got the latest updates on car seat safety testing from ADAC. For those who may not be familiar, ADAC is Europe's largest automobile association which rigorously tests car seats, surpassing standard EU regulations. They conduct two rounds of testing each year- Spring and Autumn. Therefore, if a car seat receives a recommendation from ADAC, it's definitley something you should pay attention to.
ADAC's results are originally published in German, but do not fret because we've already taken care of that work for you. You won't have to struggle with the complexities of Google translate because we've summarised all of the essential information in English right here!
Which car seats are tested by ADAC?
ADAC does not test every car seat made, but rather they carefully select the seats based on their popularity and those with special features, such as swivel seats, for example. ADAC purchase these seats independently and keep their selection a secret until the release of the results, so you can rely on the results of the tests to be completely unbiased and uninfluenced by any manufacturers. These results are then released to various consumer groups throughout Europe such as Which? to help parents make informed choices in regard to their child’s safety.
How do ADAC test these car seats?
In general, all car seats made are now tested to ECE R129 (new regulation), however ADAC test their seats even more rigorously than these standards, so you, as a consumer, can see which car seats have really gone above and beyond to ensure your child’s safety.
The standard tests simulate collisions at 50km/h , where as ADAC tests frontal collisions at 64km/h and side collisions at 50km/h to really put the car seats through their paces. ADAC uses the chassis of a real car (VW Golf) for their testing, rather than a test-sled, to make it more accurate, and they also utilise advanced Q series test dummies which have far more sensors than the ones used in the regulation tests. These dummies are able to collect more data for optimal analysis of the tested seats.
In addition to testing the safety features, the car seat materials themselves are scrutinised to check that they don't contain any harmful substances.
The 3 main criteria for the tests are:
Safety (50%), Operations (40%) and Ergonomics (10%)
So, not only is the safety of the seat taken into account, but also the ease of use and fitting, how comfortable the seat is for the child and how accessible the user’s manual is etc, encouraging manufacturers, in turn, to focus on these aspects for your benefit.
What do the ratings mean?
The ratings are grouped into five categories, as pictured. As you can see, the lower the score, the better, so bear this in mind when shopping for your little one’s new car seat.
ADAC scores are a great indicator of the quality of the seat, although as mentioned before, not all seats are tested by ADAC. These tests are extremely scrutinous so if a seat doesn’t have an ADAC score, or if it isn’t within the top ADAC category, this does not mean that the seat is not safe.
ADAC'S Reflection on this Season's Testing
After each test, the ADAC includes their reflection on the findings and advice on what is the best step forward for the car seat industry.
This time, the ADAC critically tested 24 seats for safety, operation, ergonomics and pollutant content in its child seat test. All models were either classified as 'good' or 'satsfactory', but two models scored 'poor'. Two models failed the current child seat test as they were "contaminated with pollutants", whilst 15 seats received the ADAC rating of “good” and 7 received a “satisfactory” rating.
ADAC stated how child seats with an Isofix attachment usually offer the best safety and are easy to use. That's why almost all new child seat models that are approved according to the new UN ECE Reg 129 standard are equipped with it. This new i-Size approval standard is based on the size of the child instead of the weight.
The ADAC spoke about the soon to be banned sale of older child seats. As of September 2023, a ban of UN R44 Regulation gradually came into place in the EU, and stocks can only be sold in the EU up until the end of August 2024, however existing car seats can continue to be used without restrictions.
The old standard UN R44 Regulation still divides car seats by weight class compared to the new R129 Regulation is based on the height of the child.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the car seats from Spring 2024's ADAC testing for you to peruse, most of which are available at Baby & Co.
Keep scrolling for more information, and to hear what ADAC had to say about some of your favourite seats!
Spring 2024 Results
Nuna Pipa Urbn
Suitability: Birth to approx. 12 Months
1.6 - Good
Features:
- ISOFIX compatible
- Baseless install
- Ultralight at just 3.3kg
- Side impact protection
- Headrest's paintented Tailor tech™ memory foam
- Full Coverage UPF 50+ canopy
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 1.6
ADAC tested the Nuna Pipa Urbn and results showed that there was a very low risk of injury in a frontal crash and side crash and that the child and seat remained stable in the vehicle. The car seat was also praised for having good belt routing.
Service 1.6
ADAC concluded that the seat is very quick and easy to install, with simple operating instructions and warnings you can buckle your child in easily. With low risk of incorrect operation this is ideal for parents who worry about making a mistake with the installation, and thus putting their children at risk. They also described the seat as lightweight with no corncerns for the service of the Nuna Pipa Urbn.
Ergonomics 1.8
ADAC praised the leg support on the seat, as well as the cushioned padding of the seat.
They also found the seating position to be convenient for comfort- with plenty of room for the child to feel comfortable.
They praised the Nuna Pipa Urbn for its compact design, highlighting its suitability for even small cars due to its minimal space requirements.
They noted a weakness with this seat: it impairs the child's view of the outside.
We feel it’s worth noting that whilst this could be seen as a weakness, the side of the seat is larger in order to optimise its effectiveness in a side collision, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.
Additional notes
After testing the materials, ADAC found that there is little to no risk of pollutants within the fabrics and commended the seat for its good craftmenship. The cover is also easy to remove and is machine washable.
Cybex Cloud G & Base G
Suitability: Birth to 24 Months
1.8 - Good
Features:
- 180 degree rotation
- Ergonomic lie-flat position in or out of the car
- One click release system
- 14 position adjustable headrest
- All round air ventilation
- Linear Side Impact Protection
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 1.7
Results indicated that there was low risk of injury in a front crash and low risk of injury in a side crash.
The seat remained stable in vehicle with optimal belt routing.
Service 1.9
ADAC concluded that there is a very low risk of mis-installation with the Cybex Cloud G and Base , with instructions and warnings that are clear and easy to understand, making it easy to install the seat and buckle your child in easily.
Ergonomics 1.6
ADAC praised the leg rest of the product and seating position. They liked the fact it was compact but sufficient space for the child. They found the seat also had good padding. Their only criticism of this seat was that it impaired the view of the child to the outside
We believe it's important to mention that although this might be seen as a weakness, the larger side of the seat is designed to optimise effectiveness in a side collision, making it a matter of personal preference.
Additional notes
The materials used in the seat were concluded to contain very low pollution. Additionally, ADAC points out that it was crafted well and machine washable, however, the cover was difficult to remove.
Avionaut Cosmo & IQ Base 2.0
Suitability: From Birth to 24 months
2.0 - Good
Features:
- Light structure of 3.2kg
- Insert for an ergonomic position
- Impact protection
- Isofix compatible
- Versatile base to fit most cars.
- IQ 2.0 features soud signal to indicate when the seat is correctly fitted.
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 1.7
For the Avionaut Cosmo & IQ Base 2.0 car seat, the ADAC found that there was a very low risk of injury in a frontal crash and a low risk of injury in a side crash.
The ADAC also praised the seats belt routing and confirmed that the seat was very stable within the test vehicle.
Service 2.4
ADAC confirmed that there is a very low risk of operation misuse with the Avionaut Cosmo & IQ Base 2.0 car seat and applauded the ease in which the child can be buckled in, in addition to how simple the seat is to install and how straightforward the instructions are.
They also commended how lightweight the seat is, so this is definitely a must-have product for parents looking for a seat which can be interchanged between cars.
Ergonomics 2.2
ADAC highlighted that this product has a good leg rest, is soft and padded, it provides a good space for the child, placed in a convient seating position and gives great views out of window for the child when they are seated. ADAC applauded how little space the seat takes up, which is ideal for parents pressed for room in their vehicles. Their only complaint was that they felt it required an increase in space for the child.
Additional notes
The material tests on the Avionaut Cosmo and IQ Base 2.0 found that there was low pollution in the fabrics. The cover is machine washable so you can keep it nice and fresh for baby and the product has been crafted well. However, the ADAC claim that the cover was difficult to remove.
Avionaut Cosmo
Suitability: Birth to approx. 24 months
2.0 - Good
Features:
- Light structure of 3.2kg
- Insert for an ergonomic position
- Impact protection
- Isofix compatible
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 1.3
The Avionaut Cosmo received very good marks in safety- receiving a 1.3 means that there is a very low risk of injury in a front and side crash. There is a good belt routing and the car seat remained stable when in the vehicle.
Service 2.7
Results show that this seat is very user-friendly, with ADAC claiming that installing the seat is easy and it is easy to understand the instruction manual and warnings. ADAC have praised the Avionaut Cosmo for its lightweight structure and the ability to buckle in your child easily. Their only criticism was the slight increased risk of incorrect operation.
Ergonomics 2.1
According to the ADAC, the ergonomics of the Avionaut Cosmo were exceptional. The car seat has a good leg support, good padding, a convenient seat position, with there being a good view for the child to see outside of the window when seated. The car seat requires little need for space so this particular product is perfect for even smaller vehicles, while still providing the child with a good amount of space.
Additional notes
The Avionaut Cosmo has a very low pollution level scoring a 2.0 and is able to be machine washed. The ADAC also praised the good workmanship. It was stated that removing the cover is slightly complicated, however this is not a major issue.
Cybex Cloud G
Suitability: Birth to approx. 24 months
2.0 - Good
Features:
- One Handed Recline
- All Round Air Ventilation
- Linear Side-impact Protection (L.S.P.)
- 14 position adjustable headrest
- 180° rotation for effortless on and off-boarding when isofix base is used.
- XXL Sun Canopy with UPF50+ protection
- Travel system ready with compatible strollers and pushchairs
- Removable Newborn Inlay for safe travel with smaller babies
- Compatible with the ISOFIX Base G for secure installation
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 1.5
The ADAC tests showed us that the Cybex Cloud G passed with flying colours by having a very low risk of injury in a front crash and a low risk of injury in a side crash. The product also boasts optimum belt routing and the seat remained stable in vehicle.
Service 2.6
The ADAC test showed that the seat was easy to install with the instructions and warnings remaining clear and simple. The only negative feedback was that there is a slightly increased risk of incorrect operation and the buckling in of the child is a little bit complicated.
Ergonomics 1.5
ADAC praised the ergonomics of the Cybex Cloud G, complimenting the ‘very good’ leg rest, the ‘good’ padding, its very small space requirement and convenient seating position within the car itself and also commended that the child has a good amount of space
ADAC's only criticism was the view for the child to the outside was impaired.
Additional notes
ADAC noted that there was very low pollution within the materials used for the Cybex Cloud G. The covers are machine washable for convenience, however they did state that removing the covers was slightly complicated. But they praised the good workmanship of the product.
Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Pro 2
Suitability: 3.5 to 12 years
2.1 - Good
Features:
- i-Size Safety
- ISOFIX connectors with installation feedback
- Quick and easy to buckle up
- Grows with your child both in height and width
- Multiple recline positions
- 100% recycled fabrics
- G-CELL 2.0 Side Impact Protection
- ClimaFlow for temperature control
- AirProtect Safety Cushions
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 2.7
The ADAC stated in the RodiFix Pro 2 there is very low risk of injury in a side crash but an average risk of injury if there was a front crash. The belt routing is good and the seat remained stable in vehicle.
Service 1.5
The ADAC deemed the service of the Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Pro 2 as 'Very Good', with very low risk of incorrect operation with easy-to-understand operating instructions and warnings and easy instalation. They also commented on how the product is lightweight and the ease of buckling in your child.
Ergonomics 1.7
The ergonomics of this car seat were deemed as 'good' as it has good leg support, space for the child and it has an exemplary seating position. The RodiFix Pro2 requires a very small space in the car however still provides the child with a good amount of space, making it perfect for even parents with smaller cars. ADAC also commented on the good view the child gets of the outside. However, the ADAC state that the padding on the car seat was thin.
Additional notes
The pollution level is very low at 1.0 and overall it has good workmanship. The cover is easy to remove and can be machine washed, however removing the cover is a bit more complicated taking the processing and the cleaning to a good 2.2.
Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro 2 + Family Fix 360 Pro Base
Suitability: Birth to 24 months
2.2 - Good
Features:
- ClimaFlow System for air circulation
- SlideTech® base extension technology
- Easy-in harness
- Lay-flat positioning
- TÜV certification for use on airplanes
- G-CELL side impact protection system
- Eco-Friendly Eco Care Fabric
- ISOFIX Connectors
- One-hand flexispin
- Visual instilation indicators on base.
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 1.7
The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 & FamilyFix 360 Pro Base has good belt routing and there is a low risk of injury in a side crash and a very low risk in a frontal crash. The ADAC also found that the car seat is stable in the vehicle.
Service 2.8
Ergonomics 2.1
The car seat and base recieved good in ergonomics with its exemplary seating position for the child, good leg rest and a good amount of space. They also commented how the child had a good view to outside. However ADAC raised concerns about the thin padding and the requirement for an increase in space.
Additional notes
The ADAC found very low pollution levels and said how the seat is well made with its good workmanship. The cover is easy to clean and machine washable, however it is slightly difficult to remove.
Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro 2
Suitability: Birth to 24 months
2.2 - Good
Features:
- ClimaFlow System for air circulation
- Easy-in harness
- Lay-flat positioning
- TÜV certification for use on airplanes
- G-CELL side impact protection system
- Eco-Friendly Eco Care Fabric
- ISOFIX Connectors
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 1.5
The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 has good belt routing and there is a very low risk of injury in a side crash and frontal crash. The ADAC also found that the car seat is stable in the vehicle.
Service 2.8
This product received satisfactory in service. The instructions and warnings were easy to understande and there is an easy buckling in of your child, yet there was a slight risk of incorrect operation with the with the seat instalation being somewhat more complex and the car seat is heavy in weight.
Ergonomics 2.0
The car seat and base recieved good in ergonomics with its exemplary seating position for the child, very good leg rest and a good amount of space. They also commented how the child had a good view to outside. However ADAC raised concerns about the thin padding.
Additional notes
The ADAC found the Pebble 360 Pro 2 to score 'very good' for pollutants with very low pollution levels and said how the seat is well made with its good workmanship. The cover is easy to clean and machine washable, however it is slightly difficult to remove.
Cybex Sirona G i-Size
Suitability: 3 MONTHS to 4 yeARS
2.2 - Good
Features:
- Suitable from birth with newborn inlay
- Optimal breathability
- Side-protection
- 5 recline settings
- Grows with your child upto 4 years old
- Easy on-boarding, belt holders keep the seatbelt and harness straps out of the way.
- ISOFIX compatible
- Linear Side Impact Protection
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 2.1
The Cybex Sirona G i-Size has optimal belt routing and there is a low risk of injury in a side crash and frontal crash. The ADAC also found that the car seat is stable in the vehicle.
Service 2.3
This product received good in service. The instructions and warnings were easy to understand, creating easy seat installation and low risk of incorrect operation, yet the buckle in of the car seat is a bit complicated and ADAC described it as very heavy in weight.
Ergonomics 2.0
The car seat recieved good in ergonomics with its convenient seating position for the child, good padding and very good amount of space for the child. It was also described as compact with little need for car space, amking it a top product for parents with small cars. ADAC descibed the weaknesses being an impaired view for the child of the outside and not an optimal leg rest.
Additional notes
The ADAC found very low pollution levels scoring them a 1.0 for pollutatnts and said how the seat is well made with its good workmanship. The cover is easy to clean and machine washable, however it is slightly difficult to remove therefore scoring them a 2.2 for processing and cleaning.
Maxi-Cosi Mica 360 Pro
Suitability: Birth to 24 months
2.2 - Good
Features:
- Innovative SlideTech® technology
- 5 recline positions
- Easy-in harness
- G-CELL Side Impact Protection
- One-handed 360˚ FlexiSpin
- 5-point safety harness
- Integrated ISOFIX base
- Rear-facing from birth to 4 years
- EcoCare 100% recycled fabrics
- Eco-friendly production
- Machine washable
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 2.0
The Maxi-Cosi Pebble Mica 360 Pro has optimal belt routing and there is a low risk of injury in a side and frontal crash. The ADAC also found that the car seat is stable in the vehicle.
Service 2.4
This product received good in service. The instructions and warnings were easy to understand, creating low risk of incorrect operation and easy buckling in of your child, yet ADAC described it as very heavy in weight and the seat instalation more complex.
Ergonomics 2.0
The car seat recieved good in ergonomics with its convenient seating position for the child, good leg support and padding and a very good amount of space. They did however raise concerns about impaired view for the child and the requirement for an increase in space.
Additional notes
The ADAC found very low pollution levels and said how the seat is well made with its good workmanship. The cover is easy to clean and machine washable, however there were concerns regarding the difficulty of its removal.
Cybex Sirona G i-Size + Base G
Suitability: Birth to 4 years
2.3 - Good
Features:
-
- Suitable from birth with newborn inlay
- Optimal breathability
- Side-protection
- 5 recline settings
- Grows with your child upto 4 years old
- Easy on-boarding, belt holders keep the seatbelt and harness straps out of the way.
- ISOFIX compatible
- Linear Side Impact Protection
- Effortless instalation
- Base G accomodates Cloud G and Sirona G car seats.
- 360 degree rotation
What ADAC had to say:
Safety 2.1
The Cybex Sirona G i-Size + Base G was rated 'good' for safety as it has optimal belt routing and there is a low risk of injury in a side and frontal crash. The ADAC also found that the car seat is stable in the vehicle.
Service 2.5
This product received 'good' in service. The instructions and warnings were easy to understand, creating low risk of incorrect operation and the product is low in weight, yet ADAC described the seat instalation more complex along with difficulty of buckling in the child.
Ergonomics 2.0
The car seat and base recieved 'good' in ergonomics with its convenient seating position for the child, good padding and very good amount of space. They did however raise concerns about impaired view for the child, the requirement for an increase in space and the leg rest being insufficient.
Additional notes
The ADAC scored the Cybex Sirona G i-size + Base G 'Very Good' for pollution with a 1.0 and said how the seat is well made with its good workmanship. The cover is easy to clean and machine washable, however there were concerns regarding the difficulty of its removal.
And that's it for our selection of 2024's ADAC car seats! Hopefully you'll have seen something to tempt your interest. With such a selection spanning from birth right up until 12 years old, you may have even found two seats to last your little one! Which car seats have you got your eye on?
MORE ON THE BLOG
If you can't find your seat on the list fear not, all seats rated very good, good and satisfactory since 2015 can still be recommended.
Want to know which seats made it to previous year's ADAC tests? Check out our previous blog posts on ADAC:
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2021
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Summer 2019
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Summer 2018
Ready to start prepping for your new arrival? Check out our Newborn Buying Guide for our ultimate checklist of items to prepare before baby arrives.
MORE ON THE BLOG
If you can't find your seat on the list fear not, all seats rated very good, good and satisfactory since 2015 can still be recommended.
Want to know which seats made it to previous year's ADAC tests? Check out our previous blog posts on ADAC:
Have some of these products? Let us know how you like them on our socials or leave a review!
Are you wanting to stock up for the due date but hesitant to purchase due to current lack of space, having to manage a budget or just need more time to decide on the nursery room layout? We offer our customers a free of charge Nursery Plan to hold all your baby goods till you are ready to pay and collect. For more information about our free Nursery Plan service click here or visit us in store to chat to one of our friendly team members.
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