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Car seats are just one of those things that parents labor over. And it makes sense—there’s nothing you want more than to keep your little one safe and there’s nowhere safety matters more than in the back seat of your car.
But there are so many new car seats on the market, not to mention multiple types of car seats: infant car seats, convertible car seats and booster car seats. There’s even a new crop of rotating car seats, like the Nuna REVV. So how do you narrow it down to the BEST one when you have so many questions about car seats in general?
Even though these types of seats aren’t compatible with strollers like the Bugaboo Donkey, the Cybex Gazelle, or the Nuna MIXX, many families love the flexibility convertible car seats provide when it’s time to change seats. And top-rated brands like Nuna are a good place to start.
To help you weed through all the car seat reviews out there, our gear experts tested, reviewed and compared the Nuna RAVA vs. Nuna EXEC infant car seats. Here’s what they had to say.
Main Differences Between the Nuna RAVA and Nuna EXEC
If you want to bypass an infant seat like the Nuna PIPA and go right to a convertible car seat, the Nuna RAVA and the Nuna Exec are both high-end, high-quality options by a well-respected brand of baby gear. But the biggest difference between the Nuna RAVA and the Nuna EXEC is the usable lifespan.
The Nuna RAVA is a true convertible car seat, which means, while it can be used rear facing or forward-facing, it can only be used until your little one reaches the forward-facing height limit or weight limit (whichever comes first). This usually happens around your little one’s fourth birthday.
The Nuna EXEC, on the other hand, is an all-in-one car seat, which means it can be used as a booster car seat once your little one has exceeded the forward-facing height limit or weight limit. Kids can sit in this chair well into their tween years, since the weight limit is an impressive 120 pounds and the height limit an equally impressive 57 inches.
The Nuna RAVA: Pros & Cons
Retail Price: $550
Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $315
Weight: 27.2 pounds
Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 25 inches
Child Height Limit: 49 inches or less
Rear Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds
Forward Facing Weight Limit: Up to 65 pounds
The Nuna RAVA is a true convertible car seat, which means it can be used one of two ways: Use it rear-facing for infants 5 to 50 pounds (essentially from birth) or use it for babies and toddlers forward-facing from 25 to 60 pounds after your little one is at least two years old or has exceeded either the rear-facing height limit or weight limits (whatever comes first).
The Nuna RAVA is also just about as safe as you can get. While it doesn’t have an anti-rebound bar, it exceeds federal safety guidelines. The convertible car seat is flame-retardant-free, has a full steel frame and is equipped with energy-absorbing foam and SIP pods to improve side impact protection and functionality.
The convertible car seat also has a number of convenient functionality, features and accessories to write home about. It has an integrated car seat base, a 2-inch extendable footrest to give your little one more leg room and a no-rethread harness complete with buckle keepers on each side to hold the straps in place while you get your little one situated. The Nuna RAVA also comes in an impressive array of nine colors.
Another important claim to fame: The Nuna RAVA is an inch narrower than the Nuna EXEC, so it fits better in small cars and is more suitable for families who need to sit three car seats, whether infant car seats or convertible car seats, in one row.
Best for: Families who need a narrow car seat or like the flexibility of choosing a new car seat based on their little one’s specific stage of growth.
Pros:
- Less expensive Narrower to better fit in smaller cars or situate three across
- Comes in 9 colors (granite and black are the most popular)
- Exceeds safety standards
Cons:
- Smaller leg rest Shorter lifespan, since it doesn’t turn into a booster car seat
- No anti-rebound bar
- Fewer compatible accessories
Nuna EXEC: Pros & Cons
Retail Price: $750
Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $535
Weight: 26.6 pounds
Dimensions: 22.5 x 18.5 x H 26 inches
Child Height Limit: 49 inches or less (57 inches in booster mode)
Rear Facing Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds
Forward Facing Weight Limit: Up to 65 pounds
Booster Weight Limit: 120 pounds
The Nuna EXEC is also a convertible car seat, but is considered an all-in-one car seat, which means it can be used one of three ways (instead of just two): rear-facing from birth to 50 pounds (this is considered extended rear-facing), forward-facing once the little one exceeds the rear-facing height limit or weight limits or as a booster car seat after your ever-growing toddler exceeds forward-facing height limits or weight limits.
This makes the Nuna EXEC an exceptionally versatile seat. Thanks to the booster mode and 12 head support positions, your child will, theoretically, never need anything else. They could easily use this convertible car seat from birth all the way through to their tween years when a regular vehicle seatbelt is safe to use rather than move to another like the Nuna AACE booster car seat.
Like the Nuna RAVA, the Nuna EXEC exceeds federal safety guidelines. It has all of the same attributes—a steel frame and improved side impact protection—plus an additional feature parents find comfort in: an anti-rebound bar that minimizes movement upon impact.
Overall, the Nuna EXEC edges out in features and accessories. It may only come in six colors, but it has both the dual flip-open cup holders and travel bag, plus a merino wool infant insert, a quilted leg rest slipcover and an additional GOTS-certified organic cotton infant insert with harness covers. The footrest is also a half-inch larger for your little one’s comfort.
Just note: You’ll pay the price for all of the above—the Nuna EXEC is about $200 more expensive than the Nuna RAVA, making it one of the priciest convertible car seats on the market.
Best for: Families who don’t mind splurging on a luxe car seat that’s likely to last a full decade.
Pros:
- Operates in three modes to grow with your little one
- Has additional safety features like an anti-rebound bar for stabilization
- Added safety features and compatible accessories for improved comfort and convenience
- Has a very long usable life
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Only comes in 6 colors
Nuna RAVA vs. Nuna EXEC: Specs & Comparison Chart
Nuna RAVA
Nuna EXEC
Retail Price
Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price
Weight
27.2 pounds
26.6 pounds
Dimensions
16 x 19 x 25 inches
22.5 x 18.5 x H 26 inches
Child Height Limit:
49 inches or less
49 inches or less
Child Rear Facing Age & Weight Limit:
5-50 lbs up to at least 2 years old
5-50 lbs up to at least 2 years old
Child Forward Facing Age & Weight Limit:
25-65 lbs 2+ years old
25-65 lbs 2+ years old
Booster Seat Age & Weight Limit:
N/A
40-120 pounds, 38-57 inches, 4+ years old
Product Use:
Convertible only
All-in-one
Recline Positions:
10 (5 rear-facing, 5 forward-facing)
8 (4 rear-facing, 4 forward-facing)
Installation:
True Tension Doors and LATCH
True Tension Doors and LATCH
Headrest Positions:
10
12
Safety Features:
Energy absorbing foam and SIP pods
Flame retardant-free
Energy absorbing foam and SIP pods
Anti-rebound bar Flame retardant-free
Colors Available:
9
6
Expiration:
10 years
10 years
Material:
Machine-washable
Machine-washable
Travel:
FAA aircraft-certified (when used with the harness system)
FAA aircraft-certified (when used with the harness system)
Price Comparison
Compared to other convertible car seats on the market, both the Nuna RAVA and the Nuna EXEC are considered expensive. But because the Nuna EXEC is an all-in-one car seat, it’s the more expensive of the two—it’s approximately $200 more than the Nuna RAVA. That said, if you opt for the Nuna EXEC, you may save money in the long run. Theoretically, you’ll never have to purchase another new car seat again.
Winner: The Nuna RAVA
Weight & Dimensions Comparison
Overall, the Nuna EXEC is slightly larger than the Nuna RAVA to accommodate larger, older toddlers once they’re ready to transition to the booster car seat functionality. The Nuna EXEC is both a few inches longer and higher. However, if you have a small car or have to squeeze three car seats into one row, it’s important to note the Nuna RAVA is one inch slimmer.
Winner: The Nuna RAVA
Height & Weight Limits Comparison
Both the Nuna EXEC and the Nuna RAVA have the same height and weight limits. Your little one can sit rear-facing in both seats until 50 pounds; forward-facing until 65 pounds. Both seats require your little one to move onto a booster seat when they reach 49 inches tall. But it’s not quite a tie, since the Nuna EXEC is an all-in-one car seat that can be used in booster mode until 100 pounds or 57 inches—whatever comes first. This should take your little one well past the age of four.
Winner: The Nuna EXEC
Product Use & Lifetime
As previously mentioned, the Nuna RAVA is strictly a convertible car seat, whereas the Nuna EXEC is an all-in-one car seat that can be used as a booster car seat once your little one has exceeded forward-facing height limit and weight limit. If you only want to buy one new car seat over the course of your little one’s lifetime, the Nuna EXEC is for you.
Winner: The Nuna EXEC
Recline & Headrest Positions
Despite the fact that the Nuna EXEC is a more versatile car seat overall, the Nuna RAVA has more options when it comes to recline positions. The Nuna RAVA has 12 recline positions, while the Nuna EXEC has 10. When it comes to headrest positions, the Nuna EXEC takes the lead—it has 12 headrest positions, while the Nuna RAVA has 10.
Winner: Tie
Safety Comparison
Before we get into the details, it’s important to note that both the Nuna RAVA and the Nuna EXEC exceed federal safety standards. In plain English, this means that these convertible car seats don’t just have the basic features to render them safe for use—they have additional safety features that make them exceptionally safe choices for your precious cargo.
Both seats are flame retardant-free and have full steel frames and energy-absorbing foam and SIP pods that provide better side impact protection. The Nuna EXEC has one additional safety feature: an anti-rebound bar, an accessory that helps stabilize the seat in the event of a car accident.
Winner: Nuna EXEC
Features & Accessories
Both seats have plenty of convenient safety features and accessories, including a built-in base, quick and easy installation via a latch or tension system, a no-rethread harness (this allows you to adjust the straps without unhooking everything), a wide range of recline and headrest positions, dual flip-open cup holders and a compatible travel bag.
The Nuna EXEC all-in-one car seat has a few more enviable options, including a merino wool infant insert, a quilted leg rest slipcover, an additional GOTS-certified organic cotton infant insert and harness covers, plus a half-inch larger extendable footrest to give older kids more leg room en route.
Winner: Nuna EXEC
Installation
Both seats can be installed one of two ways: with the LATCH system or via seat belt installation (by threading a vehicle seatbelt through the chair’s true tension doors, aka the belt path).
Just note: Proper installation is vital for your little one’s safety, so always consult both the car seat manual and your vehicle’s manual before installing your seat of choice.
Winner: Tie
The Bottom Line: The Nuna EXEC vs. The Nuna RAVA, Which is Better?
At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with either seat, especially from a safety feature perspective. Both the Nuna RAVA and the Nuna EXEC are exceptionally safe, well-made convertible car seats.
But if you’re paying close attention, you’ll see that the Nuna EXEC edges out the Nuna RAVA in most areas.
Namely, it has a longer usable lifespan and has more compatible features, functionality and accessories. It’s perfect for the family who wants a luxe option that will last from birth all the way through the booster seat phase.
That said, there are two big reasons parents might gravitate toward the Nuna RAVA. Importantly, it’s a slimmer seat—crucial if you have a small car or need to sit three seats in a row. The Nuna RAVA also comes in nine colors as opposed to six. Plus, some parents like the option of swapping out their little one’s car seat to suit each specific stage of growth, especially if there are younger siblings to jump into whatever car seat the older one has outgrown.
Further Reading
Interested in more product comparisons? Check out our guide to Britax car seats or our comparison of the popular Nuna TRVL and TRV strollers.
About the Author, Brigitt Earley
GoodBuy Gear Contributing Writer
Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer and editor based in New Jersey. She currently works for a wide variety of women's lifestyle publications including What to Expect, BabyCenter, Good Housekeeping, and more. Her previous experience includes more than 8 years at RealSimple.com, most recently as deputy editor. Brigitt is no stranger to baby gear, either. She has four kids, including a set of twins, born within 3.5 years of one another.
