Britax Pioneer vs Frontier vs Britax Pinnacle (What Is The Best Boost Car Seat?)

Important Factors to Consider When Buying Best Booster Car Seat

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Photo credit: top10bestpro.com

Making the switch to any booster seat from the child-restraint version means what? That your kid has crossed the 40-pound weight limit! In that case, you should know how to choose the best booster car seat on the current market.

So what you see below are tips based on all the important factors involved in the process.

1. Weight Capacity

There’s no need to be hasty to make that switch. If your child doesn’t weigh as much as 40 pounds, you can keep using the child-restraint car seat. Even though he/she is four years old! In fact, the majority of booster seats have a higher limit of 80 pounds.

On the other hand, if your kid reaches that weight limit, it’s safe to switch to the booster as soon as possible. Even at the age of three.

2. High-Back vs Backless Design

The next thing to do is to choose between high-back and backless. The former performs better than the latter. When it comes positioning the shoulder properly. And that’s because high-backs come with routing guides for the shoulder belt. This makes it an ideal pick for cars without a backseat headrest.

As for backless booster seats, they are relatively cheaper in terms of price. And to make up for the absence of routing guides, these feature a clip to keep their shoulder belt in place. Such types of boosters are also packed with a better placement of the lap belt.

So it all depends on what features matter the most to you.

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Photo credit: babygearlab.com

3. Fit

The primary goal of buying a booster is so that it accommodates the normal seat belt. In short, the sole purpose is protection. With that in mind, it’s important to get a seat that fits well.

The seat’s lap belt goes across your child’s upper thigh. And not his/her abdomen region! Such a fit has the ability to absorb all impact across the pelvic bones. In the case of a car accident that is! At such times, your kid’s vulnerable stomach tissues are not subjected to any amount of force.

As for the belt of the shoulder, it should fit across the center of your child’s shoulder. Please make sure that it’s not falling off. At the same time, the belt shouldn’t be in close proximity to his/her neck.

4. Price

Not all costlier seats provide more protection. There are affordable options as well that rank as the best booster car seats. Hence, the debate between Britax Pioneer vs Frontier vs Britax Pinnacle.

Now it’s time to compare the three different Britax models. So I hope you go through each comparison section thoroughly. So you can pick the most suitable option for your precious little one.

Pioneer vs Frontier vs Pinnacle -Booster Car Seat Comparisons

13 Common Characteristics

Since all the models are manufactured by Britax, right? So they have a lot in common. This means it’s important to know the similarities as well as the differences. Let’s find out the former below.

So allow me to list down the common characteristics.

SafeCell Protection against impact. It’s a safety mechanism that includes three remarkable features. A steel-designed frame, impact-absorbent base, and exclusive V-shape tether.
Double-layered Side Protection against impact. This particular component is formed using a high energy-absorbent shell. It also consists of adjustable head protection to absorb impact. While also shielding your kid from severe collisions.
The 2-position, quick-adjust buckle. It has the ability to move outward in the easiest manner. This is incredibly useful as the child grows bigger. Such a feature is responsible for providing secure, comfortable fit.
Trusted for child safety and quality.
The armrest offers a comfortable and natural place for resting arms.
Color-coded belt guides for clear indication. This means you have access to the positioning and path of the belt in either booster or harness mode.
Easy transition between the two modes is possible. And that too without having to remove harness straps.
Quick, easy adjustments of the head restraint and shoulder height.
Comfort Foam padding for optimal cushioning.
The adjustable recline feature is located in the front.
Simple installation. Thanks to the Easy-Access paths for the belt.
High-quality LATCH connectors are included.
Aircraft Travel certified in the harness mode.

Now, it’s time to discuss the differences.

The Differences between Britax Frontier vs Pioneer

Weight Limit/Capacity

The first major difference between the two is the harness and booster mode.

Britax Frontier

Britax G1.1 Frontier Car Seat harness mode is perfect for 25-90 pounds.
The weight limitextends up to 90 pounds.
The Frontier booster mode accommodates 120 pounds.

So here too, Frontier has a higher capacity than Pioneer.

Britax Pioneer

The Britax Pioneer G1.1 Car Seat

harness mode is suitable for 25-70 pounds.

The weight limit extends up to 70 pounds.
Pioneer in booster mode offers weight capacity of 110 pounds.

LATCH Guidelines

Britax has made it clear that it’s safe to use the LATCH tethers when your child exceeds the 40-pound weight limit. You can continue using them even when he/she exceeds the maximum weight capacity.

Britax Frontier

That is 120 pounds in Frontier

Britax Pioneer

And 110 pounds in Pioneer.

But this is applicable only after re-installing the booster seat using the adult version of the seat belt. The top tethers can still remain in use since they aren’t affected by law changes.

Apart from weight limit, Britax offers other major differences as well. And in each scenario described below, Frontier provides the additional feature. While Pioneer doesn’t!

ClickTight Installation

Britax Frontier

Only Britax Frontier is packed with this particular component. What it does is simplify the task of securing the seat into the car. By using the vehicle’s seat belt. And not the LATCH lower anchors.

The working mechanism simultaneously locks and tensions the seat belt .

Britax Pioneer

This is something you don’t get with the Britax Pioneer

BRITAX ClickTight Installation System

Multi-Position Recline

Here’s another characteristic that Pioneer doesn’t offer; reclining in multiple positions.

Britax Frontier

The Britax Frontier allows you to

change the angle of the seat. To maximize the comfort factor!

Britax Pioneer

No such feature is included here.

Height Limit

Britax Frontier

Frontier provides more generous limits in the height department.

The Britax Frontier Car Seat

harness mode height limit is 30 to 58 inches (standing). And seated shoulder limit is 12.5 to 20.5 inches.

Britax Pioneer

Pioneer lacks in that regard. When it comes to both booster and harness modes!

The Britax Pioneer Car Seat harness mode height limit is 30 to 56 inches (standing). And seated shoulder limit is 12.5 to 19.5 inches.
Booster mode height limit is 45 to

60 inches, standing. And 15 to 22 inches, seated shoulder.

Additional Features

This is where Pioneer earns some extra points.

Britax Frontier

No notable additional features.

Britax Pioneer

It’s designed with integrated storage. That includes cup holders for drinks. Along with more space to store toys and snacks.
Pioneer also offers an easy-to-remove cover to make cleaning more convenient.

Price

In terms of price, the Britax Pioneer Car Seat is a more affordable option than the Frontier.

That’s because of the phenomenal ClickTight feature present in the latter. Not all inexpensive booster car seats are equipped with this extra feature. That’s responsible for added protection.

Britax Frontier

Britax Pioneer

IIHS Rating

There’s no debate between Britax Pioneer vs Frontier vs Britax Pinnacle as far as IIHS rating goes. All three models have a favorable rating. The kind that reassures every parent interested in buying Britax booster car seats!

But what does this mean? Let’s find out below!

The IIHS organization tests these types of car seats to ensure proper, safe fit. When used in all types of cars, including SUV and minivan!

A favorable rating is one that provides an optimal fit of the shoulder and lap belt. For children between the ages of 4 and 6 that is. Such a fit is essential when using booster seats. As it brings tons of safety into the picture!

So in that regard, all three Britax models score the highest marks.

The Differences between Britax Pinnacle vs Pioneer

Weight Limit/Capacity

Britax Pinnacle

The Britax Pinnacle G1.1 Car Seat harness mode range starts from 25 pounds and reaches 90 pounds.
The booster mode accommodates 120 pounds. This implies that Pinnacle has a higher capacity than Pioneer in both settings.

Britax Pioneer

Britax Pioneer G1.1 Car Seat harness mode range is 25-70 pounds.
The booster mode offers weight capacity of 110 pounds.

LATCH Guidelines

It’s safe to use LATCH tethers after your kid reaches the weight limit of this particular Britax model. They are okay to use even when he/she exceeds the maximum weight capacity.

Britax Pinnacle

That is 120 pounds in Pinnacle.

Britax Pioneer

And 110 pounds in Pioneer.

ClickTight Installation

Britax Pinnacle

Britax Pinnacle features the

ClickTight Installation component. Such an element allows you to secure the seat into the car in an easier manner.

All you have to do is use the vehicle’s seat belt. You can ditch the LATCH lower anchors at this point.

ClickTight performs two functions simultaneously. This includes locking and tensioning the seat belt at the same time.

Britax Pioneer

This is something you don’t get with the Britax Pioneer.

Side Impact Protection

Mentioned in the list of common features is layered side protection against impact. But there is a major difference in the design of this particular protection.

Britax Pinnacle

In the case of Britax Pinnacle Car Seat, you’ll find three layers of impact protection.
That means Pinnacle consists of an energy-absorbent shell and head protection. Along with impact-absorbent side cushions as well!
These side cushions minimize energy transfer drastically.

As much as 45 percent! So the chances of severe head injuries also get reduced to a great extent. (Child passenger safety)

But here’s a downside to such a feature.

The side cushions of the Pinnacle make the seat relatively wider. And this tends to complicate installation.

That is only if you want to seat three children in a single row of your standard vehicle!

Britax Pioneer

Pioneer offers only two layers.
Since the model includes just the shell and head protection, it’s not any wider than it should be.

So you’re better off with the Britax Pioneer Car Seat if you want to fit more than two seats in the same row.

Plus, the two layers also do an excellent job of absorbing impact. Along with shielding your kid from severe collisions!

Britax Side Impact Protection Explained

Multi-Position Recline

Here’s a characteristic that one offers and the other doesn’t. The former is the Pinnacle.

Britax Pinnacle

Britax Pinnacle enables multiple

seat adjustments. This is where superior comfort becomes a big part of the experience.

Britax Pioneer

Pioneer doesn’t provide such an advantage.

Height Limit

As is obvious, Pinnacle hands out better height limits for the booster and harness mode. So the Pioneer can be slightly disappointing in that aspect.

Britax Pinnacle

The Britax Pinnacle Car Seat

harness mode height limit is 30 to 58 inches (standing). And seated shoulder limit is 12.5 to 20.5 inches.

On the other hand, here’s the booster mode height limit.

Pinnacle is 45 to 62 inches, standing. And 15 to 23 inches, seated shoulder.

Britax Pioneer

The Britax Pioneer Car Seat harness mode height limit is 30 to 56 inches (standing). And seated shoulder limit is 12.5 to 19.5 inches.
And booster mode height limit is 45 to 60 inches, standing. And 15 to 22 inches, seated shoulder.

Additional Features

Pioneer knows how to make an impact here. It adds more convenience to the experience.

Britax Pinnacle

Pinnacle has no major additional features.

Britax Pioneer

The seat is supplied with integrated storage.

That means you have access to cup holders for drinks.

There’s additional space to store food items and toys as well.
Pioneer is also equipped with a removable cover. So you don’t need to make much of an effort to clean the seat.

Price

Once again, the Britax Pioneer Car Seat is a more affordable pick. The price of Pinnacle is higher because it hands out added protection. Provided by two unique features! These include ClickTight and triple-layered side impact cushions.

Britax Pinnacle

Britax Pioneer

IIHS Rating

I have already discussed the IIHS rating of all three Britax models. So there’s no debate between Britax Pioneer vs Frontier vs Britax Pinnacle as far as IIHS rating goes. The Pioneer, Pinnacle, and Frontier have a favorable rating.

So that’s exactly what you should expect from both Pioneer and Pinnacle.

The Differences between Frontier vs Pinnacle

Even the Frontier and Pinnacle have a lot in common. In fact, they are the most alike to one another. With fewer differences in terms of design and performance!

So before I discuss these, it’s time to get to know the many similarities.

Layered Side Impact Protection. The component is built with the help of a high energy-absorbent shell. The other layer includes an adjustable head protection to absorb impact. While also shielding the kid from major blows.
SafeCell Protection against impact. This is a safety component made up of three unique features. A steel-designed frame, impact-absorbent base, and exclusive V-shape tether.
The 2-position, quick-adjust buckle. The feature expands outward as the child grows bigger. This enhances fit even further.
ClickTight Installation system. It makes room for simple yet strong setup. All you need to do is buckle that seat belt.
90-pound harness mode weight limit. And 120-pound booster mode weight limit.
Quick, effortless transition between modes. And you don’t have to remove harness straps for that.
Color-coded belt guides make way for clear indication. So you keep a check on the positioning and path of the belt when using the booster or harness mode.
Head restraint and shoulder height adjustments.
Harness mode height limit for standing and seated shoulder is 30 to 58 inches and 12.5 to 20.5 inches respectively. Booster mode height limit for standing and seated shoulder is 45 to 62 inches and 15 to 23 inches respectively.
Comfortable cushioning in the form of Comfort Foam.
Front-positioned adjustable recline feature.
Ergonomically designed armrest.
Easy-Access paths for the belt to make installation more convenient.
LATCH connectors of the highest quality.
Aircraft Travel certified harness mode.
Trusted for child safety and quality.

How to Install a Britax ClickTight Harness 2 Booster Car Seat?

Now, it’s time to discuss the very few differences between Britax Frontier vs Pinnacle.

Side Impact Protection

The only major difference is associated with the layered side protection against impact.

Britax Pinnacle

The Britax Pinnacle Car Seat

offers 3-layered impact protection.

The first is an energy-absorbent shell. The second is head protection. And the third is the impact-absorbent side cushions.
The cushions lower maximum energy transfer. To be more specific, it reduces the force by 45 percent! So the chances of potential head injuries also get minimized considerably.
But this comes at a price. The side cushions of this seat are comparatively wider. So installing it might get slightly tricky if you want to add 3 seats for your 3 children.

Britax Pioneer

Frontier consists of just two layers.
It includes only the shell and head protection. So its width is not anything like the Pinnacle.

The Britax Frontier sounds like a more suitable option for parents with more than one kid.

The layers, even though just two, don’t fail at absorbing impact. Along with providing a protective shield against accidents!