In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB is a top-ranking convertible car seat with a price to match its high overall score. This seat is the easiest to install, making it potentially safer than products that are challenging to install, as studies indicate that correct installation is key for preventing injuries in real-world crashes. It also has an easy-to-use headrest harness height adjustment and thick padding for a comfortable ride. This seat has one of the highest price tags in this review, so parents on a budget may want to look elsewhere. Plus, the Boulevard did not perform as well as the best car seats in the competition in crash testing, which is something parents may want to consider. However, the ridiculously easy installation and high-quality comfy design could be the deciding factors that make this ClickTight your seat of choice.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to install and use
Cozy comfort
Nice quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Average crash test results
We are linking to the Boulevard without the anti-rebound bar (ARB). If you want to create the same car seat we tested, you must purchase the Britax Anti Rebound Bar Accessory separately.
Editor's Note: This review now includes more information on the smaller tests within the test metrics that impact the overall score, so you can see a side-by-side comparison of some of the minutia. This review was updated on December 21, 2021.
Parents will love this easy to install, quality seat with nice features
Rear-facing up to 50 lbs and the best crash results are a bonus to this budget-friendly seat
Great lightweight seat with excellent crash test results that is very easy to use
Budget-friendly, easy to use option with better crash test results make it a standout
Somewhat better than the average option with nothing extraordinary to sing about
Rating Categories
Britax Boulevard Cl...
Graco Extend2Fit
Britax Emblem
Britax Allegiance
Graco SlimFit All-i...
Crash Test(35%)
5.5
8.5
8.0
8.0
6.0
Ease Of Install - LATCH(20%)
9.5
6.6
7.2
7.2
7.9
Ease Of Install - Belt(15%)
9.6
7.0
6.0
6.0
6.6
Ease Of Use(15%)
7.6
7.3
7.6
7.6
7.4
Comfort / Quality(10%)
8.6
5.8
7.4
6.8
5.8
Weight / Size(5%)
5.0
5.0
5.5
5.5
5.0
Specs
Britax Boulevard Cl...
Graco Extend2Fit
Britax Emblem
Britax Allegiance
Graco SlimFit All-i...
Crash Test HIC Score
289
214
218
186
320
Crash Test Chest G Clip
51
40
42
43
43
Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight
5 - 40 lbs
4 - 50 lbs
5 - 40 lbs
5 - 40 lbs
5 - 40 lbs
Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight
20 - 65 lbs
22 - 64 lbs
20 - 65 lbs
20 - 65 lbs
22 - 65 lbs
Max Rear Facing Passenger Height
Child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the head restraint
Child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the head restraint
Child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the head restraint
Child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the head restraint
40" and the child's head must be at least 1 in. below the top of the child restraint.
Max Forward Facing Passenger Height
49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the head restraint.
49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the seat shell.
49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the head restraint.
49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the head restraint.
49" and the child's ears must be below the top of the seat shell.
Measured Rear Facing Seat Weight
29.5 lbs
18.7 lbs
18.8 lbs
18.5 lbs
18.6 lbs
Measured Forward Facing Seat Weight
28.4 lbs
18.7 lbs
18.8 lbs
18.5 lbs
18.6 lbs
Width
18"
19.6"
18.9"
18.8"
19"
Recline Positions
7
4 Rear Facing
3 Forward Facing
1 Rear Facing
2 Forward Facing
1 Rear Facing
2 Forward Facing
4 Total
2 Rear Facing
2 Forward Facing
1 Booster
Max Recline Angle
51°
51°
42°
42°
°
Shoulder Harness Positions
14
10
10
10
10
Crotch Strap Positions
2
2
2
2
3
Built in Lock Off
ClickTight System
No
Yes
Yes
No
Anti-rebound Device
Yes
No
No
No
No
Head Support
Yes
No
No
No
No
Newborn Insert
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No Rethread Harness
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Onboard Manual Storage
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Level Indicator On Seat
Ball in Tube.
Ball in Tube.
Line on Decal
Line on Decal
Ball in Tube.
Foam Type
EPP
EPS
EPP
EPP
EPS
Seat Lifespan
10 yrs
7 yrs
7
7
10 yrs
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
1 Year
1 Year
1 Year
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
Britax is a 70-year-old European company that made its way to the US in 1996. In short order, the company became one of the country's most popular baby gear brands. The Britax company works to design baby products that improve family life and products include a variety of strollers and easier-to-install car seats] They also own the BOB stroller company, specializing in some of the best jogging strollers on the market.
Performance Comparison
The Boulevard offers EPP foam inserts in the headrest that the manufacturer claims helps protect baby in the event of a side impact collision.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Crash Test
In this review, the Britax Boulevard ClickTight earned an average score for crash tests. All of the seats in this review and sold in the US must meet or exceed Federal safety guidelines as defined in FMVSS 213, which means this seat is considered safe and performed better than some of the competition in an apples-to-apples comparison of results from identical test methods. The test methods BabyGearLab uses are identical to those used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a true side-by-side comparison of results.
In comparison, the Boulevard had G-force test results that were the fourth lowest for HIC sensors and the second-highest for the chest sensor, which hurt its overall rank compared to the competition. However, the HIC forces are far below the maximum allowable by over 710 points and below the maximum chest forces allowed by almost 10 points.
The comparison charts below show the sensor results of each seat for a side-by-side comparison that better details how each seat obtained its crash test analysis score in our review.
Higher Cost Doesn't Mean Safer
While the ClickTight seats are more expensive than the non-ClickTight Britax options, this does not mean they are safer. While we understand this assumption, results from crash testing indicate that the ClickTight models are not as safe as the less expensive Britax Emblem and Britax Allegiance seats. The ClickTight options are easier to install, but if you are looking for a quality seat with better crash test results, you'll need to look outside the ClickTight group.
The charts below show the test data from the test dummy sensors in the Boulevard (shown in black) and the test data for the seats in this review that have the lowest recorded G forces (shown in green) for comparison.
The G-force head sensor data for the Boulevard (in black) compared to the Essentials by Britax Allegiance (in green).
Credit: BabyGearLab, MGA Research
The G force chest sensor data for the Boulevard (shown in black) compared to the Clek Foonf (shown in green).
The honeycomb base on the Boulevard is designed to help absorb impact forces in the event of a crash.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Boulevard also has a honeycomb-shaped component at the bottom of the seat designed to absorb the impact of a crash. While it is hard to say that it does this, we like most additional safety features over the standard fare found in most car seats. The ARB version of the Boulevard also includes a removable anti-rebound bar for the rear-facing configuration of this product. This feature is designed to decrease the amount of seat rotation during an accident to prevent the baby from moving too much in the seat.
The LATCH clips on the Boulevard are the simpler version that is somewhat harder to remove than the push button type that mimics a seatbelt.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Install - LATCH
The Boulevard ClickTight has top-level performance for ease of installation using the LATCH system.
While this seat is known for its easy installation using the vehicle belt, it is just as easy to install using the LATCH hooks. The LATCH hooks are the clip style, making them more difficult to remove (you'll need to push them in and then turn them sideways to pull out), but they work well and are easy enough to use. The seat feels stable once installed, and the LATCH belt is easy to tighten and release, or at least not as difficult to release as some of the competition.
The recline angle adjustment handle is located on the foot of the seat base on the Boulevard and is easy to operate, but difficult to use when the seat is in a rear facing configuration.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The handle for recline adjustment is located near the seat's foot, as it is in the other Britax options we tested. The handle placement can make adjusting the angle difficult after installing the seat in the rear-facing direction. We recommend changing the recline before installation to avoid the hassle of loosening the straps to fit your hand in between the car seat and the vehicle seat.
Forward Facing vehicle seat belt installation using the shoulder belt for the Britax Boulevard ClickTight.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Install - Belt
Installation of the Boulevard using the vehicle belt is where this seat shines in the competition earning the highest result possible.
Pushing the seat bottom down over the belt will create a snug and secure installation for the Boulevard using the ClickTight system.
For forward facing installation on the Boulevard the belt path is on the back portion of the seat which is easily accessible after you lift the seat bottom.
These photos show the belt path for Boulevard in the rear-facing position (above left) and the front-facing position (above right).
The button on the front of the Boulevard seat bottom is used to open the seat bottom to access the belt path.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The ClickTight has a relatively unique belt installation method with a built-in lock-off/tensioner that is virtually foolproof and makes installing this seat the easiest option we tested by far. The method means there is no more fumbling around with the seat trying to get the belt tight enough or contorting yourself into the back of the seat to apply pressure to tighten the belt.
To install the ClickTight, you lift the seat bottom, thread the belt across the seat bottom, remove the slack (do not try to tighten), and then close the seat bottom by pushing it back down until it "clicks" (hence the name of ClickTight). This installation is so easy that we managed it entirely from outside the vehicle without the need for extra pressure on the seat. The seat is very stable and felt secure after every installation, and in every car we used for testing. Even threading the belt is easier than the competition because once you open the seat, the belt path is right there and easy to access with no need to feed the belt through small openings.
The boulevard has 7 recline positions and a level indicator that helps parents ensure that the seat is installed properly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Boulevard has an installation indicator that helps caregivers determine when the seat installation is at the right angle in relation to the vehicle seat (not recline angle).
The Boulevard harness release button is fairly deep inside and larger fingers may have difficulty with the opening and shorter fingers may struggle as well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Boulevard performance for ease of use is once again one of the highest scores in this metric (there seems to be a pattern here).
Ease of use impacts your day-to-day activities and happiness with a seat, making it one of the more important metrics to consider when choosing a product.
The buckle and chest clip on the Boulevard are easy enough to use, though not the easiest in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The Boulevard buckle isn't hard to use and works with one hand, but it is stiff and might be difficult for some people. The chest clip releases without putting your hand under it.
The Boulevard has an easy to adjust, non-rethread harness height adjustment that work smoothly and is easy to operate.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The harness on the Boulevard is a non-rethread option with 14 positions and moves smoothly after squeezing the handle to adjust the height. The harness can change heights with your baby in the seat, which is convenient and ensures it always fits properly. Tightening the harness uses the Britax "Click & Safe" harness tightening method, where you pull on the strap until it clicks, indicating the harness is tight enough. We suggest you still double-check the tightness with the pinch test, but we love that Britax is trying to innovate its products to make them easier for parents and safer for children. The strap slides in and out smoothly with little force required to tighten. Loosening the harness is done with a button located relatively deep under the seat cushion and behind a plastic bevel that prevents little fingers from touching it. The crotch strap has two positions that help ensure the right fit for most babies.
The tether and LATCH clips on the Boulevard all stow away in pockets with plastic covers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
LATCH Storage
The LATCH clips on the Boulevard store in small plastic cubbies on the back of the base, and the LATCH tether stores in a hard plastic pocket at the top of the seatback. Both storage compartments keep the connectors safely out of the way if necessary. The Boulevard user manual stores behind the seat back and padding. We think there is a chance the manual could get damaged in this location, but it isn't the worst spot in the group.
The Boulevard manual stows behind the seat back fabric against the shell.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Cover
The cover for the Boulevard is hand wash only and line dry. This washing method is a bummer given that some of the competition have machine washable covers. On the upside, this cover is relatively easy to remove and comes off in four pieces making removal quick and painless. Even though the cover tucks into the shell for a seamless look, it is still easy to put back on. Given that children can be messy, we think it is important that the covers are washable.
The Boulevard scored well for quality and comfort with a nice overall fit and finish that is sleek and polished looking.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort/Quality
This ClickTight seat excels in comfort and quality, offering additional padding, a padded headrest, and a thicker seat bottom.
The fabric on the Boulevard is nice. The seat bottom is dense and feels thicker and more comfortable than much of the competition. The fabric looks like it will wear well over time, and it fits snugly and tucks into the shell, so it looks relatively seamless.
The plastic shell on the Boulevard helps make the seat look sleek and keeps all the parts in their place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The shell on the Boulevard is almost fully contained. Given the lack of nooks and crannies or sharp edges, it looks like it will stay clean with a quick wipe and won't get hung up on anything. We like smooth seat backs as they are easier to clean and less likely to cause injury or damage to the vehicle. The Boulevard has Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), and we prefer this kind of foam to the more common Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). It is less brittle, doesn't off-gas, and is more environmentally friendly.
The seat bottom on the Boulevard is relatively smooth and doesn't appear as though it will damage the vehicle seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The fit and finish of this Britax are better than most of the competition. The bottom of the seat is smooth and fully covered with a rubber edge and raised lettering. It is unlikely to cause any damage to a vehicle seat or leave significant indent marks.
The Boulevard is the second heaviest seat in the group at 28 pounds 7 ounces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight
The Boulevard is heavy at 28 lbs 7 ounces; the anti-rebound bar gains 1.05 lbs in the rear-facing position only.
The lightest seat is just over 9 lbs, making it a better option for urban dwellers who may need to carry this seat from taxi to town. On the upside, the Boulevard is fairly narrow at 18 inches, with only four seats in this review measuring smaller.
Should You Buy the Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB?
If you are worried about installing your car seat correctly or struggle with car seat installation, then this is the seat for you. This seat earned top marks for all types of installation in every configuration, and we think Britax has created a seat almost anyone can install without fear. This is a top-ranking product and one we think most parents will love. If you love the Britax brand but are hoping to spend less, the Britax Emblem is an impressive seat with attributes any family will love for a price almost half that of the Boulevard.
What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?
While the Boulevard is an easy-to-install seat, it did not earn the highest crash test results in the group. So, if purchasing a seat with the absolute highest crash-test analysis is your objective, then you might want to consider the Graco Extend2Fit. This seat offers impressive results in our crash testing metric, and we love that it has a reasonable price. While crash test results are important, we remind you that proper installation is also a key factor in creating the safest riding environment for little ones. The Graco is slightly more challenging to install, but if you take your time or employ help from the experts, it could be just as secure as the Boulevard, making a seat that is installed correctly with better crash test scores a reality for your little one.
