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Britax is arguably one of the premier car seat brands, so naturally, you can’t help but look at all of the best and not so great aspects of the Britax Boulevard vs Marathon. Since they’re both one of the best car seats of the Britax family, it’s not all that surprising that they both have a generally similar design and shape, but of course, there are going to be some distinct differences as well.
While both Britax seats can be transitioned from rear to forward-facing and as a whole they both accommodate children from 5-65 pounds; the Boulevard offers two layers of side impact protection to keep your child safe on the event of a crash (per extensive crash test scenarios).
Of course, the Marathon also has energy-absorbing deep foam-lined shell protection, but the security may, in fact, be a bit different and potentially not as thorough as that of the Boulevard. As far as the overall design of both car seats, the Boulevard is a great car seat with a bit roomier in height and may fit better in your backseat, when compared to the Marathon.
While both options are great, I much prefer the more cost effective Britax Boulevard. It just lasts longer (up to 65 pounds) which means you won't need to buy a second car seat for longer. There's also a few enhanced safety features.
Table of Contents
Main Differences Between Britax Boulevard vs Marathon
The main differences between Britax Boulevard vs Marathon are:
- Britax Boulevard has a second layer of side impact protection, whereas Britax Marathon has only one
- Britax Boulevard is available in 4 different patterns, whereas Britax Marathon only in two
- Britax Boulevard has more room for your child (13.7 inches), whereas Britax Marathon has 11.75
Bottom Line Up Front:
Both are designed to grow with your child, but the Marathon may be a little bit bulkier on the sides, even if it’s not dramatically so. Then again, the Marathon has thick and cushioned chest pads that are in the car seat to help prevent your child from moving forward too much during sudden stops, and you can’t compete that that small but effective feature.
Overall, when comparing the Britax Boulevard vs Marathon car seats, it’s easy to see where they share some of the same important features with each other. But because they’re still entirely separate car seats, it’s also important to be able to tell them apart and look at their strengths and weaknesses.
Britax Boulevard Overview
One of the most important things that were taken into account when designing the Britax Boulevard car seat was safety.
It has two layers of side impact protection, and on top of that, it has an energy-absorbing base. This means that if there’s a car accident, the base will compress to feel the brunt of the force rather than have your child feel it while in the car seat itself (maximum protection).
Since the frame is steel-reinforced, you can be sure that the design of the car seat will be strong enough to handle most accidents.
The installation of the Britax Boulevard is also designed to help give you peace of mind when it comes to your child’s safety, which is, of course, another big plus with this car seat. When you adjust your child’s harness, there is a clear clicking sound to let you know that you’ve positioned it correctly and that your child is securely buckled in.
Aside from the many enhanced safety features, though, there was also plenty of attention to comfort taken into account in the creation of the Boulevard. Since it’s meant to grow with your child from infancy to toddlerhood, there are 10 different positions for the height of the back of the seat, three different recline positions, and it has comfortable and plush foam padding.
Britax Boulevard Features
- Safety Features: It has multiple layers of side impact protection, a steel frame, an energy-absorbing base, and a V-shaped tether, which means that your child’s car seat is less likely to move during impact.
- Britax Boulevard Installation: The Boulevard has an easy-to-use latch anchors and connector system, which makes installing the car seat, whether it’s rear or forward facing configuration, a breeze.
- Britax Boulevard Weight Limit: In rear facing configuration, the car seat is suitable for babies from 5-40 pounds, and forward-facing height and weight limits from 20-65 pounds.
- Where To Buy the Britax Boulevard: You can find the car seat on Amazon or in-store at Buy Buy Baby.
Britax Boulevard Pros
- Not only is it easy to install, but the Britax Boulevard is also relatively easy to move in, and out of your backseat in case you need to use it in multiple cars.
- Installation is relatively easy, so you won’t be left with a hard-to-understand instruction booklet and hours spent trying to figure it all out.
- When you’re getting your child out of the car seat, there’s Velcro on either side of the car seat to hold the shoulder straps to the side and make it easier.
- There’s a lot of cushion and comfort, so your growing toddler will remain comfortable seat while in this car seat rather than feeling as though they’re growing out of it sooner rather than later.
Britax Boulevard Cons
- It gives plenty of peace of mind in terms of safety, but because of all of the reinforcements, the car seat I also exceptionally heavy.
- Unfortunately, there are no cup holders on this particular car seat.
- The buckle may feel too short and, therefore, uncomfortable as your child grows.
Britax Boulevard Installation Video
Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat Overview
Unsurprisingly, the Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seat is also all about safety and comfort. In this case, safety comes in the form of what’s called SafeCell Technology. With it in place, it can compress and lower the center of gravity with the car seat, meaning that your child is less likely to be propelled forward in the event of a car crash.
It also has side impact protection, which has energy-absorbing foam to keep your child’s body and child’s head that much safer while securely buckled in the car seat. Plus, the energy-absorbing versa-tether helps minimize the forward movement and also minimize the forward movement of the actual car seat if there’s a crash while your child is in the car seat.
The Marathon also has 10 positions for the adjustable headrest (head restraint), much like the Boulevard, to accommodate your growing toddler’s height, and there’s even a removable body pillow for younger or smaller babies who may need it early on to keep them safe and comfortable.
In order to properly install the car seat, there are easy-to-use latch connectors that are even easier to use with this particular car seat, and three different recline positions, which can make installation a lot easier in some cases. And, just in case you need further installation peace of mind, there are built-in lock-offs in the back of the car seat to ensure proper vehicle seat belt installation (and seat belt connectors) and keep the car seat as securely installed as possible.
Britax Marathon Features
- Extra Safety Features: For safety in the car seat, it has SafeCell Technology, side impact-absorbing protection, and an energy-absorbing tether in the back of the car seat to avoid forward motion of the seat during crash or impact.
- Britax Marathon Installation: The simple LATCH installation option has an audible click to keep it in place properly, or you can opt for the car’s seat belt installation in the back of the car seat.
- Britax Marathon Weight Limits: When rear-facing, the Marathon is designed for babies from 5-40 pounds, and 20-65 weight limits when used as a forward-facing car seat.
- Where To Buy the Britax Marathon: You can find it on Amazon or in-store at Walmart.
Britax Marathon Clicktight Pros
- Overall, the thick fabric and padding are still breathable enough, so your child isn’t likely to get too warm on long car rides.
- It’s relatively easy to take the car seat cover off for cleaning, which can be a lot better than pure on-the-spot cleaning while it’s still attached to the steel frame.
- Installation is simple, regardless of which option you choose.
- The safety is, as to be expected, virtually unparalleled, and offers plenty regarding full-body protection while your baby or toddler is securely buckled in the car seat.
Britax Marathon Clicktight Cons
- The quality of the fabric machine washable covers and liner isn’t as impressive as that of other car seats and can begin to come undone or unravel over time.
- It takes up a decent amount of room in the back seat of most cars, so it can be difficult to put more than one Marathon in your back seat.
- The straps around your baby’s thighs might be too tight or uncomfortable for some.
The Britax Marathon has two positions (rear-facing and forward-facing) and installing it is a breeze. The car seat is super comfortable for your baby and the memory foam in it will make every trip enjoyable and easy for both of you.
Britax Marathon Installation Video
Read our full guide on how to find the best convertible car seats here or see how Marathon compares to Advocate car seats here.
The Verdict: Britax Boulevard or Marathon?
The Britax Boulevard and Marathon are both excellent choices when looking at them for your growing child.
They can both be used for newborns and toddlers, which is a huge plus and one of the main qualities that some parents look for when choosing a car seat for their child. They both offer superior safety features that can’t be beaten by many other brands, and although the cost of either option may not be the most suitable for some parents, you get what you pay for. And with both of these, you get plenty.
Bottom Line: However, when it comes down to it, the overall more logical choice is going to be the Britax Boulevard available here
Thanks to the fact that it offers safety, easy installation, and affordability, you really can’t pass it up. Yes, the Marathon provides similar safety features, but with the Boulevard, you get a car seat that you likely won’t regret in the long run.
With either option, you’re going to get a car seat that can be used for literal years and comfort and safety as well, but with the Boulevard, you also get a more affordable price, which can make a key difference, and that’s partly where it becomes the stronger choice out of the two.
While both options are great, I much prefer the more cost effective Britax Boulevard. It just lasts longer (up to 65 pounds) which means you won't need to buy a second car seat for longer. There's also a few enhanced safety features.
Final Thoughts: Britax Boulevard or Marathon?
Again, it’s hard to ignore that with the Britax brand, most of the car seats are going to be fairly similar. In this case, that’s true, and when looking at the Boulevard vs Marathon, there are a ton of similarities. But for every identical, or close to identical, feature, there are a few that set them both apart from each other.
This is why the Boulevard is the superior option and why it’s probably best for you to go with that one, as opposed to the Marathon.
Honestly, either option is solid, since Britax has proven itself to be a stellar and trusted brand time and again, but in this instance, if you have to choose between the two, then it’s going to be the smartest move to go with the Boulevard. Because of its safety, cost, and longevity, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a car seat that can beat it.
FAQs
Question: How long should a child be in a 5 point harness?
Answer: It’s recommended that kids from 2 to 7 years remain in a rear-facing position in 5 point harness car seat before transferring them into a booster car seat. Here, of course, you should take into consideration your child’s height and watch out when he/she outgrows the seat.
Question: Is ClickTight better than LATCH?
Answer: Yes. The LATCH system has weight limits, whereas ClickTight does not have any limitations and makes it easier to install the seat in your vehicle in a minute.
Question: How long are Britax Boulevard car seats good for?
Answer: The Britax Carseat models are produced to last from 6 to 10 years. This time should be enough to take full advantage of this car seat.
