Cosco Finale
In this review, we talk about the features and functionalities of the Cosco Finale, a forward-facing car seat designed to accommodate children at various stages of growth. It has two modes: a 5-point harness mode and a belt-positioning booster mode. From its narrow design to its lightweight build, we explore how this seat measures up to the demands of modern families seeking convenience without compromising safety.
- You need to fit 3 kids in one row of a vehicle.
- You travel often.
- You have a vehicle with non-removable headrests.
- You have a tall child.
- You want this to be the last seat your child ever needs
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
Our Review of the
Cosco Finale
In this review, we talk about the features and functionalities of the Cosco Finale, a forward-facing car seat designed to accommodate children at various stages of growth. It has two modes: a 5-point harness mode and a belt-positioning booster mode. From its narrow design to its lightweight build, we explore how this seat measures up to the demands of modern families seeking convenience without compromising safety.
Our recommendation: 2 years+ until the seat is outgrown (5-6 years old)
A 2-in-1 car seat that can be used forward-facing and in high-back booster mode
Preferably after your child has outgrown their rear-facing convertible car seat, but it can be used from 2+ years
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
Lightweight
Weighting only 8 pounds, the Cosco Finale is one of the lightest car seats on the market. For parents using Uber/Lyft daily or who travel often, this can be a good option to consider!
Inexpensive
This is one of very few forward-facing only seats that are regularly under $100 at this time. As a seat that will last from age 2 to around 5-6. That’s great value for the price!
Seat is good for you if
You need to fit 3 kids in one row of a vehicle.
If you need to fit three car seats side by side in your vehicle, the Cosco Finale may be a good option for you! Measuring just 17 inches in width, it ranks among the narrowest car seats available in the market today.
You travel often.
If you are a parent who primarily uses rideshare services and/or taxis to get around but don’t have the budget for a Wayb Pico, this may be the seat for you! It weighs only 8 pounds, so it’s lighter than many other seats out on the market today. You can attach it to a travel cart like this one in order to easily transport it around the city while you go about your day.
Use caution if
You have a vehicle with non-removable headrests.
If your vehicle has non-removable headrests that tilt forward, we do not recommend that you buy the Cosco Finale. It may not be compatible with the vehicle. You can check this post for car seat options that do work with non-removable headrests.
You have a tall child.
The highest harness height is only 16.75″ tall, so if you have a child with a long torso, this is probably not the best seat for you. This is because you need the harness to be coming from at or above their shoulders. Many other seats in this category have harness heights that are above 18″.
You want this to be the last seat your child ever needs
We have found that this seat does not work well in booster mode. Kids usually do not get a safe belt fit. Therefore, you will need a booster once your child outgrows the harness mode of this seat.
Quirks to be aware of
Booster Mode
Although the seat has a shoulder belt guide, the manual says not to use it. It is unlikely that your child will get a good shoulder belt fit with this seat’s booster mode. We highly recommend buying a booster once the harness mode is outgrown.
Child Fit Information
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Cosco Finale is an FAA-approved car seat, so you can find a label with red lettering on one of the stickers that says so. At just 8 pounds, it is one of the lightest options available if you want a combination seat. If traveling internationally, you will need a locking clip in order to do a seat belt installation. Contact the car seat manufacturer for a free locking clip. We have a video here of how to use a locking clip.
For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our Wheels Up Course and private Facebook group.
Videos
SITS Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Cosco Finale offers a budget-friendly option for parents seeking a reliable car seat for their growing child. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for frequent travelers, while its narrow width can help facilitate three across in the back seat of many vehicles. However, caution is advised for those with non-removable headrests or higher-percentile children.
Similar Car Seats
Specifications
Cosco
Product Information
Weight: 8lbs
Width: 17"
Highest Harness Height: 16.75"
Rear Facing Limits
Forward-Facing Limits
Height: 32-49"
Weight: 30-65lbs
Head Height Rules: ears must be below the top of the headrest
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 50lbs
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
18.25″ (belt guide not supposed to be used on newer versions; does not give a good belt fit)
High Back Booster Limits
Height: 43-52"
Weight: 40-100lbs
Head Height Rules: ears must be below the top of the headrest
Other Important Details
Expiration Limit
10 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after a moderate or severe crash
Harness
rethread
Lock-off
no
Vehicle Seat Protector
This brand allows a thin towel between the child car seat and the vehicle seat.