In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Evenflo LiteMax DLX Review

Better crash test results make the overall poor ease of use an even bigger disappointment
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evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $225 List
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Manufacturer:   Evenflo
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 20, 2023
61
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 15
  • Crash Test - 40% 8.1
  • Ease of Install - LATCH - 20% 4.3
  • Ease of Install - Belt - 10% 6.0
  • Ease of Install - w/o Base - 5% 5.8
  • Ease of Use - 15% 3.5
  • Comfort/Quality - 5% 4.5
  • Weight/Size - 5% 7.9

The Skinny

The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a below-average-ranking infant car seat that is harder to use than most competitors. While this seat is lightweight to carry, easy to install using the vehicle belt with the base, and has impressive crash test results, it is hard to use, higher in price, and difficult to install using LATCH. If the overall score was higher or the price was lower, the crash test results might have been enough to make us like it more, but as it is, there are higher quality car seats with better performance in every metric we tested coupled with a lower or similar price. These factors make this overall a disappointing seat; we don't think it is the right fit for most families.
REASONS TO BUY
Live online install assistance
Better crash scores
Lightweight
Load leg
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to tighten harness
Hard to use buckle
Disappointing comfort
Editor's Note: This review was created as part of our full update on infant car seats to include new crash testing. This update occurred on October 1, 2023, and us further edited on October 20.

Compare to Similar Products

 
evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review
Awards  Editors' Choice Award  Best Value Award  
Price $225 List
$189.52 at Amazon
$270 List
$229.99 at Amazon
$230 List
$209.99 at Amazon
$120 List
$119.00 at Amazon
$110 List
$107.87 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Given the higher crash test results it would have been nice if it were easier to use in generalGreat overall seat with high stroller compatibility and better than average results all aroundNot as comfy for little ones, but the crash test results are impressiveIf your budget is small, this seat has impressive crash test resultsHard to install and more challenging to use overshadows the better crash test analysis
Rating Categories Evenflo LiteMax DLX Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Graco SnugRide 35 L... Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
Crash Test (40%)
8.1
7.6
7.9
8.4
7.7
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
4.3
7.0
6.8
3.0
3.5
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
6.0
7.0
6.8
3.5
2.5
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
5.8
6.8
5.5
3.8
4.5
Ease of Use (15%)
3.5
8.5
8.0
5.5
3.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
4.5
7.5
5.5
3.0
4.0
Weight/Size (5%)
7.9
6.9
7.2
8.5
7.9
Specs Evenflo LiteMax DLX Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Graco SnugRide 35 L... Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs
Maximum Height 32 in 32 in 30 in 32 in 30 in
Belt Routing Style European European American American American
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 8.6 lb 10.4 lb 9.8 lb 7.6 lb 8.7 lb
Number of Recline Positions 4 6 5 4 4
Shoulder Harness Positions 5 5 3 4 3
Crotch Strap Positions 2 1 1 2 1
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes No No
Anti-rebound Bar No Yes No No No
Load Leg Yes No No No No
Locking Handle Positions 4 3 3 4 4
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Position 1 & 3 Any position Any position Any position Not listed
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Newborn Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Non-rethread Non-rethread Rethread Rethread Rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Indicator On Base Rotating dial Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides needle, one side On Infant Seat, one side only
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Hanging Indicator

Our Analysis and Test Results

Headquartered in Ohio, Evenflo Company, Inc. is a merger resulting from combining Evenflo Juvenile Products and Evenflo Juvenile Furniture Company in 1995. Evenflo started producing baby-feeding products in 1920. They started making glass bottles in 1945. By 1960, they had added nursing kits, car seats, and more.

Performance Comparison


This is the Evenflo LiteMax DLX crash test video we commissioned from MGA Research in our quest to find the best infant car seat.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Testing


While the Evenflo car seat earned disappointing results in almost every metric, it performed better than the average seat in our crash test analysis.

The head sensor results for the Evenflo are shown in this graph...
The head sensor results for the Evenflo are shown in this graph compared to those of the Clek Liing.
This graph depicts the chest sensor results for the Evenflo and one...
This graph depicts the chest sensor results for the Evenflo and one of the highest-performing seats, the Clek Liing.

With impressively low sensor results (lower is better), the Evenflo stands out in a group of safe seats that pass federal standards. The HIC sensor shows fewer G forces than most competitors, with only a few results coming in better. The chest clip sensor results are about average for the group, making the combined analysis score pretty high for the group. While this might indicate a greater margin of protection for this seat, we think the difficulties we had with installation aren't worth the trade-off for the better crash test results, given that there are seats with better results in each metric.

This video demonstrates the installation of the load leg for the Evenflo base. It has color indications when it is locked into place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation LATCH


The Evenflo is one of the most challenging in the group to install using the LATCH system. This is particularly disappointing since the idea behind LATCH installation is to create an easy-to-execute installation method that should be straightforward. This base comes with a load leg but no anti-rebound bar. It has LATCH connectors on straps and comes with LATCH guides.

The LATCH connector strap also utilizes the lock-off/tensioner to...
The LATCH connector strap also utilizes the lock-off/tensioner to help ensure a snug installation.
The Evenflo has a load leg but no anti-rebound bar.
The Evenflo has a load leg but no anti-rebound bar.

Evenflo offers one-on-one live help with installation, and while we appreciate this service, we think most parents can do it without assistance, or they should seek in-person help through a local technician. There are some design choices on this seat that make the online help a potential necessity, and they left us not really liking the seat.

Removing the connectors on the LATCH for the Evenflo is one of the easiest with a quick pull tab.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The LATCH connectors are push-style connectors with a red tab to disconnect. Both operations work well, and there is plenty of strap length to make both connections easily; you don't have to press the base into the vehicle to make the connections. This base has a built-in lock-off, and while it helps you get the LATCH strap tighter, it took us a few attempts to find the sweet spot of perfect tightness. The buckle bumps into the base somewhat due to the odd angle required for pulling the strap, and you really have to apply significant pressure to engage the belt lock-off fully.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the level on the eveflo is a dial that spins behind a casing that is...
The level on the Eveflo is a dial that spins behind a casing that is hard to see and takes time to stop fluttering.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Evenflo recline adjustment is initiated by turning a knob and holding it in place while you make the required adjustments.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Recline Adjustment


The level adjustment is a turning knob on the top of the base. You twist the knob and move the recline adjustment up or down to the right angle. There are four recline adjustment levels. It is somewhat awkward because you almost need two hands to make the adjustment, so there is some finagling going on in the adjustment.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the evenflo installation level guide is only located on one side of...
The Evenflo installation level guide is only located on one side of the base.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The level device is a rotating dial in the base, and the range of acceptable angles is small. It flutters somewhat, so you must wait for it to settle to ensure the angle is correct. The window is small, and even younger testers with excellent eyesight had trouble seeing the level.

Ease of Installation - Belt


Using the vehicle belt is our test's easiest installation method for the Evenflo. It scored just above the average for the group in this metric and was neither difficult nor particularly straightforward. This installation includes a built-in lock-off and tensioner. Both features help the installer obtain a tight and secure installation.

The Evenflo's built-in lock-off works well, but it is harder to...
The Evenflo's built-in lock-off works well, but it is harder to release than most.
The vehicle belt, as well as the LATCH strap utilize the center belt...
The vehicle belt, as well as the LATCH strap utilize the center belt lock-off system.

The instructions want you to add weight to the base to assess if the level indicator winds up in the right spot. That's a new one for us and odd. The base has small holes for the belt to pass through, and there is no color coding to help guide you. There is a diagram on the bottom of the base, but this will be hidden when installing. The lock-off and tensioner on the Evenflo work well and get the job done as required. The lock-off was a bit stiff for us, but this might self-adjust over time. It feels secure when installed in both vehicles with a little wiggle.

To disengage the belt lock-off, you have to press down before you...
To disengage the belt lock-off, you have to press down before you can get it to open.
The Evenflo has a challenging lock-off to release and the design...
The Evenflo has a challenging lock-off to release and the design feels like an unfortunate choice to us.

It is very hard to undo the lock-off because you have to push the lock-off down past the edge that holds it in place to release it.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - installing the evenflo without the base is one of the easier methods...
Installing the Evenflo without the base is one of the easier methods but it still fails to break the average mark.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base


The Evenflo installation without the base is the second easiest installation method it has. However, it can't even meet the average performance score for the group and earned a score just below the average for this method.

The Evenbflo carrier has an indent instead of a clip for the vehicle...
The Evenbflo carrier has an indent instead of a clip for the vehicle shoulder strap when using the carrier for installation without the belt.
The Evenflo utilizes the European belt path, which includes the...
The Evenflo utilizes the European belt path, which includes the shoulder portion moving around the back of the carrier and the lap belt going across the foot portion.

This seat uses the European belt pathway, but it isn't color-coded. It has a line decal sticker for the installation angle assessment. Our petite tester bent in half to see the directions and line angle. The line is thin and hard to see. The carrier has no slit in the back for the shoulder belt and instead has a concave depression for the belt to follow. While the belt stays in place, it does move around somewhat while tightening the strap. We also experienced the fabric getting in the way somewhat when threading across the foot portion.

In the sedan, this carrier was more wobbly than we care for. We had to redo the installation to ensure it wasn't wobbly and the line was level with the ground. It might be easier with a towel or pool noodle. Alternatively, it fit better in the small SUV and had a snugger fit when the installation was complete. Overall, it was a much better experience from the process to the final wobble test. We suspect a vehicle with more padding and seat contouring will work better for this carrier.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the design of the evenflo buckle and chest clip makes them harder to...
The design of the Evenflo buckle and chest clip makes them harder to use than most of the competition we tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Evenflo is one of the hardest seats in the review to use. With a disappointing performance in our tests compared to the competition, we think the EWvenflo needs some work when it comes to daily functionality.

Buckle


The buckle and chest clip are below average compared to the other seats we tested. The buckle is a good size with a nicely shaped oval button. However, it feels slightly convex, making it harder to press than concave buttons that provide an indent for your thumb. The strap prongs do not pop out when you press the button, and you have to hold the button down while you pull the prongs out. This likely requires two hands.

The chest clip includes a reminder of where to place it (at armpit level). The button is hard to press, and there is significant friction when sliding it in and out. Overall, it takes more effort than the competition, even though it is something we got used to over time.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the evenflo harness tightening strap doesn't move smoothly, and it...
The Evenflo harness tightening strap doesn't move smoothly, and it feels like it is getting hung up on something, making the final 1-2 inches of adjustment hard to achieve.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Tightening/Loosening


The Evenflo tightening gave us more trouble than most, with a strap that was harder to pull and felt constricted. We struggled to get the last inch, or so we needed to create a safely tightened harness. The strap placement at the top seems to work against you when you pull it from the bottom. We found other reports online of users struggling with this strap, and it feels unnecessary, given how easy it is with most competitors.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the evenflo harness release button is deep into the seat and under a...
The Evenflo harness release button is deep into the seat and under a slit int he fabric. It is harder to use with your thumb than the others we tested.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The release button is too far from the edges, making it nearly impossible to use your thumb to press it down. The button isn't hard to press, but using your index finger feels less intuitive. The button is under a slit in the fabric instead of a flap. It also feels like the straps aren't long enough for bigger babies to manipulate arms and legs inside.

The Evenflo's harness height adjustment is a non-rethread style that moves smoothly and works well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Adjustment


The LiteMax includes a non-rethread shoulder strap adjustment. There are five positions and two crotch strap positions. The method is very good compared to other seats. You pinch the top tab near the neck padding and move the assembly up or down to the desired position. We love this style of adjustment as it is quick and can be done with your baby in the seat to save time and ensure a proper fit for every ride. This seat also has three different hip adjustment points, which is rare and something we haven't seen before. Finding a good-fitting harness is one of the keys to a safer riding experience.

Carrier to Base Connection


Connecting the carrier to the base is straightforward and good compared to the competition. The size of the carrier is easy to work with, and the lighter weight means lifting it up and into the car is easier than most. We didn't see a way to do it incorrectly. The carrier release handle is on the back and lifts easily. You can angle the seat somewhat toward you when you pull the seat off the carrier, which is a help.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the location of the evenflo handle release button makes for an...
The location of the Evenflo handle release button makes for an awkward wrist angle when you use it in the car.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle


The handle has four positions, and only one and three are allowed during driving. The handle release buttons are on the handle joint and do not have an ergonomic grasp, and we had to awkwardly turn our wrists to engage it. You can slide the handle past the canopy without the canopy moving. Pushing the handle back and keeping the canopy in place is a delight. This is something we didn't see in all of the competition.

Canopy


The canopy moves on a thin plastic circle around the inside of the handle joint. The design is sort of rickety, and both sides move independently, so it is an involved process to open and close the canopy, and it doesn't need to be.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the evenflo manual storage space is just under the fabric on the...
The Evenflo manual storage space is just under the fabric on the seat in the prime vomit or mess spillage area.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

LATCH and Manual Storage


The Evenflo user manual tucks under the fabric on the side of the seat shell. This is a potential problem should your little one get sick or spill a drink. We don't see how this location is a good idea over the long haul and suspect more than one manual in the world is stuck closed from a baby's mess.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the push latch connectors on the evenflo clip to the underside of...
The push LATCH connectors on the Evenflo clip to the underside of the base for storage.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The LATCH connectors snap onto a bar under the base rim. They are easy to push on, and there is a red tab you use to remove them in a similar fashion you do when you uninstall the connectors to the anchors.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - while the evenflo looks fairly nice, the padding and fabric are both...
While the Evenflo looks fairly nice, the padding and fabric are both disappointing on closer examination.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


The Evenflo is a disappointing seat in our tests for comfort and quality. With little concern in this metric, it is a standout in a negative way with little to offer compared to the competition.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the evebnflo uses eps (white) foam for impact absorption and light...
The Evebnflo uses EPS (white) foam for impact absorption and light padding (grey) for comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fabric and Padding


The seat has smooth fabric, and the infant and head insert uses larger holes for breathability; this makes it a bit more itchy to us than the competition. It feels like an odd choice since this might be where the most sensitive skin is located.

This seat has little padding all around. It looks puffy, like it would be comfy, but it is somewhat of a fake-out as it condenses and is unsupportive when you press it. It isn't as bad as another inexpensive seat we looked at, but it is still hard and stiff. There is no padding on the shoulder or crotch strap.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the evenflo canopy is small and wonky to move, but it isn't as...
The Evenflo canopy is small and wonky to move, but it isn't as frumpy and useless as some others we've seen.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle and Canopy


On the upside, the canopy on the Evenflo is much lower than the handle. So not only do they not interfere with one another, but you can hold the handle without rubbing your knuckles on the canopy. The handle is circular and offers a good grip despite not having a rubber grip center. The canopy is average in size and is neither impressive nor disappointing.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the evenflo carrier has a small push-in button on the sides that...
The Evenflo carrier has a small push-in button on the sides that could be hard to keep clean.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Shell


The shell on the Evenflo is relatively smooth, is easy to wipe clean, and doesn't have many nooks or crannies for gunk to hide. Each side does have a small push-in button down lower that clicks into the base that could get gross or hard to move if liquid messes happen, like spilled formula or vomit down the shell side.

Weight/Size


At 8.6 lbs, the Evenflo is one of the lighter options in the group. Given that the average seat is closer to 10 and the heaviest over 17, the Evenflo is a standout for weight if you are concerned about that.

evenflo litemax dlx infant car seat review - the evenflo has higher crash test analysis results but performed...
The Evenflo has higher crash test analysis results but performed poorly in most other test metrics.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Evenflo LiteMax DLX?


While the crash test sensor results for the EVenflo are compelling, we didn't like this seat overall, and there are seats with similar crash test results that are easier to install and cost about the same or less. Overall, we think most families will be happier with a different seat.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?


If your goal is a great overall seat with better crash test result analysis, then the Clek Liing can't be beaten. With stellar scores in every metric and a rigid, easy-to-use LATCH system, we love the Liing. The Chicco Keyfit 35 is also a reasonably priced contender with good scores in most metrics, and it has high compatibility with popular and awards-winning strollers. Making it a good choice if you want to create a car seat and stroller combination. If your budget is uber-tight, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX has a standout crash test analysis score and an unbelievably affordable price.

Manufacturer's Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz