RecaroSalia Elite

i-Size baby to toddler
Isofix installation only
Extended rear-facing seat

£399Typical price

Test score

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The Recaro Salia Elite is a rearward facing child car seat that is approved for use from birth when using the removable baby shell, and from when your child is 76cm high (around 15 months) in the main car seat. The manufacturer claims this 2-in-1 seat brings together all the benefits of an infant carrier with the safety and comfort of a car seat for older children. Read our full review to find out how it performed in our safety and installation tests.

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
How safe is it?
Is it easy to fit?
Is the seat comfortable?
Is there anything I should watch out for?
Is there anything else I should know?
Should I buy it?
Where can I buy it?

Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

KEY TEST RESULTS
Safety rating
Fitting in car
Comfort of your child

Aug 2023Last checked by Which?
Oct 2020First reviewed by Which?
Jan 2020Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test baby and child car seats

3 Jan 2024

Safety rating

Overall
Rear-facing i-Size (Isofix)
Forward-facing i-Size (Isofix)

How we test safety rating

The overall safety score is made up of the results of crash testing (front crash; side crash) seat design, stability in the car and belt routing. Our crash tests go beyond the legal minimum requirements for UK car seat regulations and are conducted at higher speeds and forces than the regulations require. We feel our tests more accurately reflect what could happen in a real life crash.

Fitting in car

Overall
Buckling up
Avoiding misuse and instructions
Cleaning
Space required in car

How we test fitting in car

Fitting and using includes: How easy it is to install the seat correctly in the car. How easy it is to strap a child securely into the seat. How well the seat is designed in order to prevent incorrect use. How easy the seat cover is to remove and wash. How little space the seat takes up in the car and how comfortable your child is in the seat.

Ergonomics

Overall
Comfort of your child

How we test ergonomics

Our experts conduct an ergonomic assessment of each seat to make sure your child will be in the best position when travelling, along with the level of padding and support. Our tests also reveal how much space this car seat takes up in the back seat of a car and how easy it is to get your child in and out of the seat. Plus, our eagle-eyed car seat experts will check whether this seat affects how much space any front passengers have. This assessment was introduced to our site in May 2015. If a seat does not have this score, it was tested before May 2015.

General
Height of child	40cm-105cm
Seat size	i-Size baby to toddler
Age group	Baby to toddler
Direction of travel	Reversible
Extended rear-facing seat	Yes
Installation type	Isofix installation only
Harness or shield seat	Harness
How is the child held in the seat?	3 and 5 point harness
Manufacturer URL	https://www.recaro-kids.uk/

Features
Adult seat belt	No
Isofix integrated into seat	Yes
Isofix base	Yes
Belted base	No
Type of Isofix	Isofix connectors and support leg
Swivel seat	Yes
Weight of seat (kg)	15.8kg
Weight of base (kg)	3kg
Part of a travel system?	Yes
Harness height adjustment	Moves with headrest
Recline	No
Adjustable headrest	Yes

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RecaroSalia Elite