Joie Every Stage FX review
Product alert
This child car seat has passed the regulatory tests required by ECE R44/04 to be sold as suitable for children from 9-36kg. But in our own tests, which are conducted at higher speeds and forces than the standard requires, this seat still scores poorly for frontal-impact results when used in Group 1 mode, whether the seat is belted in or the Isofix connectors are used.
Our tests generally show that multi-group seats that try to do too much compromise on other features - and the Joie Every Stage FX is no exception. It does its job as a Group 2/3 high-backed booster seat when belted in, and gains an acceptable score for a Group 0+ and an extended rear-facing car seat when belted in. But it scores poorly in frontal-impact crash tests, when used as a forward-facing Group 1 car seat, or when the Isofix is used.
The overall total test score is limited to 42%. Any car seat scoring 45% or less will become a Which? Don't Buy.
Further reading
How we test child car seatsBooster seats - are you breaking the law?
Test scoreShow Context
- Group 0 plus/1/2/3
- Multigroup
The Joie Every Stage FX combination seat is identical to the Every Stage car seat we tested last year, but now has Isofix connectors added. It's still approved for use from birth up to 36kg - that's around 12 years old, or when your child may no longer need a car seat. Multi-group car seats don't always work as well as separate seats, and this seat is no different. We've named it a Don't Buy in our review because of poor crash test results in one mode. Read our safety alert for more information.
- Pros and cons
- 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?
Technical specifications
General
- StageMultigroup
- Direction of travelRearward-facing/forward-facing
- Manufacturer URLWww.joie.co.uk
Test results
The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.
Find out how we test child car seatsPut us to the test
Our Test Labs compare features and prices on a range of products. Try Which? to unlock our reviews. You'll instantly be able to compare our test scores, so you can make sure you don't get stuck with a Don't Buy.
Make smarter choices
- 0%Lowest score
- 66%Average score
- 82%Highest score
Put us to the test
Our Test Labs compare features and prices on a range of products. Try Which? to unlock our reviews. You'll instantly be able to compare our test scores, so you can make sure you don't get stuck with a Don't Buy.
Related articles
Best baby car seats
Key safety differences between baby car seats and child car seats. Why babies need more protection in car crashes and how to keep them as safe as possible. Plus car seat carrycots vs baby car seats.
How to buy the right child car seat
Get our expert advice on which car seat you need for a newborn, baby or child. We explain car seat weight groups and i-Size, and give top tips on how to buy the best child car seat when you head to the shops.
Car seat weight groups explained
Guide to car seat weight groups explains when to move your baby or child up a car seat category. From group 0+ up to 13kg (birth to around age 12-15 months) to Group 1/2/3 9-36kg (around age 9 months to 12 years), find out why car seat weight groups matter and when to go up a car seat group.