Maxi Cosi Titan Pro review

What were your first impressions of the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro?

The Titan Pro feels deeply padded to the touch, but it’s heavy. There’s no separate base – everything is all in one. It’s stylish, though I do wonder how the light-grey Nomad model will withstand my daughter’s mess and muck!

What age child is the Group 1/2/3 Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro car seat best for?

A child of around 3 to 4 years old, as I think it’s best for children who can get into their seat independently. I used it for my 19-month-old, but as the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro does not swivel, putting your toddler in it is a little more involved.

Does the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro car seat offer both ISOFIX and seat-belt installation?

No, it uses ISOFIX connectors and a top tether strap. It is quick and easy to install, although I have some prior knowledge of how ISOFIX works. I found the instruction booklet confusing – it is full of images and graphics that could do with more co-ordinating written instructions.

Thankfully, clear graphics can be found on the seat itself. Attaching the top tether strap was a new experience, although it is effectively just a clip, and the red/green indicator was helpful.

Does the seat feel secure once in place?

Yes. Along with the ISOFIX, the top tether anchor secures the seat from the rear, replacing the clunky base leg that always seems to be in the way. Before purchasing, it might be worth checking that your car has a tether hook.

Can the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro seat face rearward?

No.

Does the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro feel sturdy?

Yes. The padding, robust frame and strong shell make it feel very sturdy. The headrest has a looser, shaky feel, but that may be down to it being adjustable.

Tell us about the seat’s main safety features.

The Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro uses a patented G-cell technology. You can’t miss the honeycomb design on the side panels of the car seat. This is to absorb the impact in the event of a side-on collision, directing the force away from your child. This, along with the GrowSafe headrest, makes you feel your child is safely secured.

Is it easy to strap your child into the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro car seat?

It’s a work in progress. The Titan Pro has a 5-point harness for stages 1 and 2 and then you use the regular 3-point car seat belt onwards. The buckle system is the standard metal clips that jigsaw together, but it’s annoyingly fiddly. The plastic moulds surrounding the clips are so small – just when I think I’ve got them locked in place, they slip out of my grasp. My husband has had the same trouble. It’s the last thing you need when you’re fighting with your toddler to sit still. Also, the release button could be a little more responsive.

How comfortable is the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro for your child?

It’s really comfy. The Titan Pro is soft to touch and amply padded from the seat to the adjustable headrest. It’s made from bamboo fabric, which apparently feels softer and more luxurious than cotton, while also being warm, yet breathable, making it great for all seasons. The Titan Pro comes with a big toddler cushion that supports the back and from underneath. I took it out for Isabella, but I can see how it would be perfect at the early Group 1 stage.

How many positions does the headrest have?

The ‘GrowSafe’ headrest is one of the best features of the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro, extending by 5cm. As a smart headrest it has a locking mechanism which notifies parents when it’s time for it to be adjusted.The top tether strap keeps the headrest locked to a certain height. Once you take the harness away, it unlocks the headrest.

Does the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro seat recline?

Yes, it reclines in three positions from sitting to sleeping, but the inclines are so subtle they don’t really make a difference. Even in the sleeping recline position, Isabella is still quite upright. The design of the recline is quite clever as it moves from two points – the seat and backrest. I just wish it had 5 positions like the earlier Titan model.

What do you think of the size of the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro car seat?

The Titan Pro is a good size, which makes it more comfortable. As a parent who needs to fit 3 kids in the back, I’m always looking for the narrow option. At 48cm the Titan Pro isn’t the slimmest – the Joie Elevate (45cm) and Britax Romer ADVANSAFIX III SICT (47cm) are narrower and taller, too.

Is the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro seat easy to transfer between cars?

No. At a hefty 12.55kg, the Titan Pro is the heaviest 1/2/3 Group car seat I can find – although the weight is more concentrated in the base than the seat. If you’re swapping between cars, there’s the lighter option of the Joie Elevate, which only weighs 4.7kg but doesn’t have the added safety of an ISOFIX base. For that, it’s worth checking out the similarly priced Cybex Pallas S-Fix, weighing 9.3kg.

Is it easy to clean the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro?

The Titan Pro seat fabric wipes well for small spills and mishaps, and is also machine washable – thank goodness, as we have the pale Nomad Grey seat. There are two covers which are easily removed – the headrest and the seat cover which includes the back and side panels. These snugly wrap around and slot into the shell.

Are there any accessories available?

The Titan Pro cup holder is included with the seat, but Maxi-Cosi also sell an array of generic accessories including a Back Seat Car Mirror (£15.00) or Back Seat Protector (£20.00).

How easy is it to convert the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro seat from Group 1 to 2/3?

According to Maxi-Cosi, there are 11 simple steps to convert the seat to the next stage. The trickiest part is removing the 5-point harness. It’s been cleverly designed so you can store all of the pieces within the seat for easy conversion back into a Group 1 seat for younger siblings. There are images and graphics in the instruction booklet, but the best way to learn is through online videos.

What do you think of the design?

Available in six different colours, it has great styling, and safety was definitely the designers’ focus, but it could be more user-friendly. The harness lock is encased in a padded cover which makes it stick up, so you have to lift your child up and over it before settling him/her into the seat. Sometimes I misjudge it and place Isabella on top of the lock or hit her head on the door frame when putting her in. Either way, she says “Ouchie”.

What design feature do you like most in the car seat?

The headrest function is super-smooth and easy to use. I also love the way the seat is designed to store the harness straps and buckle when you convert to Group 2/3.

Will your children fit in the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro seat until they are 12 years old?

No. Looking at how big my 6-year-old twins are, I could see them in the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro until they’re 10 years old, at best. The Titan Pro isn’t the tallest 1/2/3 seat – Cybex, Britax and Joie all offer taller seats.

Is the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro good value for money?

It would be unfair to say the Titan Pro isn’t value for money given it’s designed to last for over 10 years. But there are cheaper Group 1/2/3 seats on the market, although you may have to sacrifice an ISOFIX base if you buy one of these.

What’s in the box?

Car set with ISOFIX connectors

Toddler seat cushion

Cup holder

Instruction manual

Where can I buy the Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro car seat?

You can buy it from Uber Kids, or for other retailers, check out the Maxi-Cosi website.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Maxi-Cosi Titan Pro is stylish, offers a comfy ride and it’s built to last – if you don’t mind the initial outlay of £250.