ADAC Car Seat Test Results Autumn 2025
Searching for the ideal car seat to ensure your child's safety? We've summarised the outcomes from ADAC's rigorous test this Autumn to assist you in selecting the perfect car seat.
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2025
Looking for the best car seat to keep your little one safe? We've translated the results of this year's rigorous ADAC test to help you decide your perfect car seat.
Looking for a new car seat? You’re in the right place! We’ve got the latest insights from ADAC’s car seat safety tests. If you’re not familiar, ADAC is Europe’s largest automobile association, known for its thorough testing that goes beyond standard EU safety requirements. They carry out testing twice a year—in Spring and Autumn—so when a car seat earns their recommendation, it’s definitely worth considering.
ADAC's results are originally published in German, but do not fret because we've already taken care of that work for you. You won't have to struggle with the complexities of Google translate because we've summarised all of the essential information in English right here!
Which car seats are tested by ADAC?
ADAC does not test every car seat made, but rather they carefully select the seats based on their popularity and those with special features, such as swivel seats, for example. ADAC purchase these seats independently and keep their selection a secret until the release of the results, so you can rely on the results of the tests to be completely unbiased and uninfluenced by any manufacturers. These results are then released to various consumer groups throughout Europe such as Which? to help parents make informed choices in regard to their child’s safety.
How do ADAC test these car seats?
In general, all car seats made are now tested to ECE R129 (new regulation), however ADAC test their seats even more rigorously than these standards, so you, as a consumer, can see which car seats have really gone above and beyond to ensure your child’s safety and this year the testing conditions have gotten more rigorous.
The standard tests simulate collisions at 50km/h , where as ADAC tests frontal collisions at 64km/h and side collisions at 50km/h to really put the car seats through their paces. ADAC uses the chassis of a real car (VW Golf) for their testing, rather than a test-sled, to make it more accurate, and they also utilise advanced Q series test dummies which have far more sensors than the ones used in the regulation tests. These dummies are able to collect more data for optimal analysis of the tested seats.
In addition to testing the safety features, the car seat materials themselves are scrutinised to check that they don't contain any harmful substances.
The 3 main criteria for the tests are:
Safety (50%), Operations (40%) and Ergonomics (10%)
So, not only is the safety of the seat taken into account, but also the ease of use and fitting, how comfortable the seat is for the child and how accessible the user’s manual is etc, encouraging manufacturers, in turn, to focus on these aspects for your benefit.
What do the ratings mean?
The ratings are grouped into five categories, as pictured. As you can see, the lower the score, the better, so bear this in mind when shopping for your little one’s new car seat.
ADAC scores are a great indicator of the quality of the seat, although as mentioned before, not all seats are tested by ADAC. These tests are extremely scrutinous so if a seat doesn’t have an ADAC score, or if it isn’t within the top ADAC category, this does not mean that the seat is not safe.
ADAC'S Reflection on this Season's Testing
After each test, the ADAC includes their reflection on the findings and advice on what is the best step forward for the car seat industry.
This time, the ADAC critically tested 17 seats for safety, operation, ergonomics and pollutant content in its child seat test. 5 models were classified as 'good', 9 received 'satsfactory', 1 model failed the test due to "excessive pollutant levels" and 2 failed the test due to failing the crash.
ADAC stated how child seats with an Isofix attachment usually offer the best safety and are easy to use. That's why almost all new child seat models that are approved according to the new UN ECE Reg 129 standard are equipped with it. This new i-Size approval standard is based on the size of the child instead of the weight.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the car seats from Autumn 2025's ADAC testing for you to peruse, most of which are available at Baby & Co.
Keep scrolling for more information, and to hear what ADAC had to say about some of your favourite seats!
Spring 2025 Results
Britax Römer Kidfix Pro
Suitability: Approx. 4-12 year
Weight: 6.4kg
1.8 - Good
Features:
- Advanced Safety Technology: XP-PAD & SICT
- V-shaped Headrest
- Breathable Mesh Fabrics
- Slim Design: Just 44 cm wide
- Quick-Remove Washable Cover
- Head-to-Hip Protection
- ISOFIX Installation
What ADAC had to say:
Security 1.7
ADAC tested the Britax Römer Kidfix Pro and results showed that there was a low risk of injury in a frontal crash, very low risk of injury in a side crash and that the child and seat can be connected firmly in the vehicle. The car seat was also praised for having optimal belt routing.
Operation 2.0
ADAC concluded that the seat is very easy to install, and buckle your child in. With a low risk of incorrect operation, this is ideal for parents who worry about making a mistake with the installation, and thus putting their children at risk. ADAC also mentioned how the cover is easily removed for machine washing and overall praised the sprint for very good craftsmanship. Their only point of improvement was that the operating instructions and warnings could have been better.
Ergonomics 2.0
ADAC praised the leg support on the seat and seating position to be convenient for comfort, with plenty of room for the child to feel comfortable. The Britax Römer Kidfix Pro requires a small space for installation, making it a great choice for even small cars. ADAC praised the good view for the child outside however felt that the padding on the seat could be thicker.
Additional notes
After testing the materials, ADAC found that there is a very low level of pollutants within the fabrics and commended on the low level of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals.
Axkid Up Highback Booster
Suitability: approx 4-12 Years
Seat weight: 9.4kg
2.0 - Good
Features:
- HeightControl™ for optimal belt positioning
- ProTecBase™
- SnapGuard™ removable side impact wings
- QuickFold™ system
- ErgoSupport™ lumbar support
- ISOFIX installation
- Ventilated seat
- Machine-washable cover
What ADAC had to say:
Security 1.9
Results indicated that there was a low risk of injury in a front crash and a very low risk in a side crash. The seat can be connected firmly making it stable in the vehicle with good belt routing.
Operation 2.2
ADAC concluded that there is a low risk of misinstallation, as you can easily install the seat and buckle your child in as well as adjusting and converting the seat is very quick and easy. The seat shows good craftsmanship and is lightweight. They also liked how the covers are machine washable and easy to remove. However, operating instructions and warnings show slight weaknesses.
Ergonomics 1.8
ADAC praised the spacious seat and the seating position. They liked the fact it provided a good view for the child of the outside. The child has a good leg rest and the seat doesn't require a big car. However, they found the seat also had thin padding, which could be improved.
Additional notes
The materials used in the seat were concluded to contain very low level of pollutants and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals.
Joie i-Level Pro + i-Base Encore
Suitability: From Birth to 1.5 years
Seat weight: 4.6kg, Base 7kg
2.3 - Good
Features:
- 10 adjustable headrest & harness positions.
- Comfort: Ergonomic 157º recline
- Tri-Protect™ headrest with Intelli-Fit™ foam.
- ISOFIX installation
- 90º spins
- Removable body insert
What ADAC had to say:
Security 2.3
For the Joie i-Level Pro & i-Base Encore, the ADAC found the childs seat is stable in the vehicle and it has a very good belt routing. However they found that there was an average risk of injury in both a frontal crash and a side crash.
Operation 1.9
ADAC confirmed that there is a low risk of operation misuse due to easy to understand instructions. The Joie i-Level Pro & i-Base Encore was applauded for the ease in which the seat can be installed with a low risk of incorrect operation, easy buckling in of your child and commended how simple it is to adjust the seat as your child grows, so this is definitely a must-have product for parents looking for a seat which can be interchanged between cars. ADAC liked that the cover is machine washable but felt the coer is difficult to remove. Overall ADAC praised the Joie i-Level Pro & i-Base Encore for good craftsmanship.
Ergonomics 2.2
ADAC highlighted that this product has a fantastic seating position, the leg support and padding within the seat for the child were good and they felt the seat was overall very spacious. However they felt the child's vision of the outside was impared. This seat is on the larger size to install and therefore ADAC’s highlighted there was the need for increased space within the vehicle to install this seat, so this seat potentially wouldn’t be suitable for parents with very small cars.
Additional notes
The materials used in the Joie i-Level Pro & i-Base Encore were concluded to contain a very low level of pollutants and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals.
Joie i-Level Pro
Suitability: Birth-1.5 Years
Seat weight: 4.6kg
2.1 - Good
Features:
- Simple, secure fit using the vehicle’s 3-point seat belt
- 10 adjustable headrest & harness positions.
- Comfort: Ergonomic 157º recline
- Tri-Protect™ headrest with Intelli-Fit™ foam.
What ADAC had to say:
Security 2.3
The Joie i-Level Pro received very good marks in safety with a low risk of injury in a frontal crash. There is a good belt routing, and the car seat remained stable when in the vehicle. However there is an average risk of injury in a side crash.
Operation 2.4
Results show that this seat is very user-friendly, with ADAC saying the installation of the seat is easy with clear and easy to understand instructions. They also praised that you can buckle in your child easily and its simple and quick to adjust the seat as your child grows. Finally they liked how the Joie i-Level Pro was crafted. Their only criticisms were that removing the cover proved a bit more complicated and there is slight risk of increased operation with the belted intallation.
Ergonomics 2.2
According to the ADAC, the ergonomics of the Joie i-Level Pro were good. The car seat has a good leg support, good padding, a good seat position, and a good amount of space for the child within the seat. ADAC felt the car seat didnt provide the child with a view of thewoutside however this is understandable as infant carriers are rear facing. However a large space requirement is needed for this particular product making it ideal for medium-larger vehicles.
Additional notes
The materials used in the Joie i-Level Pro were concluded to contain a very low level of pollutants and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals.
BeSafe Beyond 360 + Beyond Base
Suitability: 1-6 years
Seat weight: 6.3kg
Base 4.9kg
2.4 - Good
Features:
- 360° rotation
- Robust Yet Lightweight Construction
- Smart Blocking Mechanism
- Universal Level Technology™
- Modular Design
- Adjustable Leg Space
- 11-Step Adjustable Headrest
- Harness Magnets
- One-hand operation
What ADAC had to say:
Security 2.0
The ADAC tests showed us that the BeSafe Beyond 360 & Beyond Base passed successfully by having a low risk of injury in a frontal and side crash. The product also boasts optimum belt routing, and the seat can be connected very firmly to the vehicle.
Operations 2.7
The ADAC test showed that the seat was easy to install with the instructions and warnings remaining clear and simple, creating a low risk of incorrect operation. In addition to this the seat is very lightweight, the cover is machine washable and the seat conversion & adjusting is very quick and easy. They also felt the BeSafe Beyond 360 & Beyond Base were crafted very well. ADAC’s only criticisms were that buckling in the child was a bit more complicated and the removing the cover for washing can be tricky.
Ergonomics 3.0
ADAC felt the ergonomics of the BeSafe Beyond 360 & Beyond Base were satisfactory, complimenting the ‘good’ padding and favourable seating position. However they critisised the leg rest and the lack of visibility for the child of the outside. This seat also requires a large amount of vehicle space, potentially making it unsuitable for smaller cars. They also felt the child could have a bit more space within the seat.
Additional notes
The materials used in the BeSafe Beyond 360 & Beyond Base were concluded to contain a very low level of pollutants and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals.
Nuna Arra Flex
Suitability: 1-1.5 Years
Seat weight: 4.5kg
2.6 - Satisfactory
Features:
- Side and rear belt guides
- Ergonomic 157° Recline
- Travel System Ready
- Tailor tech™ memory foam headrest
- Lightweight Design
- Soft Merino wool and TENCEL™ blend insert
What ADAC had to say:
Security 2.2
The Nuna Arra Flex has a low risk of injury in both a frontal and a side crash but average risk in a frontal crash. The ADAC also found that the car seat is stable in the vehicle with a good belt path.
Operation 2.9
The seat was easy to install and adjust as your child grows. ADAC praised it for very good craftmanship as well as the cover being easy to remove and being machine washable. However their criticisms were the risk of incorrect operation, the instructions have some weaknesses and the buckle-in of the child was slightly complicated.
Ergonomics 2.2
The car seat recieved good in ergonomics with its favourable seating position for the child, good leg rest and a large amount of space. They also commented how the car seat had good padding. However their concern was the need for a larger car as it takes up a lot of space, they also felt the child had a restricted view of the outside, however this isn't a concern as all infant carriers are rear facing.
Additional notes
The materials used in the Nuna Arra Flex were concluded to contain a very low level of pollutants and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals.
Avionaut MaxSpace Smart
Suitability: 4-12 Years
Seat weight: 8.3kg
2.6 - Satisfactory
Features:
- Certified for superior back support
- Ergonomic Design
- Tilt Adjustment Function
- Deep Seat for Pelvic Support
- Compatible with seat belts or ISOFIX
- Removable Upholstery
- Side Impact Protection
What ADAC had to say:
Security 3.0
The Avionaut MaxSpace Smart has a good belt path and the seat is stable in the vehicle however there is an average risk of injury in a frontal and side impact.
Operation 2.0
The Avionaut MaxSpace Smart was easy to install and adjust as your child grows. ADAC praised it quick and easy buckle in system and that the cover is machine washable. They felt there was a low risk of misuse. However their criticisms were that the instructions have some weaknesses and the cover is tricky to remove as well as some slight manufacturing defects.
Ergonomics 1.7
The car seat recieved good in ergonomics with its exemplary seating position for the child, good leg rest and a large amount of space. They also commented how the seat only requires a small space making it suitable for all car sizes. However their concern was the thin padding on the seat and that there was a restricted view of the outside for the child.
Additional notes
The materials used in the Avionaut MaxSpace Smart were concluded to contain a very low level of pollutants and a low level of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals.
Nuna Arra Flex + Base Curv
Suitability: 1-1.5 Years
Seat weight: 4.5kg
Base Weight: 7.5kg
2.7 - Satisfactory
Features:
- True lock™ ISOFIX Installation
- Smart-swivel lock & 360° rotation
- Quick-release button
- Ergonomic 157° Recline
- Travel System Ready
- Tailor tech™ memory foam headrest
- Lightweight Design
- Soft Merino wool and TENCEL™ blend insert
What ADAC had to say:
Security 3.0
The Nuna Arra Flex & Base Curv has an average risk of injury in both a frontal and a side crash. The ADAC also found that the car seat is stable in the vehicle with a good belt path.
Operation 2.1
The seat was easy to install and adjust as your child grows. ADAC praised it for very good craftmanship as well as the cover being easy to remove and being machine washable. They also thought it was easy to buckle in your child and overall had a low risk of misuse. However their only criticism was that the instructions have a couple of slight weaknesses and coule be clearer.
Ergonomics 2.3
The car seat recieved good in ergonomics with its favourable seating position for the child, good leg rest, large amount of space for the child and the car seat had good padding. However their concern was the need for a larger car as it takes up a lot of space, they also felt the child had a restricted view of the outside, however this isn't a concern as all infant carriers are rear facing.
Additional notes
The materials used in the Nuna Arra Flex were concluded to contain a very low level of pollutants and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of man-made chemicals.
And that's it for our selection of 2025's ADAC car seats! Hopefully you'll have seen something to tempt your interest. With such a selection spanning from birth right up until 12 years old, you may have even found two seats to last your little one! Which car seats have you got your eye on?
We have created a handy table to show you the best performing car seats from the most recent 4 ADAC Tests to help you compare how they performed in the ADAC test against other car seats. However please take into account that the test is made more harder to score well on each time, so therefore seats thais year that scored satisfactory are still very good seats.
MORE ON THE BLOG
If you can't find your seat on the list fear not, all seats rated very good, good and satisfactory since 2015 can still be recommended.
Want to know which seats made it to previous year's ADAC tests? Check out our previous blog posts on ADAC:
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2021
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Summer 2019
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Summer 2018
Ready to start prepping for your new arrival? Check out our Newborn Buying Guide for our ultimate checklist of items to prepare before baby arrives.
MORE ON THE BLOG
If you can't find your seat on the list fear not, all seats rated very good, good and satisfactory since 2015 can still be recommended.
Want to know which seats made it to previous year's ADAC tests? Check out our previous blog posts on ADAC:
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Spring 2025
ADAC Car Seat Test Results Autumn 2024
ave some of these products? Let us know how you like them on our socials or leave a review!
Are you wanting to stock up for the due date but hesitant to purchase due to current lack of space, having to manage a budget or just need more time to decide on the nursery room layout? We offer our customers a free of charge Nursery Plan to hold all your baby goods till you are ready to pay and collect. For more information about our free Nursery Plan service click here or visit us in store to chat to one of our friendly team members.
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