Spring 2025 ADAC Child Car Seat Test: Joie, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex Lead the Way

The ADAC Spring 2025 child car seat test is here — and it brings both reassurance and a few surprises for parents shopping for the safest seats. A total of 20 child seats, from infant carriers to boosters for older kids, were rigorously tested by the German automobile club. The results include crash safety, ease of use, ergonomics, chemical content, and environmental impact.

🚗 20 Car Seats, 10 Rated “Good”

Out of the 20 tested models:

• 10 received a "Good" rating
• 9 were rated "Satisfactory"
• 1 was rated "Poor"

The lowest-scoring seat was a long-lasting, all-in-one model — the Lionelo Braam i-Size, which covers newborns up to 12 years old. It earned only a 3.6 rating due to poor crash performance. On the opposite end, Joie Sprint and Maxi-Cosi Pebble S + FamilyFix S were best in class with 1.8 ratings.

Results at a Glance

Below is an overview of the child seats tested in Spring 2025, including their ADAC ratings, prices, categories, and size ranges.

🍼 Best Infant Car Seats (Babyschalen)

Two infant carriers stood out for their safety and practicality:

• Joie Sprint – Rating: 1.8 Affordable at €215 and suitable from 40 to 75 cm, this model is ideal for babies up to around 1 year.

• Maxi-Cosi Pebble S + FamilyFix S – Rating: 1.8 A bit pricier at €330, but with extended use up to 83 cm. Very stable and user-friendly with its Isofix base. The FamilyFix S can be used with the Maxi-Cosi Pearl S toddler seat, making it a versatile choice.

Other notable infant car seats:

• Nuna Pipa Lite + Base Next – 2.0
• Avionaut Pixel Pro 2.0 C + IQ Orbit – 2.1

⚠️ Models without Isofix bases, like the standalone Avionaut Pixel Pro 2.0 C, struggled with usability and were rated only "Satisfactory."

👶 Top Toddler Seats (up to ~4 years)

Convertible seats for babies and toddlers were also put to the test:

• Thule Elm RWF + Alfi Base – Rating: 2.2 A premium seat at €720, but modular and lighter than most. Excellent usability and safety in reverse-facing setup.

• Joie i-Pivot 360 – 2.4 360° rotation with Isofix, affordable (€270) but heavier than average.

• Graco Turn2Me DLX i-Size R129 – 2.4 A budget-friendly option at €149, but somewhat bulky and average in handling.

These models are designed to accommodate children from 40 cm up to 105 cm — roughly birth to four years of age.

🧒 Best Booster Seats (for bigger kids)

For older children up to 12 years and 150 cm, ADAC tested several high-back boosters:

• Cybex Solution G2 – Rating: 2.1 Lightweight (5.8 kg), excellent side impact protection, and a great option for switching cars.

• Recaro Axion 1 – 2.1 Slightly heavier at 5.9 kg and requires more rear space but equally good in crash protection.

• Joie i-Trillo FX – 2.3 The cheapest seat in the test at only €100! Despite its price, it scored impressively thanks to Isofix side stability and minimal injury risk in side crashes.

⚠️ The One to Avoid: Lionelo Braam i-Size

This all-in-one seat aims to cover children from birth to 12 years (40–150 cm), but fell short — especially in safety. It received only a 3.6 ("Sufficient") rating, mainly due to poor crash test performance. Despite a mid-range price (€259), the Lionelo Braam is not recommended by ADAC.

🧾 Summary: Safe Picks for Every Age

The Spring 2025 ADAC results show that quality doesn’t always require a high price. Models like the Joie i-Trillo FX and Joie Sprint deliver top safety at an affordable cost. Premium models from Maxi-Cosi, Thule, and Cybex continue to impress with strong all-around scores.

Looking for the right seat? Filter by age, size, and budget — but make safety your top priority. For more expert-reviewed options, stay tuned to strollerina.com.

💡 Need help choosing the perfect seat? Contact us or check our car seat collection for expert-curated picks.

By following these recommendations and using ADAC test results as a guide, parents can confidently select a safe and reliable child seat for their children.

ADAC resources