ADAC Child Car Seat Test – Autumn 2025
The Autumn 2025 ADAC & Stiftung Warentest child car seat results are here, and this season brings a mix of excellent performers and several seats that failed due to serious safety or chemical concerns.
In total, 17 seats were tested:
- 5 rated “Good”
- 9 rated “Satisfactory”
- 3 rated “Poor” (NOT recommended)
As always, ADAC focused heavily on crash safety, ergonomics, installation, risk of misuse, and toxic substances.
⭐ Quick Summary
- Best toddler seat: Britax Römer Kidfix Pro (1.8)
- Best infant seat: Joie i-Level Pro (2.3) – both with and without i-Base Encore
- Best rotating seat: Besafe Beyond 360 + Base (2.4)
- Three seats failed due to safety concerns: Reecle 360, Chipolino Olympus i-Size, and Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus (PFAS chemicals)
🏆 Top-Rated Seats (Score 1.0–2.5)
| Seat | Rating | Price (approx.) | Category | Size/Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Britax Römer Kidfix Pro | 1.8 (Good) | €200 | High-back booster | 100–150 cm |
| Axkid Up | 2.0 (Good) | €240 | Booster | 100–150 cm |
| Joie i-Level Pro + i-Base Encore | 2.3 (Good) | €430 | Infant seat + base | 40–85 cm |
| Joie i-Level Pro | 2.3 (Good) | €270 | Infant seat | 40–85 cm |
| Besafe Beyond 360 + Base | 2.4 (Good) | €799 | Rotating RF/FF seat | 61–125 cm |
👍 Satisfactory Seats (2.6–3.5)
| Seat | Rating | Price | Category | Size/Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuna Arra Flex | 2.7 | €300 | Infant | 40–85 cm |
| Avionaut MaxSpace Smart | 2.8 | €230 | Booster | 100–150 cm |
| Kinderkraft I-Lite | 2.8 | €120 | Booster | 100–150 cm |
| Nuna Arra Flex + BaseCurv | 2.8 | €470 | Infant + base | 40–85 cm |
| Avova Sperber X | 2.9 | €160 | Booster | 100–150 cm |
| Kinderkraft I-Lite + Endura Safe FX | 3.0 | €240 | Booster + installation | 100–150 cm |
| Maxi-Cosi Tanza i-Size | 3.1 | €160 | Booster | 100–150 cm |
| Renolux Olymp Pro | 3.2 | €200 | Booster | 100–150 cm |
| Osann One360 SL Mini | 3.5 | €180 | Rotating newborn–kid | 40–150 cm |
❌ Poor – NOT Recommended
| Seat | Rating | Reason | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus | 4.6 | PFAS chemicals above limits | Failed chemical test |
| Reecle 360 | 5.1 | Severe crash test issues | Shell deformation, head injury risk |
| Chipolino Olympus i-Size | 5.5 | Massive safety failures | Unacceptable crash performance |
🥇 Best Seats of Autumn 2025
Best Booster (Overall Winner): Britax Römer Kidfix Pro (1.8)
A consistently strong performer with excellent crash safety and very low misuse risk. Light, easy to install, and comfortable for long rides.
Why it won:
- Outstanding frontal + side crash protection
- Great belt routing
- Excellent ergonomics
- Fair price
Best for: Parents looking for a reliable 100–150 cm booster.
Best Budget Booster: Axkid Up (2.0)
A simple, lightweight seat with strong crash results at a very low price.
Highlights:
- Strong safety for the cost
- Good head support
- Very easy to use
Best Infant Seat: Joie i-Level Pro (2.3)
Joie continues to dominate the infant seat category.
Strengths:
- Lie-flat recline
- Excellent ergonomics
- Good crash protection
- Works with or without the base
i-Base Encore version is worth it for parents wanting rotation and future compatibility.
Best Rotating Seat: Besafe Beyond 360 + Base (2.4)
Finally, a 360° seat that performs well in ADAC tests.
Pros:
- Good crash results (rare for swivels)
- High comfort
- Long usage range (61–125 cm)
🚫 Seats to Avoid (Failing Models)
❌ Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus – PFAS contamination
Exceeded the ADAC chemical limits. Otherwise acceptable safety, but chemicals = automatic fail.
❌ Reecle 360 – Dangerous crash performance
Serious shell deformation resulted in high injury metrics.
❌ Chipolino Olympus i-Size – Very poor protection
One of the lowest ADAC scores this season. High risk of injury.
How ADAC Tests Child Car Seats
ADAC evaluates seats on multiple criteria:
1. Crash Safety (50%)
- Frontal impact (64 km/h)
- Side impact
- Dummy injury values
2. Operation & Ergonomics (40%)
- Ease of installation
- Risk of misuse
- Comfort
- Space in the car
- Weight of seat
3. Toxins / Harmful Substances (10%)
- PFAS
- PAHs
- Phthalates
- Flame retardants
- Other volatile compounds
A single failure in safety or chemicals results in an overall “Poor”.
Tips for Choosing the Right Seat
- Choose a seat that matches your child's height, not age.
- Rear-face as long as possible (ideally to 4 years).
- Don't move to a booster too early — stay in a harnessed seat until maxed out.
- Always test the seat in your car if possible.
- Avoid used seats unless you know their full history.
- ADAC results are one of the most reliable safety references.
Sources
Check out 2025 October ADAC article here about the tests →