Our Perspective: A Refined Follow-Up With Room to Grow
The UPPAbaby Rove is a thoughtfully improved successor to their original convertible car seat-- the Knox-- it's lighter, more intuitive to install, and well-aligned with the brand’s aesthetic. In reviewing it, we naturally compared it to the Nuna Rava, as both seats share a similar non-swivel format, and the Rove seems designed to compete in that premium, feature-forward category.
While the Rove makes meaningful strides, particularly in safety design and weight reduction, we ultimately found that it doesn't surpass the Rava in the areas parents care about like the daily ease-of-use, recline ergonomics, and harness comfort. For that reason, we’re not showcasing the Rove in our store at this time. Still, it’s a solid option for families loyal to the UPPAbaby ecosystem, and we’ve reviewed it in full below to help you make the best decision for your family.
Installation: QuickGuard Makes Progress
The Rove’s new QuickGuard system uses internal tensioning doors that hold the vehicle seatbelt in place securely, without requiring the seatbelt’s locking retractor. It’s a meaningful upgrade from the Knox, with a visual tension indicator (green when secure) that helps demystify the install process—a welcome detail for many parents.
While effective, the belt path on the Rove feels slightly narrower than those on some other premium models. Threading the belt may take a little more attention at first, particularly compared to Nuna’s True Tension system, which remains a benchmark for ease and intuitiveness. That said, once installed, the Rove feels solid and dependable, offering peace of mind.
Recline Adjustment: Secure, But Requires Some Maneuvering
The Rove, like many convertible seats, requires the recline to be set prior to installation. The recline adjustment handle is located underneath the back of the seat, and while this ensures a secure lock, it can be physically awkward to reach—especially in smaller vehicles or during solo setups. Lifting and tilting the full weight of the seat to adjust the recline may take some patience.
Other seats, such as the Nuna Rava, use a side-mounted recline lever that’s easier to access and operate. Though both systems accomplish the same goal, the Rove’s design may require a bit more wrist effort.
Harness Experience: Reliable, with Slight Resistance
The Rove includes a no-rethread harness system, allowing the headrest and harness to adjust together—now a standard feature in this category. Once the child is seated, tightening the harness can feel slightly firm, particularly when the headrest is at its lower settings. This stiffness eases as the child grows and the headrest is raised, likely due to the internal routing angles.
While not a flaw, this detail may be noticeable for parents using the seat with younger babies, and it’s something to be aware of during daily use.
Child Positioning: Compact and Supportive
When rear-facing, the Rove’s seating geometry positions the child in a slightly more compact V-shape, with legs angled more steeply than in the Rava or some other seats. This may simply reflect the seat’s design and base angle, and it doesn’t appear to compromise comfort, especially given the natural flexibility of young children.
However, the seat lacks a leg extension panel, a feature included on the Rava which even though pretty small can offer a more open seating posture. This distinction may matter for longer rides or older toddlers, but for most babies, the positioning still feels secure and supportive.
Rear-Facing Tether: An Added Safety Feature with a Learning Curve
The Rove includes a rear-facing top tether—an uncommon but forward-thinking safety addition in the U.S. When used correctly, it can help reduce seat rotation in a crash, functioning similarly to a load leg or anti-rebound bar.
That said, installing the tether adds a step to setup, requiring it to be anchored to a fixed point behind the seat. For caregivers unfamiliar with this kind of feature, it may take a bit of research and practice. It’s a thoughtful inclusion from a safety perspective, but one that may not be used by every family.
Everyday Details: Helpful, with Minor Trade-Offs
The Rove incorporates small touches meant to make daily routines easier: like buckle pockets that keep metal tongues from heating up in the sun or falling behind the child. However, their inward placement can make them a little trickier to use consistently. The Rava’s buckle holders, placed further toward the seat edges, are slightly more accessible.
Cup holder-wise, the Rove includes one removable cup holder that can be placed on either side. It’s a flexible feature, though some families may prefer the Rava’s built-in dual holders for everyday convenience.
Size, Weight & Fit: Well-Suited for Modern Families
At approximately 25 pounds, the Rove is noticeably lighter than its predecessor, the Knox, and lighter than several competitors. This makes it easier to carry, reposition, and even travel with—it’s FAA-approved for air travel. At just under 19 inches wide, it fits comfortably in most vehicles and works well for one or two seats in a row (though likely not three across).
Its upright rear-facing fit is efficient for compact cars, especially for older infants or toddlers who don’t need deep recline. For younger babies, however, caregivers may want to test the fit to ensure a comfortable angle.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Evolution with Practical Strengths
The UPPAbaby Rove represents a significant step forward for the brand’s car seat lineup. It’s lighter, more intuitive than the Knox, and includes thoughtful features designed to simplify everyday parenting. Its safety innovations, like the rear-facing tether and QuickGuard system, show UPPAbaby’s continued investment in performance and child passenger safety.
At the same time, there are areas where refinement could make a strong product even stronger, like improving recline ergonomics, easing the harness pull for younger babies, and rethinking small daily-use elements like buckle pockets.
Ultimately, the Rove is a strong choice for families who appreciate design, quality, and safety—and especially for those invested in the UPPAbaby ecosystem. While it may not be the simplest option on the market, it brings a lot to the table, and for many parents, it strikes a confident balance between thoughtful engineering and stylish practicality.
Rove vs Rava Quick Look:
| Feature | UPPAbaby Rove | Nuna Rava |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~25 lbs | ~27 lbs |
| Install System | QuickGuard | True Tension |
| Rear-Facing Tether | Yes | No |
| Recline Adjust | Rear handle (underneath) | Side lever |
| Buckle Pockets | Inner placement | Outer placement |
| Cup Holders | 1 removable | 2 built-in |
| FAA Approved | Yes | Yes |
| Width | ~19” | ~19” |