In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Review

Unique installation process makes it simple to use, but the crash test analysis results were lower than we like
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Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $380 List
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Manufacturer:   Evenflo
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jan 5, 2024
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 19
  • Crash Test - 35% 5.4
  • Ease of Installation - LATCH - 20% 9.0
  • Ease of Installation - Belt - 15% 8.8
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.5
  • Comfort/Quality - 10% 9.0
  • Weight/ Size - 5% 5.9

Our Verdict

The Evenflo Gold Revolve360 could have been a favorite convertible car seat. However, its disappointing crash test results hurt its overall score enough that it failed to meet the mark of a high-ranking seat or award winner. We loved much about this option, including the super easy installation methods, the rotation of the chair portion, and the use of the rear-facing configuration for forward-facing as well. It is a comfy seat with loads of padding, and the materials and price point are impressive for Evenflo. Because the crash test analysis result in our test was one of the lowest in our review, we didn't feel comfortable giving it a higher score or an award. We urge parents looking for a revolving seat to look elsewhere despite the impressive test results in most metrics.
REASONS TO BUY
Great padding
Easy base style installation
360 design
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower crash test results
Relatively wide
Heavy
Editor's Note: Our convertible car seat review underwent an extensive overhaul on January 5, 2024, with all new crash and in-house testing of 20 popular seats.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Convertible and Crash Testing
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall for Rear-Facing Longer
Best Value Award
Best Value Convertible Seat
Best Value Award
Best on the Tightest Budget
Price $380 List
$350.99 at Amazon
$330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
$250 List
$249.00 at Amazon
$220 List
Check Price at Amazon
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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78
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62
Star Rating
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Bottom Line We love installation on this easy to use seat, but the lower crash test analysis score cost it an award-winning rankEasy to install and use and one of the best crash test analysis scores make this seat a winner for most familiesBetter crash test analysis and a lower price make this easy-to-install seat an award contender that just missed the markWallet-loving price on a seat that is easy to install and earned better crash test results than mostDespite a lack of padding and a harder LATCH install, this inexpensive option earned impressive crash test results, making it a winner for budget-limited families
Rating Categories Evenflo Gold Revolv... Graco 4Ever DLX Graco Extend2Fit 3... Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Evenflo Tribute 5
Crash Test (35%)
5.4
8.8
8.6
8.5
8.6
Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%)
9.0
7.9
7.8
7.9
4.3
Ease of Installation - Belt (15%)
8.8
7.1
6.4
6.5
5.6
Ease of Use (15%)
6.5
8.0
7.0
7.5
5.0
Comfort/Quality (10%)
9.0
6.5
8.5
8.0
3.0
Weight/ Size (5%)
5.9
7.5
7.5
7.1
7.8
Specs Evenflo Gold Revolv... Graco 4Ever DLX Graco Extend2Fit 3... Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Evenflo Tribute 5
Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight 4-40 lb 4-40 lb 4-50 lb 5-40 lb 5-40 lb
Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-40 lb
Rear Facing Maximum Height 40 in Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle 37 in
Forward Facing Maximum Height 49 in 49 in 49 in 49 in 40 in
Weight 29.4 lb 21.8 lb 20.5 lb 18.5 lb 9.4 lb
Minimum Rear Facing Length 29 in 25 in 26 in 28 in 29 in
Minimum Seat Width 20 in 19 in 19 in 19 in 18 in
Number Of Recline positions 4 6 6 4 1
Shoulder Harness Positions 14 10 10 10 4
Crotch Strap Positions 3 2 2 3 2
Anti-rebound Device No No Yes No No
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Infant Positioning Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Harness Type No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread Rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat Bubble, both sides Bubble, one side Bubble, one side Bead, one side Line on decal, both sides
Booster Mode Available Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Foam Type Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned EPS EPS
Seat Lifespan 10 years 10 years 10 years 10 years 6 years
Aircraft Certified No Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes
Warranty 90 day limited 1 year limited 1 year limited 1 year limited 90 day limited

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Evenflo Company, Inc. began in 1920 and is now a subsidiary of Goodbaby International. The company started by specializing in feeding gear like nipples and bottles but merged with Evenflo Juvenile Products and Furniture Company in 1995. The company now sells various baby gear, from bottles to safety gates and just about everything in between.

Performance Comparison



The Revolve has one of the lowest crash test analysis scores in the group, based on its commissioned crash test results.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


We love a lot about this Evenflo, but not its below-average crash test results. With one of the lowest analysis results in the group, its performance cost it an award in our testing.


The Revolve has one of the highest recorded G forces in the chest sensor for the test group. This result negatively impacted the analysis. The HIC head sensor result is also not good, much higher than the average result. The sensor data's goal is the “lower the better” regarding recorded results, so the analysis of these higher results yielded a lower analysis score. While this seat meets the federal guidelines and should be considered safe, our tests use a sled more similar to modern-day vehicles, and it goes a bit faster. This means we expect some seats to perform better than others, and the Revolve couldn't hang with the better-performing competitors in our tests.

You need to unlock the Revolve lock-off before you pull the LATCH strap tightly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - LATCH


Installing this seat using LATCH is pretty straightforward, and we love that the main seat detaches, creating a base that offers a design almost anyone can install without a hiccup.

evenflo gold revolve360 - removing the revolve latch connectors is completed by pulling the...
Removing the Revolve LATCH connectors is completed by pulling the red pull tab.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Revolve has flexible strap push-style connectors with bubble indicators on each side and a lock-off.

You remove the chair portion of the Revolve to access the base belt pathway for both belt and LATCH installation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Taking off the chair portion of the seat opens up the smaller base for easy path and installation access. The connectors are easy to access and undo the lock-off. The tensioner/lock-off is easy to press down and works well to secure the seat to the car with minimal movement. It feels secure in every direction.

The installation of the Revolve uses a tether strap in both configurations.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The recline is adjusted after the installation is complete, moving smoothly, and is easy to operate. Don't forget the tensioner, which is required since the forward-facing installation is the same as the rear-facing.

You need to remove the Revolve seat to install the base in the car.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - Belt


Installing this Evenflo with the belt is also a simple process with the seat detached, and we think the design is impressive.

The belt pathway on the Revolve is color-coded.
The belt pathway on the Revolve is color-coded.
The Revolve lock-off is easy to press down using your entire hand...
The Revolve lock-off is easy to press down using your entire hand, and without the chair in place, there is nothing to get in the way.

This revolving seat is cool because once you install it, it works for rear or forward-facing use, and unless you need to switch vehicles with it, you are good to go from day one. It has a bubble level indicator on both sides, the pathway is color-coded for help threading the belt, and the belt lock-off is a bonus we didn't see on all seats. Installation requires detaching the chair component from the base, which is unique for a convertible seat and is more similar to infant car seat designs. A color-change indicator lets you know when you have it off and reattached correctly.

The belt is easy to thread through the base without the chair in place, and the lock-off lever pulls up and stays out of the way until you need it. Pushing down the lock-off lever felt awkward, but pushing it over the belt and locking things in place was easy. There is a green-to-red indicator to let you know it is locked. The tether is part of the rear and forward-facing installation, which is relatively unique and should not be skipped or forgotten. This seat feels very stable once installed and easily passed the wiggle test. Unlike some of the competition, this seat had a similar installation in both test cars, which we hope indicates it will be similar in most cars.

Removing the seat from the car requires detaching the chair component, releasing the lock-off, and unthreading the belt. The lever on the lock-off is hard to use if you don't unbuckle the belt first to relieve the tension.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the revolve installation process is made easier with the simple base...
The Revolve installation process is made easier with the simple base installation and instructions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This seat is a one-and-done installation because you are essentially just installing the base, and the top chair can rotate forward when your child reaches the manual guidelines for forward-facing.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the revolve is easy to rotate and moves smoothly.
The Revolve is easy to rotate and moves smoothly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Revolve isn't the easiest seat to use and has some gadgety features that make things more complicated than necessary.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the buckle on the revolve sits fairly far back in the seat.
The buckle on the Revolve sits fairly far back in the seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The harness is below average compared to much of the convertible competition. The buckle sits pretty low and is far back on the seat, making it hard to operate between chunky thighs. Our testing and several reviews online all mention the unfortunate position of the buckle strap. However, the big button works well and releases smoothly with pop-out prongs. The chest clip has resistance with putting on and taking off, which is something we didn't experience with much of the competition.

Tightening and loosening the Revolve360 is average, with attached shoulder pads that create friction when tightening the harness. Loosening doesn't seem to pull enough of the webbing out, and we would have liked a little longer straps for getting arms in the harness.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the revolve is a non-rethread harness height adjustment with an...
The Revolve is a non-rethread harness height adjustment with an easy-to-use pinch mechanism.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Shoulder strap height adjustment on the Revolve360 is above average with a non-rethread style adjustment, fourteen height positions, and a crotch strap with three possible places. All three of the crotch strap positions are pretty far back into the seat, and we wonder how useful these will be with older or bigger children. The pinch adjustment is easy to use and moves easily along the position range without a hiccup.

The Revolve LATCH connectors are tucked in on either side of the...
The Revolve LATCH connectors are tucked in on either side of the seat bottom.
The LATCH connectors on the Revolve are push-style with a pull tab...
The LATCH connectors on the Revolve are push-style with a pull tab for removal.

LATCH Storage


The LATCH storage on this Evenflo is very good. The storage is on the side of the seat, and the connectors have pull loops that are easy to grab. It has no trouble with extra webbing with nowhere to go like some competition.

Cover


The removal of the cover on this seat is below average compared to the group. It took us a long time to complete the removal and put it back on. It requires putting some material through slots and some flexible loops.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the revolve is a cozy cocoon of comfort.
The Revolve is a cozy cocoon of comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


This innovative option offers impressive comfort and quality in a group of stiff competition. The seat looks lunch on first blush. The company brags about its fabric, but it is polyester and not anything we think is brag-worthy. The seat material isn't rougher but not cooling or smooth either, and there are warning labels sewn to the fabric on the back that could be irritating if shirtless or wearing thinner fabric.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the revolve manual is easily accessible on the back of the chair.
The Revolve manual is easily accessible on the back of the chair.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The infant insert has a strong chemical smell we didn't experience in the mains eat. The material is only okay, not irritating, but also not smooth. It looks puffier than it really is when you apply pressure.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the revolve has two integrated cup holders nestled in side padding.
The Revolve has two integrated cup holders nestled in side padding.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The main seat has some components of padding that look fluffy, but pressing down causes immediate compression and no real cushioning. Once you're past the fluffy exterior, a more dense and supportive memory foam is underneath. It is slightly thicker on the seat bottom and thinner on the sides and back. The knee area does not have any curved plastic to support the knees or legs but instead has a padded fabric flap. We suspect this is related to the rotational design, but we wonder if it would be comfy over longer drives in the forward-facing position. There are some reports of an uncomfortable buckle or crotch position.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the revolve belt lock-off has a color coding indicator to let you...
The Revolve belt lock-off has a color coding indicator to let you know when its on properly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Due to the rotating design, the shell has more going on than a typical shell. We suspect any dried liquids or messes will cause problems and longer cleaning times. It has dual cup holders that essentially create the leg sides of the seat and are integrated into the shell.

evenflo gold revolve360 - the revolve is a beast of a seat that is both wide and heavy.
The Revolve is a beast of a seat that is both wide and heavy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


This rotating seat is a big one with a heavier weight, wider width, and a longer length. Whew! It's a lot to even think about. It weighs 29.4 lbs, compared to a group where the high is close to 33, and the average is 24.3.


It measures 19.6 in width and 29 in length. These measurements make it one of this review's widest and longer-than-average seats. It isn't likely you'd travel with this seat, and most of the revolving seats in this review were big and heavy, so it might be something you have to accept if rotating is your goal.

Should You Buy the Evenflo Gold Revolve360?


While nothing could be easier than installing this Evenflo rotating seat, it is huge and did not perform well in our crash test analysis. We think it is easy to use and offers much comfort, but the lower crash test results were disappointing and make it a seat we don't love. We think there are better rotating seats in the lineup and better seats that are more traditional in design. So, while intriguing and, dare we say, almost fun to install, it fell short of being a seat we recommend.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?


If you want a rotating seat, we like both the Baby Jogger City Turn and the Cybex Sirona S. The Baby Jogger would have won an award with better crash test analysis and ease of installation, but it only rotates when rear-facing, so if that is acceptable, we think it is a good fit. The Cybex is a good choice if you want full rotation and don't mind a more average crash test rating. Both seats are on the pricey side but offer enough to justify the cost somewhat, and your goals will determine which one feels better for you.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz