In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Evenflo Tribute 5 Review

A minimalist seat with an affordable price and some of the best crash test results make it a winner overall
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Evenflo Tribute 5 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $80 List
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Manufacturer:   Evenflo
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jan 5, 2024
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 19
  • Crash Test - 35% 8.6
  • Ease of Installation - LATCH - 20% 4.3
  • Ease of Installation - Belt - 15% 5.6
  • Ease of Use - 15% 5.0
  • Comfort/Quality - 10% 3.0
  • Weight/ Size - 5% 7.8

Our Verdict

The Evenflo Tribute 5 is a budget-friendly option in our best convertible car seat review. While it didn't score high overall and had flaws, like no padding for comfort and an almost too simplistic LATCH installation system, we still gave it an award for being a standout for potential safety. Why? Simple. Every child deserves a safe seat, and the crash test results for this Evenflo indicate a potential extra margin of safety over the average seat in our tests. It scored so well and has a price almost anyone can afford; this is a rare combination that we think should be celebrated despite our troubles during installation testing. Overall, this is not the seat for everyone, and it is not one of our favorites given the trouble we had, but it does fill a niche we think is important and will make an excellent second seat or tightest budget option.
REASONS TO BUY
Impressive crash test analysis
Lightweight
Small width
Great for travel
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
LATCH install removal is challenging with clip-style hooks
Lower quality
And no features for comfort
Editor's Note: We crash-tested 20 impressive seats for our updated convertible car seat review on January 5, 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
evenflo tribute 5
This Product
Evenflo Tribute 5
Awards Best Value Award
Best on the Tightest Budget
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Convertible and Crash Testing
Best Value Award
Best Value Convertible Seat
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall for Rear-Facing Longer
 
Price $80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
$220 List
Check Price at Amazon
$250 List
$249.00 at Amazon
$320 List
$319.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Despite a lack of padding and a harder LATCH install, this inexpensive option earned impressive crash test results, making it a winner for budget-limited familiesEasy to install and use and one of the best crash test analysis scores make this seat a winner for most familiesWallet-loving price on a seat that is easy to install and earned better crash test results than mostBetter crash test analysis and a lower price make this easy-to-install seat an award contender that just missed the markGetting the seat tight is a challenge despite the SuperCinch, but the better crash test results make it more compelling
Rating Categories Evenflo Tribute 5 Graco 4Ever DLX Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Graco Extend2Fit 3... Chicco NextFit Zip
Crash Test (35%)
8.6
8.8
8.5
8.6
8.4
Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%)
4.3
7.9
7.9
7.8
6.1
Ease of Installation - Belt (15%)
5.6
7.1
6.5
6.4
6.1
Ease of Use (15%)
5.0
8.0
7.5
7.0
8.5
Comfort/Quality (10%)
3.0
6.5
8.0
8.5
7.0
Weight/ Size (5%)
7.8
7.5
7.1
7.5
7.1
Specs Evenflo Tribute 5 Graco 4Ever DLX Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Graco Extend2Fit 3... Chicco NextFit Zip
Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight 5-40 lb 4-40 lb 5-40 lb 4-50 lb 5-40 lb
Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight 22-40 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb
Rear Facing Maximum Height 37 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 43 in
Forward Facing Maximum Height 40 in 49 in 49 in 49 in 49 in
Weight 9.4 lb 21.8 lb 18.5 lb 20.5 lb 25.8 lb
Minimum Rear Facing Length 29 in 25 in 28 in 26 in 27 in
Minimum Seat Width 18 in 19 in 19 in 19 in 19 in
Number Of Recline positions 1 6 4 6 9
Shoulder Harness Positions 4 10 10 10 9
Crotch Strap Positions 2 2 3 2 2
Anti-rebound Device No No No Yes No
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Infant Positioning Insert No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Harness Type Rethread No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat Line on decal, both sides Bubble, one side Bead, one side Bubble, one side Bubble, both sides
Booster Mode Available No Yes Yes Yes No
Foam Type EPS Not mentioned EPS Not mentioned EPS
Seat Lifespan 6 years 10 years 10 years 10 years 8 years
Aircraft Certified Yes 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 Not mentioned on website

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Evenflo Company, Inc. is located in Ohio and resulted from a 1995 merger of Evenflo Juvenile Products and Evenflo Juvenile Furniture Company. The company's beginnings go back to 1920. Evenflo began with products for feeding babies and expanded in 1947 with glass bottles and nursing kits in 1960. They now include strollers, car seats, and more.

Performance Comparison



The Tribute performed remarkably well in our commissioned crash testing, which was faster than the federal guidelines and done on a sled that better mimics modern vehicle seats.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


If you want impressive crash test results, then the Tribute 5 is one for your shortlist, with one of the best crash test analysis results in this review. Its test results are a standout, especially given the lower price of the seat. We love that budget shoppers have an option that potentially offers an additional margin of protection, so you don't have to sacrifice safety if your budget is small.


The HIC and chest clip G-force results for the Tribute are some of the lowest in the group (lower is best). Both results are almost the lowest in the entire group, and we couldn't be more excited about this. Given the impressive results, it makes sense that the crash test analysis score would be so remarkable.

This head sensor data graph includes results for the Tribute and the...
This head sensor data graph includes results for the Tribute and the Graco 4Ever DLX, which earned some of the best results.
This chest clip sensor data graph shows results for the Tribute 5...
This chest clip sensor data graph shows results for the Tribute 5 and the Graco 4Ever DLX; both earned some of the best results.

All convertible options in this review should have passed federal standards and be considered safe. Our tests ran faster and used a more modern crash sled that mimics modern cars. Our test process was chosen to identify options that perform better than the average convertible seat, and the Evenflo certainly does that.

We had trouble installing the Evenflo in some test cars and often had to use a towel to get the right angle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - LATCH


This is one of the hardest seats to install using LATCH, and it feels like a miss. We wish it were easier, given the stellar crash test analysis. It can be done, but it will take more effort, and removing the LATCH connectors will make you want to leave it alone forever.


The Tribute angle adjustment is just the rotating foot on the bottom. It wasn't enough to work in all test cars, and we had to use rolled towels.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This Evenflo has the hook clip-style LATCH connector that we hate. Given the price point on this seat, we can accept it and be much more forgiving than when we find it on a seat that costs 2-3 times more.

evenflo tribute 5 - given the lower price of the tribute, we think the hook-style...
Given the lower price of the Tribute, we think the hook-style connectors are acceptable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

They are easy enough to put on, but removing them requires loosening the strap first and then pushing, twisting, and turning to get the hook off, which is a lesson in patience.

Threading the LATCH strap is easy and requires moving some of the cover aside. This requires patience to avoid breaking off the hooks securing the seat frame's cover. The pathway is obvious but has smaller spaces, which could be challenging for larger hands. We had to use towels in each test car to get the proper installation angle, which is a bummer because the weight of this seat and crash test analysis make it a potential choice for travel. However, the lighter weight makes the entire process less of a chore. It is pretty sturdy, especially given the lack of a lock-off or tensioner.

Uninstalling the Tribute is difficult, given the hook clips, and we struggled to get the strap loose. It took two testers to loosen the strap. Several testers took a go, and across the board, men and women, no one liked it, and pain was the common denominator.

evenflo tribute 5 - forward-facing installation requires adjusting the cover to gain...
Forward-facing installation requires adjusting the cover to gain access, and it is hard to get the cover looking neat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Forward-facing requires shifting the strap behind the crotch strap, so you need to undo the cover. Threading is easy, and tightening wasn't a problem. Once again, everything would be easier and better, and the seat would have scored higher for installation if they'd spent a little more money on the push-style connectors.

evenflo tribute 5 - the rear-facing installation of the tribute included rolled towels...
The rear-facing installation of the Tribute included rolled towels in our tests to obtain the right angle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - Belt


It is easier to install using the vehicle belt than the LATCH, and we would choose this method over the other. However, it still isn't great, and you need to take care and pay attention to details when you do your installation.


Installing the Tribute in any configuration via any method was...
Installing the Tribute in any configuration via any method was harder than we liked.
We had to rethread the Evenflo crotch strap when running the vehicle...
We had to rethread the Evenflo crotch strap when running the vehicle belt through the pathway.

The rear-facing installation for the Tribute includes a decal line with no color coding or lock-off to help you in the process. This process includes removing the material, and the pathway is more or less obvious. We had to use two towels and more force to install this seat tight enough and at the right angle. The shoulder belt alignment tends to pull the seat up at an odd angle and can end up slightly wonky.

evenflo tribute 5 - the tribute has a flip-out foot to help adjust the angle for...
The Tribute has a flip-out foot to help adjust the angle for installation, but in our experience, it wasn't enough to accomplish installation without rolled towels.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We also had trouble with the level foot wanting to fold back under after engagement. Luckily, the seat is lightweight and easy to work with. While we didn't like how much we had to fiddle with it, it wasn't a chore, thanks to the weight. Overall, the installation was pretty stable using the two towels, and while we don't like the hassle of the towels, at least we could get a snug fit with minimal wobble.

Uninstalling the Tribute is super easy and requires little effort, and we experienced no complications, making a possible contender for scenarios where quick removal is helpful.

The rear-facing belt path is close to the foot of the Tribute.
The rear-facing belt path is close to the foot of the Tribute.
The forward-facing pathway on the Tribute has a fairly big opening...
The forward-facing pathway on the Tribute has a fairly big opening and is obvious despite the lack of color-coding.

The forward-facing Tribute doesn't have a level indicator, and there is no color-coding or lock-off, but at least this seat is straightforward, and we could get it tight enough. The belt slides behind the back easily.

evenflo tribute 5 - the tribute has imprinted writing to indicate forward vs rear-facing...
The Tribute has imprinted writing to indicate forward vs rear-facing pathways, but we wish it were easier to read or color coding had been offered.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The fact that the design is so basic is a win here without much to bother with or adapt to. It did take a few tugs on the belt and some effort pushing in the seat as you retract the belt to get a tight fit, but it was achievable reasonably quickly. Stability is above average for the Tribute, but it isn't brag-worthy, and we wished we could get it just a bit tighter. We got a bit less wiggle in the second test car, so this could be car-dependent and shouldn't prevent someone on a budget from giving it a chance.

evenflo tribute 5 - the tribute struggled somewhat for ease of use, and while we wished...
The Tribute struggled somewhat for ease of use, and while we wished it scored better, the price makes some of this forgivable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Tribute 5 is not an easy seat to use compared to other seats, but there is a chance you might not notice if you've never used another convertible car seat.


evenflo tribute 5 - we had trouble with unbuckling the tribute and everything is just a...
We had trouble with unbuckling the Tribute and everything is just a little stiff and has more resistance than the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The harness buckle and chest clip are below average for the Tribute. Our testing and outside reviews all comment on the difficulty of the buckle and unbuckling. Finding a good hold on the prongs is challenging because they are small, and there isn't much plastic to hold onto. The prongs are easy to push in place but require slightly more force to release them. The buckle isn't padded, and access is easy. The chest clip has resistance putting on and taking off and was markedly harder to use than most of the competition.

Tightening the harness on the Tribute was not a problem, but it did take more effort to pull the strap than the average seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Tightening the harness isn't as smooth as some of the competition, and the splitter plate location can create a lopsided tightening if you aren't careful. There is a bit of resistance when you pull because the webbing can come in folded on itself. It isn't a big deal and still works well, but it is different from higher-end competitors.

evenflo tribute 5 - the tribute harness height adjustment is a rethread style that...
The Tribute harness height adjustment is a rethread style that requires removing the straps from one level and threading them through a different level.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The harness height adjustment on the Tribute only has four levels for placement, which could limit how easy it is to fit the harness to your little ones at all stages. It is a rethread adjustment, and while the rethreading is pretty easy, the visibility isn't as good as it should be for a seat this basic.

evenflo tribute 5 - when not in use, the tribute latch connectors hook on plastic loops...
When not in use, the Tribute LATCH connectors hook on plastic loops on either side of the seat. While this keeps them from causing injury, it doesn't do much to stop little ones from messing with them.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

LATCH Storage


LATCH storage is simplistic, with plastic clips on the side where you clip the connectors in place. The LATCH connectors are old-fashioned clip-style, but the open access makes it easy to connect and disconnect.

Cover


The cover on the Tribute comes off primarily in one piece, with the headrest being separate. It has a few snaps and a couple of loops, but that is all. You also need to unthread the harness to get the cover off, but everything is obvious and exposed, and nothing is hidden in a slot or under something else. The process is quick and easy.

evenflo tribute 5 - the tribute is a basic seat with little offered for comfort or...
The Tribute is a basic seat with little offered for comfort or quality and it makes no apologies or effort to run with the big dogs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


There isn't much to this inexpensive seat, and the price corresponds to the comfort and quality. It really is a barebones option with almost no padding, a flimsy cover, and a basic plastic shell. However, despite the disappointing performance here, we'd still choose this seat over more comfortable options with lower crash test analysis scores.


The metallic-looking material on the headrest and center portion of the seat has a plastic-type feel that probably isn't super breathable. It isn't rough on the skin, but it could be more skin-friendly instead of what might be sticky when little ones sweat. There is no infant insert with this option.

The headrest is markedly different from the competition and is a more expensive option. It's flat and completely unsupportive. It almost seems like it is there for looks instead of functionality for support of any kind. At some point, as your little one grows taller, you won't be able to use it at all, and we suspect no one will miss it.

evenflo tribute 5 - the open cup holder on the evenflo tribute works fine, but it is a...
The open cup holder on the Evenflo Tribute works fine, but it is a clip-on and we suspect it will end up lost somewhere at some point.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The quality of the shell is less impressive than that of competitors. It is flimsy and easily scratches. Open areas on the shell show the exposed impact foam padding. Compared to the competition, it feels like a toy doll safety seat instead of a real one. The cup holder is open and relatively narrow, making it virtually useless for kid cups or a handful of snacks.

evenflo tribute 5 - the tribute user manul tucks in the side of the open back shell on...
The Tribute user manul tucks in the side of the open back shell on the seat. The shell is open, leaving ample nooks and crannies for gunk to collect.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The reality of this inexpensive seat is the lower price comes with lower quality and comfort. However, despite our findings, it is important to remember it excelled in our crash test analysis, and this is not nothing and is certainly more important than fluffy padding.

We weighed every seat in this review for an apples-to-apples comparison, including the Tribute shown here.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


The Evenflo is lightweight and narrow, making it a contender for someone who wants a travel-friendly or narrow seat for crowded spaces. Given the crash test results, you won't sacrifice safety to make things work.


The Evenflo is 9.4 lbs, where the average is closer to 24 lbs. It measures 17.6 in compared to the average for the group of 18.6.

evenflo tribute 5 - if your budget is super tight or you want a safe second seat for...
If your budget is super tight or you want a safe second seat for occasional use, we think the Tribute is one to consider despite it not scoring well in most metrics.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Evenflo Tribute 5 ?


If your budget is uber-tight, you should absolutely have the Tribute 5 on your list of potentials. With some higher crash test analysis results and the lightest weight in the group, it is an excellent option for those who need to save money, want a second seat, or need something for travel without sacrificing safety. While this seat is not the right fit for everyone, as it lacks padding for comfort or features that are truly easy to use, we love a seat that provides an additional margin of safety at an unbelievable price.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?


The Evenflo Tribute 5 is a bare-bones basic seat with little thought to ease of installation or comfort. If your wallet allows, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 has similarly impressive crash test results with a more thoughtful design for passenger comfort and ease of installation. The SlimFit is a lower price than the average seat, and the benefits of spending more are worth it.

Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz