If you're debating the SICT (Side Impact Cushion Technology), there is obviously some merit to Britax's technology. I'm no car crash expert but it seems apparent that providing another barrier that protects the neck and head is safer in the event of a side impact crash. I have had Britax seats with and without the SICT cushions and I believe that a car seat correctly installed with as much head and neck support (i.e, head wings, EPS foam, SICT cushions, etc.) is what is safest for my kids. In my case, my kids are riding outboard in an older car without rear side airbags and I want to give them the best possible odds in the event of crash. That being said, I've owned both the Frontier 85 and now the Frontier 85 SICT and the differences between the two (excluding the cushion technology) are subtle. The cushion technology is what you're paying for and what distinguishes itself from the regular Frontier 85 (much like the Advocate 70 CS distinguishes itself from the Boulevard 70). But... Read more

This is my 6th Britax seat for 2 kids. I have been wanting to order a Frontier ever since they came out but the reasonable budgeting person decided to wait until our two Boulevards had expired. That happened to coincide with the release of this newer model of the Frontier. It seems really solid and safe like all Britax Seats. I did not like the fabric choices but went ahead with the Onyx choice even though it is a warm fabric ( we had this fabric in 3 other seats and my kids were so hot in it!) I plan to buy an after market seat cover as soon as I can find one in a nice comfortable cotton fabric.

I have had the seat installed in my car now for 3 weeks and here are my pet peeves about it:

1)The belly pad is very loose and comes off every time my son gets out of the car. I know it is just a matter of time before he jumps out and I forget to look and then we won't have a belly pad for his seat any longer.
2)I like the convenience of the pads being able to be... Read more

I have been a big fan of Britax since our eldest daughter was born, and she is now almost 8. We bought a new car and it seemed like a good time to update the car seats, especially now that our youngest could have the same seat. I purchased two of these seats in portobello and they are a perfect match to the interior of my new car. I was thrilled with them. For one week. As another reviewer stated, the problem is that the seats often come unhooked from the bottom as my girls are exiting the car in car line at school. I have tried everything to get them to stay hooked; I understand that the purpose of the hooks is to allow us to take the cover off and clean it easily. This is a great idea in theory, but did not bear out in practice. As a result, the foam padding underneath the seat is often not placed correctly, which I believe is a safety concern. Additionally, on a daily basis, the seats are not user-friendly. I am sorry to say that after four months of use, I am looking to... Read more