There’s a bittersweet moment every parent experiences: the day you realise your not-so-little-one is officially dwarfing their beloved toddler car seat. For us, it was the tell-tale sign of knees pressed uncomfortably against the back of the driver’s seat and a harness that seemed to be at its absolute limit. The transition from a secure, five-point harness to a high-back booster that uses the car’s own seatbelt feels like a monumental step. Suddenly, you’re not just looking for a seat; you’re looking for a decade-long travel companion, a silent guardian that has to offer impeccable safety, evolving comfort, and be simple enough for daily use. The market is a dizzying landscape of acronyms (i-Size, L.S.P., ISOFIX) and competing claims. Our goal was clear: find a seat that would make our child feel secure and comfortable, and give us, the parents, absolute peace of mind on every journey, from the school run to cross-country holidays. This search led us directly to the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus Child Car Seat, a product promising a fusion of advanced safety and ergonomic luxury.
- Sturdy and high-quality child car seat with long service life, for children aged approx. 3 to 12 years (15-36 kg, approx. 100-150 cm.), suitable for cars with and without ISOFIX
- Maximum safety: Integrated linear side impact protection in side shoulder protectors, patented 3-way tilt-adjustable headrest that supports the head when falling asleep
What to Consider Before Buying a High-Back Booster Car Seat
A high-back booster car seat is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for ensuring your child’s safety and comfort once they’ve outgrown their harnessed seat. Its primary purpose is to elevate the child so that the vehicle’s 3-point seatbelt fits them correctly across their strong pelvic bones and shoulder, not their soft abdomen and neck. This correct belt positioning is critical for preventing serious injury in the event of a collision. Beyond this fundamental function, these seats provide vital side-impact protection for the head, neck, and torso, something a simple booster cushion cannot offer. The main benefit is providing years of adaptable safety, growing with your child from roughly age 3 or 4 all the way up to 12, making it a significant long-term investment in their well-being.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent of a child who has reached the weight or height limit of their forward-facing harnessed car seat, typically around 15kg and 100cm. They are looking for a long-lasting, single-purchase solution that will see their child through to the point where they can use an adult seatbelt alone. This seat is perfect for families who value advanced safety features, ease of installation, and comfort on longer journeys. However, it might not be suitable for those with children still young or small enough to require a 5-point harness, or for families needing a highly compact, portable seat for frequent car-swapping or travel, where a lighter, simpler model might be preferable. For those with younger toddlers, a convertible seat offering extended harnessing would be a more appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Safety Standards & Installation: Look for seats that are i-Size (R129) compliant, as this is the latest and most stringent safety standard, including mandatory side-impact testing. Consider the installation method. ISOFIX provides a rigid, stable connection to the car’s chassis, often with visual indicators for correct installation, which we found significantly reduces the risk of user error. A seat that also allows for belt-only installation offers greater flexibility for older cars or multi-car families.
- Longevity & Adjustability: This is a long-term purchase, so adaptability is key. A good high-back booster should have a multi-position, height-adjustable headrest that is easy to operate with one hand. The seat should accommodate a wide height and weight range (e.g., 100-150cm) to ensure it provides a perfect, safe fit for your child for as long as they need it.
- Comfort & Materials: A comfortable child is a happy traveller. Look for features like a reclining backrest to fit snugly against the vehicle seat, and a reclining headrest to prevent the dreaded head-slump when they nap. The quality of the fabric is also important; breathable materials and extra padding, like those found in “Plus” versions, can make a huge difference to comfort levels, especially in warmer weather.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Daily life with children is complicated enough. The seat should be lightweight enough to move between cars if needed, and the belt guides should be clearly marked and intuitive. Crucially, check if the covers are easily removable and machine-washable. Spills and crumbs are an inevitable part of family life, and easy cleaning is a non-negotiable feature for maintaining the seat over its long service life.
While the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus Child Car Seat is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- R129 highback booster car seat - Suitable from 100-150cm (3.5 to approx. 12 years)
- ✅ FUNCTIONAL: the car seat is suitable for children from 76 cm to 150 cm tall (approximately 15 months to 12 years or 9-36 kg). It is compliant with the latest R129 i-Size standard, it has...
First Impressions: Unboxing Cybex’s Promise of Quality
The Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus Child Car Seat arrived in a surprisingly compact box. Inside, the seat is in two main parts: the booster base and the backrest. Assembly is ridiculously simple; you just hook the backrest onto the base and click it firmly into place. Our first impression was one of substance and quality. The “Plus” fabric in Pure Black felt premium—soft yet durable, with a slight texture that suggests it will hold up well to wear and tear. It immediately felt more breathable and luxurious than the standard polyester found on many other seats.
Weighing in at 7kg, it feels solid and reassuringly robust without being overly heavy to manage. The plastics are high-grade with no sharp edges, and every adjustment mechanism clicks into place with satisfying precision. Compared to our previous toddler seat, it felt sleeker and more “grown-up,” a detail our five-year-old tester immediately appreciated. The Linear Side-impact Protection (L.S.P.) wings are neatly integrated into the design, ready to be deployed on the door side. From the very first touch, the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus exudes the German engineering and design excellence the brand is known for, setting a high bar before we even installed it in the car.
Key Benefits
- Patented 3-position reclining headrest is a game-changer for napping children.
- Extremely simple and secure one-click ISOFIX installation.
- High-quality, breathable “Plus” fabrics for enhanced comfort.
- Excellent longevity, designed to fit children from approx. 3 to 12 years.
Potential Drawbacks
- Some user reports of quality control issues (damaged on arrival or component failure).
- The backrest padding could be more substantial for some children’s preferences.
A Deep Dive into the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus Child Car Seat’s Performance
A car seat’s true worth is proven on the road, through the mundane daily trips and the long, gruelling holiday drives. It’s in the quiet confidence it gives you as a driver and the peaceful comfort it provides your child. We put the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus through its paces over several weeks, evaluating it on the core pillars that matter most: installation and safety, everyday comfort and that all-important nap-friendliness, and its ability to grow and adapt over the long haul.
Installation and Security: A Flawless Fusion of Simplicity and Safety
For many parents, the initial installation of a car seat is a source of anxiety. Get it wrong, and the seat’s safety features could be compromised. Cybex has clearly engineered the Solution G i-Fix Plus to eliminate this concern. The process is so intuitive it barely requires a glance at the manual. The ISOFIX arms extend smoothly with the squeeze of a handle, and clear visual guides make lining them up with the car’s anchor points effortless. The result is a loud, definitive “CLICK” that confirms a secure connection. Green indicators on the ISOFIX connectors pop up, providing instant visual confirmation that the seat is locked in correctly. This feature alone is worth its weight in gold for peace of mind. As one user noted, it’s “very easy to install,” a sentiment we wholeheartedly echo. The seat feels completely solid, with zero wobble or movement once connected.
Safety is further enhanced by the integrated Linear Side-impact Protection (L.S.P. System Plus). These small wings on the side of the seat are designed to be extended on the side closest to the car door. Cybex claims this reduces the force of a side-impact collision by up to 20%. While we thankfully didn’t test this in a real-world scenario, the system’s robust design and the clear logic behind it provide a powerful layer of reassurance. Threading the seatbelt is equally straightforward. The prominent green belt guides ensure the lap and shoulder belts are positioned perfectly every time, a crucial detail for maximising safety. For families with older vehicles without ISOFIX, the seat can also be used securely with just the vehicle’s seatbelt, making it a versatile option that doesn’t compromise on its core safety function. The overall impression is one of thoughtful, user-proof design that makes safety simple to achieve.
The Comfort Factor: Mastering the Art of the Car Nap
If there’s one feature that elevates the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus from a great car seat to an exceptional one, it’s the patented 3-position reclining headrest. Any parent who has undertaken a journey longer than 20 minutes has likely glanced in the rearview mirror to see their child’s head slumped uncomfortably—and unsafely—forward. This headrest is Cybex’s ingenious solution. With a simple adjustment, it can be tilted back, gently cradling the child’s head and ensuring it remains within the protective safety zone of the headrest and side protectors, even when they’re fast asleep. On our first long drive, this feature proved its worth. Our son napped for over an hour, and his head stayed perfectly supported the entire time. This was a revelation. It’s a sentiment echoed by numerous users, with one parent celebrating that “when he falls asleep his head doesn’t fall forward.”
Beyond this standout feature, the overall comfort is excellent. The seat itself has a slight recline function, allowing the entire backrest to tilt, ensuring a flush and stable fit against a variety of vehicle seat shapes. This small adjustment can make a big difference in the child’s seating posture. The “Plus” fabric is another significant contributor to comfort. It’s noticeably softer and has better air circulation than standard car seat materials, which helps prevent a sweaty back on warmer days. The seat is ergonomically shaped and provides ample room for growing legs, while still feeling snug and secure. Many users confirm their child is “very comfortable” and “more relaxed,” which is the ultimate endorsement. You can explore the full range of comfort features and colours available online.
Growing with Your Child: A Smart Investment for the Next Decade
The Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus is marketed for children from approximately 3 to 12 years old (100cm to 150cm), and its design fully supports this impressive lifespan. The longevity is built around the 11-way height-adjustable headrest. With a single-handed squeeze of the lever at the back, the headrest glides smoothly up and down, and cleverly, the shoulder wings adjust outwards simultaneously. This ensures that the seat provides not just the correct height but also the appropriate width as your child grows, maintaining optimal side-impact protection and comfort.
We found the adjustment mechanism to be fluid and easy to use, even with the seat installed in the car. It allows for micro-adjustments to get the fit just right. This adaptability is a key reason why so many parents, like one who bought a second one for their younger child, become repeat customers. They state their older seat, purchased three years ago, is “like new,” which speaks volumes about the product’s durability. Investing in a seat like this means you avoid the cost and hassle of buying multiple seats as your child grows. It’s designed to be the last car seat your child will ever need, offering phenomenal value over its near-decade of use. The high-quality materials and sturdy construction give us every confidence that it will withstand the test of time, a fact supported by many long-term users. It’s a purchase that makes financial sense without ever compromising on safety, and you can check the latest pricing and deals to see its excellent value proposition.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the feedback for the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus Child Car Seat is overwhelmingly positive. Parents consistently praise its ease of installation, with phrases like “muy facil de montar” (very easy to assemble) and “si aggancia facilmente” (it attaches easily) appearing frequently. The comfort and safety features are also major highlights. One parent called it the “best purchase,” specifically mentioning the reclining headrest that prevents head-slump during naps—a feature we found to be a true game-changer. The brand’s reputation precedes it, with many users stating “Cybex una garanzia!” (Cybex is a guarantee!), highlighting the trust and quality associated with the name.
However, no product is perfect, and it’s important to present a balanced view. A small but notable number of users have reported quality control issues upon delivery, such as receiving a seat that was “abîmé” (damaged) or had a “large stain on the seat.” Another user reported a more serious issue with a handle breaking after a year of use, followed by a frustrating warranty claim process. While these experiences appear to be outliers in a sea of positive reviews, they are important to acknowledge. They suggest that while the design is excellent, prospective buyers should inspect the product carefully upon arrival and purchase from a retailer with a reliable returns policy. You can see the full spectrum of user feedback for yourself here.
How Does the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus Compare to the Alternatives?
The high-back booster market is competitive, and several excellent alternatives cater to slightly different needs or budgets. Here’s how the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus stacks up against three popular competitors.
1. Graco Extend LX R129 Convertible Car Seat
- Suitable from 40-105cm (birth to approx. 4 years); Rearward facing for longer - from 40-105 cm (birth to approx. 4 years); Forward facing harness mode from 76-105cm (15 months to approx. 4 years)
- 4-position recline (1 rearward, 3 forward)
The Graco Extend LX R129 is less of a direct competitor and more of an alternative for a different stage. This is a convertible car seat designed for children from birth up to approximately 4 years (40-105cm). Its key selling point is its extended rear-facing capability, which is widely considered the safest way for infants and toddlers to travel. If your child is not yet ready for a high-back booster (i.e., under 100cm and 15kg), the Graco is a fantastic option. It uses a 5-point harness for its entire lifespan. The main trade-off is longevity; you will still need to purchase a high-back booster like the Cybex once your child outgrows the Graco around age 4.
2. Maxi-Cosi RodiFix M i-Size High Back Booster Seat
- GROUP 2/3 CAR SEAT: offering years of safety, the Rodifix M i-Size car seat is built to last for a long-time: from 100–150cm (approx. 15–36kg), and from 3.5 up to 12 years
- I-SIZE SAFETY: this child car seat is tested and designed according to the highest EU safety standards (ECE R129) and is equipped with ISOFIX connectors, making it super-quick and easy to install in...
The Maxi-Cosi RodiFix M i-Size is a direct and formidable competitor to the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus. It covers the same age and height range (3.5 to 12 years, 100-150cm) and also features ISOFIX installation and i-Size safety standards. Maxi-Cosi’s standout safety feature is its G-CELL Side Impact Protection, a honeycomb-like structure in the side wings designed to absorb crash forces. While it has an adjustable headrest, it lacks the unique 3-position reclining feature of the Cybex, which is a major advantage for the Solution G on long journeys. Parents loyal to the Maxi-Cosi brand or those who prioritize its specific G-CELL technology might prefer the RodiFix M, but for superior nap-time comfort, the Cybex holds a clear edge.
3. Kinderkraft Safety FIX2 I-Size Car Seat 76-150cm
- FUNCTIONAL: The car seat is suitable for children from 76 cm to 150 cm tall (approximately 15 months to 12 years or 9-36 kg); It is compliant with the latest R129 i-Size standard, it has successfully...
- SAFE: Easy installation with a three-point car seat belt, equipped with guides that are comfortable to use; The car seat is equipped with the internal five-point safety harness with soft pads and a...
The Kinderkraft Safety FIX2 I-Size presents a compelling value proposition, covering an even wider range from 15 months to 12 years (76-150cm). It functions as a harnessed seat for younger children (up to 105cm) before converting into a high-back booster. This makes it an excellent all-in-one option for parents looking to transition from an infant carrier and buy just one more seat. It includes ISOFIX and a top tether for added stability in harnessed mode. The primary compromise comes in the form of premium features and materials. It lacks the advanced reclining headrest of the Cybex, and the overall fit and finish, while perfectly safe and functional, may not feel as luxurious. This is a great choice for budget-conscious families seeking a versatile, long-lasting seat.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus Worth It?
After extensive testing and careful consideration, our verdict is a resounding yes. The Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus Child Car Seat is a superb investment for any parent navigating the transition to a high-back booster. It masterfully blends top-tier safety features, including i-Size compliance and the L.S.P. system, with an installation process so simple it genuinely removes any doubt or worry. Its true brilliance, however, lies in its thoughtful comfort features. The patented reclining headrest isn’t a gimmick; it’s a revolutionary solution to a universal parenting problem, transforming car naps from a source of anxiety into a peaceful experience.
While we acknowledge the isolated reports of quality control issues, our own experience and the vast majority of user feedback point to a product of exceptional quality, built to last the better part of a decade. It successfully bridges the gap between uncompromising safety and the real-world need for a comfortable, happy child on the move. For parents who want a reliable, easy-to-use, and supremely comfortable seat that will grow with their child for years to come, the Cybex Solution G i-Fix Plus is, in our expert opinion, one of the best choices on the market today. If you’re ready to invest in peace of mind and peaceful journeys, we highly recommend you check the latest price and secure one for your family.
Last update on 2025-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API