Evenflo Revolve360
As CPSTs, we are often asked if there are any seats that are easier to load and buckle children into. Things we usually account for are the height of the seat’s sides and the profile of the seat. However, things are changing. The addition of the Cybex Sirona S to the market offered an additional option for accessible loading and unloading — a car seat that swivels!
Car seats that swivel aren’t new to the North American car seat scene but they are kind of rare. Until now, the Sirona S was all by itself in the “rotating seat” category but it has a new friend — the Evenflo Revolve360 multimode car seat. This seat has some really unique features and we are excited to share our experience with it.
Having a hard time keeping track of all the rotating seats? Check out our handy chart of rotating car seats, which has been upgraded to its own post.
CSFTL Quick Stats
- Rear facing weight range: 4 – 40 pounds
- Rear facing height range: 17 – 40 inches tall
- The child’s head must be 2.5 cm (1 inch) or more below the top of the headrest or the seat’s shell — whichever is higher
- Rear facing lower anchor weight limit: 35 pounds
- Forward facing weight range 22 – 65 pounds
- Forward facing height range: 28 – 49 inches tall and the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the headrest
- Forward facing minimum age: 2 years old
- Forward facing lower anchor weight limit: 40 pounds
- Booster mode weight range: 40-120 pounds
- Booster mode height range: 44-57 inches and the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the headrest
- Expiration: 10 years after the date of manufacture
- Our 2021 Revolve was not FAA approved, however, later models are FAA approved. Please confirm your seat’s approval status by checking the label on the seat. Also, the Revolve is fairly heavy and a bit unwieldy, we’d suggest using a different car seat for travel.
Measurements
- Width at widest point: 19.5 inches at the cupholders
- Lowest harness height with insert folded: 6 inches
- Lowest harness height without insert folded: 8.5 inches
- Lowest harness height without insert: 9.5 inches
- Highest harness height: 19 inches
- Highest booster guide: 19.5 inches
- Crotch buckle positions: 3, 4.5, and 6 inches from seat back
- Seat pan depth: 11.5 inches
- Seat pan width: 11 inches
- Seat shell weight: 17.7 pounds
- Base weight: 11.9 pounds
- Seat shell and base weight: 29.6 pounds
Features
- Seat swivels on a base
- Optional infant insert
- Dishwasher safe cupholders
- On the go recline adjustment
- Premium lower anchors
- LockStrong belt tensioning arm
- Foldable body insert to fit preemies
- Lower anchors encouraged for booster mode
Comparison of Rotating Car Seats
Now that there are a number of car seats that swivel, we’ve developed a handy chart to help you keep track of some of the primary differences between them.
| Car Seats that Swivel: a Guide | ||||||||
| Car Seat Name | Rear Facing Weight Range | Rear Facing Height Range | Rear Facing lower anchor weight limit | Forward Facing Weight Range | Tether Use | Forward Facing Height Range | Forward Facing lower anchor weight limit | MSRP |
| Evenflo Revolve | 4 – 40 pounds | 17 – 40 inches tall or until the child’s head is within 1 inch of the top of the headrest or backrest, whichever is higher | 35 pounds | 22 – 65 pounds | Required in both modes, stays out of the way and can stay attached | 28 – 49 inches tall and the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the headrest | 40 pounds | $379 |
| Graco Turn2Me | 4 – 40 pounds | Child’s head must be at least 1 inch below the headrest adjustment handle | 35 pounds | 22 – 65 pounds | Required in forward facing mode, stays out of the way and can stay attached since the seat doesn’t swivel in forward facing mode | 28 – 49 inches tall and the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the headrest | 40 pounds | $449 |
| Cybex Sirona S | 5-50 pounds | 17 – 49 inches tall | 30 pounds | 22-65 pounds | Required for forward facing in Canada, optional for forward facing in the US, must be attached every time the seat swivels for forward facing | 28 – 49 inches tall and the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the headrest | 35 pounds | $500 |
| Baby Jogger City Turn | 4-50 pounds | Until the child’s head is 1 inch below the adjuster handle on the headrest when fully extended | 35 pounds | 22-65 pounds | Required in forward facing mode, stays out of the way and can stay attached since the seat doesn’t swivel in forward facing mode | less than 49 inches tall | 40 pounds | $500 |
| NUNA REVV | 5-40 pounds | 43 inches tall max | 30 pounds | 5-40 pounds | Required in both directions, stays out of the way and can stay attached | 43 inches tall | 30 pounds | $599 |
Unique Features
One Time Installation?
Evenflo Revolve360 base showing tether routing
The most unique thing about the Revolve360 is that it could be a one time installation for harness mode (rear and forward facing) since there is only one belt path. In addition, the top tether anchor is attached to the base, not the seat’s shell. Since the lower anchors have a fairly low weight limit (35 pounds for rear facing, 40 pounds for forward facing), installing this seat with the vehicle seat belt is the preferred method. It’s entirely possible that caregivers who own this seat would only need to install it one time. Ever.
The Seat Lifts Off of the Base
We’re mentioning this early because it is pretty unique — the seat itself separates from the base. It’s still quite heavy so we can’t really think of a reason for this.
NOTE: Never use the seat shell without the base or the base without the seat shell. Neither one, standing alone, will properly protect your child in a crash.
Rotating is for Loading/Unloading ONLY
Evenflo Revolve360 shell and base
No, your child can’t ride in the Revolve360 when it’s in the rotated position. The seat must be either locked into rear or forward facing mode when you’re driving, regardless of whether or not a child is in the seat.
The manual is quite clear on this: The Revolve360 S MUST BE LOCKED for proper use when vehicle is moving.
While the seat doesn’t lock into this position, we did find that it somehow magically stayed put when we were putting our dolls into the seat. I cannot speak to the sorcery that makes this possible but I assure you that it is a real thing.
Rotation Handles
Evenflo Revolve360 rotation handle
On each side of the seat, at the top of the shell, are white handles that allow the seat to rotate. Only one needs to be engaged to rotate the seat.
LockStrong Arm
Evenflo Revolve360 LockStrong arm
The Revolve360 includes a seat belt tensioning device that’s called the LockStrong arm. It is not a true lockoff — the seat belt must still be locked once installation is complete.
To open the LockStrong arm, squeeze the white lever until the Belt Lock indicator turns red, and lift the arm all the way up. To close the LockStrong arm, push it down until the Belt Lock indicator turns green. We’ll explain more about using this arm later in the review.
Premium Lower Anchors
Evenflo Revolve360 lower anchor connector
The Revolve360 has premium lower anchors. They are clearly labeled “UP” to indicate which direction they should face when connected to the anchor bars in the vehicle. To unhook them from the storage location or the anchor bars in the vehicle, pull the red loop attached to the lower anchors.
Top Tether Anchor – Required in Harness Mode
Evenflo Revolve360 top tether instructions
The top tether anchor is required in both rear and forward facing modes. This is a pretty unique thing for car seats that are sold in the United States these days. Since the Revolve360’s base only installs one way, using this tether in both modes is quite similar. Unlike another swivel seat that we know, the Cybex Sirona S, where the tether is on the shell and must be attached each time the seat swivels into forward facing mode, the Revolve360’s tether stays out of the way of the shell at all times.
However, the top tether is prohibited in booster mode. The lower anchors can be used in booster mode.
Foldable Insert
The infant insert for the Revolve360 can be folded up to provide a proper fit for preemies. This is a new way to use the insert — we’ve not seen a manufacturer allow for this before — and it works surprisingly well, even if getting a picture of the folded insert was quite a challenge!
Recline Handle
Evenflo Revolve360 release mechanism
The recline handle is on the back of the seat’s shell. Squeeze it and slide the seat into the recline position that places the recline level indicator in the appropriate section for your child’s weight.
Recline Angle Indicator
Evenflo Revolve360 recline angle indicator
The recline angle indicator is on both sides of the seat shell. The white recline section is for children 4 to 20 pounds. The black section is for children 20 to 40 pounds. Evenflo has indicated that children over 20 pounds MUST use the black recline section.
Crotch Buckle Positions
The Revolve360 has 3 crotch buckle positions to provide an even better fit for children of all sizes. There are no weight based restrictions on the buckle positions. The proper position is the one that puts the strap closest to, but not under, the child.
Cupholders
The cupholders remove by turning them 90 degrees, then pulling them upwards off the seat. Evenflo states that the cupholders are not required, however, we found the empty hole to be quite sharp and a child could potentially injure themselves.
Harness Strap Pads vs. Harness Covers
The harness strap pads are permanently affixed to the harness. They should never be removed. The harness covers fasten to the harness strap pads using hook-and-loop fasteners. Attach one side of the harness cover to the harness strap pad and wrap it around to the front side of the harness strap pad. The harness covers are machine washable.
Seat Lock Indicator
Evenflo Revolve360 seat lock indicator
There is a seat lock indicator on each side of the base. When the indicator is red, the seat is not ready for travel. Once the indicator turns green, it means the seat is locked in a position approved for travel.
Washer and Dryer Safe Soft Goods
The soft goods (excluding the seat’s harness) can be machine washed in cold water on the delicate cycle. They can be placed in the dryer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This is a great feature if you need to use the car seat shortly after cleaning.
Quirks with the Swivel
Evenflo Revolve360 swivel
One thing we discovered is that the seat must be in the most reclined rear facing position in order to turn the seat the full 360 degrees. If the seat is not in the most reclined rear facing position, it will not lock into place forward facing.
Installation – Where to Start
Evenflo Revolve360 shell removal information
Before installing the base, the seat’s shell must be removed from the base. To do so, flip the leg rest portion of the cover up to expose the red arrow.
Evenflo Revolve360 buckle storage
Lift one of the white handles on the top of the seat shell to rotate the seat. Line the red arrow on the cover up with either white arrow on the base. Once the arrows are lined up, the seat shell will easily lift off the base.
Installation with the Vehicle Seat Belt
Rear and Forward Facing
Evenflo Revolve360 rear facing
Installing this seat with the vehicle seat belt is the recommended installation method. We’ll cover installation via both the seat belt and lower anchors in this review.
To install the Revolve360, first remove the seat shell from the base, then remove the top tether anchor from its storage location. Lengthen the entire length of the top tether anchor webbing, and clip the top tether anchor to the dedicated location in the vehicle.
Set the base on the vehicle seat, then open the LockStrong arm. Thread the vehicle seat belt through the belt path, under the LockStrong arm, and buckle the seat belt. Tuck the lap belt portion of the seat belt under the blue belt guides on the base and remove the slack from the vehicle seat belt.
Then, tuck the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt under the blue belt guides. Be sure to hold the seat belt parallel to the belt path while you close the LockStrong arm. Push the LockStrong arm down until the lock indicator shows green. I found it easiest to push down on the LockStrong arm on either side of the Belt Lock indicator, in order to get the indicator to turn green. Once the indicator is green, lock the vehicle seat belt at the retractor. Finally, tighten the top tether anchor webbing.
Evenflo Revolve360 forward facing
Check your work by ensuring the base doesn’t move more than one inch at the belt path when tested with the force of a firm handshake.
The wide open belt path allowed me to get my whole hand through it to buckle the vehicle seat belt without losing any skin (or my watch)!
Place the seat shell back onto the base by lining up the red arrow on the seat pad with the white arrow on the base and rotate the seat into the desired position (rear or forward facing).
Evenflo Revolve360 base
NOTE: While installing the base with the seat belt, I let the seat belt go before closing the LockStrong arm. When I did that, the seat belt popped out of the blue belt guides and sat on top of the guides. In doing so, when the LockStrong arm was closed, it caused stress marks on the seat belt guides. To avoid this, hold the seat belt parallel to the belt path while closing the LockStrong arm.
Installation with the Lower Anchors
Rear and Forward Facing
Evenflo Revolve360 rear facing
Reminder: Installing this seat with the vehicle seat belt is the recommended installation method. To install the Revolve360 with the lower anchors, remove the seat shell from the base. Then, remove the top tether anchor from its storage location, loosen the entire length of the top tether anchor webbing, and clip the top tether anchor to the dedicated location in the vehicle.
Evenflo Revolve360 forward facing
Remove the lower anchors from their storage spot on the base by pulling the red loops on the lower anchors. Set the base on the vehicle seat. Open the LockStrong arm. Lengthen the entire length of the lower anchor webbing and hook the lower anchors to the anchor bars in the vehicle seat, making sure they are facing up as indicated. Remove the slack from the lower anchor webbing, be careful not to remove too much slack or the LockStrong arm won’t close. Close the LockStrong arm until the Belt Lock indicator turns green. I found it easiest to push down on the LockStrong arm on either side of the Belt Lock indicator in order to get the indicator to turn green. Then, tighten the top tether anchor webbing.
Check your work by ensuring the base doesn’t move more than one inch at the belt path when tested with the force of a firm handshake.
Place the seat shell back onto the base by lining up the red arrow on the seat pad with the white arrow on the base and rotate the seat into the desired position (rear or forward facing).
Fit to Child
Rear Facing
Preemie
Evenflo Revolve360 preemie fit
Our Huggable Images preemie doll weighs 4 pounds and is 17 inches long. The doll fits nicely with the insert folded into the position for the smallest passengers. The insert fold is something that is unique to this seat. The manual has detailed photos of how to fold the insert. We found that the preemie doll needed the insert folded to provide a proper fit, with the harness at or just below the shoulder. The crotch buckle is in the innermost slot.
Newborn
Evenflo Revolve360 newborn fit
This Huggable Images newborn doll weighs 7 pounds and is 17 inches long. Our doll fits properly with the harness just below the shoulder with the insert unfolded, but the harness was above the shoulder without the insert. The crotch buckle is still in the innermost slot.
2 Years Old
Evenflo Revolve360 2 years old rear facing
Our 2 year old model weighs 27 pounds and is 33.5 inches tall. She is no stranger to being a review model and even though she doesn’t have a whole lot to say most of the time, she let me know she really likes this seat! This seat provides a good fit with the harness just below the shoulder and the crotch buckle in the middle slot. While leg room isn’t a concern while rear facing, she has plenty of it.
Forward Facing
Fit to Child
4 Years Old
Evenflo Revolve360 4 years old forward facing
This model is 4 years old, weighs 45 pounds, and is 42 inches tall. He has plenty of room to grow in this seat. He did find it a bit difficult to climb into but was able to easily help buckle himself. The harness is just above his shoulders and the crotch buckle is in the outermost slot.
7 Years Old
Evenflo Revolve360 7 years old forward facing
This 7 year old model weighs 57 pounds and is 47.5 inches tall. He is just under this seat’s standing height limit of 49 inches tall, but he has just one more click of the harness to go. It is always impressive when a convertible car seat fits an average 7 year old. The harness is just above his shoulder and the crotch buckle in the outermost slot. He did say he felt there was a lack of padding behind his back but the padding under his bum was good.
Booster Mode – Making the Switch
Evenflo Revolve360 harness storage
The entire harness system stores on the seat itself. To do so, loosen the harness completely, lift the back cover, and tuck the harness straps under the padding at the child’s sides. To remove the crotch buckle, turn the webbing into the track and slide the metal retainer out of the outermost slot. This was a bit tricky, but if you hold the crotch buckle webbing where the bulky stitched part is, the retainer comes out slightly easier. The crotch buckle stores in a handy pocket under the leg rest portion of the seat pad.
The manufacturer encourages the use of lower anchors in booster mode but the top tether is prohibited in booster mode. When switching from harness to booster mode, store the top tether anchor on the underside of the base, tightening it completely. Roll the excess webbing and secure it with a rubber band.
Evenflo Revolve360 booster mode
To use the lower anchors in booster mode, remove the seat shell from the base. Remove the lower anchors from their storage compartment on the base by pulling the red loops on the lower anchors. Set the base on the vehicle seat and open the LockStrong arm. Fully loosen the entire length of the lower anchor webbing and connect the lower anchors to the lower anchor bars in the vehicle seat. Confirm that the lower anchors are facing up.
Remove the slack from the lower anchor webbing, being careful to not overtighten — this could cause the LockStrong arm to not close properly. Close the LockStrong arm until the indicator turns green. Place the seat shell back onto the base by lining up the red arrow on the seat pad with the white arrow on the base and rotate the seat into the forward facing position.
Booster Mode
Fit to Child
7 Years Old
Evenflo Revolve360 7 years old booster mode
This 7 year old model weighs 57 pounds and is 47.5 inches tall. He is used to riding in a high back booster seat and can sit properly for the entire journey. He was unable to buckle himself into the booster seat. He needed assistance threading the seat belt under the belt guides at the hips and buckling the seat belt. He did comment that “even though the harness is gone, there isn’t enough padding behind my back but my bum is comfortable!” The belt guide is just above his shoulder and he still has one more click to go in booster mode. The lap belt is low on the hips, touching the thighs.
10 Years Old
Evenflo Revolve360 10 years old booster mode
Our oldest model is newly 10 years old, weighs 65 pounds, and is 52.5 inches tall. This model also typically rides in a high back booster. He fits in this seat, but is on the tallest setting for booster mode and the vehicle seat belt is just at his shoulder. The lap belt is nice and low on the hips, touching the thighs. Since he will outgrow this seat in no time, and he doesn’t pass the 5 Step Test to use the adult seat belt alone, he will need to ride in a dedicated booster for some time. He was able to buckle himself into the seat but did not like how high up the seat was. This model also felt the seating area was not quite wide enough at the shoulders.
Important Information – Where to Find
Evenflo Revolve360 manual storage
Manual Storage: the manual stores in a compartment on the back of the seat shell
Evenflo Revolve360 manual QR code
On the front of the base, there is a QR code that loads the manual when scanned.
Evenflo Revolve360 date of manufacture label
Date of Manufacture: the date of manufacture is on the back of the seat shell and on the base under the LockStrong Arm
Evenflo Revolve360 date of manufacture label
Expiration: the expiration date is on the date of manufacture label on the back of the seat shell and on the base under the LockStrong Arm – the seat expires 10 years after the date of manufacture
Evenflo Revolve360 top tether storage
Top Tether Anchor Storage: the top tether anchor stores on the underside of the base
Evenflo Revolve360 is not approved for airplane use
FAA Approval: this seat is not FAA approved in any mode
The label clearly states this restriction.
Overall Thoughts
Evenflo Revolve360
We are always excited to see a seat with features that make it easier or caregivers to use. Evenflo has spent lots of time ensuring the Revolve360 is user friendly and easy to install. The wide open belt path and potential for a true one-time installation for harness mode is a huge perk. The wide belt path meant that we didn’t lose any skin while installing this seat!
We were pleased to see that it fit all of our models well so we can say with some confidence that the Revolve360 is a seat that’s easy to install and will last the average family quite some time! The primary drawback is that it’s not approved for use on aircraft so families who use this seat would need a different seat for travel.
