Price: $63-80 (Sonus), $110 (Sonus 65).
Type: Convertible seat.
Limits: 5 to 40 lbs. rear facing, 20 to 50 lbs. forward facing for the Sonus, 20 to 65 lbs. forward-facing for the Sonus 65.
NHTSA ease of use rating: Not yet.
Pros: Very affordable price. Upgraded version (Sonus 65) with two recline positions and infant body support for newborns probably worth the upgrade.
Cons: Sonus (base model) only has one recline position; takes up a significant amount of back seat space when rear-facing. Sonus 65 has two recline positions, which is better.
Comments: The Evenflo Sonus is Evenflo’s newest sub-$100 convertible seat—it comes in two versions:
• Sonus (base model) works to just 50 lbs. forward facing, one position recline, no infanta support pillow. Two basic cup holders.
• Sonus 65 works to 65 lbs. forward facing. Adds second recline position, infant support insert, more substantial cup holders.
The Sonus is a relatively new seat (released in late 2016), so as of this writing, it has been rated by the NHTSA for ease of use, nor has it been crash-tested by Consumer Reports.
We’ve seen both versions of the Sonus in person and were impressed with the features for an under $100 seat. Early feedback from our readers has been mostly positive.
Between the two versions, we would suggested spending the extra $20 or $30 for the Sonus 65, which is a Target exclusive for the time being. We like the extra recline position, infant support and higher rated weight (65 lbs.), which make it worth the upgrade.
What’s not to like? The Sonus takes up a lot of real estate in the back seat of a car when installed rear-facing—this seat may be a no go for folks with compact vehicles. The base Sonus model is particularly vexing to install in such cars, since it has only one recline position. No, there is no added side impact protection, but that is one of the trade-offs with a sub $100 seat.
At this point, we aren’t going to provide an official rating for this seat until we see more independent testing (NHTSA, crash testing) and gather more reader feedback. Rating: Not Yet.
We obsess over gear for families . . . so you don't have to. Baby Bargains has one mission: help you find the best gear for your family and home with unbiased reviews by experts with 20 years of experience. At prices that don't break the bank. When you purchase a product from links on this site, we make a small affiliate commission. Learn more 
