Home » News » Introducing the NUNA RAVA NEXT

Introducing the NUNA RAVA NEXT

NUNA RAVA NEXT vs NUNA RAVA: What are the Differences & Is the Upgrade Worth it?

The NUNA RAVA NEXT brings targeted safety and usability upgrades to an already popular convertible car seat. If you care about improved side impact protection, easier daily use, and a few creature comforts that actually matter, the NUNA RAVA NEXT is designed to answer those needs without changing the trusted fit families expect from the original RAVA.

Quick specs you should know

  • Rear-facing: 5 to 50 lb
  • Forward-facing: 30 to 65 lb and up to 49 inches
  • Infant insert: designed for 5 to 11 lb; remove after 11 lb
  • Seated torso height: roughly 16.5 to 17 inches
  • Seat width: about 19 inches (using the new side impact pieces will make the seat slightly wider)
  • Airplane use: both seats include airline installation guidance in the manual

What Actually Changed with the NUNA RAVA NEXT

The updates focus on three areas: enhanced side impact protection, everyday usability, and small comfort improvements that add up over time.

Stronger side impact protection

The NUNA RAVA NEXT is built to meet upcoming FMVSS 213a and 213b side impact tests. Practically that means:

  • New interior side impact pillows: These attach inside the shell and are intended for use up to 40 lb and 43 inches. They help cushion and control head movement in a lateral impact.
  • Large pop-out side impact wing: The external pod is considerably larger than the original RAVA’s. Use only the side closest to the door; if the seat is in the middle, neither wing is deployed.

Everyday Usability Upgrades

  • Magnetic buckle holders: Replace the old fabric pocket with a strong magnet that holds the crotch buckle tongues out of the way for easier loading and unloading.
  • Larger cup holders: The new cup holders accept bigger kids’ bottles and sippy cups (avoid metal and glass as recommended by the manufacturer).
  • Longer footrest for rear-facing comfort: The foot piece extends a couple extra inches compared with the original, giving more leg space for rear-facing toddlers.

Infant Insert and Padding Improvements

The infant body pillow and head support have been refined so the harness slides more naturally around a small child. Both seats include infant inserts that are intended only for 5–11 lb and must be removed afterward. The new headpiece is easier to install into the headrest thanks to better slide-in tabs.

Color Options

 

NUNA RAVA NEXT Caviar
Caviar

 

NUNA RAVA NEXT Cedar
Cedar

 

NUNA RAVA NEXT Granite
Granite

Installation and Fit Considerations

Although many physical dimensions stay similar, the nuna rava next has a slightly different shell and added hardware for the new safety pieces. That leads to a couple of notes:

  • Read the manual for the updated installation steps—some cues and anchoring steps differ from the original RAVA.
  • Using the side impact pillows and pop-out wing will increase the seat’s overall width; confirm it fits comfortably in your vehicle and next to adjacent seats.

Should I Pick the NUNA RAVA NEXT?

Choose the NUNA RAVA NEXT if any of the following are true:

  • You want a convertible car seat that complies with the next-generation FMVSS 213a and 213b side impact standards.
  • You value easier daily use—magnetic buckle holders and larger cup holders reduce friction in busy routines.
  • You need a bit more rear-facing leg room and improved side protection for a growing toddler.

If you already own an original RAVA and it fits your child and vehicle well, there is no immediate safety recall reason to replace it. The NUNA RAVA NEXT is an evolution rather than a complete redesign, so weigh the new features against budget and how long you expect to use the seat.

Bottom line

The NUNA RAVA NEXT keeps what parents loved about the original RAVA while adding meaningful safety and usability upgrades. Enhanced side impact protection, the magnetic buckle holder, bigger cup holders, improved infant support, and a longer footrest all make day-to-day life easier and safer. For families buying new in 2026 or those prioritizing the latest side impact standards, the nuna rava next is a clear step forward.

Final Tip

Always follow the manual for installation and use, keep infant inserts only for the specified weight range, and confirm the seat fits both your child and your vehicle before relying on it for long trips.

Ready to Purchase Your NUNA RAVA NEXT?

The NUNA RAVA NEXT is available in a number of attractive color ways, head over to our website to purchase your NUNA RAVA NEXT!