Thule’s first entry into the car seat market, with a modular car seat system, has now been declared a winner across all products and age groups, with the Thule Elm RWF achieving the top ranking in the latest ADAC child car seat test (05/2025), too. This rigorous, independent assessment is considered the gold standard for child car seat safety in Europe.

The Thule Elm RWF, tested together with the Thule Alfi Base, earned a 2.2 – ranking as “Good” according to the ADAC scoring system, and the best in its class for both safety and ease of use. The Thule Elm toddler seat with full rotation and Thule Alfi Base scored 2.8, confirming its reliable performance and everyday usability as part of the same safe, modular system.

“Winning the ADAC test is a testament to our team’s dedication to developing the safest and easiest-to-use modular car seat system on the market. With the Thule Elm RWF now joining the Thule Maple as a test winner, our first modular system has proven its ability to deliver highest protection and comfort across all age groups - right from its debut,” says Beatrice Råvik-Janzon, Director Category Management Active with Kids.

Travelling the Swedish way
In Sweden, rearward-facing (RWF) travel is the gold standard for child car safety; and with good reason: Research shows that children are up to five times safer when travelling rearward-facing. That’s why Thule is proud to see such a strong ADAC result for our rearward-facing toddler seat, Thule Elm RWF. Thule strongly recommends keeping your child rearward-facing as long as possible. Even with Thule Elm in full rotating version, the option to use it in rear-facing mode provides the same high level of safety and adds peace of mind during every journey.

Key highlights for Thule Elm RWF
• Top score for crash safety in both frontal and side impacts
• Outstanding ease of installation and daily use
• Excellent ergonomics and chemical safety

Thule modular car seat system – best in class
The result also validates the first Thule modular car seat system, which has now proven its strength across all age groups. Thule Maple, awarded as test winner in October 2024, scored high not only in crash safety but also in ease of use, underlining our core belief that “safety starts at installation.” Together with the test winning Thule Elm RWF or the well rated Thule Elm, this system offers up to four years of outstanding protection and comfort for growing families.

About the ADAC test
ADAC, Germany’s leading automobile club, conducts one of the world’s most demanding consumer tests for child car seats. The ADAC score is based on crash safety (50%), ease of use (40%), ergonomics (10%), and checks for harmful chemical substances. Notably, a lower score represents a better result (0.6–1.5 = “Very good”, 1.6–2.5 = “Good”).