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ADAC child car seat test

A Thule ISOFIX base sits on a pedestal next to a Thule infant car seat on a separate pedestal.

Thule Maple and Thule Alfi winners in the prestigious ADAC autumn child car seat test

Top results for safety and quality as the Thule Maple infant seat and Thule Alfi ISOFIX base achieve winning scores in Europe’s leading independent child car seat test.

Thule is excited to announce that the Thule Maple infant seat, in combination with the Thule Alfi ISOFIX base, has achieved an overall score of 1.6, securing a test-winning result in the October 2024 ADAC child car seat test. Conducted by a consumer test consortium led by ADAC and Stiftung Warentest, this recognition marks an outstanding debut by Thule in the child safety market.

The Thule Maple and the Thule Alfi excelled in crash safety and ergonomics, offering parents a trusted, high-performance option for child protection on the road. The test result also emphasizes the outstanding ease of use that Thule car seats are designed for. This increases passive safety tremendously by ensuring correct installation and use every single time – our products’ key strength, as safety starts at installation.

"We are proud that the first car seat ever designed by Thule is an immediate winner," says Beatrice Råvik Janzon, Director of Product Management Active with Kids at Thule. "This win reflects our commitment to maximizing child safety and providing comfort for both parents and children. All the efforts our dedicated, engaged team has put into these products are proving that we protect kids in the best possible way."

Commitment to safety and innovation at Thule Test Center™
The state-of-the-art Thule crash test center played a critical role in the development of the Thule Maple and Thule Alfi. The products underwent rigorous testing to meet the highest standards, ensuring they would perform under the most challenging conditions. The team of designers and engineering experts has shown that safety and comfort can be combined in a product that delivers outstanding results in real-world scenarios.

The results show that Thule has made a significant impact. Designed and manufactured in Europe, in Thule facilities, the Thule Maple and Thule Alfi are products of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, safety, and innovation. With materials sourced locally and ÖKOTEX-certified fabrics, Thule continues to ensure that all aspects of child safety are carefully considered, from protection against harmful chemicals to minimizing environmental impact.

Availability and pricing
Thule car seats are available now at selected retailers and Thule.com, with a recommended price of € 289,95 for Thule Maple, and € 299,95 for the Thule Alfi ISOFIX base.

Thule Maple infant car seat basic

Thule Maple infant car seat + Thule Alfi car seat base

569,90 €

Thule Maple

infant car seat mid blue

Tested to the limit

At the Thule Test Center™ in Hillerstorp, Sweden, products go through extreme testing. That means exposure to desert heat and arctic cold, water resistance, drop tests, and wind tunnels to tensile, shock, and crash tests. The Thule Test Program™ includes over 25 Thule Test Standards that far exceed the current ISO standard.

Explore Thule test center

A Thule car seat is being crash tested in the Thule Test Center.

The R129 EU norm

Thule tests accordingly to the R129 protocol – a crucial regulation within the EU that dictates if a product can be sold within its jurisdiction. It provides a stringent framework for safety standards, including enhanced side-impact protection, ISOFIX installation, and improved fitting for children based on their size and ensures a fit between car and child car seat.

A Thule car seat is undergoing a test in the Thule Test Center.

The ADAC/Stiftung Warentest tests

Beyond meeting the mandatory standards, Thule tests its seats according to the protocols of the renowned Stiftung Warentest/ADAC testing. These tests present more demanding crash scenarios, including heavier impacts and varying angles, and extend to the practicality of handling by consumers and chemical safety. This comprehensive testing ensures that Thule car seats are not only robust in protection but also exemplary in daily use.

A woman is preparing a crash test of a Thule car seat in the Thule Test Center.

The Swedish Plus Test

In line with our commitment to excel in safety, our car seats are submitted to the Swedish Plus Test, particularly for rearward-facing seats. It involves more rigorous crash testing than the EU norm and is a benchmark for safety in the Nordic countries. Passing the Plus Test (led by the Swedish insureance companies) signifies to parents across all regions that Thule car seats align with the highest safety aspirations.