Joie Rue
Pros
- LATCH scored 9 and weight 8: 7.7 lb carrier on a base with built-in rigid anchors
- Anti-rebound bar built into the base
- Three-piece newborn insert
Cons
- Belt install through the base scored 4, and baseless 5
- Comfort scored 5
Our Verdict: Joie Rue
The Joie Rue scored 69 out of 100 across the seven criteria we score every infant car seat on, and took Lightest Mid-Price Seat With A Base in our infant car seat guide.
It pairs a 7.7 lb carrier with a base that has built-in rigid anchors and an anti-rebound bar, so LATCH scored 9 and weight 8.
Belt install through the base scored 4 and baseless 5, and comfort scored 5.
Our Analysis, Comparisons and Test Results
Crash test
Seven. Helped by an anti-rebound bar built into the base rather than sold separately.
Ease of install (LATCH)
Nine. Built-in rigid anchors on the base, fast and unambiguous.
Ease of install (belt)
Four, the lowest here alongside four other seats. The belt route through the base is poor, and baseless is only marginally better at five. This is a LATCH seat; treat it that way.
Ease of install (no base)
Five. Marginally better than its base-plus-belt score and still the weakest part of this seat. If your second car has no accessible anchors, look elsewhere.
Ease of use
Six. The three-piece newborn insert is well judged. The rest is ordinary.
Comfort & durability
Five. Thin padding over the shell and fabrics that feel their price.
Weight
Eight. A 7.7 lb carrier on a base with rigid anchors is an unusual combination and the main reason to consider it.
Should You Buy the Joie Rue?
Buy it if your car has lower anchors and you want a light carrier on a rigid-LATCH base.
Avoid it for a car where you'll rely on the seatbelt, and note the 30 in height limit. Its score rests on published specs and owner reports.
Every infant car seat here was scored on the same seven criteria, so the question is not which one is good. It is which one suits what you will do with it most days.
What Other Car Seats Should You Consider?
We scored the Joie Rue against 12 other infant car seats on the same criteria. The three closest on score:
| Compare | Score | Award | Tested in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joie Rue (this review) | 69 | Lightest Mid-Price Seat With A Base | Best Infant Car Seat 2026: 15 Seats Compared |
| Joie Mint Latch | 70 | Best Baseless Infant Seat | Best Infant Car Seat 2026: 15 Seats Compared |
| Evenflo Shyft DualRide | 71 | Best Travel System | Best Infant Car Seat 2026: 15 Seats Compared |
| Britax Willow S | 72 | Best For Multiple Cars | Best Infant Car Seat 2026: 15 Seats Compared |
| Clek Liing | 74 | Best Metal Base | Best Infant Car Seat 2026: 15 Seats Compared |
| UPPAbaby Aria V2 | 75 | Lightest Carrier | Best Infant Car Seat 2026: 15 Seats Compared |
Specifications
| Price tier | Mid-price |
|---|---|
| Real carry weight | 7.7 lb (manufacturer figure) |
| Child limits | 4–30 lb, up to 30 in |
| Harness | Manual rethread |
Conclusion: Joie Rue
The Rue took the lightest-mid-price-base award with 69. Belt install at 4 is its lowest mark.
The whole lineup, scored on the same criteria, is in our infant car seat guide.
Tested against 14 other car seats in Best Infant Car Seat 2026: 15 Seats Compared. See all car seats guides and reviews.