Seven years.
There are three models. The basic True Fit, the True Fit Recline (seems that's the one you were looking at), and the True Fit Premier (with the antirebound bar). The Recline has the recline feature, the ball level indicator, and the slightly differently located harness adjuster like the Premier, just no antirebound bar.
Wendy
There are actually a few more differences. I am a TF lover... it's my favorite seat. I have two basic TF's.... and i just had the pleasure of petting my MIL brand new TF Recline last night and helping her to learn all about car seats
. There are several "improvements" over the basic model.... Wendy hit the major ones, but there are small things that make the seat much more user friendly. The latch "tether" eg the strap that is bolted to the seat that the latch belt runs through is now bolted on the side instead of in the "bum area".... this is GREAT - it makes much more sense. On the sides built in to the shell of the Recline model there are also purple rubber loops to store the latch when not in use. That is VERY nice.... i hate having to tuck mine in under the cover when i am not using them. There is also an extra "no slip" piece of plastic on the bottom of the seat which helps to keep it sitting on hard wood floor while cleaning
Doesn't improve the install if you don't have slick leather seats, but it does make more sense in terms of being overall a better fit.
To be frank and honest i saw NO difference in the harness adjuster access - the shells is the EXACT same ... and the leveler didn't increase my ability to get to the harness one single bit. I was really surprised.
I think those are the highlights of the differences..... If i could find a Recline for $10-$15 of the same price of a Basic i would get the recline.... they have newer DOM's.... i don't think they are making the Basic's anymore so any seat you get will be a bit older. Not a huge deal with a 7 year span, but still something to think about.
Yay for new TF's... i
them!