Please click image for more info
The Diono Monterey XT is a versatile booster seat that offers both high-back and backless modes, with highly customizable height and width adjustments to accommodate kids in a wide range of sizes.
It’s suitable for children from roughly four to 12 years of age, so it can be the only booster your child ever needs. It comes highly rated for both safety and comfort, with reliable side-impact protection and generous padding. As your child grows, it’s quick and easy to adjust the side wings and 11-position headrest.
Overview of the Diono Monterey XT
Your child will always have a comfortable, secure fit with the Diono Monterey XT, thanks to its 11-position headrest and a width that can be adjusted up to 20 inches. It boasts expandable side wings and two recline positions. This makes it easy to dial in a precise, proper fit whenever your child grows, and also makes this model is a good choice for children with larger builds, who might find many other car seats too uncomfortable and restrictive.
The Monterey XT is also suitable for a wide range of ages, accommodating kids from 40 to 120 pounds and 38 to 63 inches tall. It’s a breeze to convert from the high-back mode to the backless booster setting. It’s equipped with LATCH connectors and front adjusters, so you can achieve a secure and stable installation. Safety features include a reinforced aluminum shell and energy-absorbing foam, both of which can protect the child’s upper body in the event of a crash. Note that for proper installation in either mode, the presence of a vehicle’s headrest is required.
This model’s light weight ensures it’s easy to move from one car to another, so households with multiple vehicles won’t necessarily need to purchase extra car seats. Its two cup holders each have compartments for drinks and snacks, and they can be folded into the seat’s base when not in use. The fabric of this seat is conveniently removable and machine washable, although it needs to be line-dried. It’s available in sleek solid black or blue, as well as an array of bright color combinations.
Safety
While the Diono Monterey XT meets or exceeds federal standards for safety and crash performance, here’s how it has been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration when it comes to factors like labeling and installation:
Expiration
Video Overview of the Diono Monterey XT
Diono Monterey XT Specifications
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Child weight range for high-back mode | 40 to 120 pounds |
Child height range for high-back mode | 38 to 63 inches |
Child weight range for backless mode | 40 to 120 pounds |
Child height range for backless mode | 38 to 63 inches |
Car seat weight | 13.9 pounds |
Car seat dimensions | 20” width x 26” height x 16” depth |
Diono Monterey XT Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Longevity | |
Ease of use | |
Comfort and Convenience | This highly customizable 2-in-1 seat grows with your child, and its 11-position headrest, adjustable width, expandable side wings, and two recline positions also make it a good choice for children with larger builds. It’s lightweight and highly portable, at just 13.9 pounds. Dual, multi-compartment cup holders can ensure your child always has access to drinks and snacks, which comes in handy on long car trips or when you’re on the road during your usual morning or afternoon snack time. When you don’t need the cup holders, just push them inward and they’ll fold into the seat. The fabric of the Diono Monterey XT can be removed and placed in the washing machine, which makes it easy to clean after spills or when it’s in need of a thorough freshening up. Note that it’s not intended for the dryer; rather, it needs to be line-dried. This model comes with a 12-month warranty, which can be expanded to 36 months when you register the product with the manufacturer after you purchase it. |
Ease of Installation |
Who is the Diono Monterey XT suitable for?
The 2-in-1 Diono Monterey XT is a good choice for parents who prefer to purchase just one booster seat to last their child several years. It gives a customized fit, due to its highly adjustable height and width, so it’ll provide a snug, comfortable fit as your child grows. It’s also a comfortable option for any child with a larger frame who finds the width or height of less adjustable car seats uncomfortable. In all, it’s made for children roughly within the range of four and 12 years of age, those weighing between 40 and 120 pounds, and those who stand between 38 and 63 inches tall.
What is included with the Diono Monterey XT?
You’ll receive the car seat, which can be used as both a high-back booster and a backless one. While it does not come with any accessories, the manufacturer sells items that are compatible with it, including a vehicle seat protector and seat organizers with pockets.
Pros and Cons of the Diono Monterey XT
Pros
Cons
Diono Monterey XT Installation
A tutorial installation video is available below
Diono Monterey XT Owner’s Manual
The Diono Monterey XT manufacturers manual is available online at the following link:
Diono Monterey XT vs. Chicco KidFit 2-in-1:
In many ways, the Diono Monterey XT is highly similar to Chicco’s KidFit 2-in-1, both of which can be used in high-back booster and backless settings. While the child weight ranges are similar, the Monterey XT can support children up to 120 pounds, whereas the KidFit stops at 110. While the Monterey XT has performed slightly better in side-impact tests, otherwise the two models have performed similarly when it comes to safety testing.
The Diono model weighs a few pounds less, which can be significant if you’re partial to a model that’s easy for your child to be able to carry around for carpooling purposes.
The KidFit 2-in-1 is less expensive than the Monterey XT, which might make it more attractive to parents on a budget. All in all, the two models rate very similarly when it comes to important factors like safety and convenience.
Xo Livi's Diono Monterey XT Car Seat Review
Conclusion
Is your little human independent? If they like to lend a hand, the Diono Monterey XT is simple enough that when they learn how to strap themselves in, they can. The highback to backless booster car is a budget-friendly choice, too.
One of the more impressive parts of the Monterey XT booster car seat is the better than average crash test results. It has a higher margin of safety than many of its competitors. The LATCH anchor connectors add an extra layer of safety, keeping it secure in the backseat. The ease of installation and use is just right, too, even if you choose to use the vehicle seat belt system.
Diono Monterey XT (click image for more info)
The Monterey XT has an impressive weight limit, topping out at 120 pounds. But, do not expect a ton of extra comfort or features. The padding is not as thick as other models, and the fabric quality is not quite there. Traveling long distances might not be so comfy, either, because the seat is flat with almost no contour.
If you carpool, the Diono Monterey XT is a good choice. The adjustable width helps make room for other passengers, and they can help get themselves in and out. It is an inexpensive, safe choice for a highback to backless booster car seat.
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
To contact me directly please click here.
Leave a Reply