The Diono Solana 2 is the backless booster I buy in multiples. At under $25 and barely 2 pounds, it’s cheap enough to keep one in every vehicle and light enough for my kids to carry themselves. But don’t let the budget price fool you — it’s an IIHS “Best Bet” booster with proper belt-positioning guides, a contoured seat with EPS foam, and a retractable cup holder that doesn’t stick out awkwardly. For everyday carpool duty, travel, or as backup boosters, you can’t beat the value.
This review covers who the Solana 2 works best for, its safety credentials, specs, and how it compares to the Graco TurboBooster Backless.
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Who is the Diono Solana 2 best for?
The Solana 2 is for families who need affordable, portable backless boosters. It’s practical as a second or third booster for carpooling, grandparent vehicles, travel, and ride-shares. The IIHS “Best Bet” rating confirms it provides a good belt fit — the same safety endorsement carried by boosters costing five times more like the Clek Olli.
The contoured seat is more comfortable than flat plastic alternatives, and the dual-layer EPS foam provides some energy absorption during side impacts. The retractable cup holder tucks away cleanly when not in use. At under 2 lbs, even a 5-year-old can carry it from one car to another. However, there’s no LATCH system, so the seat will slide around when unoccupied. And the padding is thinner than premium boosters — on 3+ hour road trips, some kids may want more cushion.
Pros and cons
Pros
- IIHS “Best Bet” booster — excellent belt positioning for typical kids in most vehicles
- Under $25 — affordable enough to buy multiples
- Under 2 lbs — kids can carry it themselves
- Contoured seat with dual-layer EPS foam for comfort and impact absorption
- Retractable cup holder tucks away cleanly
- Belt-positioning guides help route seat belt correctly
- Machine-washable seat pad
- Compact footprint — fits in a backpack or large tote for travel
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- No LATCH — seat slides when child isn’t sitting on it
- Thinner padding than premium boosters — less comfortable on long drives
- No back, headrest, or side-impact wings
- Cup holder is small — won’t hold larger bottles
- Armrests are low-profile and not very supportive
Safety ratings
The IIHS “Best Bet” designation is the most meaningful safety credential for a backless booster. It means the Solana 2 provides good lap and shoulder belt positioning for typical children in most vehicles. The belt guides route the lap belt low across the hips and the shoulder belt across mid-chest — exactly where they need to be.
The dual-layer EPS foam provides some energy absorption, though a highback booster or a seat with rigid LATCH will always provide more crash protection than a backless booster. That said, the Solana 2 meets every applicable federal safety standard, and a child in a properly-used backless booster is dramatically safer than a child using the vehicle seat belt alone without any booster.
Check with Diono for the specific expiration period on your model.
Specifications
| Weight range | 40 – 120 lbs |
| Height range | 40 – 57 inches |
| Seat weight | Under 2 lbs |
| Installation | Vehicle seat belt (no LATCH) |
| Fabric | Machine washable |
Diono Solana 2 vs. Graco TurboBooster Backless
| Feature | Diono Solana 2 | Graco TurboBooster Backless |
|---|---|---|
| Weight range | 40 – 120 lbs | 40 – 100 lbs |
| IIHS Best Bet | Yes | Yes |
| Seat weight | Under 2 lbs | 2.6 lbs |
| Cup holder | 1 (retractable) | 2 (fixed) |
| Max weight | 120 lbs | 100 lbs |
| Price | $ | $ |
Both are IIHS Best Bet-rated budget backless boosters. The Diono Solana 2 is lighter, has a higher weight limit (120 vs. 100 lbs), and features a retractable cup holder that doesn’t protrude. The Graco TurboBooster has two cup holders and is slightly wider. Both are excellent values — pick based on which fits your vehicle seat better.
What’s included
The Solana 2 comes with the booster seat with integrated retractable cup holder. No additional accessories needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a backless booster safe enough for my child?
A backless booster is appropriate when your child is at least 40 lbs, 40″ tall, and mature enough to sit upright. A highback booster provides more head/neck protection. A child in any booster is much safer than a child using only the vehicle seat belt.
Can I use the Diono Solana 2 on an airplane?
Backless boosters are generally not FAA approved for use on aircraft. For air travel, use a harnessed car seat or check with your airline about their specific booster seat policies.
How do I know when my child no longer needs a booster?
Your child is ready to use the seat belt alone when the lap belt sits low across the hips (not the stomach), the shoulder belt crosses mid-chest (not the neck), and their back rests against the vehicle seat with knees bending at the seat edge. Most kids reach this around 4’9″ tall, typically age 8-12. Check your state’s car seat laws for specific requirements.
Our verdict
The Diono Solana 2 is the best value backless booster on the market. IIHS Best Bet safety, under $25, under 2 pounds, and a 120-lb weight limit — you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal in any car seat category. Buy two or three and keep them everywhere your child rides.
For more head and neck protection, step up to the Combi Kobuk highback booster. For the ultimate backless booster experience, see the Clek Olli. For all our recommendations, check the best car seats guide.
