Diono is famously known for its sleek and slim car seats that free up enough room that you could fit three of them in your backseat.
Diono has recently remodeled some of their car seats to be better suited to seat children in the rear-facing position longer. Two of these remodeled car seats I’ll be reviewing in this guide: the Diono Radian 3RX vs Radian 3R.
The Radian 3RX is an all-in-one car seat with a 10-year lifespan that's designed to keep your child seated comfortably in the rear-facing position. Similar to the Radian 3RX, the Radian 3R is an all-in-one that's designed to better accommodate children in the rear-facing position and keep them seated that way longer.
In this article, I'll review both of these models by comparing and contrasting the key differences and similarities that set them apart. I'll also provide a thorough breakdown of each car seats' features, pros, and cons. Aftwerwards, I'll give you my recommendation on which of these seats will work best for you.
Diono Radian 3RX vs Diono 3R Specifications Compared
Header | 2020 Diono Radian 3RX | 2020 Diono Radian 3R |
---|---|---|
Cell | ||
NHTSA Overall Ease of Use Rating (RF): | 3 stars | 2 stars |
NHTSA Overall Ease of Use Rating (FF): | 3 stars | 3 stars |
NHTSA Overall Ease of Use Rating (B): | 1 star | 1 star |
Side Impact Protection: | formed by deep aluminum sidewalls w/ energy-absorbing EPS foam | formed by deep aluminum sidewalls w/ energy-absorbing EPS foam |
Automotive-Grade Steel Core | Yes | Yes |
Steel and Magnesium Sub Structure | Yes | Yes |
Weight: | 27.10 pounds | 26 pounds |
Width: | 17 inches | 17 inches |
5 Point Harness: | w/ anti-slip harness pads | (up to 65 pounds): w/ anti-slip harness pads |
Easy Remove Cover: | machine-washable | machine-washable |
Child Height Limit (RF): | 44 inches or less | 44 inches or less |
Child Height Limit (FF): | 57 inches or less | 57 inches or less |
Child Height Limit (B): | 57 inches or less | 57 inches or less |
Child Weight Limit (RF): | 5 to 50 pounds | 5 to 50 pounds |
Child Weight Limit (FF): | 22 to 65 pounds | 22 to 65 pounds |
Child Weight Limit (B): | 40 to 120 pounds | 40 to 120 pounds |
SuperLATCH Connectors: | w/ aduible click | w/ aduible click |
Compatible w/ Seatbelt Installation | Yes | Yes |
Rethread Harness | No | No |
Removable Head Support Infant Insert: | w/ padded support for cocooned comfort | Cell |
Memory Foam Comfort | Yes | Yes |
Cell |
Major Similarities Between Diono Radian 3RX vs Diono Radian 3R
One major similarity between the Radian 3RX and the Radian 3R is that they’re both all-in-one car seats with a maximum weight limit of 120 pounds. In addition to that, both of these car seats are designed to keep your child seated in the rear-facing position longer as recommended by the NHTSA.
In regards to safety, both of these models offer superior side impact protection that’s formed by Diono’s famous deep aluminum sidewalls that are padded with energy-absorbing EPS foam. They’re also engineered with a reinforced steel core that’s made from automotive-grade steel to drastically improve your car seat’s strength and stability.
The harness for the Radian 3XR and Radian 3R includes five harness heights and an easily adjustable headrest that grows as your child does. As a bonus, the harness can be easily adjusted without uninstalling your car seat to rethread it, saving you time and energy.
Another notable similarity between the Radian 3RX and Radian 3R is that they both come with SuperLATCH connectors to make installation quicker, easier, and safer. The connectors feature an audible-click indicator that alerts you when you’ve installed the car seat correctly and securely.
Furthermore, both of these car seats have a slim and sleek design that frees up enough room in your backseat that you could install three of them without robbing other passengers of their space and comfort. They also have a portable design that gives them the ability to fold flat so that they’re easy to store in tight spaces such as overhead compartments. That being said, the Raidan 3RX and Radian 3R are FAA-approved and certified for aircraft use.
Lastly, both of these models allow you to expand the width of the seat to maximize leg support and comfort as your child grows. They also have a 10-year lifespan, so they’re the only car seats you’ll ever need.
Major Differences Between Diono Radian 3RX vs Diono Radian 3R
The only difference between the Radian 3RX and Radian 3R is that the 3RX is equipped with a removable head support infant insert. This infant insert provides added cocooned comfort and cushioned support and can be removed when your child outgrows it.
The Radian 3RX has been reinvented to keep your child seated in the rear-facing position longer. It has a 10-year lifespan with a maximum weight limit of 120 pounds, and it can be used from birth until your child outgrows the need for a car seat. The Radian 3RX has a slim and sleek design that frees up enough room in your backseat that you could easily fit three of them in your backseat without compromising the space and comfort of your other passengers.
To drastically enhance strength and stability, the Radian 3RX is mechanically engineered with a reinforced steel core that’s made from automotive-grade steel. It’s also equipped with SuperLATCH Connectors that are rigged with an audible-click indicator that alerts you when you’ve securely and correctly installed your car seat. The Radian 3RX is also manufactured with expandable sides and a longer seat bottom to provide added leg support and comfort as your child grows.
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
The 2020 Radian 3RX is a remastered version of the Radian 3RX. It’s designed to be more suitable to seat children in the rear-facing position longer. While that’s what the Radian 3RX is designed for, what sets it apart from the rest is the removable infant insert and breathable fabrics that provide cushioned comfort and wicks away moisture. The Radian 3RX is a high-quality device that saves space, time, and money since it’s the only car seat you’ll need.
The Radian 3R has been remodeled to keep children in the rear-facing position longer with a higher maximum weight limit of 120 pounds. Similar to the Radian 3RX, the Radian 3R has a 10-year lifespan and can accommodate your child from birth until they outgrow the need for a car seat. It features Diono’s unique slim and sleek design that gives you the ability to fit three of the 3R’s in your backseat without ridding other passengers of their space and comfort.
The Radian 3R has also been mechanically engineered with a reinforced steel core that’s made from automotive-grade steel that works to create a car seat superior in strength and stability. Additionally, the Radian 3R comes with SuperLATCH Connectors that make it easier and quicker to install your car seat securely. It’s also made with expandable sides and larger seat bottom that provides added leg support and comfort as your child grows. Also, the Radian 3R utilizes Safe Stop Technology to absorb energy and reduce the impact force on a child that weighs up to 40 pounds and is seated in the forward-facing position.
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
The 2020 Radian 3R is an exceptional Diono all-in-one car seat that’s been redesigned to keep your child seated in the rear-facing position longer. Other than its higher rear-facing weight limit and machine-washable fabrics, there’s nothing that makes the Radian 3R stand out. It’s the basic version of the Radian models that Diono has to offer. Yet and still, it’s a high-quality device that will provide the ultimate protection for your little one until they no longer require the use of a car seat.
Comparing the New Radian 3 Car Seats by Diono
Conclusion
The Radian 3RX and Radian 3R are remastered car seats that are designed to keep your child seated in the rear-facing position longer. Both car seats share a lot of features with the infant insert being the main difference between the two. That being said, if you don't mind the price, I would recommend the Radian 3RX since it comes with a removable infant insert that offers cocooned comfort for your little one. However, if you're on a budget and don't mind having a car seat without an infant insert, then I would recommend the Radian 3R.
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!
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