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The Diono Radian RXT is a 4-in-1 car seat, transitioning a child from infancy with the newborn pillow insert, through school age with the booster seat. This kind of long-lived 4-in-1 car seat is incredibly convenient for parents, but what's remarkable about the Diono Radian RXT is that it is a 4-in-1 that is very compact and affordably priced.
Diono Radian RXT Overview
The Diono Radian RXT is just 16.9 inches wide, slim enough for 3-across installations in a wide range of vehicles. Even better, it folds down flat so it can easily be stored in a trunk, packed for plane travel, or carried from place to place. It weighs just over 28 pounds, for an incredibly light-weight and portable 4-in-1 convertible car seat.
For parents who want the convenience of a single car seat for the first 10 years of a child's life, with great safety and protection, that can also be folded flat and easily transported, it's hard to beat the Diono Radian RXT.
Safety
What are this model’s NHTSA ratings? All car seats sold in the US must meet strict federal safety standards, so the NHTSA does not rate car seats for safety. Instead, they offer ratings and evaluations for ease of use. According to the NHTSA, the Diono Radian RXT has earned:
- Side impact protection? Yes
- Energy-absorbing base? Energy-absorbing EPS foam
- Metal frame? Yes
Longevity
Ease of Use
Does this model have:
Ease of Installation
Comfort and Quality
Video Overview of Diono Radian RXT
Diono Radian RXT Specs
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Rear-facing weight limits | 5 -45 pounds |
Front-facing weight limits | 20 -65 pounds |
Booster mode weight limits | 50-120 pounds |
Seated torso height | 8.25-17 inches |
Overall maximum height limit | up to 57 inches |
Diono Radian RXT Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Safety features | |
Ease of use | |
Longevity features | |
Quality and comfort features |
Who is the Diono Radian RXT Most Suitable For?
The Diono Radian RXT is a fantastic choice for parents who want to invest in one car seat that will keep their kids safe and protected until they are big enough to safely use an adult lap belt. Parents also love that it folds flat for easy transportation or storage, and it comes in a wide range of colors.
Despite the slim width and light weight of the Diono Radian RXT, and the fact that it can fit 3-across, it's still a very substantial car seat, and won't fit well into all vehicles.
When rear-facing, the tall height of the car seat can take up a lot of leg room for passengers in the front seat. When forward-facing, the tall height can potentially obscure a driver's view out of the rear of the vehicle.
Despite the slim profile, the Diono Radian RXT works best in a minivan or family-sized vehicle, where the large size of this car seat doesn't impede on the view or leg room of other passengers and drivers. The Diono Radian RXT is the perfect choice for parents who want to fit two or three across in a minivan or large vehicle.
It is also an excellent choice for only occasional caregivers. For example, friends or family members who will only rarely be driving a child may prefer to have a single car seat that can fit children of very different ages over time, and then be folded up in the trunk when not in use.
What's Included with the Diono Radian RXT?
The Diono Radian RXT comes with an infant insert pillow. Diono also makes an affordable optional accessory, the angle adjustor, which may be helpful for some vehicles and installation methods.
Pros and Cons of Diono Radian RXT
Pros
Cons
Diono Radian RXT Installation
There are a number of videos that show how to install this convertible car seat. From Babylist, this video shows how to install it rear-facing, front-facing, and in booster mode with a belt system, along with a few other tips for using the car seat over time:
The Car Seat Lady has a Diono Radian RXT installation video that includes LATCH and tether installation, which may be helpful for some vehicles:
Diono Radian RXT Manual
The manual is available online and can be found here:
Diono Radian RXT vs. Diono Radian 3RX
The Diono Radian RXT and Radian 3RX are extremely similar 4-in-1 convertible car seats.
- Both carseats are rated for the same passengers:
- Rear-facing weight limits: 5-45 pounds
- Front-facing weight limits: 20-65 pounds
- Booster mode weight limits: 50-120 pounds
- Seated torso height: 8.25-17 inches
- Overall maximum height limit: up to 57 inches
Both car seats have earned the same star rating from the NHTSA, for very similar reasons, and they are both FAA approved. Both car seats fold for storage, come in a range of colors, and are similar in size.
The biggest difference between the 3RX and the RXT is that the Diono Radian RXT has a 12-position adjustable headrest, while the 3RX does not. This adjustable headrest is both a comfort and safety feature, so it's a good feature in the RXT.
Aside from that, the Diono Radian 3RX is slightly more affordable, and about 1.5 pounds lighter in weight. All in all, if you plan on using this car seat for 10 years, the adjustable headrest seems like a good investment in your child's comfort and safety. However, if the Diono Radian will not be a primary car seat, and you are using it as a backup or for occasional transport of a child, the 3RX is a great option at a more affordable price.
Diono Radian RXT User Review
Conclusion
The Diono Radian RXT is a fantastic 4-in-1 convertible car seat that can protect a child up to 57 inches in height, 120 pounds in weight, or for the 10 year lifespan of the car seat. It is attractive, comfortable, and even folds flat for easy transport and storage.
But most parents love this car seat because the slim design allows you to easily fit two or three car seats into a single vehicle, making it a great choice for a growing family. These popular convertibles are a great investment in a child's safety and comfort, and an excellent price for an investment that will last for up to 10 years.
Diono Radian RXT (click image for more info)
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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