Diono Radian 3RXT and Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 seem to be popular choices among parents, but one of them appears to fall short in terms of features. Can the Diono Radian 3RXT hold its own against its counterpart?
Diono Radian 3RXT | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Rear-Facing Weight: | 5 to 45 pounds | 4 to 50 pounds |
Rear-Facing Height Limit: | Up to 44 inches | the head must be at least 1-inch below the headrest adjustment handle |
Forward-Facing Weight: | 20 to 65 pounds | 22 to 65 pounds |
Forward-Facing Height Limit: | Up to 57 inches | Up to 49 inches |
High Back Booster Weight: | 50 to 120 pounds | 40 to 100 pounds |
High Back Booster Height Limit: | Child’s shoulders must be at or above the 4th set of harness slots. | 43 to 57 inches |
The Diono Radian 3RXT and Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 are convertible car seats that offer three modes of use: rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster.
In terms of the rear-facing weight limit, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 has a higher capacity, accommodating children up to 50 pounds, while the Diono Radian 3RXT can hold up to 45 pounds.
Both car seats have a weight limit of up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing mode. However, the Diono Radian 3RXT has a higher forward-facing height limit of up to 57 inches, which is more significant compared to the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 that accommodates children up to 49 inches in height.
Regarding the high-back booster mode, the Diono Radian 3RXT has a weight limit of 50 to 120 pounds, while the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 can hold children from 40 to 100 pounds. The Diono Radian 3RXT also has a high-back booster height limit requiring the child's shoulders to be at or above the 4th set of harness slots, whereas the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 can accommodate children from 43 to 57 inches in height.
A notable feature of the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 is its foot extender, which provides extra legroom, making the rear-facing position more comfortable for children for a more extended period. In contrast, the Diono Radian 3RXT does not have this feature.
Diono Radian 3RXT | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Width | 17 inches | 19 inches |
Height | 28.5 inches | 24.5 inches |
Depth/Length | 16 inches | 20.75 inches |
The Diono Radian 3RXT and Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seats both have their advantages and limitations in terms of size and installation in different vehicles.
The Diono Radian 3RXT is a narrow car seat that is great for smaller vehicles, but requires more space when reclined in rear-facing mode for younger babies. It can be used with a seat angle adjuster* for older children who can sit more upright, which saves space.
On the other hand, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat has a wider width of 19 inches, which may make it difficult to fit three car seats in a row.
The Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat has a relatively compact depth/length of 20.75 inches. However, if you use the anti-rebound bar, the total depth of the car seat will increase to 26.75 inches, which may require additional space in the car. It's worth noting that if you also use the extendable footrest, the car seat will need even more space in the car.
The Diono Radian 3RXT has a default height of 28.5 inches, but additional reclining may cause the front seat to be moved all the way forward, which may also be a problem in smaller vehicles.
Diono Radian 3RXT | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | No | |
Easy To Install Rear-Facing | Relatively | Yes |
Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | Relatively | Yes |
Easy To Uninstall? | Yes | |
According to feedback from a majority of parents, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat is regarded as more user-friendly and convenient when compared to the Diono Radian 3RXT. One reason for this is that the installation process for the Diono Radian 3RXT can be more challenging, as it requires the removal of the back cover to access the lower anchors, Safe Stop, and top tether.
It is important to note that installing the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 requires careful attention to detail. Specifically, parents must ensure that the car seat does not hang over the edge of the vehicle seat, which can affect the safety and stability of the installation. However, despite this additional consideration, parents have reported that the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat is still considered more user-friendly overall.
Diono Radian 3RXT | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Country Of Origin: | USA | China |
Steel-Reinforced Frame: | Yes | |
Five-Point Harness? | Yes | |
Side Impact Tested: | Yes | |
Approved For Airplane Use: | Yes | |
Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle? | Yes | |
Both the Diono Radian 3RXT and Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seats have a steel-reinforced frame, which provides strength and durability in case of a crash. However, the Diono Radian 3RXT has a mechanically engineered, reinforced steel core made from automotive grade high strength steel to shield and protect the child.
On the other hand, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat has Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™, which is a comprehensive safety system consisting of the most rigorous crash tests designed to protect the child in various types of crashes, including frontal, side, rear, and rollover impacts.
Both car seats also have energy-absorbing foam for effective impact management. The Diono Radian 3RXT has the Safe Stop, which is an energy absorbing harness load limiting device that can help reduce the impact on the child's head, neck, and chest in case of an accident. However, the Safe Stop is designed for younger children less than 40 pounds and is only for forward-facing. Many parents might skip this component as it is a strap that is not installed on the car seat when you unbox it.
The Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat features an Anti-Rebound Bar, which offers extra protection for rear-facing mode by limiting the seat and child's rotation in the event of a crash, thus providing an additional layer of safety.
Both car seats meet or exceed the child restraint criteria for a frontal crash test under the US FMVSS 213 and have been side-impact tested for occupant retention with the built-in 5-point harness system.
However, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat has also been rear-impact tested based on the European Rear-Impact Crash Pulse and tested to Graco's RollSafe™ testing standard based on the European rollover testing procedure.
Moreover, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat has undergone testing for structural integrity in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Additionally, it has been tested using an impact force approximately twice that required by the US FMVSS 213 car seat safety standard, ensuring that it provides reliable protection for the child in the event of an accident.
Good Convertible Car Seats Of 2023
Consider narrowing down your options by focusing on those made with EPP or EPS foam for impact management. Both materials meet government safety regulations, but EPP foam is more elastic and less brittle than EPS foam, making it better at withstanding multiple impacts and regaining its shape.
Keep in mind that any seat involved in an accident should be replaced, regardless of the foam type.
Good Convertible Car Seats With EPP Foam:
Good Convertible Car Seats With EPS Foam:
Diono Radian 3RXT | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | |
Seat Weight: | 28.1 pounds | 20.61 pounds |
Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
Roomy? | Yes | |
No-Rethread Harness? | No | Yes |
Easy To Remove Cover? | Yes | Yes (Rapid Remove) |
Expiration | 10 Years | |
Comes With A Cup Holder? | Yes, 1 | Yes, 2 |
Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes | |
Headrest Positions | 12 | 10 |
Recline Positions | Fixed | 6 |
The Radian is heavier, weighing 28.1 pounds compared to the Extend2fit's 20.61 pounds. However, the Extend2fit has a no-rethread harness and a Rapid Remove cover, making adjustments and cleaning easier.
Both car seats come with cup holders, but the Radian only has one while the Extend2fit has two. The Radian also has more headrest positions with 12, compared to the Extend2fit's 10. However, the Extend2fit has six recline positions, while the Radian has a fixed recline.
There is an approximately USD 60 price difference between the Diono Radian 3RXT and Graco Extend2fit 3in1 with Anti Rebound bar. The Radian 3RXT is more expensive.
With the Diono Radian 3RXT, you get
- A higher forward-facing height limit
- A higher booster weight limit
- A narrow seat that can fit 3 in a row
- A seat that is made in the USA
- More headrest positions
With the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1, you get
- A higher rear-facing weight limit
- An extendable footrest for a more comfortable ride
- An Anti-Rebound bar for added safety
- A seat that is easier to install in all modes
- A lighter seat (for air travel)
- No rethread harness
- A Rapid Remove cover
- An extra cup holder
- 6 recline positions
Do You Need More Help To Decide Between
Diono Radian 3RXT and Graco Extend2fit 3in1?
What do you think?
I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cheers!
Pitin
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