The Diono Radian 3RXT Vs 3RX Vs 3R – Quickly Reveal The Winner!

All three can be used in rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster mode.

Out of the three, 3R has the least weight limitation in rear-facing mode and booster mode while the 3RX and 3RXT share the same weight limitation.

For safety purposes, they have a fully-integrated steel frame and shell that is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam.

These seats can be used in airplanes, yet, they can be challenging to carry unless they are placed in a bag or equipped with straps.

These Radian seats sure are easy to fold, but they are quite heavy to carry. Perhaps Diono has received such feedback because it also offers travel accessories.

If your budget allows, be ready to spend a little money on the carry strap.*

All of them are said to offer a comfortable ride to the young passengers because they have plush premium fabric and memory foam padding.

3R is the lightest while 3RXT is the heaviest. The difference in their weight resulted from the components and features they possess.

3R has no head support and no infant cushion, so it is the lightest. 3RXT is the heaviest because of its aluminium reinforced head support.

Overall, these seats are considerably heavier than other car seats in the market. Another note regarding weight is that these seats might be trouble for anyone who plans to move them frequently from one vehicle to another.

Be sure to take your calcium supplements and have your pain relievers ready as they can be backbreakers, LOL.

All three seats also have low profile sides that can be expanded to accommodate the growing child and allow easy boarding.

The infant support cushion or infant insert that comes with 3RX and 3RXT is not present in the 3R.

They all come with 10-year expiration.

If you are only after a car seat that you can decently use for your baby, then the 3R would be a good choice. If the cup holder is a big deal for you, you should go for 3RX or 3RXT.

Nevertheless, if you are planning to use these seats in a 3-across setup, you should know that you might need to forego the cup holder because they eat up extra space necessary for the proper installation of three car seats in the back seat of a vehicle.

Therefore, 3R would be a better choice in this scenario.

Head Support With Reinforced Aluminum Tubing and With Energy-Absorbing Foam:

Only the 3RXT has head support.

At first, I would be compelled to choose 3RXT instead of 3R or 3RX because of this head support. After all, extra safety features are always welcome.

The child’s body built and height will affect if they can use the seat’s booster mode. It is quite apparent that the head support is meant for bigger or older kids, likely in booster mode.

There have been write-ups from some parents that the headrest of 3RXT often falls from its place, so the shoulder belt also goes wayward.

If this is the case, then the seat might be rendered useless for the safety of the child passenger. I might need to look for another booster seat.

More reviews also claim that the head support is challenging to manipulate. For this situation, I would once again opt instead for 3R or 3RX.

Now, if the baby is indeed within the average size range and their weight, height, and body built are within what these seats can accommodate, I will put my money on the 3RXT since it has the side impact protection features to keep my baby safe while traveling.

Just like the weight difference among three seats, their price is also commensurate to the features they offer. If you love this Diono line, but your budget is tight, then you could choose the 3R even though it lacks the infant cushion.

All three appear to be upright. The angle cannot be adjusted to make the seats more reclined.

I personally would not place a newborn infant in a seating position in these seats even with the infant cushion in 3RX and 3RXT especially if my vehicle has sloped chairs. 

The seats, for me, are not ideal for small babies because even the original features of the 3RX and 3RXT are not adequate to protect the little one.  Younger babies require every possible protection mainly in the neck and head areas.

Provided that the harness straps fit correctly on a small baby, it is still not safe for a child who cannot yet sit without assistance since the head can fall or slump.

Undoubtedly, the head support accessory from Diono “might” address the head and neck protection, but I would still consider the fact that the seats might not offer appropriate reclination for my infant child.

Every child is different. It would depend on how fast the child grows up for them to fit in these seats’ booster mode. Weight is not the only deciding factor, but also the child’s height and body structure.

For a child weighing 50 pounds and 45 inches tall, for example, the booster weight still applies. However, the child’s shoulders might already reach the head support of the 3RXT.

The child’s head might also not be accommodated in the too tight head support. For this particular concern, I think that the Radian 3R and 3RX would be a smarter option.

The Diono Radian 3R, 3RX, and 3RXT have product descriptions that are amazing with the advanced safety features and fresh design. They are also slim and appropriate for the 3-across setup. 

However, there are other more pressing matters that parents need to consider when buying these car seats.

Considering that convertible seats should ideally begin from rear-facing mode, I would want a product that has no issues in the said mode. Unfortunately, these Radian seats are not trouble-free in this regard.

Many have claimed about how challenging these seats can be installed. The possible cause for this is that the user manual might have some confusing instructions or critical errors. 

Still, there are instances when purchasing any of these seats can be done merely without special consideration.

One scenario is if I am invited to a baby shower or if I were chosen as a godmother – I could buy 3R, 3RX, or 3RXT as a gift, which I know will be much appreciated.

Check Out My Diono Radian 3RXT Review

See My Diono Radian 3RX Review

Read My Diono Radian 3R Review

What do you think?

I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Cheers!

Pitin