Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Diono Radian 3R.
Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!
At A Glance
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.65 | 4.70 |
Our Thoughts
When looking for the perfect car seat for your child, it's undoubtedly a balance between safety, comfort, ease of use, and durability. Two great contenders are the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Diono Radian 3R. Both seats are designed to keep your child safe and comfortable on the road, boasting key features like steel frame construction for enhanced safety and durability.
The Britax Marathon ClickTight is a convertible car seat known for its convenience and versatility. Suitable for babies, toddlers, and older kids, the Marathon ClickTight transitions from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat with ease. A standout feature of this car seat is the ClickTight installation system that simplifies and enhances the installation process, often a pain point for many parents.
Additionally, the seat offers multiple recline positions and easy-to-adjust harnesses which conform to your child's comfort needs. Some parents have expressed concerns over potential comfort issues for larger children and strap adjustment difficulties, though the majority find it an easy seat to use. It should be noted that the Britax Marathon ClickTight allows for a maximum weight of 65 pounds in forward-facing mode and a maximum of 40 pounds in rear-facing mode.
On the other hand, the Diono Radian 3R impresses with its slim profile and robust design. The Radian 3R is one convertible seat that seems to grow with your child, providing rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster seating options. This seat shines in its ability to accommodate three seats across in most vehicles, a feature that many families with more than one child value immensely.
It's worth noting though, some parents report challenges in the installation process, especially in smaller vehicles. Plus, the Radian 3R's max weight when forward-facing is the same as the Britax Marathon ClickTight (65 pounds), but it beats the latter in rear-facing capacity, allowing a child to stay in this safer position longer (up to 50 pounds).
In the end, both are excellent choices in terms of safety and functional design. If ease of installation and a non-chemical treated fabric are higher on your list, then the Britax Marathon ClickTight could be the one for you. However, if the ability to fit three car seats across in most vehicles is a must-have feature, and you anticipate using the car seat in a rear-facing configuration for a longer time, the Diono Radian 3R would definitely shine. It's key to remember that while the cost may initially seem high, these car seats are long-term investments that play an invaluable role in the safety of your child.
Key Details
Marathon ClickTight | Radian 3R | |
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Brand | Britax | Diono |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.65 | 4.70 |
1 yr Price Range | $224.99 - $339.99 | $155.39 - $199.98 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Offers durable construction and long-lasting use, justifying its price point. |
![]() Offers a long lifespan and versatile seating options, making it a cost-effective choice over time. |
Safety |
![]() Includes superior side impact protection and a steel frame for enhanced safety. |
![]() Features a steel frame for enhanced safety and reliability, scoring high in safety ratings. |
Features |
![]() Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions. |
![]() Despite its minimalist design, it includes essential features like memory foam padding and a foldable design for travel (converts into a backpack!) |
Installation |
![]() The ClickTight system simplifies installation, making it straightforward and reliable. |
![]() Installation experiences vary; some find it straightforward, while others face challenges, especially in smaller vehicles. |
Cleaning |
![]() Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance. |
![]() The seat cover is removable for cleaning, but some users report challenges in maintenance and durability. |
Size |
![]() While not the most compact, its size is typical for convertible car seats. |
![]() Its slim profile is a standout feature, allowing for three-across seating in most cars. |
Review | Click here | Click here |
Comparison of Specifications
While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.
We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Diono Radian 3R. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.
Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.
Height and Weight Limits
Rear-facing
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 44 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 57 inches |
Weight Range | 20 - 65 pounds | 20 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Height Range | 0 - 57 inches | |
Weight Range | 50 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Width | 18.5 inches | 17.0 inches |
Height | 23.0 inches | 28.5 inches |
Depth | 23.7 inches | 16.0 inches |
Weight | 28.5 pounds | 25.9 pounds |
Core Specifications
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2018 |
Made In | USA | China |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Reinforced Steel |
Safety and Compliance
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders |
No cup holders |
Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Britax Marathon ClickTight | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Britax car seats | See all Diono car seats |
Full review of the Britax Marathon ClickTight Full review of the Diono Radian 3R |