Britax Poplar vs. Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+.

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 Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.68 4.58

Our Thoughts

The Britax Poplar and the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus are both versatile convertible car seats, designed to provide comfortable and secure transport for your child as they grow. However, each has its own strengths, considerations, and unique features that may suit different family needs and preferences.

The Britax Poplar earns praise not only for its robust safety features, but also for its user-friendly design, notably the ClickTight installation system. This system trades the normal struggle of securing the car seat into a vehicle for a relatively simple process, which busy parents will certainly appreciate. With a reputation for safety, comfort, and quality, the Poplar ensures your child's journey is enjoyable, whether it's a short ride to the grocery store or a long road trip. It's particularly useful for families with compact cars due to its slim profile. However, this model does have a weight limit to consider; it supports rear-facing use up to 50 pounds and forward-facing use up to 65 pounds.

On the other hand, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus reveals its advocates among larger families and those with multiple children. Its narrow design allows up to three seats to fit across in most vehicles—no simple feat. Practicality is paired with impressive safety features, including a steel-reinforced frame and comprehensive protection measures for any potential collision. Notably, this car seat offers an extended weight limit; it can be used rear-facing up to 50 pounds, forward-facing up to 65 pounds, or as a booster seat up to 120 pounds. This broad range signals the Radian 3RXT Safe Plus's longevity—it can grow with your child for years. However, some parents found that the installation and reassembly of the seat, especially after cleaning the cover, can be a bit challenging.

In the end, your choice between the Britax Poplar and the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus may come down to the specifics of your family's situation. If convenience in installation and a more space-efficient design are among your top needs, the Britax Poplar could serve you well. Alternatively, if you're seeking a car seat that can accommodate your growing child for a longer period and handle the demands of a full car's worth of child seats, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus may be the way to go. Both seats showcase significant merits in comfort, safety, and adaptability, promising high-quality transportation for your child.

Key Details

Poplar Radian 3RXT Safe+
Britax Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Brand Britax Diono
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Weighted Rating 4.68 4.58
1 yr Price Range $299.99 - $299.99 $259.99 - $349.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

Offers a robust set of features at a competitive price point, balancing quality and cost effectively.

Offers robust safety features and long-term usability, justifying its price.

Safety

Safety is a hallmark of Britax, and the Poplar is no exception, with its sturdy construction and reliable performance in safety tests.

Steel-reinforced frame and comprehensive protection measures are a standout.

Features

With its convertible design and user-friendly installation, the Poplar stands out in its category.

The 12-position headrest and machine-washable cover add notable convenience.

Installation

The ClickTight system is frequently praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, making installation a breeze.

Installation and reassembly, especially of the seat cover, are noted as challenging.

Cleaning

The seat is designed with easy-to-remove fabrics for convenient cleaning, which is a boon for busy parents.

The machine-washable cover is practical, but reinstallation can be cumbersome.

Size

The slim profile of the Poplar is advantageous for fitting into compact cars without compromising on comfort or safety.

Its narrow design is ideal for fitting multiple car seats in a vehicle.

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 Poplar and the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+. 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 Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 18 - 44 inches
Weight Range 5 - 50 pounds 4 - 50 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 30 - 57 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Height Range 40 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Width 17.0 inches 17.0 inches
Height 20.5 inches 28.5 inches
Depth 23.5 inches 16.0 inches
Weight 27.2 pounds 30.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Model Year 2023 2018
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Britax Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Federal Safety Standards Does not meet standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 1 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 2 out of 5 stars
Securing 1 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Poplar Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
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 Poplar
Full review of the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+