Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Century Drive On 3-in-1 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
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Diono Radian 3R | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.69 | 4.70 |
Our Thoughts
The Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the Diono Radian 3R are both convertible car seats designed to adapt with your growing child.
The Drive On 3-in-1 is part of Century's eco-friendly initiative and comes with unique features like fabric made from recycled materials. This design is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for small cars or for families who need to move the seat between multiple vehicles frequently. This car seat is designed to accommodate children from 5 to 100 lbs. The Drive On 3-in-1 allows you to adjust the headrest and harness with a single hand, thanks to the no-rethread harness system. However, some parents have reported difficulty when installing the seat, whether using the LATCH system or the seatbelt. It is critically important to remember that each car and car seat can be different, so it is advisable to check the compatibility with your vehicle and follow the instructions closely for installation.
On the other hand, the Diono Radian 3R distinguishes itself with its slim profile that makes it possible to fit three of these car seats across in most vehicles, an advantage for larger families. It's built with a steel frame construction to ensure safety and durability. Although the seat is more substantial than the Drive On 3-in-1, it's robust build offers additional stability and longevity. It also offers memory foam padding for extra comfort and can even convert into a backpack, improving its portability. However, some parents have reported challenges with installing the seat, particularly in compact vehicles, along with difficulties in removing and cleaning the cover.
In terms of safety features, the Century Drive On 3-in-1 and Diono Radian 3R both meet federal safety standards. Nevertheless, the Diono Radian 3R holds a slight advantage due to its steel frame construction, which is widely recognized for enhanced safety and reliability.
Considering all these details, if you're an environmentally-conscious family and prefer a lighter seat, the Century Drive On 3-in-1 would be a great choice. However, if your priority is safety and you have multiple children or a smaller vehicle, the Diono Radian 3R will be worth every penny spent. Both car seats serve versatile needs and depend primarily upon your individual preference and lifestyle.
Key Details
Drive On 3-in-1 | Radian 3R | |
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Brand | Century | Diono |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.69 | 4.70 |
1 yr Price Range | $118.99 - $169.99 | $155.39 - $199.98 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Priced reasonably for a 3-in-1 car seat with sustainable materials. |
![]() Offers a long lifespan and versatile seating options, making it a cost-effective choice over time. |
Safety |
![]() Several indicators of robust safety features and consumer trust. |
![]() Features a steel frame for enhanced safety and reliability, scoring high in safety ratings. |
Features |
![]() Unique eco-friendly fabric and multi-stage convertibility. |
![]() Despite its minimalist design, it includes essential features like memory foam padding and a foldable design for travel (converts into a backpack!) |
Installation |
![]() Some parents find the installation challenging. |
![]() Installation experiences vary; some find it straightforward, while others face challenges, especially in smaller vehicles. |
Cleaning |
![]() No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience. |
![]() The seat cover is removable for cleaning, but some users report challenges in maintenance and durability. |
Size |
![]() Its compact design is advantageous for small spaces and portability. |
![]() 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 Century Drive On 3-in-1 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
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Height Range | 0 - 44 inches | |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 57 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 20 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Height Range | 43 - 57 inches | 0 - 57 inches |
Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds | 50 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Width | 13.0 inches | 17.0 inches |
Height | 30.6 inches | 28.5 inches |
Depth | 20.8 inches | 16.0 inches |
Weight | 13.7 pounds | 25.9 pounds |
Core Specifications
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2018 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Unknown | Reinforced Steel |
Safety and Compliance
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | 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 High Back Booster |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings | Not rated by NHTSA. |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Diono Radian 3R | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 7 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Century car seats | See all Diono car seats |
Full review of the Century Drive On 3-in-1 Full review of the Diono Radian 3R |