Century Drive On 3-in-1 vs. Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Century Drive On 3-in-1 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

Our Thoughts

The Century Drive On 3-in-1 car seat and the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus car seat are excellent products from trusted manufacturers, each offering unique attributes to ensure the safety and comfort of your child.

The Century Drive On stands out for its eco-friendly approach, using recycled materials and reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainability. The lightweight and compact design of this car seat is noted for its convenience, particularly for those with smaller vehicles or whom often change the seat from car to car. In terms of growth adaptation, it has a no-rethread harness system, which allows one-handed adjustments of both the headrest and harness. It is important to note that the maximum weight for rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster configurations are 40 lbs, 65 lbs, and 100 lbs, respectively. The seat is FAA-approved for both forward-facing and rear-facing settings but is not approved for use as a high back booster during air travel. Some parents have found the installation to be challenging, which could potentially be a disadvantage depending on your comfort and familiarity with installing car seats.

In contrast, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus car seat offers robust safety features with a reinforced steel frame. Parents have praised this car seat for its narrow design, which allows for multiple car seats in one row, making it especially beneficial for bigger families. Safety and ease of cleaning are also at the forefront with an adjustable headrest and machine-washable cover. The Diono Radian has a maximum weight limit of 50 lbs, 65 lbs, and 120 lbs for rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster settings respectively; offering more room for growth than the Century Drive On. However, some parents have voiced concerns about the complex installation and reassembly of the car seat cover and difficulties in adjusting the headrest during travel. Lastly, this car seat is FAA-approved for forward-facing and rear-facing configurations but not for high back or backless booster modes during flight.

Overall, both car seats have their strengths and potential challenges. If sustainability, lightness, and budget-friendliness are top priorities, the Century Drive On 3-in-1 could be an excellent choice. However, for families prioritizing a longer growth range, robust safety features, and compatibility for multiple car seats placement, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus might be worth the higher price tag. As always, factor in your own needs and preferences, considering your vehicle size, the need for portability, and your comfort with car seat installation when making your decision.