Diono Radian 3R vs. Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1.

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 Diono Radian 3R and the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 are two versatile and safety-centric children's car seats that provide significant value over time. Both of them are praised for their commitment to robust safety features, adopting reinforced steel frames to ensure durability and peace of mind for parents.

The Diono Radian 3R stands out with its slim, space-saving design, allowing for three-across seating — a game-changer for families with multiple kids or smaller vehicles. It's touted for its robust build quality and versatile seating capabilities, accommodating rear-facing, forward-facing, and high back booster modes. Its forward-facing and rear-facing maximum weight capacities are 65 and 40 pounds, respectively. However, one significant drawback is its lack of substantial head support, particularly concerning during potential side-impact scenarios.

On the other hand, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 takes a "one seat fits all" approach. It smoothly transitions across four stages of a child's growth, all the way up to 120 pounds in its belt-positioning booster mode. Its innovative rapid-remove cover allows for easy maintenance, a feature appreciated by many parents. However, relative to the Diono Radian 3R, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 is larger and more heavy-duty, potentially challenging in smaller cars. The forward-facing max weight is also less than the Diono at 65 pounds, but it has a greater rear-facing max weight at 40 pounds.

Between the two, if you have multiple children or a smaller vehicle, the Diono Radian 3R could be a more suitable choice. Its slim design doesn't compromise on safety and comfort, and the foldable feature enhances portability, especially for travel. However, if easy maintenance, longevity, and the versatility of moving through all stages of your child's growth are higher on your list of crucial factors, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 may be the way to go. Just consider that you might need to suffer the cons of larger size and potential fit issues for infants in this case. Whichever you choose, these car seats are both excellent investments for your child's safety and comfort during car travel.