Diono Radian 3R vs. Graco Extend2Fit: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the Graco Extend2Fit.

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 Extend2Fit are both convertible car seats renowned for their robust safety features and long-lasting versatility. They are designed to grow with your child, offering various seating configurations: rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a high-back booster.

The Diono Radian 3R stands out with its slim profile, making it a great option for smaller vehicles or for those looking to fit three seats across. This sturdy seat features a steel frame construction that ensures your child's safety. Additionally, it provides comfortable memory foam padding and the convenience of a foldable design for travel. Despite these great features, some parents have reported challenges with installation in compact cars and with the removal and cleaning of the seat cover. The lack of head support in certain positions might also raise concerns for some.

On the other hand, the Graco Extend2Fit particularly impresses with its high weight limits for rear-facing mode, allowing children to remain in this safer position longer than in other comparable seats. This seat also features a removable and machine-washable cover. However, some users find it difficult to remove the cover, and many have noted that the harness can be quite challenging to tighten. Moreover, the Extend2Fit is noticeably bulkier than the Radian 3R and might not be the best fit for smaller vehicles.

When it comes to weight limitations, the Extend2Fit has a higher maximum weight for rear-facing mode at 50 pounds compared to the Radian 3R, which maxes out at 40 pounds. This could be a deciding factor if you prefer to keep your child in the rear-facing position for as long as possible. If forward-facing mode is what you're considering, both seats have a similar maximum weight limit. However, when used as a high-back booster, the Radian 3R outperforms Extend2Fit with its higher weight limit of 100 pounds versus Extend2Fit's 65-pound limit.

For airplane travel, both seats have FAA approval for forward and rear-facing configurations but do take note that the Diono Radian 3R specifically mentions that it is not FAA approved for high back booster mode.

In choosing between these two seats, consider your specific needs. If you're working with limited space or need to fit multiple seats, the slim design of the Diono Radian 3R might be a better fit for you, especially if you want a seat that will last into the booster phase. However, if your main concern is to keep your child in the rear-facing position for as long as possible, the Graco Extend2Fit offers a higher weight limit for this mode and provides additional legroom. Additionally, the Extend2Fit is typically priced lower than the Diono Radian 3R, which might make it a more appealing choice for budget-conscious families.