Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-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
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
| 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 | 4.70 | 4.90 |
Our Thoughts
We've got the lowdown on two popular picks - the Diono Radian 3R and the Graco SlimFit3 LX. Let's dive in and see which one is the perfect fit for your tiny copilot.
Both of these bad boys prioritize safety, comfort, and practicality. The Diono Radian 3R is a real space-saver with its slim design and steel frame construction. It's like having a superhero shield for your kiddo. Plus, it's versatile enough to fit three across in most vehicles - perfect for growing families or carpooling adventures. Whether your little one is rear-facing, forward-facing, or ready for a high-back booster, the Radian 3R has got you covered.
The Radian 3R also comes with memory foam padding, so your mini-me can snooze in style. And when it's time to jet-set, this car seat folds up like a pro for easy travel. Just keep in mind that it can be a bit of a heavyweight champ, especially when wrestling it into smaller cars. Some parents have also mentioned that the head support could use a little extra oomph for side impacts.
On the other hand, the Graco SlimFit3 LX is like a transformer for your backseat. It goes from a rear-facing harness for your tiny tot to a forward-facing harness as they grow, and finally to a high-back booster for kids up to 100 lbs. Talk about getting your money's worth! The SlimFit3 LX is also a space-saving superstar, so you can make the most of your backseat real estate.
What really sets the SlimFit3 LX apart is Graco's ProtectPlus engineering. This thing has been put through the wringer with tests for frontal, side, rear, and even rollover crashes. It's like having a personal bodyguard for your little one on every trip.
When it comes to weight limits, both seats are neck and neck for rear-facing and forward-facing modes. But the Graco SlimFit3 LX takes the cake in booster seat mode, accommodating kids up to 100 lbs compared to the Diono Radian 3R's 65 lbs limit. That means more mileage for your growing kiddo!
If you're planning on taking to the skies, both car seats are FAA approved for rear-facing and forward-facing modes. Just keep in mind that the high-back booster setup isn't given the thumbs-up for air travel.
So, which one should you choose? If you're not pinching pennies, the Graco SlimFit3 LX might have a slight edge with its higher booster weight limit and handy features like the machine-washable rapid remove cover. But if you're tight on space and need a slim design, the Diono Radian 3R is your trusty sidekick.
No matter which one you pick, you can rest easy knowing your little copilot is in good hands. Happy travels!
Key Details
| Radian 3R | SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
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| Brand | Diono | Graco |
| Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
| Weighted Rating | 4.70 | 4.90 |
| 1 yr Price Range | $155.39 - $199.98 | $195.99 - $279.99 |
| Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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| Value |
Offers a long lifespan and versatile seating options, making it a cost-effective choice over time. |
The price point is moderate considering its 3-in-1 capability and longevity from infant to booster stage. |
| Safety |
Features a steel frame for enhanced safety and reliability, scoring high in safety ratings. |
With its steel-reinforced frame and ProtectPlus engineering, it exceeds standard safety expectations. |
| Features |
Despite its minimalist design, it includes essential features like memory foam padding and a foldable design for travel (converts into a backpack!) |
The car seat includes a no-rethread harness, multiple recline positions, and dual cup holders, adding convenience. |
| Installation |
Installation experiences vary; some find it straightforward, while others face challenges, especially in smaller vehicles. |
The installation process is standard, with no specific enhancements that simplify it significantly. |
| Cleaning |
The seat cover is removable for cleaning, but some users report challenges in maintenance and durability. |
The Rapid Remove cover is machine-washable, facilitating easy cleanup. |
| Size |
Its slim profile is a standout feature, allowing for three-across seating in most cars. |
The slim profile is ideal for fitting three across in the backseat, a rare attribute in car seats. |
| 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 Diono Radian 3R and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1. 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
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 0 - 44 inches | |
| Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 0 - 57 inches | 0 - 49 inches |
| Weight Range | 20 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 0 - 57 inches | 43 - 57 inches |
| Weight Range | 50 - 100 pounds | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 17.0 inches | 19.9 inches |
| Height | 28.5 inches | 25.5 inches |
| Depth | 16.0 inches | 21.5 inches |
| Weight | 25.9 pounds | 21.5 pounds |
Core Specifications
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model Year | 2018 | 2022 |
| Made In | China | China |
| Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Reinforced Steel |
Safety and Compliance
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster |
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| NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Not rated by NHTSA. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
| Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
| Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
| Diono Radian 3R | Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
| Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
| See all Diono car seats | See all Graco car seats |
| Full review of the Diono Radian 3R Full review of the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 |