Diono Radian 3R vs. Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the Graco Turn2Me 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

Our Thoughts

The Diono Radian 3R and Graco Turn2Me are both all-in-one car seats designed with the child's growth in mind. Both accommodate rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster configurations, making them excellent long-term investments.

The Diono Radian 3R shines with its slim profile and robust nature. This car seat guarantees safety and longevity thanks to its reinforced steel frame. It is specifically tailored to cater to families with multiple children. The slim design can fit three across in most vehicles, fitting perfectly even in smaller cars. Its unique feature of converting into a backpack makes it ideal for families frequently on-the-go. However, the Radian 3R does receive some criticism regarding its installation difficulties in smaller vehicles and the effort required to clean it. Concerns have also been raised regarding potential lack of head support in specific orientations.

In contrast, the Graco Turn2Me car seat embodies innovation in its design. Its rotating feature, which allows for easier access when placing the child in a rear-facing position, is unprecedented: a true game-changer. This rotation eliminates awkward reaching scenarios and tailors specifically to taller vehicles. However, the rotating feature is only available for the rear-facing position, which may disappoint some parents when their children grow and the car seat is flipped forward-facing. Furthermore, the Turn2Me is reported as bulky and heavy, which could offer difficulties in transferring between cars.

Looking at specific specifications, both car seats offer a maximum forward-facing weight of 65 lbs. When it comes to the booster mode, the Radian 3R has a maximum capacity of 100 lbs. The rear-facing maximum weight for the Radian 3R is the same as the Turn2Me, however, the Radian 3R can accommodate smaller babies starting at 5 lbs whereas the Turn2Me supports 4 lbs at minimum. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the Radian 3R is FAA approved for both rear and forward-facing configurations, while the Turn2Me is approved only for forward-facing, implying the Diono could be a better option for families who travel frequently.

Considering all aspects, both the Diono Radian 3R and the Graco Turn2Me are excellent car seats that will serve your family for many years growing with your child. The decision could ultimately depend on certain individual priorities: space-saving or premium innovative design. If you prioritize a slim design to fit multiple car seats in one vehicle or are known to travel frequently with your child, the Radian 3R could be your top pick. If you are attracted by innovative features that make parenting tasks more convenient, like the rotating feature for easier access, then the Graco Turn2Me could be your family's best fit.