Diono Radian 3R vs. Maxi-Cosi Pria Max: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max.

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 Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
Currently unavailable
-
Rating 4.70 4.43

Our Thoughts

When it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of your little ones on the road, both the Diono Radian 3R and the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max stand as excellent options. These convertible car seats come packed with features and designs that adapt as your child grows, providing durability and long-term utility fitting for forward-thinking parents.

Inherently robust and compact, the Diono Radian 3R impresses with its steel frame construction and slim design that allows for a three-across seating arrangement in most vehicles. It offers a range of versatile seating positions, including rear-facing, forward-facing, and a high-back booster mode. The remarkable steel frame construction adds to the seat's durability and safety, while the memory foam padding ensures comfort. However, despite its slim design, the Radian 3R is substantial in weight and can prove challenging to maneuver, particularly in smaller vehicles. Furthermore, some parents may have concerns over the lack of head support in certain configurations, which can be potentially worrisome in case of side impacts.

On the other hand, comfort and usability are at the forefront of the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max's design. As an all-in-one car seat, it offers the same trio of configurations as the Radian 3R. However, the Pria Max is also known for its advanced safety technologies, including side-impact protection and a secure harness system. Additional features like the magnetic chest clip make securing and releasing your child a breeze, while the easy-remove washable cover adds convenience to maintenance. However, be aware that the Pria Max leans on the bulkier side, potentially causing complications for smaller cars or frequent transfers between vehicles.

Should I look at the weight considerations, the Diono Radian 3R comfortably accommodates a child up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing configuration and up to 100 pounds as a high back booster, sizing up slightly better than the Pria Max, which caps at 65 pounds for forward-facing and 100 pounds for a high back booster. It's worth noting too that the Radian 3R provides the option of keeping your child in the rear-facing configuration for longer, given its higher maximum weight limit for this mode. Both seats comply with Federal safety standards and are approved for travel in both rear and forward-facing configurations.

With both seats offering considerable advantages, your choice circles back to your specific needs. If safety, durability, and space-saving design are your priorities, especially for families with multiple children, the Diono Radian 3R would be an excellent choice. However, if your focus is on comfort, advanced safety technologies, and easy maintenance, and you don't mind a slightly bulkier seat, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max would be an ideal choice. Remember, both seats are excellent long-term investments that will grow with your child, delivering value for years to come.

Key Details

Radian 3R Pria Max
Diono Radian 3R Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Brand Diono Maxi-Cosi
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.70 4.43
1 yr Price Range $155.39 - $199.98 $259.99 - $319.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
Currently unavailable
-
Value

Offers a long lifespan and versatile seating options, making it a cost-effective choice over time.

Slightly higher price justified by its long-term usability and robust features.

Safety

Features a steel frame for enhanced safety and reliability, scoring high in safety ratings.

Equipped with advanced safety features and sturdy construction.

Features

Despite its minimalist design, it includes essential features like memory foam padding and a foldable design for travel (converts into a backpack!)

Offers unique features like a magnetic chest clip and easy strap adjustment.

Installation

Installation experiences vary; some find it straightforward, while others face challenges, especially in smaller vehicles.

Installation process is straightforward but can be time-consuming.

Cleaning

The seat cover is removable for cleaning, but some users report challenges in maintenance and durability.

Easy-to-clean fabric and machine washable cover.

Size

Its slim profile is a standout feature, allowing for three-across seating in most cars.

Bulky design may not be ideal for smaller cars or frequent transfers.

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 Maxi-Cosi Pria Max. 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 Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Height Range 0 - 44 inches 19 - 40 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Diono Radian 3R Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Height Range 0 - 57 inches 29 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Diono Radian 3R Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Height Range 0 - 57 inches 43 - 52 inches
Weight Range 50 - 100 pounds 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Diono Radian 3R Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Width 17.0 inches 20.0 inches
Height 28.5 inches 30.5 inches
Depth 16.0 inches 25.0 inches
Weight 25.9 pounds 23.0 pounds

Core Specifications

Diono Radian 3R Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Model Year 2018 2022
Made In China USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Plastic

Safety and Compliance

Diono Radian 3R Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
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
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 2 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 2 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 1 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 1 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 1 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Diono Radian 3R Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
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 Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Diono car seats See all Maxi-Cosi car seats
Full review of the Diono Radian 3R
Full review of the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max