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
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Currently unavailable
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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 | |
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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
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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. |
![]() 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 | |
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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 | |
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Height Range | 0 - 57 inches | 29 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 20 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Diono Radian 3R | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
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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 | |
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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 | |
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Model Year | 2018 | 2022 |
Made In | China | USA |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Plastic |
Safety and Compliance
Diono Radian 3R | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
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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 | |
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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 |