Diono Radian 3R vs. Nuna Pipa: 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 Nuna Pipa.

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 Nuna Pipa
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Rear-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.70 4.80

Our Thoughts

When it comes to the safety of our children, we want to make the best choices possible. Selecting a car seat is no exception. As a parent myself, I've narrowed down the options to two stellar choices: the Diono Radian 3R and the Nuna Pipa. Both car seats have their strengths, and depending on your specific needs and lifestyle, one may be a better fit for your family than the other.

The Diono Radian 3R car seat is well known for its slim design, safety features, and versatility. It's steel frame and memory foam padding ensure your child's safety and comfort. Despite its heavy weight, it's majorly favored for its size and capacity to fit three-across in most vehicles, making it a great choice if space is a concern or if you have multiple kids. However, if your car falls under the smaller vehicle category, you might experience challenges during installation. This car seat transitions from a rear-facing to a forward-facing, then to a high-back booster, accommodating children up to 100 pounds. With the Radian 3R, you are essentially making a long-term investment, perfect for those who wish to use the car seat as their child grows.

On the other hand, the Nuna Pipa is an infant car seat known for its effortless style, rigourous safety measures, and user-friendly installation. While it is a premium car seat coming at a higher price point, it offers top-notch safety features and durable materials that justify the cost. The Pipa only serves as a rear-facing seat, catering to newborns and infants from birth up to around 32 pounds, but its compatibility with many strollers makes it easy for travel. However, it's important to note that, being an infant car seat, your child will outgrow it faster than a convertible model.

In deciding which car seat to purchase, my recommendation would depend on what stage your child is in as well as your lifestyle and priorities. For those who have a newborn or infant and are seeking a trustworthy, stylish, and easy-to-install seat, the Nuna Pipa is a worthy investment. However, if you're looking for a more versatile option that can accommodate your growing child, the Diono Radian 3R is an impressive, economical choice, especially if you have the budget for it.

Key Details

Radian 3R Pipa
Diono Radian 3R Nuna Pipa
Brand Diono Nuna
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.70 4.80
1 yr Price Range $155.39 - $199.98 $400 - $425
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.

While the price point is on the higher side, the quality and safety features present in the Nuna Pipa offer considerable value.

Safety

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

The car seat's reinforced steel frame and load leg provide excellent stability and safety.

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 offers a range of fabric choices and is compatible with many strollers, although it lacks some additional features like cup holders.

Installation

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

With the LATCH system, base, and seatbelt options, the car seat offers a versatile and user-friendly installation.

Cleaning

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

The removable cover is a plus; however, there is no specific mention of ease of cleaning in comparison to other models.

Size

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

While not the lightest option available, the compact dimensions ensure it fits well in most cars.

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 Nuna Pipa. 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 Nuna Pipa
Height Range 0 - 44 inches 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 32 pounds

Forward-facing

Diono Radian 3R Nuna Pipa
Height Range 0 - 57 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds

Booster

Diono Radian 3R Nuna Pipa
Height Range 0 - 57 inches
Weight Range 50 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Diono Radian 3R Nuna Pipa
Width 17.0 inches 17.5 inches
Height 28.5 inches 23.0 inches
Depth 16.0 inches 25.2 inches
Weight 25.9 pounds 7.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Diono Radian 3R Nuna Pipa
Model Year 2018 2021
Made In China China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Diono Radian 3R Nuna Pipa
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Rear-Facing
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
Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Diono Radian 3R Nuna Pipa
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. No cup holders

Warranty and Durability

Diono Radian 3R Nuna Pipa
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Diono car seats See all Nuna car seats
Full review of the Diono Radian 3R
Full review of the Nuna Pipa