Diono Radian 3R vs. Nuna Rava: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the Nuna Rava.

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

When it comes to choosing the right car seat for our precious little ones, safety and comfort are the two most important aspects every parent looks for. The Diono Radian 3R and the Nuna Rava are two worthy options, each having its own strengths and drawbacks.

The Diono Radian 3R offers an unrivalled lifespan with versatile seating options. Renowned for a slim profile and robust build, it's perfect for families with multiple children or limited car space. This car seat features a reinforced steel frame, ensuring excellent safety and longevity. Plus, the memory foam padding provides extra comfort, a desired feature during long journeys. However, the Diono Radian 3R can be quite heavy and may pose a challenge for parents needing to move it between cars. Another consideration is the fact that it has a lower maximum weight for rear-facing mode—up to 40 lbs., compared to the Nuna Rava's 50 lbs. This means your child might outgrow the Diono Radian 3R in this mode faster.

On the other hand, the Nuna Rava provides unmatched safety and comfort, thanks to its all-steel frame and advanced side-impact protection. It offers innovative legroom extension, which ensures your child’s comfort as they grow, allowing children to stay in the safe rear-facing mode up to a whopping 50 lbs. This car seat also employs a unique door mechanism, which ensures secure and hassle-free installation. However, the Nuna Rava is bulkier, taking up more space in the car, especially in the rear-facing mode. Also, it is important to note that, compared to the Diono Radian 3R, Nuna Rava is more expensive, which might not be an ideal choice for budget-conscious parents.

In terms of which car seat to buy, I'd recommend the Diono Radian 3R if you are looking for a space-efficient, durable, and long-term car seat, especially if you have multiple children. Its slim design is a standout feature that allows for three-across seating in most cars, a game changer for families needing to maximize backseat space.

Nonetheless, if the budget is not a constraint, and priority is maximum safety, comfort, and adaptability that lasts from infancy through toddler years, then the Nuna Rava is an impressive option. Its ability to serve as a rear-facing seat for longer due to its higher maximum weight limit is an important safety advantage during the early toddler years.