Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the UPPAbaby Alta.
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 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
High Back Booster |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.70 | 4.59 |
Our Thoughts
The Diono Radian 3R and the UPPAbaby Alta are two car seats that both offer high levels of quality, safety, and value, but each has different strengths and benefits depending on your needs.
The Diono Radian 3R is a versatile, compact, and sturdy solution designed to accommodate various seating positions: rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a high-back booster, making it a uniquely adaptable option for longer-term use. Its slim profile allows for three-across seating in most vehicles - an important perk for families with multiple children or smaller vehicles. The steel frame construction and memory foam padding are highlights, offering enhanced safety and comfort respectively. However, some users have noted that it is heavy to handle and that it can be challenging to install in compact vehicles. Also, it requires the purchase of the Angle Adjuster for optimal fit, which is an additional cost.
On the other hand, UPPAbaby's Alta is designed as a spacious and comfortable high-back booster seat for older kids, aged approximately 5-10 years. It features a rigid LATCH system that users have praised for ease of installation, side impact protection pods, and a SecureFit belt routing system that helps ensure proper seatbelt positioning. Added conveniences like a machine washable seat pad and a seven-position adjustable headrest also make this booster a user-friendly choice. It's essential to be aware, however, that some users have reported issues with the shoulder belt slipping out of position, which may require occasional readjusting.
In terms of weight limits, the Radian 3R accommodates a wider weight range which means it can adapt as your child grows. The rear-facing mode supports up to 40 lbs, forward-facing up to 65 lbs, and as a booster, it accommodates up to 100 lbs. In contrast, the Alta is only designed as a high-back booster, supporting weights from 40 to 100 lbs, which means the utilization phase is more limited.
If you're seeking a seat that is versatile and can carry your child from their early days to the booster age, then the Diono Radian 3R could be the best option. It might be a larger upfront investment due to its extended use, but it offers the practicality of three seating positions and is highly accepted for its safety and durability. For families with older kids who are transitioning to a booster seat and have a bit more space in their vehicle, the comfortable and size-adjustable UPPAbaby Alta is a worthy consideration.
Key Details
Radian 3R | Alta | |
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Brand | Diono | UPPAbaby |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
High Back Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.70 | 4.59 |
1 yr Price Range | $155.39 - $199.98 | $179.99 - $179.99 |
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. |
![]() Priced consistently at $179.99, it aligns with the market average for high-back boosters with similar features. |
Safety |
![]() Features a steel frame for enhanced safety and reliability, scoring high in safety ratings. |
![]() It's generally well-regarded by users for safety. |
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 rigid LATCH connectors and a SecureFit belt routing system, which are not standard on all boosters. |
Installation |
![]() Installation experiences vary; some find it straightforward, while others face challenges, especially in smaller vehicles. |
![]() Parents report easy installation, especially praising the rigid LATCH system, indicating a user-friendly experience. |
Cleaning |
![]() The seat cover is removable for cleaning, but some users report challenges in maintenance and durability. |
![]() The machine washable seat pad and removable cup holder are highlighted as positives for easy cleanup. |
Size |
![]() Its slim profile is a standout feature, allowing for three-across seating in most cars. |
![]() Its dimensions are standard for a high-back booster, accommodating the appropriate age and size range without being exceptionally compact or light. |
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 UPPAbaby Alta. 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 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Height Range | 0 - 44 inches | |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Diono Radian 3R | UPPAbaby Alta | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 57 inches | |
Weight Range | 20 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Diono Radian 3R | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Height Range | 0 - 57 inches | 38 - 57 inches |
Weight Range | 50 - 100 pounds | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Diono Radian 3R | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Width | 17.0 inches | 19.0 inches |
Height | 28.5 inches | 33.0 inches |
Depth | 16.0 inches | 20.0 inches |
Weight | 25.9 pounds | 16.6 pounds |
Core Specifications
Diono Radian 3R | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Model Year | 2018 | 2019 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Unknown |
Safety and Compliance
Diono Radian 3R | UPPAbaby Alta | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 3-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Diono Radian 3R | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 2 years |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Diono car seats | See all UPPAbaby car seats |
Full review of the Diono Radian 3R Full review of the UPPAbaby Alta |