Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ vs. Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster: 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 3RXT Safe+ and the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster.

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 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.58 4.77

Our Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the perfect car seat for your child, there are two foremost contenders that most parents consider. The Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus and the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster, both have their unique offerings that can cater to different needs. Here's my take on the two as a parent, author, car seat expert, and reviewer.

The Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus really stands out with its slim design, making it an ideal choice for families who need to fit multiple car seats in one row, especially helpful for those with smaller vehicles or multiple children. This seat is commendable for its robust safety features such as a steel-reinforced frame and EPS foam for side-impact protection. However, the car seat can be quite challenging to install and reassemble after cleaning, which can be a significant drawback for some. It also offers an exceptional maximum weight limit of 120 pounds in booster mode and therefore allowing the child to stay in the seat for a prolonged period. Another notable advantage of this car seat is its ability to be used in both forward and rear-facing modes during air travel.

On the other hand, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 stands out with its versatility and is designed to grow with your child. It can be transitioned from a harness booster to a high back booster, and finally, a backless booster which offers significant savings over time. However, despite having a lower maximum weight limit than its Diono counterpart, some parents might prefer this Graco model for its convenience features. It's considerably lighter and therefore more portable, excellent for families who frequently have to transfer the car seat between vehicles. The cleaning procedure is also simpler, with easy-to-remove-and-wash parts. However, the installation process can still be quite difficult and frustrating, a point worth considering.

When it comes down to the final verdict, my recommendation would hinge on what matters most to you as a parent. If robust safety features, long-term usability, and space efficiency are your top priorities, then the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus would be a worthy investment. On the other hand, if your top considerations are convenience, portability, ease of cleaning, and a more budget-friendly price point, then the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster would be a more suitable choice. Bear in mind that both car seats have been given high safety ratings and meet the necessary federal safety standards, so you can rest assured that either choice would provide a safe travel environment for your child.

Key Details

Radian 3RXT Safe+ Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Brand Diono Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Weighted Rating 4.58 4.77
1 yr Price Range $259.99 - $349.99 $97.99 - $139.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

Offers robust safety features and long-term usability, justifying its price.

The price point combined with its 3-in-1 versatility offers significant savings over time.

Safety

Steel-reinforced frame and comprehensive protection measures are a standout.

It meets Graco's ProtectPlus Engineered safety standards, which is a rigorous test for safety.

Features

The 12-position headrest and machine-washable cover add notable convenience.

The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System and portable design are standout features.

Installation

Installation and reassembly, especially of the seat cover, are noted as challenging.

Some parents find the installation process difficult and frustrating.

Cleaning

The machine-washable cover is practical, but reinstallation can be cumbersome.

Easy to remove and washable parts make cleaning a breeze.

Size

Its narrow design is ideal for fitting multiple car seats in a vehicle.

The lightweight and compact design make it convenient for transfers between vehicles.

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 3RXT Safe+ and the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster. 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 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Height Range 18 - 44 inches
Weight Range 4 - 50 pounds

Forward-facing

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Height Range 30 - 57 inches 27 - 57 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Height Range 40 - 57 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds 30 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Width 17.0 inches 19.0 inches
Height 28.5 inches 26.5 inches
Depth 16.0 inches 17.4 inches
Weight 30.6 pounds 20.0 pounds

Core Specifications

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Model Year 2018 2018
Made In China China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
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
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 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 2 out of 5 stars
Securing 1 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 2 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 1 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
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 3RXT Safe+ Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 7 Years

Additional Links

See all Diono car seats See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Full review of the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster