Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ vs. Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ and the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback.

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

The Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus and the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback bring differing strengths to the table, with each catering to slightly different parent needs. The Diono seat stands out for its robust safety features, including a steel-reinforced frame and EPS foam for side-impact protection. Parents who are looking to ensure the highest degree of safety for their children, without regard for price, will likely lean towards the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus. The slim design allows for three of these car seats to fit in a row, making it particularly appealing for families with multiple young children. The adjustable 12-position headrest adds to the comfort, and this seat goes a step further by accommodating forward-facing, rear-facing, and even booster modes. This long-term usability trumps the Graco TurboBooster, which only supports high back booster and backless booster modes.

On the other hand, the Graco TurboBooster shines for its affordability and lightweight design. This seat is significantly less expensive than the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious parents. It doesn't have as strong a safety rating as the Diono seat, but it still includes Graco's ProtectPlus system for enhanced crash protection. Where the Diono seat falls short in its complex seat cover installation that some parents find challenging, the Graco TurboBooster boasts a machine washable fabric seat that simplifies cleaning. It lacks latch anchors and the cup holder functionality isn't the best, which might be considerations depending on a family's lifestyle and car setup.

Comparing maximum weight limits further highlights their utility for different growth stages. Diono's Radian 3RXT Safe Plus serves for a higher weight range in both rear-facing mode (up to 50 lbs) and forward-facing mode (up to 65 lbs), providing an advantage over the Graco TurboBooster, which has no rear or forward-facing modes at all. However, the Graco TurboBooster is lord in the booster mode with its maximum weight limit extending up to 100 lbs, which gives an edge when accommodating older children, a gap that Diono could not bridge as it stops at only 120 lbs.

Considering all these factors, if your family is composed of multiple young children and price is not a make-or-, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus might be a worthy investment with its robust safety features and multi-stage usability. Conversely, if budget is a strong factor, or you're dealing with older children, the Graco TurboBooster could be a more suitable choice. Regardless of the choice you make, both car seats are worth considering and offer features that cater to various parental needs and preferences.