Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ vs. Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ and the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1.

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 a car seat for your child, safety, comfort, convenience, and longevity are paramount. In this vein, two car seats that have recently caught my attention are the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ and the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1. Both seats are designed to adapt as your child grows, making them long-term purchases that effectively accommodate kids from infancy through their toddler years and beyond.

Let's start with the Diono Radian 3RXT. Not only geared towards comfort but also with a specific focus on safety, it touts a steel-reinforced frame and EPS foam for side-impact protection. This seat truly shines when it comes to accommodating multiple kids. Thanks to the slim design, parents can fit up to three of these car seats in a row in most vehicles, a must-have for growing families. As an added convenience, it has an adjustable, 12-position headrest and machine-washable cover for ease of maintenance. However, it does pose a challenge in terms of installation and reassembly, particularly when reinstalling the seat cover after washing, which can be a drawback for some parents.

On the other hand, Graco's Turn2Me is an innovative seat, featuring a rotating design that caters to easy in-and-out access when rear-facing. This rotation feature definitely stands out as a game-changer for many parents, eliminating awkward reaches and reducing strain during the process. Its plush inserts add an extra layer of comfort for your little one, though they might require a bit more effort when cleaning. The rotating feature is indeed forward-thinking and practical, but it only functions when the seat is rear-facing, which might mislead some into believing it's a universal feature. The seat, though equipped with some fantastic features, has a bulky design and is quite heavy, which could present issues when installing in smaller vehicles.

Both car seats have their share of perks and pitfalls. However, if I were to recommend one, I'd lean towards the Diono Radian 3RXT for a few reasons. First, its ability to accommodate multiple car seats in one row makes it an excellent choice for families with more than one small child. Also, it permits a higher maximum weight in the rear-facing mode (up to 50lbs) compared to the Graco Turn2Me (40lbs), allowing the child to stay in the safer, rear-facing configuration for a longer span. While both seats are in the higher price range, the Diono Radian 3RXT justifies its cost with robust safety features, comfort, convenience, and long-term usability. However, if you prioritize the ease of loading and unloading your child, you may find the Graco Turn2Me's rotating feature worth the extra cost.