Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

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 Safety 1st Guide 65 are convertible car seats designed for versatility and safety. Both seats offer impressive longevity by accommodating children from infancy to the later stages of toddlerhood; however, their features and user experiences significantly differ, impacting their overall suitability to varying needs of parents and children alike.

The Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus stands out with remarkable safety features such as a steel-reinforced frame and advanced side-impact protection. This car seat is an investment in longevity, accommodating rear-facing children all the way up to 50 pounds and frequently housing front-facing children up to a weight limit of 65 pounds. Alongside its robust defense capabilities, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus boasts a slim design that is lauded by families with multiples or those wishing to fit multiple car seats in one row. Dwelling on the downside, the seat tends to be challenging during installation and seat cover reinstallation, and its size could be limiting for older, taller children.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 provides essential safety features and is a more budget-friendly alternative, offering a good quality-to-cost ratio. Its compact frame is a boon for smaller cars and is designed to fit three car seats across in most vehicles. However, reviews indicate some users find the seat difficult to install, with rear-facing installations noted as particularly troublesome. Concerns regarding wobbly seat stability and limited legroom for taller kids also need to be considered.

If safety ranks higher than cost on your list and you don't mind a bit of a complex installation process, the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe Plus would be the recommended choice. Its bolstered safety features and seating versatility make the car seat worth considering, especially for families with multiple children or those in need of managing space optimally. It is especially suitable for those wanting a longer rear-facing seating arrangement with a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds.

However, if budget constraints are stringent and you own a compact car, the Safety 1st Guide 65 might be a better fit. Remember, some parents have found the installation process to be frustrating and have raised concerns regarding legroom for taller kids. Please weigh these factors against the seat's more affordable price and its benefit as a space-saving option when making your choice.