Diono Radian 3R vs. Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1: 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 3R and the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-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

Diono Radian 3R Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Current price
In stock
$169.99
In stock
$279.00
Rating 4.70 4.86

Our Thoughts

The Diono Radian 3R and the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 are two versatile and safety-centric children's car seats that provide significant value over time. Both of them are praised for their commitment to robust safety features, adopting reinforced steel frames to ensure durability and peace of mind for parents.

The Diono Radian 3R stands out with its slim, space-saving design, allowing for three-across seating — a game-changer for families with multiple kids or smaller vehicles. It's touted for its robust build quality and versatile seating capabilities, accommodating rear-facing, forward-facing, and high back booster modes. Its forward-facing and rear-facing maximum weight capacities are 65 and 40 pounds, respectively. However, one significant drawback is its lack of substantial head support, particularly concerning during potential side-impact scenarios.

On the other hand, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 takes a "one seat fits all" approach. It smoothly transitions across four stages of a child's growth, all the way up to 120 pounds in its belt-positioning booster mode. Its innovative rapid-remove cover allows for easy maintenance, a feature appreciated by many parents. However, relative to the Diono Radian 3R, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 is larger and more heavy-duty, potentially challenging in smaller cars. The forward-facing max weight is also less than the Diono at 65 pounds, but it has a greater rear-facing max weight at 40 pounds.

Between the two, if you have multiple children or a smaller vehicle, the Diono Radian 3R could be a more suitable choice. Its slim design doesn't compromise on safety and comfort, and the foldable feature enhances portability, especially for travel. However, if easy maintenance, longevity, and the versatility of moving through all stages of your child's growth are higher on your list of crucial factors, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 may be the way to go. Just consider that you might need to suffer the cons of larger size and potential fit issues for infants in this case. Whichever you choose, these car seats are both excellent investments for your child's safety and comfort during car travel.

Key Details

Radian 3R 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Diono Radian 3R Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Brand Diono Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Weighted Rating 4.70 4.86
1 yr Price Range $155.39 - $199.98 $229.98 - $329.97
Current price
In stock
$169.99
In stock
$279.00
Value

Offers a long lifespan and versatile seating options, making it a cost-effective choice over time.

The car seat offers longevity and versatility, providing more than just a basic necessity for a reasonable price.

Safety

Features a steel frame for enhanced safety and reliability, scoring high in safety ratings.

Steel reinforcement and high satisfaction in safety ratings indicate a superior level of protection.

Features

Despite its minimalist design, it includes essential features like memory foam padding and a foldable design for travel (converts into a backpack!)

Unique features like the rapid-remove cover and no-rethread harness stand out in its category.

Installation

Installation experiences vary; some find it straightforward, while others face challenges, especially in smaller vehicles.

Graco's Click Connect feature and overall ease of installation have been well-received by parents.

Cleaning

The seat cover is removable for cleaning, but some users report challenges in maintenance and durability.

The ease of removing the cover without uninstalling the seat makes cleaning remarkably convenient.

Size

Its slim profile is a standout feature, allowing for three-across seating in most cars.

Its bulkiness may challenge parents with smaller cars or those needing to fit multiple seats.

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 Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1. 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 Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Height Range 0 - 44 inches 12 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Diono Radian 3R Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Height Range 0 - 57 inches 27 - 57 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Diono Radian 3R Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Height Range 0 - 57 inches 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 50 - 100 pounds 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Diono Radian 3R Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Width 17.0 inches 21.5 inches
Height 28.5 inches 24.0 inches
Depth 16.0 inches 20.0 inches
Weight 25.9 pounds 22.8 pounds

Core Specifications

Diono Radian 3R Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Model Year 2018 2021
Made In China China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

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

Features

Diono Radian 3R Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
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 3R Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Diono car seats See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Diono Radian 3R
Full review of the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1