Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: 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 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

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Safety 1st Guide 65
Type Convertible

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

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
In stock
$299.99
In stock
$89.99
Rating 4.58 4.58

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.

Key Details

Radian 3RXT Safe+ Guide 65
Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Safety 1st Guide 65
Brand Diono Safety 1st
Type Convertible

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

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.58 4.58
1 yr Price Range $259.99 - $349.99 $74.99 - $99.99
Current price
In stock
$299.99
In stock
$89.99
Value

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

Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost.

Safety

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

Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability.

Features

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

Basic features with no significant standout extras.

Installation

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

Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents.

Cleaning

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

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

Size

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

Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars.

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 Safety 1st Guide 65. 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+ Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 18 - 44 inches 19 - 40 inches
Weight Range 4 - 50 pounds 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 30 - 57 inches 34 - 52 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 40 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Safety 1st Guide 65
Width 17.0 inches 19.0 inches
Height 28.5 inches 22.8 inches
Depth 16.0 inches 27.3 inches
Weight 30.6 pounds 11.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Safety 1st Guide 65
Model Year 2018 2015
Made In China USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Safety 1st Guide 65
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
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
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Safety 1st Guide 65
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+ Safety 1st Guide 65
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Diono car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+
Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65