12 Best Diono Car Seats Worth the Money (2024)

The Dono Rainer 2AXT Prestige is the only car seat your child will need from birth through booster seat years. This luxurious car seat is designed for newborns as small as 5 lbs to up to 120 lbs to big kids. Its convertibility makes it the best Diono all-in-one car seat.

One improvement from the previous versions is the 2AXT model is available in more colors so moms can find one that matches their tastes. It also has a 12-position adjustable headrest, 5-point safety harness, and enhanced side impact protection.

Some parents say it isn’t big enough to stay rear-facing until their child reaches 50 lbs. You must decide what is best for your child’s safety and comfort.

The CDC recommends that children stay in rear-facing seats until age two, preferably four. Therefore, this may not be the best Diono infant car seat if you have a tall child. However, if you have concerns or questions, speak with your pediatrician.

What We Liked

FFA-approved for airplane travel
Portable and foldable
12 position headrest
German steel frame
Soft, buttery leather

What Can Be Improved

Very heavy, weighs over 30 lbs
High price-tag

Type: Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing
Base: SuperLATCH
Seat Weight: 31.3 pounds
Dimensions: ‎15.65 x 17.75 x 28.25 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: Up to 57 inches
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs

2. Diono Radian 3QXT+ All in One Convertible Car Seat

The Radian 3QXT+ is the latest and most high-tech Diono convertible car seat. This super-safe Diono newborn car seat is ideal for parents who want to shop once for a car seat.

A significant improvement from the prior version is the latest model includes adjustable calf support to help the transition to forward-facing.

The Radian 3QXT+ is expensive, but it is the only seat your child will need from birth through booster seat years.

Therefore you may save money as well as time and effort because you won’t have to compare and purchase multiple car seats.

What We Liked

8 layers of side-impact protection
XL cup holder
Newborn insert and Newborn wedge
Parents can fit 3 seats across in most vehicles
The cover is removable and machine washable

What Can Be Improved

Parents may be unable to adjust the passenger side front seat while using this car seat.
The angle adjuster feature is not helpful until your infant can hold their head up.
The seat is cumbersome, over 30 lbs.

Type: Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing
Base: SuperLATCH
Seat Weight: 34.2 lbs
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 16 inches
Safety Rating: High-performance in roll-over, side impact, rear, and front crash testing.
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 57 inches
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs

3. Diono Monterey 4 DXT Latch Booster

The Monterey 4 DXT booster is the best Diono booster seat for parents with bigger kids.

Designed for kids up to 120 lbs and 63 inches (over 5 feet), even the tallest of kids can sit safely in this Diono booster seat.

One great feature of this booster is the dial that adjusts shoulder width. In addition, it has deep side wings with EPP foam making it safer in the event of a side impact crash.

Once your child is tall enough, you can remove the backrest to use it as a backless booster. However, some parents complain that when trying to move the seat, the two pieces fall apart easily.

What We Liked

Several bright color options
Shoulder belt positioning guide
Machine washable cover, easy to spot clean smaller stains
11 headrest positions
Quick and easy installation

What Can Be Improved

On some sites, the price changes based on color
Some parents claim it is bulky
No clip to secure the back of the seat

Type: Front-Facing
Base: Latch connectors & seat belt
Seat Weight: 18.7 lbs
Dimensions: ‎16.1 x 20.5 x 27.2 inches
Expiration Date: 8 Years from manufacture date
Child Height: up to 63 inches
Child Weight: 40-120 lbs

4. Diono Radian 3QXT Latch All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

The Diono Radian 3QXT is the best convertible Diono car seat for parents who want an affordable but incredibly safe seat. One great feature of this seat is the Safe+® newborn travel high wedge.

The wedge allows parents to safely position their newborns, particularly if they are on the smaller side.

A favorable upgrade from the past is the new Radian 3QXT version is slimmer. A slimmer seat makes it easier for parents to fit multiple car seats into one car and is easier for travel.

A drawback to the 3QXT car seat is that parents say it is clunky and can be challenging to install. Therefore this is the best Diono toddler car seat for parents who won’t be taking it in and out of the car frequently.

What We Liked

Available in fun, bright colors
Safe+ steel anti-rebound bar
12 position headrest
The cover is machine washable
Memory foam padding

What Can Be Improved

You must uninstall the seat to adjust the harness
The seat may not be compatible with all car models
Using the LATCH system is difficult when three seats are installed

Type: Rear-Facing & Front-Facing
Base: SuperLATCH
Seat Weight: 25.8 lbs
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 16 inches
Safety Rating: Winner of several awards, including Parent Tested-Parent Approved and IIHS Best Bet Booster
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: Up to 67 inches
Child Weight: 4-120 lbs

Also, check out the best Cybex car seats that are super comfy and provide maximum security for your LO.

5. Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ Convertible Car Sea

With the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+ seat, parents don’t have to comprise safety for cost. With an abundance of safety features, it is one of the safest Diono car seats.

Some of the eighteen upgrades since the earlier model include an easy-adjust 12-position headrest, six layers of side-impact protection, and Safe+® testing.

Designed as one of the Diono 3 across car seats, parents with multiple children can easily fit multiple car seats in most car models.

The seat is heavy, 30 lbs, so it is not great for parents who need to transfer it frequently. However, it is lighter than most other Diono models.

What We Liked

3 bright color options and 2 neutral (black & gray).
6 layers of side-impact protection
Lighter than some other Diono convertible models
FFA-approved for airplane travel
Folds for easy travel

What Can Be Improved

Built-in cup holder instead of a removable one
Narrow straps which may not be safe for all children in the event of a crash

Type: Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing
Base: SuperLATCH
Seat Weight: 30.6 lbs
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 16 inches
Safety Rating: Winner of IIHS Best Bet Booster and has the Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 57 inches
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs

6. Diono Radian 3 RXT Latch Convertible Car Seat

The Radian 3RXT Latch Convertible seat is a mid-priced Diono 3-in-1 car seat ideal for parents who want safety and need to stay within a budget.

A positive change since the last model is the new version has an XL anti-slip harness.

Also, like all other Diono car seats, it now has a removable and washable cover that makes cleaning up messes a cinch.

Another bonus is the carrying straps so you can wear it like a backpack while traveling.

What We Liked

One of the Diono 3-Across models for parents with multiple kids in car seats
Reinforced steel frame
One of the most light-weight Diono Radian seats
Memory foam padding
Adjustable 12-point headrest

What Can Be Improved

The crash test results for the RXT are lower than average
Rethread harness makes adjustments more difficult

Type: Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing
Base: SuperLATCH
Seat Weight: 25.9 lbs
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 16 inches
Safety Rating: Below-average crash-test results
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 57 inches
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs

7. Diono Radian 3RX Convertible Car Seat

Diono Radian 3RX is one of the basic convertible Diono seats; however, they have several safety features that set them apart from the average car seat. In addition, these Diono slim-fit car seats can fit 3-across even in smaller cars.

One difference compared to the previous model is that the 3RX version has an infant insert making it safer for newborns.

Most parents say the seat is easy to install, but you may find it challenging to adjust it rear-facing depending on the size of your car. It is recommended you place it on the passenger side when rear-facing if space is a concern.

What We Liked

It folds in half and can be worn backpack style
FFA approved for travel
Parents can add an infant insert without removing the car seat.
Reinforced steel frame
12 position headrest

What Can Be Improved

Only available in 3 colors
Shoulder belt guide for front-facing may not accommodate all children based on height until 57 inches.
No room for cup holders when using 3-across

Type: Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing
Base: SuperLATCH
Seat Weight: 28 lbs
Dimensions: 28.5 x 17 x 16 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 57 inches
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs

8. Diono Radian 3 R Latch Convertible Car Seat

The Radian 3 R Latch is the original slim Diono car seat designed for 3-across. This original Diono all-in-one car seat is perfect for your little one from birth through boost-seat years.

The original Radian infant car seat is now considered a budget-friendly model. But just because it costs less doesn’t mean parents are losing out on safety. The seat is made using reinforced steel and energy-absorbing foam. It also has an XL anti-slip harness to keep your child secure.

The Radian 3R lacks the infant insert. The insert makes it safer for smaller babies, but the 3R is still approved for use with children 5 lbs. and up.

What We Liked

Rated one of the top 10 convertible car seats by Buyers Guide
5-point harness
Folds for transport
Incredibly sturdy and tough
FFA approved for air travel

What Can Be Improved

Challenging to install rear-facing in some car models or for taller drivers.
No infant insert
No cup holders

Type: Rear-Facing & Front-Facing
Base: SuperLATCH
Seat Weight: 25.9 lbs
Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 28.5 inches
Safety Rating: Meets or exceeds child-restraint criteria for frontal crash test
Expiration Date: 10 years from manufacture date
Child Height: up to 57 inches
Child Weight: 5-120 lbs

9. Diono Monterey XT Latch Booster

The Diono booster is a budget-friendly option for parents who want the safety of a Diono car seat, but without all the bells and whistles some models have. The booster is designed for children four years and up and will last your child until they no longer need a car seat!

The back is removable, so when your child is tall enough, you have the option of removing the back for more comfort. The back is also adjustable so that parents can adjust the width and height of the headrest.

The biggest issue is that the seat does not have much padding, so if your child will be in the car frequently for long trips, this is not the most comfortable seat.

What We Liked

Retractable, dual cup holders
Available in several colors
Ability to go backless
Side-impact protection when the back is attached
Lightweight, easy to transfer

What Can Be Improved

It could use more padding for comfort
Buckling with the seatbelt can be challenging if your child does it themselves.
Large and bulky, not ideal for all cars

Type: Front-facing
Base: Latch & seatbelt
Seat Weight: 15.2 lbs
Dimensions: 16.1 x 21.3 x 27.2
Safety Rating: Scored an 8 on crash tests with Baby Gear Lab, IIHS Best Bet Booster
Expiration Date: * years from manufacture dates
Child Height: 38-63 inches
Child Weight: 40-120 lbs

10. Diono Everett NXT Booster

The Everett Diono high back booster offers supreme comfort and safety for your child while traveling in the car. This comfort car seat includes contoured memory foam and padded armrests providing optimal comfort.

The cushioned headrest has added side-impact protection, and the adjustable headrest helps parents achieve the perfect fit.

The rigid Latch connectors are unique and make installation a cinch and secure. This is especially helpful when transferring the set between cars.

Parents’ biggest complaint is that cup holders should be standard for the price. However, there is an option to purchase them separately and attach them.

What We Liked

Incredibly light; weighs just over 11 lbs.
Padded Memory foam armrests
Option to go backless
Pocket included keeping manual safe
Slim Fit provides more room in the back of your vehicle

What Can Be Improved

It only has 7 head-rest positions (most Diono models have 11 or 12).
Limited color options
Cup holders are sold separately

Type: Front-Facing
Base: Rigid Latch Connectors
Seat Weight: 11.1 lbs
Dimensions: 18.5 x 14.8 x 27.6
Expiration Date: 8 years from manufacture date
Child Height: 38-63 inches
Child Weight: 40-120 lbs

11. Diono Cambria 2 2-in-1 Booster

The Diono Cambrai 2 2-in01 Booster is both a high-back and backless booster. It folds flat for storage and travel and is incredibly lightweight.

Although it is a bit bulky, its lighter weight makes the Cambria a great booster option for parents who need to swap seats out frequently.

The seat has a narrow design but doesn’t compromise on comfort. It includes contoured padding and armrests for optimal comfort. Parents enjoy the ergonomic design and say it is very comfortable.

Both the cover and the harness can be machine washed. Minor stains can also be easily spot-cleaned when needed.

What We Liked

One-handed headrest adjustment
Accommodates children over 5 feet
Detachable cup holders included
Storage bag on the seat to hold manual
XL contoured seat for bigger kids

What Can Be Improved

It only comes in 3 colors.
Only has 6 headrest positions (most Diono seats have 11 or 12)
Not FFA approved for travel

Type: Front-Facing
Base: Latch & Seatbelt
Seat Weight: 12.1 lbs
Dimensions: 29.33″ x 15.5″ x 19.29″
Safety Rating: Conforms to Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Data on U.S. N/A
Expiration Date: 8 years from manufacturer date
Child Height: 38-63”
Child Weight: 40-120 lbs.

12. Diono Solana 2 Booster

The Diono Solana 2 Booster is an entirely backless booster designed for the last stage of your child’s car seat years.

These boosters are sold in a two-pack. The extra seat makes It an excellent option for parents who need a backup seat for a second car, grandparents, or babysitter.

The Solona booster is a no-frills option. But, the ergonomic seat base means your child will be sitting in comfort for even the longest drives.

Unfortunately, the seat does not have a latch option, even though some sites claim it does, so it may not be the best option for energetic or wiggly kids.