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I currently have 3 Diono Radian (various models), a Diono Ranier, and the Graco 4ever DLX. Each year Diono comes out with a slightly modified model with a different name, but they are basically the same between models. The "QXT" jazz is all marketing as there are very little differences between models. We have another child on the way so I've been following these for some time.
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
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Between this and the Graco 4ever DLX anyone have experience with both?
I currently have 3 Diono Radian (various models), a Diono Ranier, and the Graco 4ever DLX. Each year Diono comes out with a slightly modified model with a different name, but they are basically the same between models. The "QXT" jazz is all marketing as there are very little differences between models. We have another child on the way so I've been following these for some time.
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
Last edited by KillerCombo November 24, 2021 at 05:02 PM.
I currently have 3 Diono Radian (various models), a Diono Ranier, and the Graco 4ever DLX. Each year Diono comes out with a slightly modified model with a different name, but they are basically the same between models. The "QXT" jazz is all marketing as there are very little differences between models. We have another child on the way so I've been following these for some time.
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
For the DXL 4in1, would you recommend the snug lock over the regular model?
For the DXL 4in1, would you recommend the snug lock over the regular model?
I can't say I've used it personally as I have the Extend2Fit actually, but the Snug lock is supposed to be quicker to secure. This only matters if you're transferring back and forth between vehicles though, as it only applies to install times. If you had your pick, the Extend2Fit is excellent for the added legroom (can rear-face longer which is safest), though the a standard model is still great. I'd get whatever model is listed at the best sale/price point you could get.
I had this, Its huge, heavy, and a total pain to switch from car to car. In rear facing position you can expect to move the front seats forward quite a bit (2020 Yukon). Its not so bad when forward facing and can accommodate and 5'10 adult in front of it okay.
I tried to move it into a honda CRV and it simply made the front seats nearly unusable.
Because of the weight, size, and cumbersome nature, I swapped it for a britax one4life setup that's much better.
Question: when you moved car seat to the CRV (stating the front seat was nearly unusable), was it rear or front facing? We have a RAV4 (comparable rear seats as CRV) and would use it for front facing only but wouldn't want to compromise on the driver/passenger space... Thoughts?
Diono heavy as heck and I agree don't try to move them -- just buy another (well, that is what we did). Pro tip for the install -- use a chip clip to hold the seatbelt at max extension until you're ready for it. Second pro tip: use your knee to push the carseat down to tighten the seat belt that final little bit and it'll be nice and snug. I fought these things for a while until I got the hang of it and now it's super easy to deal with them. I'd actually be fine with swapping them between cars if it was only a once a week kind of thing but it's still a chore.
I currently have 3 Diono Radian (various models), a Diono Ranier, and the Graco 4ever DLX. Each year Diono comes out with a slightly modified model with a different name, but they are basically the same between models. The "QXT" jazz is all marketing as there are very little differences between models. We have another child on the way so I've been following these for some time.
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
Not sure if you have experience in my question but figure I'd ask since you have the Graco seats. We already have Evenflo infant seat which sits on a base...
Do you think the Diono, front facing, and an infant seat on a base (Evenflo Safemax Car seat), rear facing, would fit side my side in a mid size SUV like the RAV4? I'm thinking of positioning the Diono behind passenger and the infant seat in center so i can get another medium sized adult in second row... Thoughts?
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Your not supposed to machine wash carseat covers just spot clean them. It's a safety reason such as some end up washing away the fire retardant, or stretching the fabric too much and ends up being too loose and can slide.
But there is one that is allowed to be machine washable, which I would still be cautious, and that is Britax. I'll find the model in a bit and post it here.
Have you looked at Clek? they have most of their car seats with crypton fabric. we had the foonf and it was really easy to clean, liquids would just bead right off. make sure you get a seat mat that is from the same manufacturer so you know it's safe to use in case of an accident. it will help will spills as it will just roll right down onto the seat below. the Clek is more expensive but so worth the money. if we had to do it again we would have gone with a Clek from the get go.
edit: it's the Britax click tight grow with you harness to booster, if your looking for a forward facing carseat. I think they make a rear facing seat that is machine washable.
Thanks for the insight. Just digging in myself found that graco slimfit covers can be machine wash (cold delicate cycle).
We own the 3RXT, and it says you can remove the cover and machine wash cold and line dry. This model says the same. I usually spot clean if needed, but you could remove the cover and wash it.
Can you remove the cover without uninstalling the car seat ?
I currently have 3 Diono Radian (various models), a Diono Ranier, and the Graco 4ever DLX. Each year Diono comes out with a slightly modified model with a different name, but they are basically the same between models. The "QXT" jazz is all marketing as there are very little differences between models. We have another child on the way so I've been following these for some time.
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
What about Clek have you checked them out? After being in an accident with the Rainier installed with the rear facing tether, the seat still ended up sideways. After taking it apart I found some pieces were cracked inside from the accident.
One thing I won't go back to is a carseat without lockoffs, at the very least. They provide good stable installs. I always recommend a carseat with Ridgid latch if they can afford it as it will help in the event of a side impact.
The Clek foonf comes with anti rebound bar, dual lock offs, Ridgid latch for forward facing; can be used with seat belt install once latch only weight limits have been reached. between Clek and the Britax ClickTight I haven't had any carseat install as snug as those and I've been thru a bunch of car seats.
Last edited by pyroskater85 November 24, 2021 at 10:19 PM.
Between this and the Graco 4ever DLX anyone have experience with both?
I have one of each ... from a comfort perspective, I think the DLX is marginally better .
The Diono is. heavy , built like a tank and feels like it can take some impact - This is purely psychological as I have no data to prove one way or the other.
I like the Diono purely for it's 3 across capability. I can access the 3rd row of my SUV with a Diono and infant car seat in the middle and passenger side rear seat ... with the DLX , It sticks out a few inches and does not enable me to fold the second row down to access the 3rd row.
only 1 car seat expected - DLX may be a good choice.
2 or 3 across capability needed? Diono is one of the best options while DLX should not even be an option
Got a Kia Sportage with the 3RXT and a Extend2fit. I'm 5'11" and 3RXT is the only one I can fit behind the drivers side comfortably forward facing. The seats are so high in the rear that the Extend2Fit base hits the chair with the recliner in the front seat.
I do wish the 3QXT was out when I was looking as it has easy height adjustment and you need to remove the car seat and the straps for the 3RXT. If you're looking for slim rear facing options the Extend2Fit is better. Diono AFAIK needs separate parts to create the angle needed. Also from the pictures The 3QXT seems to have a flatter angle for newborns and is positioned further away from the rear seat. The Graco just rotates on the base.
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The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank KillerCombo
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
I tried to move it into a honda CRV and it simply made the front seats nearly unusable.
Because of the weight, size, and cumbersome nature, I swapped it for a britax one4life setup that's much better.
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
Do you think the Diono, front facing, and an infant seat on a base (Evenflo Safemax Car seat), rear facing, would fit side my side in a mid size SUV like the RAV4? I'm thinking of positioning the Diono behind passenger and the infant seat in center so i can get another medium sized adult in second row... Thoughts?
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But there is one that is allowed to be machine washable, which I would still be cautious, and that is Britax. I'll find the model in a bit and post it here.
Have you looked at Clek? they have most of their car seats with crypton fabric. we had the foonf and it was really easy to clean, liquids would just bead right off. make sure you get a seat mat that is from the same manufacturer so you know it's safe to use in case of an accident. it will help will spills as it will just roll right down onto the seat below. the Clek is more expensive but so worth the money. if we had to do it again we would have gone with a Clek from the get go.
edit: it's the Britax click tight grow with you harness to booster, if your looking for a forward facing carseat. I think they make a rear facing seat that is machine washable.
The Graco is actually my favorite seat, but it is absolutely huge and may not work in your vehicle if you have multiple car seats or children. I currently have it behind my driver's side seat in my Ford Flex (7-seater full size vehicle) and it takes up most of the middle seat in the second row. There's no way anyone can use that seat now.
For the Diono's I do love that 3 of them can fit side-by-side; even in our previous Subaru Outback, but they are not meant to be moved between vehicles or anything. They weigh a ton though they are space conscious. Tightening the harness belt is actually oddly difficult with the Ranier.. That said, even if the seat next to it isn't as crowded as with the 4ever DLX, it's not a comfortable fit for my 11yo daughter sitting next to one. She can reach the buckle and sit up straight, but it's still a bit crowded.
TLDR: Diono's have the best space-saving capabilities by far and are really safe, but don't go for the Ranier at the inflated price even though it has a few gimmicky comforts. The Graco is my favorite as far as functionality since you can pull a lever and decline/raise the seat with a simple lever pull. Exceptionally useful with infants, and it feels like the infant inserts actually cradle the baby in the carseat. It's also decently easy to pull apart and wash like a Diono.
If I had less kids, I'd have more of the Graco's but I'm happy with a mix of both.
One thing I won't go back to is a carseat without lockoffs, at the very least. They provide good stable installs. I always recommend a carseat with Ridgid latch if they can afford it as it will help in the event of a side impact.
The Clek foonf comes with anti rebound bar, dual lock offs, Ridgid latch for forward facing; can be used with seat belt install once latch only weight limits have been reached. between Clek and the Britax ClickTight I haven't had any carseat install as snug as those and I've been thru a bunch of car seats.
The Diono is. heavy , built like a tank and feels like it can take some impact - This is purely psychological as I have no data to prove one way or the other.
I like the Diono purely for it's 3 across capability. I can access the 3rd row of my SUV with a Diono and infant car seat in the middle and passenger side rear seat ... with the DLX , It sticks out a few inches and does not enable me to fold the second row down to access the 3rd row.
only 1 car seat expected - DLX may be a good choice.
2 or 3 across capability needed? Diono is one of the best options while DLX should not even be an option
hope this helps
I do wish the 3QXT was out when I was looking as it has easy height adjustment and you need to remove the car seat and the straps for the 3RXT. If you're looking for slim rear facing options the Extend2Fit is better. Diono AFAIK needs separate parts to create the angle needed. Also from the pictures The 3QXT seems to have a flatter angle for newborns and is positioned further away from the rear seat. The Graco just rotates on the base.
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