Diono 3RXT vs the updated Diono 3RXT Safe+

The Diono 3RXT has been the go-to "slim" seat in cars for going on 17 years, which means its first passengers are driving their own cars by now!

Very few car seats can boast such a long history on the market nor as many widely needed but uncommon features. The narrow, low profile frame has been a parent's secret weapon for years. Now with the addition of the Diono 3RXT Safe+ we're left wondering what could this closely named sister seat have that the tried and true Diono 3RXT Luxe.

Diono 3RXT Luxe

If you ask a parent with three or more children about their car seats  they'll likely have at least one Diono in the mix. Diono's put themselves on the map with their narrow width, slim profile, extra tall seat height, and the incredible ability to fold right in half. The Diono 3RXT Luxe model became the standout with all these features plus side impact protection head wings and the ability to use it right from birth to (an unheard of at the time) 120 lbs. It's narrow frame allows most cars to install 3 across, saving countless parents from the sudden upgrade to a three row car. And it's infant insert and tall height creates an all-in-one car seat that grows along with even the tallest of children. All together the Diono 3RXT Luxe fills a need for so many multi-child families it's almost impossible not to own one.

Diono 3RXT Safe+ 

If parents love the 3RXT Luxe then what does the 3RXT Safe+ offer to make it worthwhile? We wouldn't say one is better than the other but the 3RXT Safe+ offers three new features the 3RXT Luxe doesn't, and they're worth considering. The added Side Impact and Anti-rebound bars are important, especially as these features become more and more expected in Americana and European car seats. 

Safe+ Steel Anti-rebound Bar | reduces rebound rotation by up to 50% for extended rear-facing travel up to 50 lbs.

12 Position Headrest | The 3RXT Safe+ has a button for one-handed head rest adjusting. While the 3RXT Luxe has a headrest that can only be height adjusted by manually shimmying it up its track.

6 Layers of Side Impact Protection | Raised side walls are reinforced with steel and aluminum for complete protection on three sides. These six layers add a bit of height to the walls limiting a little one's view over the sides. 

Details and specs of the 3RXT and 3RXT Safe+ 

Installing the Diono 3RXT and 3RXT Safe+ 

There are a few complications with fitting any car seat into your car  and Diono's no exception. The 3RXT Luxe and 3RXT Safe+ both feature tall seat heights which can be tough to install rear-facing in compact and mid-size cars. If your car falls into this category the Diono Radian Car Seat Angle Adjuster is a must. Otherwise either car seat fits in the center seat well in most cars. Installing the 3RXT Luxe and 3RXT Safe+ should be easier than it is. Neither car seat features lock offs or trap doors that could make it an easier process. But once the latches or seat belt are in place the installation is made much easier by reclining your vehicle seat first, then latching/belting the seat in, and finally inclining the vehicle seat back to it's upright position. This should help take out that last bit of unnecessary side-to-side wiggle.

The 3RXT Luxe and 3RXT Safe+ share enough important similarities that you can't go wrong with either. But the 3RXT Safe+ Anti-Rebound Bar makes a massive difference in the event of an impact. And with both models set at the same cost, aside from their specialty fabrics, the 3RXT Safe+ is our choice for the best all-in-one Diono car seat.