Diono Radian 3QXT+ FirstClass Car Seat

Since I purchased this for a 15 month old, I can’t attest to using it for an infant with all the additional padding. But right out of the box it’s a pretty weighty seat. The steel frame adds some heft to it and it FEELS structurally sound. If you’ve installed a car seat before, it’s pretty easy to figure out the latch system it uses; A tether up top that secures it behind the seat and a lateral belt that you snake through the appropriate holes in the bottom/back and secure the buckles with a snap to the car’s latch system on either side. One thing I particularly like is the bottom belt latch strap has pull-release loops so you don’t have to twist your wrists in awkward positions to release the belt by pushing the buttons. The only thing, is the seat is tall so we had to remove the headrest on our back seat so it would sit flush to the seat. It took about 15 minutes to install it forward facing. Where I took off a star was the buttons for the adjustable straps to make them tighter to secure the car seat to the seat. They’re hard as hell to adjust and I had to have the hubby tighten them because I couldnt manage the leverage it takes to pull them. The button to loosen the straps just feels awkward—they’re hard to push in and seem to stick so it feels “off”. Makes you feel a little insecure about if you’ve done it right and car seat installation is one thing that you don’t want to make a mistake on. However, once you tighten the belts it doesn’t seem like they’ll loosen by themselves. Tested it by giving the seat a good tug in all directions. When we were shopping for seats, I was going to go for a lower priced seat because it wouldn’t be used as much in daddy’s car. My hubby just suggested we buy the same Maxi-Cosi Magellan seat that I have in my 2019 Expedition because he liked the magnetic top harness buckle. But, I decided to hold off. After seeing the store model of the Diono seat, I got curious about the brand and did a little research. I’m glad that I did. Daddy’s car is a 400hp Ford Explorer ST with bucket backseats and no middle seat for the added protection. I liked the ALL safety features considering that it could ONLY be installed on the driver or passenger side w/airbags. The extra plastic cube thingamajig that goes on either side depending on which side you install it on feels flimsy when you attach it. But a basic understanding of physics means that anything that can help add resistance to force from a side impact is a good thing. It adds another two layers of safety, surprising as it is, considering it’s basically a plastic box. Another plus is the harness buckle button is larger and EASY to press. My Maxi-Cosi’s buckle is small and a complete nuisance to press with nails and a wiggling tot. The cup holder seems like an after-thought though. I figured the cost of the seat is worth it—especially since it will support up to 120lbs. Plus it’s in a pretty kick-ass red that complement his dad’s car which is murdered out black with red brake calipers and red interior lighting. So...if you want something that’s stylish and seemingly filled to the brim with safety features or you have a car where a center-seat install is impossible, this seat is the way to go. Just make sure you got an extra strong set of arms to help with the belt tightening.