Question Radian or combo for 2012 Sonata?

I currently have a FF Graco MySize70 in center seat and a (RF) SnugRide 22 behind passenger. It was a tough fit, but techs installed them.

Infant will outgrow SnugRide soon. I'm thinking of passing MySize down to him (RF) and getting a Radian or a narrow combo seat for my 3yo (FF). I'd like to have one of the seats in the center still if possible, preferably the FF one.

I'm interested in the Radian in case we ever want to try 3-across (carpooling or inviting a friend/cousin somewhere), but is that just wishful thinking? Probably not worth buying 3 Radians just to be able to drive a friend somewhere. Would I have a chance of getting 3 across with a Radian and other seats I have (MySize, Snugride, Tribute, Maestro) or for example a friend's infant bucket seat without the base? Or down the road, something like a BubbleBum for future big-kid friends?

Also, the Radian doesn't have much side protection, correct? Is that important, especially outboard?

My boys tend to be heavy and a bit tall for their age. How long can I expect the Radian to fit them FF with harness and later as a booster? (If eldest eventually outgrows it, I might pass it down to youngest.)

Any recommendations for other seats I should consider for my 3yo?

Thank you!

Me again.

I found another thread saying Frontier puzzles well with MySize, but I'm not sure if RF/FF matters. Might a Frontier fit better than a Radian FF next to my MySize70 RF (and in a couple years FF)?
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Hi there! I don't have a lot of experience with your vehicle, but I'm bumping this up in hopes that someone else can help you.

frontier is huge...would you put it in the middle? if so, i'm not sure much else would fit next to it. we have 3 radians (and just ordered a 4th). I am really happy with them. low profile, so kids can get in easily. they will fit 3 across. RF though, its very long front to back. i think it would have to go in the middle seat RF. Some of the more expensive radians do have wings and more SIP.

A few things...

It concerns me that a tech installed your seats. A tech should teach you and help you, but not do it for you.

I like my radian, but I'm not sure I would buy one for a forward facing child when you already have a seat to pass down. Also, it does not make a good booster seat. The belt guides are not adjustable, often causing poor belt fit. The harmony defender might be an option for you. It is a narrow combination seat.

I also would not consider friends' kids unless you have extras really often.

Thanks all.

I went to a store yesterday. Semi-knowledgeable salesperson siad I would probably need 3 new seats for 3 across to work. I really would love to be able to carpool and invite my nephew places, etc. but I think he might be right.

We put Frontier in my car without installing (didn't want to uninstall others) and it looked like it might fit well with MySize and seems like a good seat so I'm leaning toward that.

Thank you for the Defender rec. Looks like harness might be tight on heavy kids? I haven't seen the seat, just read that online.

I agree, I wish techs had me install. The events in our area are always crowded and people are turned away when the lines get too long, so maybe they feel they don't have time. They do explain the steps (when tether is needed, etc.).

Thanks for all the advice.
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