based on 103 reviews
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Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL Convertible Car Seat Description
Sunshine Kids improves car seat installation with the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL. Did you know that 85% of car seats are installed incorrectly? LATCH makes car seat installation easier.
Most vehicle and car seat manufacturers enforce a maximum weight limit of 40 – 48 lbs with LATCH. Now, with so many higher harness weight car seats on the market accommodating children up to 80 lbs, incorrect LATCH use and installation still remain a problem.
The solution? Sunshine Kids SuperLATCH (SL). Of all the convertible car seats available on the market today, only Sunshine Kids offers a SuperLATCH system that allows the use of LATCH beyond 48 lbs. No more tricky seat belt installations, and best of all, with SuperLATCH, the Radian XTSL convertible car seat installs in one minute and doesn’t require reinstallation after 48 lbs.
And for those who like to keep their options open, the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL also can be installed using your vehicle’s seat belts.
Standout Features:
- SuperLATCH installs in one minute and allows use of LATCH up to 80 lbs!
- No need to reinstall the seat after 48 lbs
- No seat belt required, no top tether required
- Rear-facing to 45 lbs
- Side Impact Protection
- Adjustable headrest
- Forward-facing to 80 lbs
Convenience: For parents with smaller cars and more than one child, the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL convertible car seat fits 3 seats across, even in 4-door sedans. The XTSL folds and can be slung over your shoulder for transport (thought it is a bit heavy!).
Installation: Thanks to SuperLATCH, the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL installs in just a minute using LATCH and requires neither seatbelts nor the top tether. You can also install the car seat using your vehicle’s seatbelts.
SuperLATCH incorporates high strength connectors, Steelweave webbing, and the Easy-Tite adjuster, which makes getting a rock-solid installation just a matter of giving a quick pull. These features, combined with the Radian XTSL’s steel alloy frame, makes Sunshine Kids SuperLATCH the only LATCH system that can be used up to 80 lbs.
You may be wondering how Sunshine Kids overcomes the usual 48 lb LATCH limit. All lower LATCH anchor bars in cars meet the same NHTSA requirements, so a LATCH bar in a Toyota is the same as a LATCH bar in a Ford. Sunshine Kids tested the Radian XTSL up to 80 lbs using both FMVSS 213 and NCAP standards and using only SuperLATCH and no top tether. The XTSL convertible car seat passed both tests.
Sunshine Kids and EliteCarSeats.com recommends using Top Tether, but for those with vehicles with no Top Tether anchor, the XTSL does not require the use of Top Tether for proper safety.
Note: SuperLATCH past 48 lbs is only intended for use on vehicles manufactured after September 2005. If your vehicle was manufactured before September 2005, you will need to reinstall your Sunshine Kids car seat after 48 lbs using your vehicle’s seat belts.
Benefits for Baby: Thick, memory foam padding in the seat provides cushion for the tush, while the sophisticated look means the Radian XTSL appeals to older children. The XTSL also offers 3″ more shoulder room over comparable convertible car seats like the Britax Boulevard and an adjustable headrest, adding extra comfort for growing kids.
Because the Sunshine Kids has a rear-facing limit of 45 lbs, your child can remain rear-facing probably past their 2nd birthday. The 80 lb forward-facing limit keeps your child in a harness longer.
For added safety, the SafeStop harness system prevents serious neck injury for forward-facing children under 40 lbs in the event of collision. Both EliteCarSeats.com and Sunshine Kids strongly recommend keeping children rear-facing until the 45 lb rear-facing limit.
Safety:
- SuperLATCH encourages proper installation
- Side Impact Protection
- EPS foam
- 5-point harness
- Meets or exceeds FMVSS 213 and NCAP
Comparison: The companion to the XTSL is the Sunshine Kids Radian 80SL. The Radian 80SL forgoes the XTSL’s adjustable headrest and deeper sidewings, but still offers SuperLATCH, a slim profile and a high harness weight limit of 80 lbs.
For a car seat with an 85 lb weight limit that doubles as a car booster seat, check out the Britax Frontier 85. The Frontier cannot be used rear-facing like the Radian 80SL or Radian XTSL. Furthermore, the Frontier does not have SuperLATCH and so must be installed with your vehicle seat belts past 48 lbs.
Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL Convertible Car Seat Details
- Rear-facing: 5 – 45 pounds; Forward-facing: 20 – 80 pounds (53″) in a 5-point harness
- Steel alloy frame, aluminum reinforced sides and adjustable side-impact safety headrest
- SuperLATCH installation up to 80 pounds – no seat belt required with SafeStop energy absorbing harness system
- Fits 3-across in a mid-size vehicle and offers more shoulder space
- Folds flat for travel and storage; includes convenient carry strap and sits low on vehicle seat for easy child boarding
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Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL Convertible Car Seat Customer Reviews
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4.1
out of
5
based on
103 ratings.
531 user reviews
Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL Convertible Car Seat, Eclipse
Sunshine Kids improves car seat installation with the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL. Did you know that 85% of car seats are installed incorrectly? LATCH makes car seat installation easier.
Most vehicle and car seat manufacturers enforce a maximum weight limit of 40 – 48 lbs with LATCH. Now, with so many higher harness weight car seats on the market accommodating children up to 80 lbs, incorrect LATCH use and installation still remain a problem.
The solution? Sunshine Kids SuperLATCH (SL). Of all the convertible car seats available on the market today, only Sunshine Kids offers a SuperLATCH system that allows the use of LATCH beyond 48 lbs. No more tricky seat belt installations, and best of all, with SuperLATCH, the Radian XTSL convertible car seat installs in one minute and doesn’t require reinstallation after 48 lbs.
And for those who like to keep their options open, the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL also can be installed using your vehicle’s seat belts.
Standout Features:
- SuperLATCH installs in one minute and allows use of LATCH up to 80 lbs!
- No need to reinstall the seat after 48 lbs
- No seat belt required, no top tether required
- Rear-facing to 45 lbs
- Side Impact Protection
- Adjustable headrest
- Forward-facing to 80 lbs
Convenience: For parents with smaller cars and more than one child, the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL convertible car seat fits 3 seats across, even in 4-door sedans. The XTSL folds and can be slung over your shoulder for transport (thought it is a bit heavy!).
Installation: Thanks to SuperLATCH, the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL installs in just a minute using LATCH and requires neither seatbelts nor the top tether. You can also install the car seat using your vehicle’s seatbelts.
SuperLATCH incorporates high strength connectors, Steelweave webbing, and the Easy-Tite adjuster, which makes getting a rock-solid installation just a matter of giving a quick pull. These features, combined with the Radian XTSL’s steel alloy frame, makes Sunshine Kids SuperLATCH the only LATCH system that can be used up to 80 lbs.
You may be wondering how Sunshine Kids overcomes the usual 48 lb LATCH limit. All lower LATCH anchor bars in cars meet the same NHTSA requirements, so a LATCH bar in a Toyota is the same as a LATCH bar in a Ford. Sunshine Kids tested the Radian XTSL up to 80 lbs using both FMVSS 213 and NCAP standards and using only SuperLATCH and no top tether. The XTSL convertible car seat passed both tests.
Sunshine Kids and EliteCarSeats.com recommends using Top Tether, but for those with vehicles with no Top Tether anchor, the XTSL does not require the use of Top Tether for proper safety.
Note: SuperLATCH past 48 lbs is only intended for use on vehicles manufactured after September 2005. If your vehicle was manufactured before September 2005, you will need to reinstall your Sunshine Kids car seat after 48 lbs using your vehicle’s seat belts.
Benefits for Baby: Thick, memory foam padding in the seat provides cushion for the tush, while the sophisticated look means the Radian XTSL appeals to older children. The XTSL also offers 3″ more shoulder room over comparable convertible car seats like the Britax Boulevard and an adjustable headrest, adding extra comfort for growing kids.
Because the Sunshine Kids has a rear-facing limit of 45 lbs, your child can remain rear-facing probably past their 2nd birthday. The 80 lb forward-facing limit keeps your child in a harness longer.
For added safety, the SafeStop harness system prevents serious neck injury for forward-facing children under 40 lbs in the event of collision. Both EliteCarSeats.com and Sunshine Kids strongly recommend keeping children rear-facing until the 45 lb rear-facing limit.
Safety:
- SuperLATCH encourages proper installation
- Side Impact Protection
- EPS foam
- 5-point harness
- Meets or exceeds FMVSS 213 and NCAP
Comparison: The companion to the XTSL is the Sunshine Kids Radian 80SL. The Radian 80SL forgoes the XTSL’s adjustable headrest and deeper sidewings, but still offers SuperLATCH, a slim profile and a high harness weight limit of 80 lbs.
For a car seat with an 85 lb weight limit that doubles as a car booster seat, check out the Britax Frontier 85. The Frontier cannot be used rear-facing like the Radian 80SL or Radian XTSL. Furthermore, the Frontier does not have SuperLATCH and so must be installed with your vehicle seat belts past 48 lbs.
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(5.0 out of 5)
After 3+ years…
4 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , Colorado Springs, CO Date: October 20, 2010
I swore I would never use any other carseat after being in an accident, so we purchased the new version (XTSL). Now almost 1 1/2 year into the new seat, I am just a little irritated that we have to move my 48″, 47# 7-year-old son into a booster. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE everything else about this carseat, but the fact that he has outgrown it is a big dissappointment. It is supposed to fit a child who is 60″ and up to 120#…? It doesn’t even come close! When facing forward the shoulder harness slot has to be ABOVE the shoulders, not below like in a rear-facing seat. The 18″ from seat to top harness slot simply doesn’t allow enough room to grow. My skinny boy is very long-legged, so I would say that 47-48″ is the MAX height for this carseat. Everything else has worked like a charm. It is a breeze to put in our ’09 4-Runner and ’06 Wrangler and I have traveled with two of them (yes, at the same time). The folding feature and tether nich on the back of the seat really helped when getting these to and from places. And the way it sits low in the vehicle makes it less obtrussive so it is easier to find lost animals and, Lord forbid, french fries. So, to sum it all up, while I can’t blame everyone for loving this seat, don’t grow too attached because you’ll have to replace it sooner than you think. After taking into account the manufacturer’s specs which are missleading, I’m replacing my 5 Star rating with 4 Stars simply because of the lack of longevity (I don’t blame you if you feel like crying too). We are now trying out the Sunshine Kids Monterey and the Cybex Solution X-fix booster seati as they both have the lower latch anchors.
Amazing!!!
5 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , Chicago, IL Date: July 23, 2010
I researched for a long time before finally deciding upon this seat and it was worth every penny! I installed it the first time after reading the directions in less then 10 minutes, and I can now install the seat with the rear-facing tether in less then a minute in any car. Yes, its heavy–but the safety is worth every bit! I’m 110 pounds and I can easily move it from one car to another when I need too several times a month. I’ve had no trouble with it fitting in small cars–fits my mom’s ford focus just fine. My son is 25 pounds and equally tall at 9 months old and he has plenty of room to grow. I could sit in the seat pretty comfortably myself! We’ve been using the seat since he was about 14 pounds at 3 months old and it was comfortable for him then too! I feel very safe buckling him into the seat, and this is one of the easiest seats to adjust the strap height. I install all of my friend’s car-seats for them and this is by far my favorite. I also own a Graco Myride 65 and it doesn’t even compare. It takes me 20 minutes to get a tight install, and its a MUCH smaller seat width. We have taken this seat through the airport and I would never do that again (heavy!) without a small cart to set it on like they have at Ikea. That was a downside, but then again after 14 hours of travel–I installed the seat in the rental car in 60 seconds and off we went! We’ll be rearfacing it to the max, and I will be buying TWO more of these seats for when we start fostering soon!
our second radian
5 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , West Fargo, ND Date: July 14, 2010
We loved this carseat so much that we ordered a second. After my son “graduated” from his infant seat, we had chosen a Baby Jogger City Mini. I did love it…easy to install, and cozy…but became a tight fit as my son grew taller. He is 34 inches tall and 33 pounds. We got the Sunshine Kids carseat for my husbands truck and he is able to stretch his legs out straight while he is rearfacing. It seems like he is very comfortable, and maybe even not as hot/sweaty on the hot summer days. I picked this carseat as it was the roomiest to keep him rearfacing as long as possible. Now that we are expecting again I am sure we will be buying 2 more. I liked the britax for when he was smaller as he seemed more snug in there, but for that kind of money, not sure I would do it again. These carseats are pretty heavy, but with a metal frame what do you expect? The only other thing is, with the angle that they sit at when rearfacing, they do take up more room than other carseats…which means the front seats have to be pulled forward a bit.
Love it!
5 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , Houston, TX Date: May 16, 2010
We love this carseat and our child is SUPER safe! Yes, it is heavy – but that’s to be expected with the solidly built steel frame. We only move it a couple of times a month or the weight might bother us more. Totally recommend purchasing the travel cover if you intend to take this seat with you. The Radian XT folds nicely and fits like a glove in the Radian cover. Our child hit the maximum LATCH weight (40-45lbs, depending on your vehicle) and we have found this very easy to install with a seatbelt. The angle of the back is perfect for kiddos who still fall asleep in the car and the width of the seat is plenty wide for our 5 year old (47lbs, 47″) even though it boasts a slim profile. I agree – take the pillow out if it pushes your child’s head forward. The only con: the cover is supposedly NOT machine washable, though I haven’t needed to try it. A friend washed hers and she said it came out fine. In the grand scheme of things, I care more about the safety of the seat than the ease of removing the cover. Then again, my kids never barf in the car!
Great Size
4 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , Atlanta, GA Date: May 14, 2010
The size and safety of the Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL convertible car seat are the biggest pros. I like the material–my son has not gotten sweaty once! It is heavy (the price you pay for a safe frame), but my husband and I did not find it difficult to install. The most annoying parts are that my son’s head flops down when he falls asleep (this is without the recliner base), and the chest buckle seems way out of “character” with the rest of the car seat as it is plasticky.
Great Seat!
4 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , Cary, NC Date: May 10, 2010
We love this seat and I’m actually ordeing another for my husbands car. My son is 4 yrs old & 41lbs- he fits perfect! He loves his seat and while yes it’s heavy I have no issues carrying it and I’m only 5’2. I love the LATCH it’s super easy to use. We don’t use the toddler pillow so I can’t comment on that and for the reviewer who said it makes her sons head hang down then take the pillow out, you don’t have to use it. Before this seat we had a Britax Frontier and it was ok but really big and bulky, we prefer this one much better & are really happy with our purchase.
Great Seat!
4 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , New York, NY Date: May 03, 2010
This is a great seat! Comfortable, relatively easy to install, and generally easy to wipe clean. I should note, the seat can be heavy and awkward to transport/carry on a trip. On our first air travel trip, we did not have the travel bag for the seat – transporting the seat was extremely frustrating (wouldn’t stay folded, really heavy, etc.). The second air travel trip, we purchased the travel bag for the seat – it was money well spent. The seat was extremely easy to carry backpack-style in the travel bag. I am very satisfied with the seat, and would highly recommend it. If you are planning on doing some air traveling and bring the seat with you, do yourself a BIG favour, and buy the travel bag.
Mixed review.
3 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , Knoxville, TN Date: March 21, 2010
This is a good car seat with major flaws. It is well padded and comfortable for the child. It fits well in many cars. The seat back angle is right. It is relatively compact allowing 3 across seating. However it is an absolute pain to install and remove. The latch strap feels like an afterthought. Why in the world does it have to be so difficult? The seat is so heavy that even a muscular man has to wrestle the seat in and out. Plus the seat cannot sit upright on its own, so you might as well lay it on its back when you set it on the ground. Heaven forbid your child pee or vomit in the seat because it will take you an hour to remove the seat from the car and get the cover off. I defy anyone to take off the cover without kicking the seat at least twice. You will be inspired to string together curse words that will put a sailor to shame. Caveat emptor.
Love this seat!
5 stars
Reviewer: Stacy Greer , Arlington, TX Date: January 27, 2010
I have a 14 mo who is 31″ tall and 22#. We have this seat (in Flora) and love it!
I went back and forth forever before getting her the perfect convertible seat. I decided on this one. First of all it’s the only that RF to 45# and that is what we plan on–RFing as long as possible for safety reasons.
The seat is a cinch to install (using LATCH, I haven’t used a seatbelt install) and although the biggest complaint I read on all the reviews I could find was how heavy it was. And it is heavy for sure. But I don’t care and not sure if that should be a reason to give this seat any flak. It’s sturdy. It’s one of the best made and safest out there, IMO. So if it has to be heavy that’s fine with me. I mean are people toting their car seats around?
The complaints I do have are these: The top tether has nowhere to go when the seat is RFing. It dangles behind the seat. I used a cable tie and tied it up but would love to see some sort of compartment on the back of the seat for it to tuck away into.
Also the pad that goes on the seat (not the infant insert but the other with the wings) doesn’t stay in place and has two straps that honestly I am baffled at what to do with those straps.
The good about this: Everything else. The bad is not even bad just somethings they could improve on the next one they design.
My daughter fits easily in it, it’s easy to get her in and strap her. It’s a breeze to take out and install (again, using LATCH, I haven’t used a seatbelt install) into another car. Takes about 2 minutes total.
If you can’t figure out the manual, which I admit could use some revisions, you can download install videos from the company on YouTube and from their Facebook page.
I am looking at getting a second seat for my hubby’s car as right now we only have the one and switch it out back and forth. Not hard just inconvenient. So I will be getting my second seat soon!
Too narrow
3 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , Madison, Wisconsin Date: December 30, 2009
My 4-year-old is 43″ tall and 38 pounds = skinny. This seat was too narrow for him. The specifications state a seat width of 11.4 inches, but it is more like 10 inches, if you’re lucky. In addition, the cushion that sits behind the head area is not in line with the back of the seat – it sticks out and makes my child’s head tip down into an unnatural position. Love the super-Latch, but the seat just won’t work for us. Oh, and it’s really heavy, too, so if you need to move it back and forth between cars, it might be problematic.
Fantastic Seat
4 stars
Reviewer: Anonymous , St Paul, MN Date: October 04, 2009
The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because the instruction manual is somewhat vague and could be a lot more helpful if it had more details. We purchased the RadianXT for our 4 year old daughter so that we could give her Britax Boulevard to her 20 month old brother so he could continue rear facing. We chose the RadiaXT because it would allow our daughter to remain in a 5point harness for a long time and we feel the True Side Impact Protection head wings are a necessary safety feature. Aside from some confusion with the LATCH strap (and the connector strap attached to it), I was able to get a rock solid install in our ’09 Sonata. I’m very pleased with the seat. On a positive note for Elitecarseats.com- About 2 weeks after I purchased this seat, I noticed that it had gone on sale. I contacted elitecarseats and they refunded me the difference. Awesome!