UPPAbaby G-Luxe
$160 with bassinet, UPPAbaby
Overall score: 4. A lightweight stroller that feels high end for a great price.
Value: 4. For $160, it doesn't have all the fancy features, but it's got what you need.
The basics: 11 pounds. Good from 3 months to 40 pounds. 18.5 inches at the widest point when it's unfolded. Collapses to 42.6 by 11 by 12.6 inches.
The extras: At a mere 11 pounds, it's the lightest full-size stroller on the market in the United States. The plush seat reclines up to 120 degrees and sits fully upright. The G-Luxe also features ergonomic handles and a pop-out SPF 50 visor for extra protection against the sun.
Folding and storage: Folding and unfolding takes a couple of steps, but it uses triggers located on the handgrips and has automatic latches to keep it folded. It folds up pretty tiny, so it's great for tiny apartments and small cars. Plus, it stands on its own. Like its big brother, the Vista, the G-Luxe is made of eco-friendly materials.
Pros: The stroller is durable and the frame seems sturdy, but it is light! Our mom who lives in a walk-up had no problem taking her 8-month-old up and down the stairs in the G-Luxe. It's perfect for a trip on the subway, and "it even fit in the bus aisle!" raved one tester. Long handles prevent the dreaded "umbrella-stroller hunch." The cup holder is a welcome addition. The seat fabric is plush but seems breathable—perfect for hot summer days. The wide seat is suitable for larger babies and can also accommodate an extra blanket for winter days.
Cons: The ride is bumpy. The wheels have shock absorbers, but they aren't made for much more than a level sidewalk. On rough asphalt, it "did that messed-up-shopping-cart-wheels thing," said one tester. It performs well on carpet and grass, but no off-roading is going to happen in this stroller. Testers appreciated the large storage basket but had difficulty accessing it. While the extrawide seat accommodates toddlers well, once it was in a reclining position, a tester's older baby's head stuck out! Plus, a tester felt that a heavy baby threw off the balance of the G-Luxe. "It pulled in odd directions, and I needed two hands to keep it going straight," said one mom.
Who will love this stroller? Urban families that depend on public transit, are in need of a light but durable stroller, and stay in the city.
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