UPPAbaby G-Luxe Review
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
UPPAbaby G-Luxe | |||||
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Awards | |||||
Price | $200 List $199.99 at Amazon | $179 List | $80 List $77.58 at Amazon | $120 List $75.19 at Amazon | $110 List $109.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Easy to use features can't make up for disappointing maneuverability | A lower-priced, good quality option with several features for comfort and napping but harder than average to push and turn | Inexpensive option with that disappointed overall | Fun scooter abilities can't make up for lower quality and clunky features that don't work as easily as they should | Ordinary stroller that is hard to push, carry and stow |
Rating Categories | UPPAbaby G-Luxe | Zoe Traveler | Kolcraft Cloud Plus | Dream On Me Coast R... | Chicco Liteway |
Weight/Folded Size (35%) | |||||
Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
Maneuverability (25%) | |||||
Quality (10%) | |||||
Specs | UPPAbaby G-Luxe | Zoe Traveler | Kolcraft Cloud Plus | Dream On Me Coast R... | Chicco Liteway |
Weight | 16.3 lbs | 12 lbs | 12.6 lbs | 12.8 lbs | 17.2 lbs |
Folded Dimensions | 14"W x 15.3"H x 42"L | 17.5"W x 23"H x 13"L | 18.6"W x 11.7"H x 34.7"L | 16"W x 10.5"H x 28.5"L | 14.9"W x 10.5"H x 46"L |
Folded Volume | 8,996 cu in | 5,233 cu in | 7,551 cu in | 4,788 cu in | 7,197 cu in |
Capacity Limits | Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 55 lbs/45" |
Minimum: 3 months Maximum: 45 lbs |
Minimum: Not Listed Maximum: 50 lbs/44" |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 45 lbs/ 37.8" |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 40 lbs/43" |
Included Car Seat Compatibility | None | None | None | None | None |
Click-in Car Seat Adapters | None | None | None | None | None |
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters | None | None | None | None | None |
One-handed Fold | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Locking Fold | Auto | Auto | Manual | Yes | Auto |
Self-standing Fold | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Carry Strap | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Handlebar Height - Min/Max | 42.5" | 40.5" | 38.9" | 36"/38.3" | 41" |
Sandal-friendly Brake | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
Included Accessories | None | None | None | None | None |
Setup Time | 2-5 Min | 2-5 Min | 5-10 Min | 5-10 Min | 5-10 Min |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The UPPAbaby company was started by an American family over ten years ago and is now a well-known producer of some of the best strollers out there. The company is inspired by daily life with family, and they try to create improved products that don't sacrifice features, convenience, or style.
Performance Comparison
Weight and Folded Size
The G-Luxe weighs 16.3 lbs. Compared to the 12 lb Zoe Traveler, this is quite heavy for a lightweight option, and it earned disappointing results for weight and folded size. It measures 8,996 cubic inches when folded, making it one of the largest products in the group. These measurements make it potentially frustrating when used for travel or commuting, and the lengthy package can be hard to stow.
Ease of Use
The G-Luxe is easy to use thanks to simple features with straightforward designs.
Fold and Unfold
The G-Luxe has a traditional umbrella fold that requires two hands to execute. The frame release is awkward, and the button can be hard to push if you start pulling on the release handle before pushing it. It has an automatic lock and self-stands.
Brakes
Like other UPPAbaby products, this stroller has color-coded single action brakes that are easy to set and release with a press-to-set design you can execute with your barefoot.
Storage
The medium storage bin is challenging to access, thanks to the folding mechanism that crisscrosses the back of the frame. Access becomes more difficult with the seatback reclined as the opening becomes non-existent, but smaller items can be stored in the canopy pocket for easier access. It also has an open, removable cup holder on the side of the frame.
Sunshade
The canopy is a lovely design that suits the frame. It is bigger than most of the competition, but not as good as the Minu. It has a flimsy pull-out visor for additional coverage but no peekaboo window. However, we recommend always lathering on some sun protection, no matter how large the canopy is.
Harness
The 5-point harness is one of the easiest in the group to fit. Making shoulder height adjustments using the rethread is a breeze, and it is super easy to adjust the length of the straps up and down for size. Despite this ease of adjustment, we still think the shortest length is likely too long for smaller babies.
Seat
This stroller has minimal recline with an easy-to-use squeezable adjustment (above left) you can operate with one hand. The leg rest is adjustable with under-seat levers (above right), but it is somewhat wonky like the old G-Luxe. The footrest feels more durable than its predecessor, but it is still thin plastic, and only time will tell, and it is too new to say at this time.
Car Seat Compatibility
The G-Luxe is not compatible with any infant car seats and should not be used with any baby who cannot sit unsupported with adequate head and neck control. Most umbrella strollers are missing the design and features necessary for infants who lack head and neck control.
Ease of Setup
The initial setup for the G-Luxe took between 2-5 minutes and came with instructions that were just average, but assembly is so simple that it does not need much explaining.
Maneuverability
Despite changing from dual front wheels to single, the G-Luxe is challenging to maneuver. This stroller is easy enough to push on flat surfaces, but it isn't on par with top-performing products like the BabyZen Yoyo2. Moving over grass and gravel is challenging even with the single front wheels, and you don't want to go far pushing this stroller.
Quality
The G-Luxe is of higher quality than the average stroller in this review. It has a sharp and finished look the old one never mastered. The fabric is soft and smooth, and the seat is well-padded. The frame is sturdy with few fasteners and little flex. It has foam-filled plastic wheels and covered handles that move inwards when pushing like traditional umbrella strollers. This handle style offers minimal adjustability, making long trips less comfortable for the pusher.
Should You Buy the UPPAbaby G-Luxe?
The G-Luxe is UPPAbaby's middle-of-the-line lightweight option. In true UPPAbaby fashion, the quality is top-notch, but we were not impressed with its features and performance for the price. Many strollers fold smaller, weigh less, and are easier to push and turn, and we feel the more traditional design of the G-Luxe is somewhat outdated when compared to newer options like the Inglesina Quid or BabyZen Yoyo2.
What Other Umbrella Strollers Should You Consider?
If you are looking for a quality product in a similar price range, we recommend looking at the Mountain Buggy Nano. While it did not score as high for quality, it is still above average in the metric, and we like the way it folds better and find that it is easier to carry and transport when not in use. If you love the UPPAbaby brand, the UPPAbaby Minu is a larger UPPAbaby that accepts some infant car seats with an adapter (sold separately).