The Cybex Balios S Lux can be used from birth (with bassinet or infant car seat) to 55 lbs (around 4 years) and it is 4-in-1 seating capability. At 25.8 pounds, it’s a little lighter than the Nuna MIXX Next (28.3 pounds) and a bit heavier than the Ergobaby Metro 3 (16.8 pounds). Its size — 35.6” L x 23.6” W x 42.5” H unfolded and 30.3” L x 23.8” W x 17.3” H folded — is compact enough for city living but not quite as jet-setting as the Metro 3. Its stylish shiny black aluminum frame, vegan leather handlebar and premium fabrics put it high at the top of the rank of all-time fave strollers, with a price ranging from $499.95–$599.00 depending on the color and retailer.
Key Features
4-in-1 Travel System: Used with the separately available Cot S Lux bassinet, Cocoon S soft carrycot, Cybex infant car seats (e.g. Aton G) or reversible seat unit (all sold separately, except for seat).
One-Pull Harness System: Adjust the car seat height and harness in one quick and easy move for a rear or forward-facing secure fit.
Performance Suspension:Front suspension and frame-mounted rear suspension facilitates a comfortable ride for urban and city riding as well as light trails.
One-Hand Standing Fold: Folds easily at the touch of a button to a standing fold for convenient storage on the go with a single hand.
Adjustable Lie-Flat Recline: The reversible stroller seat adjusts to a near-flat position; suitable for infants with the attachable bassinet.
XXL UPF 50 Canopy: Our huge UPF 50 canopy covers a large portion of the stroller and includes a peekaboo window to allow for airflow on the go.
Big Storage Basket: Up to 22 lbs weight capacity of the stroller, twice as much as most of the strollers in the market, a seatback pocket to store wallet and phone.
All-Terrain Tires: 7” front, 11” rear puncture-proof, foam filled tires for increased durability and maneuverability.
Telescopic handlebar: Sturdy leatherette handlebar in a range of heights from 39–43 inches accommodates parents of all heights.
Performance and performance in the real world
The city smooth Balios S Lux, being tested by parents and reviewers. Francesca Challis, testing for MadeForMums, noted how it gives a smoother ride over London’s bumpy pavements, attributing its four-wheel suspension and large rear wheels for that. She took it round the rough paths of Wimbledon Park and the Norfolk countryside, where she said the fully suspendable seat can handle light off-roading — tracks covered in gravel or grass, say, rather than pavements — if not quite with the same skill as the Thule Spring on rough ground. The 23.6-inch width, not including the handlebar, and one-handed steering make it nimble in tight spaces like cafes or public transport, though the 60.5 cm of width for some testers made narrow shop aisles difficult.
Folding is one of the highlights but you’ll need quite a while to master it. The one-hand fold, activated by a handlebar button, condenses the stroller to a self-standing shape, although pre-fold maneuvers (locking the wheels, adjusting the seat), as observed by BabyGearLab, can feel clunky. It has a nimble fold, once you master it, and fits in most car trunks, a rarity for a stroller as bulky as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand. The centrally located, foot-friendly brake is solid even on steep hills, according to tester feedback Which. co.uk.
It is the versatility that parents — including those of the Balios S Lux — appreciate. “It’s a dream to push,” wrote a Reddit user (u/Visual_Ad_8910), who said that their 6-month-old was comfortable in the toddler seat. Howeve, some said they found the fold stiff at first, and that the poppers on the canopy make it more difficult to adjust in a hurry. The storage basket is a good size though MadeForMums commented on rear access being a bit restricted by the brake bar.
How the Cybex Balios S Lux Compares to Other Models
To check on where it stands in the market, let’s compare the Balios S Lux to the Evenflo Pivot Xpand, Thule Spring, Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, Baby Trend Expedition, Nuna MIXX Next, and Ergobaby Metro 3 based on StrollerGuide. com and Balios S Lux specific reviews.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand ($400) had 22 configurations as a single-to-double stroller (hacks and access claim counter) and offers self-standing fold. Its plastic wheels and 28-pound weight make it less nimble than the Balios S Lux’s foam-filled wheels and suspension. On the plus side, the Pivot Xpand has a big basket, but it doesn’t boast the Balios’s lie-flat seat or its premium fabrics.
Best for: Parents on a budget who need a double stroller.
Balios S Lux Pro: Smooth ride, newborn compatible, fashionable design.
Thule Spring
The Thule Spring ($400) is an 22-pound all-terrain stroller with foam-filled tires and performs well on bumpy terrain. It has a similar lightweight frame and adjustable handlebar to the Balios, but does not have a reversible seat or an included newborn mode. The Balios S Lux’s travel system adaptability and one-pull harness make it a top city choice.
Best for: Active parents on varying surfaces.
Balios S Lux The Big-Little Stroller with Full-Recline Positioning, One-Hand Compact Fold and One-Hand Push Balios S Lux Next The small-big stroller that everyone wants.
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 ($650) tips the scales at 22.5 lbs and has a one-hand fold and forever-air tires. Its spacious basket is easier to reach than the Balios’s, but the seat doesn’t lie flat, which means accessories are required for newborns. Thanks to the lighter price and diverse travel system options, the Balios S Lux is likely the more versatile option.
Best for: Urban parents who desire a quick-fold, all-terrain stroller.
Balios S Lux Pro:- Newborn compatibility and price.
Baby Trend Expedition
The Baby Trend Expedition ($150) is a budget jogging stroller with bicycle-style tires for traversing rough roads. It’s heavier, at 30 pounds, doesn’t have the Balios’s compact fold or reversible seat. Its premium offerings – such as one-pull harness and suspension – afford the Balios S Lux a more expensive price.
Best for: Budget-minded parents in need of a jogging stroller.
Balios S Lux Advantage: Small one-had fold, Newborn and city freindly.
Nuna MIXX Next
The Nuna MIXX Next ($800) features a true-flat recline, all-wheel suspension and GREENGUARD GOLD certification. At 28.3 lbs and a higher price point, it is less accessible than the Balios S Lux, which offers similar newborn use at a more affordable price. The one-pull harness on the Balios is a standout feature.
Best for: Parents who value luxury and eco-certification.
Balios S Lux Pros: Cheaper and lighter.
Ergobaby Metro 3
Ergobaby Metro 3 ($450) The 16.8-lb compact stroller folds small enough to be cabin-approved. It’s very lightweight and comes with a newborn nest that makes it an excellent travel option, although it has no reversible seat and the all-terrain wheels plus suspension struggle on more difficult terrain in comparison to Balios S Lux.
Best for: Travelers who crave something more than a simple, boring umbrella stroller.
Balios S Lux Plus: Reversible seat, more off-road friendly.
Pros and Cons of Cybex Balios S Lux
Pros
Travel System Ready: Pair with the Primo Viaggio car seat in Rain, (sold separately) using the adjustable handle for easy travel from car to chassis.
Smooth Ride: Four-wheel suspension and oversized puncture-proof tires for an ultra-smooth ride on any Type of terrain, whether you’re strolling in the city, or on your favorite local trail.
One-Pull Harness: Very easy and safe harnessing with one hand, a unique feature.
Short Fold: Weight of pushchair is 10.2Kg and Pushchair folds into 68 x 42.5 x 33 cm.
Large Storage: 22lb capacity basket and seatback pocket for essentials.
Chic Look: Faux leather handlebar, aluminum frame and contemporary colorways (Star Blue, Moon Black).
Parent-Friendly: Adjustable handlebar, large canopy, and included rain cover.
Cons
Fold Complexity: There are a few pre-fold tasks (like locking the wheels and adjusting the seat) which can be awkward to do at first.
Weight: It’s also relatively heavy, at 25.8 pounds, heftier than the Metro 3 or Thule Spring, which can be tough for daily lifting.
Not Good for Off Road: Not good on grass or rough surface like Thule Spring or Baby Trend Expedition.
Accessories and Extras: Additional Cost: Bassinet ($229.95), car seat, and adapters: sold separately.
Basket Access: Rear access blocked by brake bar, in the opinion of some testers.
Canopy Poppers: Difficult to snap, especially in a hurry.
Parent Input and Thoughts
Parent feedback: Parents love and dislike the Balios S Lux Parents note the best (and quirkiest) features of the Balios S Lux. One Walmart reviewer was impressed by how easy it was to use if she could get the fold down, reporting that her baby was more comfortable than when they used a Doona. One Amazon reviewer commended it for its durability after a tumble down some stairs, though they faced issues finding replacement parts. The Beauty Informer tester found that the cot S bassinet negotiated tight corners in a small Somerset village with ease, and he liked the memory foam mattress for newborn comfort.
Your lifestyle also counts when you decide on the Balios S Lux. City strolling parents will appreciate its smooth push and compact fold, as one Reddit user shared. But families living in the countryside who need tough off-road performance might prefer the Thule Spring. Those on a budget may prefer the Baby Trend Expedition, but the Balios’s sturdiness and extra features make it worth its midrange price. Check your handlebar height if you’re taller than average (say, 6’4”: one Reddit user found the EOS handlebar was too short but the Balios’ telescopic handlebar was long enough.)
Conclusion
Style-wise, the Cybex Balios S Lux is a cool and fashionable stroller which means business in the city but can handle light off-road trips as well with it’s extended flexibility. A one-pull harness, late suspension and 4-in-1 travel system turn this into a top consideration for those that want a mid-range stroller with premium features. It strikes a balance among cost, maneuverability, and style compared with the Evenflo Pivot Xpand, the Thule Spring, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, the Baby Trend Expedition, the Nuna MIXX Next, and the Ergobaby Metro 3, but it’s not as well suited for rough terrain or frequent air travel.
Value: At $499.95–$599, the Balios S Lux is a good value for urban families in need of a sturdy, newborn-to-toddler stroller. Parents have to consider their terrain, size and storage needs and budget (and if you travel a lot, travel needs) but for anyone looking for the easy life, to get the furthest distance and forward thinking design the Balios S Lux is a trusty steed for parenthood’s journeys.
