Stroller Face Off: UppaBaby Cruz vs. Cybex Balios

Today we're going to face off the UppaBaby Cruz vs Cybex Balios. The Balios is new to our floor and so this will give you a first look at how they compare. 

First Impressions UppaBaby Cruz vs. Cybex Balios

These are both good looking strollers and they feel substantial and high quality when you push them. 

Size & Weight

As the Cruz is a little longer (about 3"), the Balios feels more compact. Here are the essentials of UppaBaby Cruz vs. Cybex Balios. 

Cruz

Folded (seat attached) 16.5″ L x 22.8″ W x 33″ H

Unfolded 37.5″ L x 22.8″ W x 40″ H

Weight 25.5 lbs

Balios

Folded 17.3" x 23.8" 30.3"

Unfolded 35.6" x 23.6" x 42.5"

Weight 25.8lbs

The Seat

The Balios features the signature seat that Cybex is known for --- something we really like when it comes to the Priam and other models. The seat reclines "business class" style and has lots of padding, so it looks very comfortable. It even has a pocket on the back so you can slip your phone or keys in there! The UppaBaby Cruz is a bucket seat that tips back all in one piece. It's comfy but the Balios has the edge. 

Underseat Basket

Now looking to the UppaBaby Cruz vs. Balios underseat basket, the Cruz takes the lead with a bigger basket that looks and feels a bit more substantial. It holds 30lbs. The Balios by comparison holds only 22lbs.

Fold

When it comes to the fold, the Cruz is a bit slimmer, though the Balios has a handle on the bottom of the seat so it's easier to lift when folded. This said, the Cruz fold is slightly easier to do. 

Wheels

Wheels for both are quite good, but the Balios has a small edge as its wheels are a little bigger. Our team was split as to which had the better feeling push. 

Handlebar

If you're taller or shorter and need a handlebar that extends more, than the Balios might be your better choice as its handlebar not only extends higher, but also can go lower making it comfy for a wider range of people. 

Harness System

When buckling your child in, you want to have a good harness system that's easy to adjust. Cybex's "one pull" harness system makes it a snap. Not only that but there's some nice padding on the straps. The Cruz has a fine harness, but the Balios noses ahead here.

Bassinet / Newborn Readiness

Both strollers offer the bassinet separately. The Cruz however, offers two choices for newborns --- either a bassinet or an infant snug seat (head positioner and wedge). If you don't use either of these, the Cruz is only suitable for 3 months and up.

The Balios only offers a bassinet for the newborn (no snug seat) and Cybex notes the Balios seat is only suitable for 6 months and up. This means you have to get the bassinet in order to accommodate a young child.

Yes, of course for both you can use car seat adapters, but we don't consider it a solution considering the lifestyle and walking culture of New York City. According to pediatricians, children under 6 months should not be in the car seat for over a couple hours at a time from a safety perspective (too much stress on their back/hips and their neck will get tired which could be a suffocation hazard). 

All to say that for newborn friendliness, the Cruz gets an extra point.

Colors

For colors of the UppaBaby Cruz vs. Cybex Balios, they both have a number to choose from, though the Cruz has more. 

Cruz

Anthony (white/grey chenille/carbon frame); Declan (oat melange/silver frame); Gregory (blue melange/silver frame); Greyson (charcoal melange/carbon frame); Gwen (Green melange/carbon frame); Jake (charcoal/carbon frame); Lucy (rosewood melange/carbon frame); Noa (Navy/carbon frame); Theo (dark taupe/silver frame)

Balios

Moon black with silver frame; Moon black with black frame; Lava grey with silver frame; Ocean blue with silver frame; Sky blue with taupe frame; Seashell beige with taupe frame

Included Accessories

The Balios comes with the car seat adapters and the cupholder whereas the Cruz comes with neither--- both items are sold separately -- though they do give you an insect net!

Both strollers come with rain covers.

Price

The Balios is a little more cost effective, coming in at $50 cheaper (Cruz $699, Balios $649).

Final Words on UppaBaby Cruz vs. Cybex Balios

Although we went down a rabbit hole splitting hairs for a while, we've agreed on the conclusion that UppaBaby Cruz vs. Cybex Balios is a draw. These are very comparable strollers, high quality and durable for the city streets! If you want to figure out the winner as it applies to your family and needs, the best thing to do is to come in and see for yourself. We'll walk you though all of the particulars and let you push them outside to decide for yourself!

Remember, we only choose strollers at Babesta that we think will be strong enough to support a city lifestyle, filled with cobblestone, curbs and lots and lost of strolling! So you're already looking at the best choices, now you only have to decide the best choice for you. 

About Babesta

Babesta is your go-to for the best in baby and child, all vetted by industry experts, 20 years in the business. Be sure to read our guides online, from how to choose the best primary stroller, travel stroller, travel crib, infant carrier, infant car seat, convertible car seat, and so much more.

After you read the guide, as we said, come on in and try them yourself. It's so much better to see these things in person and talk to someone who's knowledgeable not only about the gear but of the city lifestyle.

At Babesta, we're dedicated to city families and want you to enter your parenting years equipped with the very best gear so that you can go about your days with ease. Don't lose your cool shopping the baby and kids market. Shop Babesta.