Comparing the Cybex Balios S Lux, UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus
Pictured (left to right): UPPAbaby Cruz V2, Cybex Balios S Lux and Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus
When it comes to finding the right pram for your family and unique lifestyle, we know that the search can be intimidating for new parents. There are so many amazing options on the market, at such a wide range of price points, where do you even begin?
To help you better understand what is available and how they compare, join us as we unpack the features, key benefits and drawbacks of some of the biggest names in the game. From there, all you have to do is decide what matters most to you: price, style, storage space, weight, size, compatibility with travel systems, or a combination?
If you’re looking for an all-rounder, middle of the market, single pram in Australia, you can’t go past the Cybex Balios S Lux, UPPAbaby Cruz V2 or Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus. All designed by international heavyweights, they have become choice picks for Aussie parents - for good reason.
Need a pram suited for siblings or twins instead? Discover the Cybex Gazelle S. Learn about our range of travel strollers here.
Reputation
Available in Australia for many years, UPPAbaby and Bugaboo have long been fan favourites, while the German-engineered Cybex brand entered Australia more recently, although quickly establishing itself as a serious contender in the market. All three are considered high-performance, globally-recognised brands, trusted by parents and experts alike.
The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 has a host of design updates from the previous model, including more space and more compact folding. Spacious and roomy, it comes in a wide range of colourways to choose from.
Featuring Cybex’s 4-in-1 travel system, the Balios S Lux is a compact stroller – great for city life, but also suited to more challenging terrains. A highly versatile all-rounder, it’s the perfect choice for those who love the premium Cybex design and quality at a more affordable price point.
Finally, the Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus is the most recent version of Bugaboo's original and most popular pram that's been a part of family journeys for more than 15 years. Offering a smooth stroll, it's versatile, easy to use and adapts to different situations.
Style
In the same way it’s natural to care about the ‘curb appeal’ when purchasing a new car, style is an important element of a pram. After all, it’s an investment and will be your constant companion for the next few years. Compare the profiles, handlebars, materials and little details below. What catches your eye?
Cybex Balios S Lux
Available in Soho Grey/ Black, Deep Black and River Blue/ Chrome.
UPPAbaby Cruz V2
Available in Charcoal/ Silver (Jordan), Green/ Silver (Emmett), Blue/ Silver (Gregory), Brush Grey/ Silver (Stella) and Charcoal/ Carbon (Grayson).
Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus
Available in Grey/ Black and Black/ Aluminium.
The Basics
Want to skip straight to the core features? The table below gives you a clear insight into the features of each pram you’re likely to use the most. Each pram has its own strengths – it's up to you to decide what makes the most sense for your anticipated needs.
|
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 |
Cybex Balios S Lux | Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus | |
| Price (RRP) |
$1,499 (pram only) $1,798 (pram + bassinet) |
$899 (pram only) $1,259 (pram + bassinet) |
$1,299 (pram + bassinet fabric) |
| Age/ Weight capacity |
Birth to 22.7kg (approx. 4 years) |
Birth to 22kg (approx. 4 years) |
Birth to 17kg (approx. 3 years) |
| Newborn suitability |
Only in Carry Cot* mode or with SnugSeat Liner* *Additional purchase required |
Yes, in both Seat mode (which can recline to a lay-flat position) and with the optional Carry Cot* mode *Additional purchase required |
Only with Carry Cot (included) |
| Twins | No | No | No |
| Travel system compatible |
Yes. Compatible with Nuna*, Maxi-Cosi*, Joie* and Bugaboo Turtle* *Adaptor required (separate purchase) |
Yes. Compatible with Cybex Cloud Q*, Nuna *, Maxi-Cosi*, Joie* and Bugaboo Turtle *Adaptor required (separate purchase) |
Yes. Compatible with Cybex Cloud Q*, Nuna*, Maxi-Cosi* and Bugaboo Turtle* *Adaptor required (separate purchase) |
| Bassinet/ Carry Cot | Can be purchased with or without a Carry Cot (suitable up to 6 months months) |
|
Comes with a Bassinet fabric that fits to the seat frame. This is converted to a seat around 6 months old |
| Reversible seats | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toddler/ kid board | Yes. Compatible with the UPPAbaby Piggyback ride along board - Cruz | Yes. Compatible with the Cybex Kid Board |
Yes. Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board* *Adaptor required (separate purchase) |
| Shopping/ storage basket capacity | 13kg | 5kg | 6kg |
| Folding |
|
|
|
| Adjustable footrest | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Specs
Want to know more? If pram size, weight or terrain ability are important factors in your decision-making process, consider the specs below:
|
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 |
Cybex Balios S Lux | Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus | |
| Weight |
9.1kg (frame only)
11.5kg (frame + seat) |
8.3kg (frame only) 11.6kg (frame + seat) |
6.7kg (frame only) 11.3kg (frame + seat) |
| Dimensions (unfolded) |
78.7cm L x 57.2cm W x 101cm H
|
90cm L x 60cm W x 100cm H | 94cm L x 59cm W x 101cm H |
| Dimensions (folded with seat) |
82.6cm L x 57.2cm W x 41.9cm H
|
75.5cm L x 60cm W x 43cm H | 90cm L x 60cm W x 47cm H |
| Canopy |
|
|
|
| Handlebar adjustment |
|
|
|
| Wheels |
|
|
6” front, 12” rear |
| Warranty | 2 years + extra year if registered | 2 years | 2 years + extra 2 years if registered |
| Country of origin |
Design: USA Manufacture: China |
Design: Germany Manufacture: China |
Design: The Netherlands Manufacture: China |
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 key benefits
- Widest range of colour options of the three
- Largest shopping/ storage capacity of the three
- One year longer warranty than the Balios S Lux (if registered)
- Compatible with some travel systems (adaptors required)
Drawbacks
- The most expensive of the three
- Smallest canopy of the three
- Folding requires two hands and seat must be forward-facing when folding
- Limited travel system compatibility
- Suitable for less terrain types than the Balios S Lux
- Additional Infant SnugSeat or bassinet purchase required to use the pram from birth
- Not compatible with the 5-star safety rated, reclining Cloud Q capsule.
- Although seat reclines, the bucket shape seat leaves child's legs elevated while napping
Balios S Lux key benefits
- Seat reclines to true-flat position for infant and napping toddlers (suitable for newborns even without additional purchase of a Carry Cot)
- Great value for money: the most affordable option of the three (by far)
- Easy one-hand folding with seat facing either direction
- Has slightly larger wheels than Cruz V2 with more all-terrain tread
- Compatible with the 5-star safety rated reclining Cloud Q capsule
- Larger canopy than Cruz V2
- More compact than the Cameleon 3 Plus and Cruz V2 when folded - takes up less space in boot of the car
- Seat at table height
Drawbacks
- Fewer fabric colour options than the Cruz V2
- 2-year warranty is shorter than 2-3 year UPPAbaby and 2-4 year Bugaboo warranties
Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus key benefits
- Lightest of the three
- Longest warranty of the three (if registered on-time)
- Larger canopy than Cruz V2
- Comes with a bassinet fabric that fits to the seat frame
- Compatible with some travel systems (adaptors required)
Drawbacks
- No adjustable footrest
- Largest of the three when folded, requiring more space in your boot
- Smallest shopping/ storage basket capacity of the three
- Folding recommended without seat attached
- More expensive than the Balios S Lux
- Seat not at table height
- Only suitable to approx. 3 years while the Cruz V2 and Balios S Lux are suitable up to approx. 4 years
In summary, all three are great options for any family looking for a daily pram around town, full of features and backed by reputable global brands. The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is well established in the market and offers the widest range of colours, while the newer Cybex Balios S Lux has more up-to-date features, such as the reclining flat-lay seat, one-handed fold, and is at the lowest price point of the three. Finally, The Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Plus is another proven favourite, offering the longest warranty.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what’s most important for your family.
Anstel has a team of passionate expert representatives. Get in touch with us today with any questions about your pram purchase.
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