Review · Full-size stroller
Cybex Balios S Lux Review: Luxury Feel for Under $700?
Short answer: The Cybex Balios S Lux is worth it if you want premium full-size features for less than $1,000. Cybex lists it at $699.95 and 25.8 lb, with a reversible near-flat seat, a 22 lb basket and a one-hand standing fold. It is best on pavement; BabyGearLab found it struggles off-road. A new generation is coming.
Our verdict
8.7out of 10
Excellent
Best for
- Parents who want a premium look and feel for under $700
- Families with one child who mostly walk on pavement
- Tall parents who want a one-hand adjustable handlebar
Skip if
- You often push on grass, gravel or trails
- You plan a second child close together
- You need a small fold for a compact car
Pros
- Reversible seat with near-flat recline and a 55 lb limit
- 22 lb basket, per Cybex
- One-hand fold that stands on its own
- Named Best Luxury on a Budget by BabyGearLab
Cons
- BabyGearLab found off-road handling a slog
- Short leg rest and no footrest, per BabyGearLab
- 25.8 lb and 23.8 in wide folded
$699.95List price, October 2026
See it at CybexPrices change often. Check the retailer before you buy.
The Balios S Lux gives you most of what the pricier full-size strollers offer for $699.95. Cybex lists a reversible seat that reclines near-flat, a 55 lb limit, an XXL UPF50+ canopy, never-flat tires and a 22 lb basket, and it folds with one hand and stands. BabyGearLab named it Best Luxury on a Budget but found the fold fiddly and off-road handling weak. Cybex says a new generation is coming soon, so watch for price changes.
Who is the Cybex Balios S Lux for?
The Cybex Balios S Lux is for parents who want a full-size stroller with a premium feel but do not want to spend $900 or more. Cybex lists it at $699.95, and the box includes the seat, basket, bumper bar, rain cover, cup holder and car seat adapters. The seat is for children from 6 months to about 4 years and up to 55 lb. From birth you add a CYBEX infant car seat or the Cot S Lux, sold separately. BabyGearLab, which ranked it fifth of 20 full-size strollers, named it Best Luxury on a Budget and said most families will not feel they are missing out by choosing it over pricier options. It is a single stroller, with only a Kid Board for an older sibling. Cybex says a new Balios generation is coming soon, which is worth knowing if you are not in a hurry.
How does the Balios S Lux ride and steer?
Cybex fits the Balios S Lux with never-flat all-terrain wheels, front-wheel suspension and what it calls frame-based rear suspension. BabyGearLab found that it handles hard, flat surfaces and thresholds well, but scored its maneuverability below average. Carpet slowed it down, and off-road its reviewers said it 'falls apart and feels like a slog', with turns on grass taking real effort. They also found it vibrates a bit more than most, though it produced only two possible low-level wake-ups over bumps at walking speed. Owners on Babylist, where it averages 4.6 out of 5 from 47 reviews, describe a smooth, quiet ride. The handlebar adjusts with one hand, and one owner calls it one of the better options for tall parents.
- Maneuverability8.2 / 10
- WheelsNever-flat all-terrain wheels; front-wheel suspension plus frame-based rear suspension
How big is the Balios S Lux when folded?
Cybex lists the Balios S Lux at 25.8 lb, and BabyGearLab measured 25.3 lb. Folded, Cybex gives 17.3 x 23.8 x 30.3 in, and BabyGearLab measured about 11,904 cubic inches. Cybex says it folds with one hand and stands on its own. BabyGearLab agreed it is a one-hand, standing fold, and that it rolls like luggage with the front wheels locked. But they found the steps fiddly: lock the wheels, recline the seat and lower the leg rest first, or the fold catches. It fits most trunks, though one Babylist owner says it takes up a lot of space. It is not a carry-on stroller.
Is the Balios S Lux comfortable and safe?
The Balios S Lux seat faces you or the world, and Cybex says it adjusts to a near-flat position. BabyGearLab counted three recline positions and gave it a kid comfort score of 8.2. The XXL canopy uses UPF50+ fabric with a mesh window, and BabyGearLab noted a pop-out visor too. The one-pull harness tightens both straps at once, and BabyGearLab rated the harness among the better ones, with soft padding. The weak spot is the leg rest: BabyGearLab found it too short for a toddler, with no footrest. Cybex's US page names no safety certification, and Babylist lists a 2-year warranty.
How much storage does the Balios S Lux have?
Cybex rates the Balios S Lux basket to 22 lb, which BabyGearLab said is better than most competitors. They found it large, sturdy and easy to reach, with room for a large diaper bag, plus a seatback pocket for about 2 lb. It is still smaller than the 30 lb baskets on the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and Vista V3. A cup holder comes in the box, and Cybex sells a snack tray separately.
How does the Balios S Lux grow with your baby?
Scroll through the stages below; the 3D stroller changes as you go. Drag it to turn it.
1 · Seat, reclined
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01 · The early months
Seat, reclined
From 6 months (Cybex); near-flat recline. Near-flat, reversible seat; BabyGearLab counted 3 positions
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02 · Sitting up, through the toddler years
Seat, upright
The seat is rated to 55 lb, so most children can ride until they no longer need a stroller.
How does the Balios S Lux compare with $900-plus strollers?
At $699.95, the Cybex Balios S Lux costs about $200 less than the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 at $899.99 and the Nuna MIXX Next at $900. On paper it keeps up: a reversible near-flat seat, a 55 lb limit, an XXL UPF50+ canopy, never-flat tires, suspension front and rear, and a one-hand standing fold. Cybex also includes a rain cover and cup holder. Its basket, at 22 lb, beats the MIXX Next's 11 lb but trails the Cruz's 30 lb. Where it falls behind is handling: BabyGearLab scored its maneuverability below average and found it weak off-road, and the leg rest is short. BabyGearLab's view was that most families will not feel they are missing out. If you mostly walk on pavement, the savings are real.
Cybex Balios S Lux vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs Nuna MIXX Next
| Spec | Cybex Balios S Lux | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 | Nuna MIXX Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7 | 9.1 | 8.2 |
| List price | $699.95 | $899.99 | $900 |
| Weight | 25.8 lb | 26.5 lb | 28.3 lb |
| Folded (L×W×H) | 17.3×23.8×30.3 in | 17×22.5×32.5 in | 27.5×23.6×19 in |
| Max child weight | 55 lb | 50 lb | 50 lb |
| Bassinet included | No | No | No |
| Seats two children | No | No | No |
| Type | Full-size | Full-size | Full-size |
UPPAbaby Cruz V3: A 30 lb basket and a seat that works from birth, for $899.99. Nuna MIXX Next: A seat that reclines flat from birth and a compact fold, at $900.
How we rated the Cybex Balios S Lux
Six criteria, weighted by how much they shape everyday life. Read our methodology.
Weighted total8.7— Excellent
Cybex Balios S Lux full specifications
| Type | Full-size |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25.8 lb (as listed by Cybex; BabyGearLab measured 25.3 lb) |
| Folded size (L×W×H) | 17.3×23.8×30.3 in (Cybex US figures, self-standing; Cybex does not say whether the seat is attached) |
| Open size (L×W×H) | 35.6×23.6×42.5 in |
| Max child weight | 55 lb |
| From birth | Yes, with the Cot S Lux or a CYBEX infant car seat (both sold separately); the seat unit is from 6 months |
| Seat age | From 6 months (Cybex); near-flat recline |
| Recline | Near-flat, reversible seat; BabyGearLab counted 3 positions |
| Basket | Up to 22 lb |
| Fold | One-hand fold, stands when folded (Cybex); BabyGearLab found the prep steps fiddly |
| Wheels & suspension | Never-flat all-terrain wheels; front-wheel suspension plus frame-based rear suspension |
| Car seat compatibility | Any CYBEX infant car seat with the included adapters; Cybex also lists Maxi-Cosi Mico 30, Mico Max and Coral XP, and Nuna Pipa Lite |
| Converts | Single stroller; Cybex lists a compatible Kid Board for an older child |
| Travel | Not airline carry-on size |
| In the box | Balios S Lux frame with wheels, Seat unit, Shopping basket, Bumper bar, Sun canopy, Rain cover, Cup holder, Car seat adapters, Cot S Lux (sold separately) |
| List price | $699.95 (Cybex US list price, October 2026; Babylist lists the same price) |
What to buy instead
A 30 lb basket and a seat that works from birth, for $899.99.
UPPAbaby Cruz V3
9.1 — Exceptional. 26.5 lb, folds to 17×22.5×32.5 in, $899.99.
A seat that reclines flat from birth and a compact fold, at $900.
Nuna MIXX Next
8.2 — Very good. 28.3 lb, folds to 27.5×23.6×19 in, $900.
A budget full-size option at $399.99.
Joie Ginger DLX
8.0 — Very good. 26.7 lb, folds to 31.7×24.5×21 in, $399.99.
Cybex Balios S Lux FAQ
Is the Cybex Balios S Lux worth it?
For pavement walking, usually yes. Cybex lists it at $699.95 with a reversible near-flat seat, a 55 lb limit, a 22 lb basket and a one-hand standing fold. BabyGearLab named it Best Luxury on a Budget. The trade-offs are weak off-road handling, a fiddly fold and a short leg rest.
Can a newborn ride in the Balios S Lux?
Not in the seat unit, which Cybex rates from 6 months. From birth, use the Cot S Lux or a CYBEX infant car seat, both sold separately. Car seat adapters come in the box, and Cybex lists the Maxi-Cosi Mico 30, Mico Max, Coral XP and Nuna Pipa Lite as fitting too.
How heavy is the Balios S Lux, and how big is it folded?
Cybex lists it at 25.8 lb, and BabyGearLab measured 25.3 lb. Folded, Cybex gives 17.3 x 23.8 x 30.3 in. It folds with one hand and stands on its own, though BabyGearLab found you need to lock the wheels and recline the seat first.
Is a new Cybex Balios coming?
Yes. Cybex's US page carries a 'New Generation Coming' banner and says a new generation of Balios is coming soon. It gives no date or details. Cybex is offering 30% off the Balios S Lux when bought with the Cot S Lux, for a limited time and while stock lasts.