Looking for an umbrella stroller to lighten your load without sacrificing style and reliability? Look no further than UPPAbaby’s two single umbrella strollers, the UPPAbaby G-LUXE and UPPAbaby G-LITE.
Why Trust Us?
Because my full-time job is being mom to 2 precious daughters, and I know a thing or two about strollers. Besides personal experience, I get feedback from other moms who use these strollers every day and put all that research into our unbiased stroller buying guides
- Kyli
In this UPPAbaby G-LUXE vs G-LITE guide, we’ll walk through the similarities and differences between these two strollers and help you decide which is best for you.
Table of Contents
UPPAbaby Umbrella Strollers
UPPAbaby is one of today’s most popular stroller brands. They currently sell seven different strollers, including three full-sized strollers and four lightweight strollers.
Their full-sized strollers consist of the single-to-double convertible Vista stroller (which they are best known for), the single convertible Cruz stroller, and the Ridge jogging stroller. Their lightweight strollers include the Minu, which is a luxury compact travel stroller, and three umbrella stroller models.
The G-LINK 2 is a double umbrella stroller and is most appealing to parents of twins. The G-LUXE is their high-end umbrella stroller with a supportive seat, adjustable footrest, and one-handed recline. Their final umbrella stroller, the G-LITE, is their least expensive model that includes a simple folding mechanism and easy-to-use features for strolling on the go.
UPPAbaby strollers are used widely in urban and suburban settings. They sit on the higher end of the price spectrum compared to most strollers, and they pride themselves on products with quality materials, practical features, and a sophisticated look.
The brand is known for excellent customer service and reliable, durable products. Many parents who own the UPPAbaby Vista or UPPAbaby Cruz as their family’s primary full-size stroller come back to the brand in search of a compact secondary stroller or lightweight stroller for grandparents.
The G-LITE and G-LUXE are two popular choices. They maintain a streamlined size and manageable price point without sacrificing luxury features like reclining seats, four-wheel suspension, and sleek aesthetics.
G-LUXE and G-LITE Stroller Overview
- 2017 model G-LUXE Stroller
- New one action brake plus lightweight aluminum frame with robust profile
- Easy open, removable height adjustable canopy and shock-absorbing, 4-wheel suspension
The UPPAbaby G-LUXE is a souped-up umbrella stroller with a lightweight aluminum frame. It boasts a padded seat with a one-handed reclining mechanism and adjustable calf support. It folds in half for compact storage and weighs just over 16 pounds.
The G-LUXE supports passengers from 3 months to 55 pounds, and the larger rear wheels create impressive maneuverability. It comes in three beautiful fabrics and two slick frame colors.
- G-lite stroller has mesh sling seat for breathability and comfort without adding weight
- G-lite stroller has zipper recline for added comfort, convenient carry strap, cup holder included
- G-series rain shield fits 2018-later G-LUXE and G-LITE models
The UPPAbaby G-LITE is a more streamlined version of the G-LUXE. It has a flexible, breathable mesh seat back that keeps children cooler on warmer days. It has a zipper mechanism for reclining and weighs about 11 pounds, making it super portable.
The G-LITE can carry children from 6 months to 55 pounds and has four-wheel shock absorption. Parents can choose from two attractive fabric colors for this user-friendly stroller.
Both strollers have a pop-out UPF 50 sun shade, a convenient carry strap, an included removable cup holder, and a roomy storage basket that holds up to 10 pounds of cargo.
To get a better idea of how these strollers differ, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each when matched up against each other.
G-LUXE
Things We Like
- Large UPF 50 sun shade with a pop-out extension.
- Ample under-seat basket with 10 pounds of storage capacity.
- Four-wheel premium suspension technology.
- Included cup holder to hold your drink of choice.
- Convenient shoulder strap that makes carrying a breeze.
- Supports children up to an impressive 55 pounds.
- An easy two-step folding mechanism.
- Easily accessible pocket behind the seat back keeps your keys, wallet, and phone close by.
- Holds babies as young as 3 months old.
- Stands on its own when folded.
- Seat back is more structured, supportive, and padded than the G-LITE.
- Adjustable leg rest.
- Larger front and rear wheels than the G-LITE for improved maneuverability.
Room for Improvement
- Costs about $50 more than the G-LITE.
- More than 5 pounds heavier than the G-LITE.
G-LITE
Things We Like
- Large UPF 50 sun shade with a pop-out extension.
- Ample under-seat basket with 10 pounds of storage capacity.
- Four-wheel premium suspension technology.
- Included cup holder to hold your drink of choice.
- Convenient shoulder strap that makes carrying a breeze.
- Supports children up to an impressive 55 pounds.
- An easy two-step folding mechanism.
- Costs less than the G-LUXE (G-LITE is UPPAbaby’s least expensive stroller).
- Folds down to a more compact size than the G-LUXE stroller.
- Weighs only 11 pounds, so it’s very easy to carry.
- Mesh seat back is breathable in warm weather.
Room for Improvement
- You need to wait until your baby is 6 months old to use the G-LITE.
- The stroller does not stand on its own when folded.
- Seat back is not as supportive as the G-LUXE and is not padded.
- There is no leg rest.
- The stroller has smaller wheels than the G-LUXE, which reduces maneuverability on rough terrain.
Features that Matter
Let’s dive into the detailed features you care about when buying baby products, and see how the UPPAbaby G-LUXE stroller and UPPAbaby G-LITE stroller measure up.
Cost
The most significant difference between these two strollers is the upfront cost. While the G-LUXE will set you back about $200, the G-LITE is 25% less expensive at about $150.
Both strollers have compatible accessories that can add to their cost, discussed in more detail below.
Size
While the G-LUXE and G-LITE are similar in size when unfolded, the G-LITE collapses into a more compact fold, creating easier portability and storage. The dimensions for these two strollers are as follows:
- G-LUXE: unfolded dimensions: 28.8” L x 18.8” W x 43” H; folded dimensions: 19.2” L x 12” W x 41.8” H
- G-LITE: unfolded dimensions: 31.3” L x 18.3” W x 42.4” H; folded dimensions: 12.5” L x 10.7” W x 42” H
Weight & Portability
The G-LITE stroller is lighter in weight and much more portable compared to the G-LUXE stroller.
The weight of the G-LUXE stroller is 16.3 pounds, which is light and makes for easy carrying. The G-LITE, however, is more than 5 pounds lighter, coming in at an impressive 11.2 pounds.
This makes it very easy for you to lift the G-LITE up the stairs or into your car.
Both strollers come with an attached carry strap, so you can throw them over your shoulder and keep your hands free to interact with your little one.
Age Range
Both the G-LUXE and G-LITE strollers support children up to 55 pounds, which is a robust amount, especially for an umbrella stroller.
You can use the G-LUXE stroller with your baby starting at 3 months of age, but you need to wait until your child is 6 months old to start using the G-LITE.
This limits the life of the G-LITE stroller and makes the G-LUXE more user-friendly.
Folding Mechanism
Both these umbrella strollers have a simple two-step folding mechanism for easy carrying and storage.
The major difference is that the G-LUXE stands on its own when folded, which makes it easier to store inside your house or off to the side at a restaurant.
Maneuverability
UPPAbaby is known for its impressive suspension in all its strollers, and the G-LUXE and G-LITE are no exception. Both strollers have high-quality four-wheel shock absorption to create a smooth ride for your child.
The G-LUXE stroller does have better maneuverability overall, thanks to its increased wheel size. The G-LITE has four wheels that are equal in size with a 4.8” diameter. However, the G-LUXE boasts 5.5” diameter front wheels and 5.8” diameter rear wheels, making the ride a bit more comfortable over varied terrain.
Storage Capacity
The G-LITE and G-LUXE have roomy storage baskets under the stroller seat. They both accommodate 10 pounds of cargo, which is an impressive amount for an umbrella stroller, to help you carry groceries or diaper bag essentials.
Sun Protection
These two umbrella strollers from UPPAbaby sport a UPF 50+ protection sunshade similar in style. A thin, shiny fabric pops out underneath the sunshade to extend coverage and keep your child safe from UV rays.
Accessories
The G-LITE and G-LUXE both come with a removable cup holder to carry your drink of choice, so you don’t need to buy one separately.
Neither stroller is compatible with UPPAbaby’s popular toddler snack tray or the piggyback ride-along board, but you can purchase a carry-all organizer that hangs from the stroller’s handlebar to help keep essentials close.
For inclement weather, a rain shield is available for both strollers sold separately. You can also buy an attachable blanket to keep your child warm on colder days.
If you plan on traveling with your G-LITE or G-LUXE stroller, you can purchase UPPAbaby’s G-series travel bag for either model. Purchasing this bag also gives you access to the brand’s TravelSafe program, which will reimburse you for any damages incurred during air travel.
Seat Style
Both of these umbrella strollers have reclining seats, which sets them apart from other models on the market.
The UPPAbaby G-LITE has a flexible, breathable seat back made of mesh. This allows the stroller to fold into a more compact size and increases airflow when the weather is warm. When your child needs to snooze on the go, the seat reclines via a zipper.
The seat style of the G-LUXE is what makes it truly feel like a luxe umbrella stroller. The seat has a thicker, more cushioned padding and increased support for your child. In addition to an adjustable footrest, it has a one-handed recline mechanism that makes it easier to change positions and keep your child comfortable.
Aesthetics
The G-LUXE stroller has a sturdier look overall with thicker fabric and padding supporting its seat. It comes in three colors including denim blue fabric with a silver frame, black fabric with a carbon frame, and charcoal gray fabric with a silver frame.
The G-LITE stroller comes in two colors: red fabric with a silver frame and black fabric with a carbon frame.
To help you decide which color fits your family’s aesthetic, UPPAbaby will send fabric swatches free of charge for you to take a look at before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
UPPAbaby delivers with their two single umbrella strollers, the G-LUXE and the G-LITE.
The main advantage of the G-LITE over the G-LUXE is a 25% reduction in cost. This is significant, especially when parents are typically buying one of these products in addition to a full-size stroller they already own. The G-LITE also has a more compact fold and lighter weight than the G-LUXE.
There are many advantages of the G-LUXE over the G-LITE that include: a one-handed folding mechanism, a supportive toddler seat with padding, large wheels, and an adjustable footrest. The G-LUXE also stands on its own when folded and accommodates children as young as three months.
The G-LUXE is the more versatile option compared to the G-LITE and might be the best option for parents looking for a luxury umbrella stroller that packs up easily and keeps children comfortable.
For shoppers looking to cut costs and still buy a reliable umbrella stroller for simple errands, the G-LITE is a great choice.
To learn more about each of these strollers in detail, read our in-depth reviews of the UPPAbaby G-LUXE and UPPAbaby G-LITE. To compare these two models to UPPAbaby’s other products, check out our article on the Best UPPAbaby Strollers, or our review of UPPAbaby’s travel stroller, the UPPAbaby Minu.
Although the G-LUXE and the G-LITE are great options, there are many appealing umbrella strollers currently on the market. To compare these UPPAbaby options against other models, including some more budget-friendly strollers, see our guide on the Best Umbrella Strollers.
Finally, if you need an umbrella stroller for twins, our post on the Best Double Umbrella Strollers can help you find the best choice for your family.
