Tired of lugging your giant convertible stroller around for simple errands or visits with family?
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
If you’re looking for something more lightweight and portable, you might be interested in the UPPAbaby MINU or UPPAbaby G-LUXE stroller. In this UPPAbaby MINU vs G-LUXE guide, we’ll parse through the major differences between these two strollers to help you decide which is right for you.
Table of Contents
UPPAbaby Lightweight Strollers
UPPAbaby is one of the most popular stroller brands in the business. Best known for their full-size luxury strollers, like the UPPAbaby Vista, they sell a wide range of strollers that cater to all of your needs.
UPPAbaby makes seven different stroller models: three full-size strollers (the Vista, the Cruz, and the Ridge jogging stroller), and four lightweight strollers. The four lightweight strollers include the G-LINK 2, the G-LITE, the MINU, and the G-LUXE.
The G-LINK 2 is a double umbrella stroller, appealing to parents of twins on the go. The G-LITE is UPPAbaby’s most basic umbrella stroller, with a lower price point than any of UPPAbaby’s other models.
The UPPAbaby MINU V2 is the brand’s highest-end and most expensive compact stroller. Designed as both a travel and everyday stroller, the MINU has many of the modern conveniences UPPAbaby is known for. It’s compatible with luxury accessories and with from-birth options such as an infant car seat or bassinet, all while being able to fold down to an extremely compact size with one hand.
The UPPAbaby G-LUXE is less than half the price of the MINU. An attractive, lightweight umbrella stroller, it’s a great option as a grandparents’ stroller or as a secondary stroller for young families. While not as compact as the MINU when folded, it boasts attractive features like a reclining seat, adjustable calf support, and all-wheel suspension.
MINU and G-LUXE Stroller Overview
UPPAbaby MINU
- TRAVEL BIG, CARRY SMALL: At just under 17 lbs, easily bring the Minu on planes, trains, and ferries thanks to the built-in carry handle and included shoulder strap
- OVERHEAD FRIENDLY: One hand and one smooth motion are all it takes to completely fold the Minu – small enough to fit in compact travel compartments
- LARGE BASKET FOR BIGH ADVENTURES: Store everyday essentials, a diaper bag, and any souvenirs you pick up throughout your travels with the large storage basket that can hold up to 20 lbs!
The UPPAbaby MINU V2, updated in April 2022, has many of the features of UPPAbaby’s full-size luxury strollers while functioning like a travel stroller. It’s great for trips to the store because it can easily be loaded in and out of the car, and it holds a significant amount of storage in the under-seat basket.
Parents love the MINU as a lightweight travel stroller because it doesn’t add much bulk to your luggage, is easy to carry from one destination to the next, and keeps your child comfortable on long strolls.
Compatible accessories and from-birth options mean the MINU could also function as your primary stroller, especially if you will be navigating tight spaces.
Here are some of the major wins the MINU delivers, and some areas with room for improvement:
Things We Like
- Lightweight, weighing only 16.9 pounds.
- Folds into thirds for extreme portability with a one-hand, one-step folding mechanism.
- Stands on its own when folded for easy storage.
- One-handed recline and adjustable calf support.
- Genuine leather accents and five modern color choices that include blue, green, black, light gray, and charcoal.
- Many compatible accessories including a ride-along board, snack tray, and parent cup holder.
- Extendable sun canopy with UPF 50+ coverage.
- Large under-seat basket that holds a whopping 20 pounds of storage, plus a storage pocket behind the seat back.
- Convenient carrying strap and carry handle to make transporting this stroller a breeze.
- Comes with adapters that are seat compatible with the UPPAbaby bassinet and multiple car seat brands for from-birth capability.
- Larger back wheels compared to the G-LUXE (6.5” compared to 5.8”), which creates a more comfortable ride.
Room for Improvement
- Expensive for a lightweight stroller (more than double the price of the G-LUXE).
- Slightly heavier at about half a pound more than the G-LUXE.
- Cup holder is not included.
- Only carries children up to 50 pounds, compared to 55 pounds in the G-LUXE.
UPPAbaby G-LUXE
- Suitable for children from 3 months to 55 pounds
- One-handed actuated recline and adjustable footrest
- Large stretch knit canopy with extendable UPF 50+ sunshade for great sun and wind protection
The UPPAbaby G-LUXE is a souped-up umbrella stroller that’s a great solution for quick errands or short walks. There are no from-birth options available for the G-LUXE, so it probably isn’t the best choice as a family’s primary stroller, but it’s the perfect secondary or grandparent stroller.
The G-LUXE is lightweight and versatile. Parents love the included cup holder, ample sun protection, and easy reclining mechanism to make walks more comfortable for their little ones.
Here are some of our favorite, and some less desirable, features of the G-LUXE:
Things We Like
- Less than half the price of the MINU!
- Very lightweight, weighing only 16.3 pounds.
- Stands on its own when folded for easy storage.
- One-handed recline and adjustable calf support.
- Three sleek color choices include black, gray, and denim blue.
- Removable cup holder included with stroller purchase.
- Pop-out sun canopy extension with ample UPF 50+ coverage.
- Accessible under seat storage basket and storage pocket behind the seat back.
- Convenient carrying strap makes transporting this stroller a breeze.
- Carries children up to 55 pounds.
Room for Improvement
- Folds in half like a classic umbrella stroller, but is not as compact as the MINU.
- Only holds 10 pounds of storage in the under-seat basket.
- No from-birth options available for purchase.
- Two-step folding mechanism requires two free hands, compared to the one-handed MINU folding mechanism.
- Expensive for an umbrella stroller.
- No compatible snack tray for your baby.
To get a better idea of how these strollers function in real life, check out UPPAbaby’s quick videos on parents using the MINU and the G-LUXE in everyday settings. UPPAbaby also provides a helpful stroller comparison chart detailing all the specifications and major features of their stroller models.
Features That Matter
Let’s take a closer look at the specific features you care about when purchasing a stroller, and how the MINU and the G-LUXE match up on each of them.
Cost
The UPPAbaby MINU costs about $450, which is on the pricey side for a lightweight stroller.
Although many parents feel it’s worth the investment, a lower price point is the G-LUXE’s major advantage over the MINU. It currently costs less than half of the MINU—coming in at about $200.
Weight
The MINU and the G-LUXE are similar in weight, differing by only half a pound.
The MINU weighs 16.9 pounds, and the G-LUXE weighs 16.3 pounds. While still manageable, both are a bit heavier than some other lightweight strollers on the market.
Size
The MINU is considerably smaller than the G-LUXE when folded because it collapses into thirds rather than folding in half. The MINU’s folded dimensions are 11.5” by 20.3” by 23”, and the G-LUXE’s folded dimensions are 19.2” by 12” by 41.8”.
The MINU can function as a carry-on for many flights or can be gate-checked. I have had no problem stowing our family’s MINU in the overhead compartment on multiple flights, but you should always check your flight’s carry-on restrictions beforehand.
The compact size of the MINU makes it extremely easy to fit into the trunk of your car, on your car’s floor, or off to the side at a restaurant.
Unfolded, they are similar in size, although the G-LUXE is slightly smaller. The MINU’s unfolded dimensions are 35.5” by 20.3” by 41”, and the G-LUXE’s unfolded dimensions are 28.8” by 18.8” by 43”.
Shoulder Strap
Both strollers have an attached shoulder strap. Although this might seem like a small feature, it makes a huge difference in convenience when carrying the folded stroller with you while keeping your hands free.
The MINU has a carry handle as an alternative option.
Folding Mechanism
The G-LUXE folds down in two easy steps and requires two hands.
The MINU has an impressive one-step, one-handed folding mechanism. This is a huge win, especially when you need to fold the stroller with one hand while carrying precious cargo in the other.
Both strollers stand on their own when folded to make for easy storage.
Seat Style
The MINU and the G-LUXE come with an attached toddler seat.
While not reversible, both seats recline with one hand and have adjustable calf support. This means you can be confident your little one is comfortable, whether sitting up to see the sites or laying back for a snooze.
Aesthetics
Both the MINU and the G-LUXE are attractive and sophisticated strollers from UPPAbaby. The MINU comes in five modern color choices and has 100% full-grain leather accents, while the G-LUXE has three neutral color options.
UPPAbaby will ship free fabric swatches for either stroller if you’re interested in taking a look before making a purchase.
Accessories
The G-LUXE comes with a removable parent cup holder included, while the MINU has one available for separate purchase.
The MINU has several accessories that are not available for the G-LUXE, including a snack tray for your baby (sold separately). With the purchase of a ride-along piggyback board, the MINU can be expanded to transport two children if one is standing.
The MINU is also unique because it is compatible with UPPAbaby’s infant bassinet and with several infant car seats, making it a suitable stroller from birth. However, the purchase of adapters is required for these newborn add-ons.
Sun Protection
Both strollers have UPF 50+ sun protection for your child. The MINU’s sun canopy zips out to extend and provide ample coverage over your little one, while the G-LUXE sun canopy has a thinner, shiny fabric that pops out to provide added shade.
The MINU sun canopy also has a convenient peekaboo window for keeping an eye on your tiny passenger during naps.
Storage Capacity
UPPAbaby is known for having great storage capacity in its strollers. The G-LUXE and the MINU have roomy storage baskets under the seats.
While the G-LUXE only holds 10 pounds of gear, the MINU can hold an impressive 20 pounds of cargo. This means you can stuff your loaded diaper bag and a small cooler or snacks in the large basket for a day out.
Both strollers have convenient storage pockets behind the seat back. These are great spots to store your wallet, keys, phone, or drinks and food on the go.
Age Range
Both stroller seats are suitable for babies as young as three months.
With available adapters, the MINU has the impressive capacity to carry your newborn from day one with compatible car seats or the infant bassinet, sold separately.
The G-LUXE is equipped to carry children up to 55 pounds, and the MINU up to 50 pounds, both of which are ample for most young children.
Maneuverability
UPPAbaby utilizes high-quality shock absorption in all four wheels on the G-LUXE and the MINU, so you can stroll over grass or bumpy sidewalks without worrying about your little one getting uncomfortable.
The MINU does have larger rear wheels, measuring 6.5” across compared to 5.8”, making for superior maneuverability over varied terrain.
Final Thoughts
The most significant difference between the MINU and the G-LUXE is the cost, with the MINU costing more than twice its umbrella stroller counterpart. In terms of functionality, the major differences between the MINU and the G-LUXE fall into three categories: portability, storage capacity, and accessories.
The MINU folds down much into a much smaller bundle than the G-LUXE and holds twice as much storage in the under-seat basket. Available accessories make daily adventures more convenient with the MINU and a great newborn stroller with a compatible infant bassinet or a car seat.
Although the cost of the MINU can be limiting, especially when considering it as a second stroller for your family, it is a more versatile and compact stroller.
To learn more about the MINU and the G-LUXE, and to compare them against UPPAbaby’s other options, read our UPPAbaby MINU Stroller Review, our UPPAbaby G-LUXE Stroller Review, or our article on the Best UPPAbaby Strollers.
To compare these two strollers against other lightweight or basic umbrella stroller options, including some that are more budget-friendly, check out our guides on the Best Lightweight Strollers and the Best Umbrella Strollers.
