At first glance, the G-LUXE and the G-LITE don’t seem like terribly different strollers. And while they are both UPPAbaby and both considered umbrella strollers, they actually are pretty different if you take a closer look!
The biggest difference right off the bat is the pricing. The G-LITE starts at $179 and the G-LUXE starts at $279. The G-Luxe is the newer version and therefore has some pretty legit upgrades--about $100 worth!
The G-LUXE has a recline option where the G-LITE does not. This alone means that the G-LITE wont be suitable for babies until they are 6 months old; whereas the G-LUXE works for babies as young as 3 months. Along with this, the seat has no special bells and whistles on the G-LITE, but on the G-LUXE there is a fold/pull up option for preference or comfort while baby sleeps. And speaking of comfort, the G-LUXE has much more cushion!
All 8 wheels on the G-LITE are small and plastic which is an okay option, but not a particularly smooth push for mom or a smooth ride for baby. The G-LUXE’s front tires (only one on each side) are larger and made from rubber which makes for a less bumpy ride.
The brakes on the G-LITE are more involved and less convenient than the G-LUXE’s. The G-LITE has one push-down break on each back tire section, and each requires a lift up with a foot to unlock. The G-LUXE’s brake is a one step (literally) push of the red tab, which locks both back wheels, and then to unlock them, you simply push on the green tab.
Each has a 5-point harness buckle, underneath storage, and a canopy, though the G-LUXE’s canopy covers slightly more space. They fold up to roughly the same size, but the G-LUXE weighs a tad more than the G-Lite.
The G-Lite is perfect for short trips and nonchalant outings. The G-LUXE becomes a little more appealing when longer trips are involved, or if this is going to be the main stroller used for your family. You can’t go wrong with either stroller; it simply depends on if the extra $100 is worth it to you for all of the upgrades.