Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double Review

Evenflo, an Ohio-based company, launched with nipples for infants in 1920. As time went on, the company created more gear for their bottle-feeding collection. In 1995, Evenflo Juvenile and Evenflo Juvenile Furniture Company merged to form a single entity. The company now sells supplies for feeding, strollers, car seats, high chairs, and more.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

The Xpand provides easier to use features than much of the competition, which is nice to see in a lower-priced option. Each test metric is actually a total of weighted smaller tested results that impact the overall score. We include some of these details in the charts below.

Fold and Unfold

How easy a product is to fold or unfold is 25% of the total ease of use score.

The stroller folds with two seats attached which is not always found in the competition. The fold is relatively easy, if not instinctive, and after you unlock the frame (above left), it folds in on itself. The stroller has an auto-lock(above right) and self-stands.

Brakes

Brake testing results are 5% of the total score.

The single-action brakes on the Xpand have a rocker-style pedal on the right side of the rear axle area. The pedal is easy to access and smoothly set and release without problems. The Pivot earns one of the best results for brakes in the group.

Storage

Storage for two is super important which is why we gave this sub-test a weight of 20% of the total score.

The storage bin is easy to access no matter how many seats you are using and there is good access from most sides. The bin fit our extra-large diaper bag but it only has a 10 lb weight limit which could be too low for supplies for two children. This is not as high as the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double that holds up to 30 lbs.

Sunshade

The usefulness of the canopies is 15% of the total ease of use result.

The canopies on the Pivot aren't the highlight of this stroller and while they offer adequate protection from overhead sun, that is about all you're going to get from these stylish but smaller sunshades. The shades have a peek-a-boo window and it is mesh for additional ventilation. They are better than those on the Graco Ready2Grow LX 2.0.

Harness

The ease of use of the harness is 10% of the total ease of use metric.

The harness has a chintzy feel and it has a more convoluted rethread height adjustment that is harder to manage than much of the competition. However, the buckle works well and the other adjustments for fit are straightforward. With any luck, you won't be making height changes often.

Seat

The Pivot accepts two infant car seats or two toddler seats or a combination of both. The seats can face forward (below left) or back toward the parents with the ability for them to face away from one another or toward one another. The connection adapters for the second seat are already a part of the stroller and remain attached so there is no risk of losing parts.

The toddler seats recline with a lift of a lever and work with one hand. They can recline flat, and the back and footrest can drop down to create a bassinet-style seat with depth designed to protect infants that can't roll or sit up (above right). This design creates even more versatility in the stroller that isn't available on all of the competition. The seats work better together than those on the Mockingbird Double that are too close together and prevent good use from either.

Car Seat Compatibility

the Enflo is compatible with some Evenflo infant car seats and there is an adapter available for seats of other brands like Chicco (including the Chicco Keyfit 30 and Chicco Keyfit 35), Graco, and Peg Perego (including the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35). Several seats from these brands won awards in our infant car seat review, giving you multiple options for high-quality car seat combinations.

Ease of Setup

The Evenflo is about average to set up with an assembly time of about 8:43 minutes.

Setup is pretty straightforward and requires no tools to complete. All you need to do is snap on the wheels and attach the seats. Most of the assembly time is unboxing and reading the instructions.

Maneuverability

Thanks to foam-filled plastic wheels the Pivot is harder to push and turn than similar strollers. In general, inline strollers can be challenging because they are longer and harder to turn. The Baby Jogger City Select Double is one of the few easier to push than the Evenflo, thanks to its better wheels.

The frame and the handlebar flex more than we'd like on this stroller which translates to a lack of control and responsiveness. Attempts to push one-handed led to some potential for tipping in our tests and this problem got worse on rougher terrain like on grass and gravel. This option isn't the best choice for those who'll frequent parks or off-road adventures.

Weight and Folded Size

The Pivot isn't heavy or light compared to much of the double competition.

It weighs 34.6 lbs where the average is 33. Folded, it measures 21,827 cubic inches in a group that is 18,500 on average. The second seat makes this option much larger than it really is, and if you have the ability and time to remove it before folding, you can likely fit it into smaller spaces.

Quality

The Pivot isn't the best quality, but it is nice for the price and there is no obvious failing for a product in this price range. It has some flex in the frame and handlebar and can wobble a little, but it isn't so bad you'll be frustrated. It is stylish and resembles much of the higher-end competitors and could easily fit the bill for those looking for this style stroller but care about looks.

The materials are nice and there is attention to detail in that there aren't loose threads or errant stitching. The fabric fits the parts well and it feels durable enough to survive strolling years though it may not make it to hand me down or resell status depending on how hard a life it has, in our opinion.

Twins

This is a good choice for twins as it can accept two infant car seats or the toddler seats can be converted to bassinet-style seats. The seating arrangements are similar and are unlikely to cause fighting or discord between older children, making it a good choice for twins or those of similar ages. For parents on a budget looking for a stroller they can use from birth, this is a rare find.

Should You Buy the Xpand?

The Xpand is a great budget-friendly stroller with various seating configurations for up to 3 children at once. This useful stroller works with two infant car seats, making it good for twins, and the toddler seats work well together. While it isn't the nicest in the review, nor did it offer the same performance for maneuverability as the more expensive choices, we think many families will be pleased with what it offers and be happy with the savings.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?

If you aren't married to an inline stroller and don't need twin-level infant car seat attachment, you might consider the side-by-side strollers in this review that often sport a lower price like the Joovy Scooter X2 with Trays. This stroller offers similar seating, a large storage bin, and better quality. It is not suitable for 3, and it lacks car seat compatibility, but depending on your needs, it could fit the bill. Alternatively, the Baby Trend Expedition Double is also less expensive and gives you the option of jogging or moving off-road. It also lacks an infant car seat connection. If your budget allows, and you want the best of the best, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is hard to beat with excellent performance in almost every metric.

Accessories

Evenflo Infant Car Seat Adapter for Chicco, Graco, and Peg Perego — If you want to create a travel system or a double for infant twins using car seats from other manufacturers, you'll need a car seat adapter. We recommend checking with the manufacturer for car seat compatibility prior to your purchase.

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Stroller Second Seat — This second toddler seat is necessary if you buy the stroller without purchasing the two-seater setup as a group.

Evenflo Stroller Rider Board — If your family grows beyond two, and you have an older child, the rider board can be a useful option for transporting all your little ones.

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