Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double Review
Pros: Multiple seating options, accepts 2 car seats, easy to use, price
Cons: Harder to push and turn, heavier, lower quality
Manufacturer: Evenflo
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
Evenflo, and 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 government. The company now sells supplies for feeding, strollers, 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.
Fold and Unfold
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
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
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.
Sunshade
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 ot get from these stylish but smaller sunshades. The shades have a peek-a-boo window and it is mesh for additional ventilation.
Harness
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 2 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.
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, Graco and Peg Perego. 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, the inline strollers can be challenging because they are longer and harder to turn.
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 prior to 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.
Accessories
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.
Manufacturer Video
— Dr. Juliet Spurrier and Wendy Schmitz