In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Review

A nice enough, expandable stroller with seating options for up to 3 riders but it has limited features
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Evenflo Pivot Xpand Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $350 List
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Manufacturer:   Evenflo
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Mar 31, 2024
66
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#14 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 8.0
  • Maneuverability - 25% 5.4
  • Transport/Storing - 15% 4.2
  • Quality - 10% 6.7
  • Kid's Comfort - 10% 7.3

Our Verdict

The Evenflo Pivot Xpand is a uber budget-friendly favorite full-size stroller. This modern-styled stroller can grow with your family and offers reversible seating, car seat compatibility, and impressive storage large enough for supplies for two. It has easy-to-use everyday features, a quick fold, and nice features for passenger comfort. However, the Xpand is not the highest quality, and its heft and smaller wheels make it more challenging to push off-road. Its wider rear axle struggles somewhat with tight turns and narrow doorways more than similar competition. Overall, we think this stroller fills a niche for families on a tight budget who don't want a jogger or need more storage. While it isn't the option we'd recommend to everyone, we think plenty of families will love it for what it offers and the money they'll save.
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile growth
Loads of storage
Good value
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited extra features
Heavier
Editor's Note: The Xpand is part of our recent update to the Full-size stroller review conducted in March 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
evenflo pivot xpand
Awards Best Value Award
Budget Full-Size For Growing Families
Best Value Award
Lower Price Impressive Full-Size Stroller
 Best Value Award
Best Tightest Budget Stroller
 
Price $350 List
$285.36 at Amazon
$650 List
$649.95 at Amazon
$450 List$173 List
$129.99 at Amazon
$150 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line A budget-friendly expandable stroller with good storage but limited other features and a heavier weightWhile it performs well on flat surfaces, this high-quality option struggles off-road if those are your goalsThe looks, features, and ease of use are compelling, but the weight makes this one a workoutBudget-friendly jogger with off-road capabilities, but the quality is on par with the priceThe lower price makes the flaws of this jogger easier to accept
Rating Categories Evenflo Pivot Xpand Cybex Balios S Lux Mockingbird Stroller Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Expedition
Ease of Use (40%)
8.0
7.8
8.1
6.5
5.9
Maneuverability (25%)
5.4
7.1
8.3
7.8
7.6
Transport/Storing (15%)
4.2
6.8
4.0
5.4
7.0
Quality (10%)
6.7
8.0
7.3
4.0
2.7
Kid's Comfort (10%)
7.3
7.6
8.1
5.4
3.5
Specs Evenflo Pivot Xpand Cybex Balios S Lux Mockingbird Stroller Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Expedition
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/43"
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/ 42 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Measured Weight 30 lbs 25 lbs 30 lbs 28 lbs 24 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L 24"W x 16"H x 31"L 25.4"W x 41"H x 22.5"L 24.5"W x 16"H x 36.5"L 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L
Folded Volume 16,790 cu in 11,904 cu in 23,432 cu in 14,308 cu in 12,463 cu in
Handlebar Height Min/Max 33"/44.7" 39.5"/43" 33"/43" 41.5" 41"
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight 11 lbs 24 lbs 25 lbs 11 lbs 15 lbs
Car Seat Compatibility Chicco KeyFit/KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco all with SnugRide, SnugLock 30/35
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35
Cybex (All)
Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Maxi Cosi Mico Max, Maxi Cosi Coral XP
Nuna Pipa lite
Baby Jogger City GO 2
Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe Ultra
Chicco KeyFit and Fit2 (all infant car seat models)
Clek Liing, Liingo
Cybex Cloud Q, Aton M
Evenflo Embrace, Nurture
Graco SnugRide (all infant car seat models)
Maxi-Cosi Mico (30, Max 30, Max Plus)
Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R, Lite LX, Lite RX, and RX
UPPAbaby Mesa (2020 model or newer), Mesa Max
Baby Trend (All) Baby Trend (All)
Wheel Type Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Rubber Pneumatic Pneumatic
Brake Type Single Single Single Double Double

Our Analysis and Test Results

Evenflo got its start in feeding nipples for babies in 1920. In 1935, they expanded with a nipple that stays on the baby bottle. As the years went by, Evenflo added more gear to its bottle-feeding lineup, and in 1995, Evenflo Juvenile Products merged with the Evenflo Juvenile Furniture Company. The current group sells feeding supplies, car seats, strollers, and more. Evenflo Company is located in Ohio.

Performance Comparison



The Evenflo has some pros and cons, but for the price, it is hard to beat and could be the solution for tight-budget families.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The Xpand is an easy stroller to use with features that are straightforward and function as expected.


The Evenflo fold is not difficult, but it does require two hands.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


The Xpand is a one-handed fold, and it might self-stand depending on the wheel situation. If the front wheels are pointing forward or backward, it stands. The wheels do not lock in either of these directions, making it more of a delicate balancing act you hope you get right.

The Pivot has a unique storage bin with a front panel that opens with a tilt for alternative access from the rear access.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Storage


The basket on this baby is huge, but it only holds 10 lbs.

We fit our large diaper bag into the Xpand, but the limit of 10 lbs...
We fit our large diaper bag into the Xpand, but the limit of 10 lbs could hamstring parents with lots of supplies or shopping on the brain.
The Evenflo has an open bottle holder that hangs off the side of the...
The Evenflo has an open bottle holder that hangs off the side of the stroller frame.

While it has easy and open access, it might be overstuffed weight-wise because many parents will keep tossing things in, no matter how heavy they are. It also comes with a cup holder that hangs on the frame side.

evenflo pivot xpand - the xpand harness is cheap feeling but it gets the job done without...
The Xpand harness is cheap feeling but it gets the job done without any hassle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The harness on the Xpand is cheap and simple, with infinite adjustment that slides up and down an exposed strap.

The rocker brake pedal on the Evenflo is foot-friendly, and there is no need to lift it from underneath.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The Xpand has single-action brakes. They are foot-friendly and easy to set and release.

evenflo pivot xpand - while the single-action brake pedal is close to the right wheels, it...
While the single-action brake pedal is close to the right wheels, it is still large enough to press without kicking the wheel.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Car Seat Compatibility


The Evenflo is compatible with some Evenflo car seats without additional adapters. If you purchase adapters, they can also be compatible with some Chicco, Graco, and Peg Perego seats.

The Pivot assembly is primarily attaching the seat and wheels to the pre-assembled stroller frame.
Credit: Graham Faulknor

Ease of Setup


The Evenflo is above average for ease of setup with an overall time between 5-10 minutes. The documentation is only average, but assembly is fairly intuitive, with no tools required and snapping on the wheels and seat.

The top-heavy design and wider axel make the Evenflo somewhat harder to push and turn in tighter spaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


Maneuverability is not where the Xpand excels, earning one of the lowest scores in this metric.

evenflo pivot xpand - the evenflo really starts to struggle on grass and wouldn't be our...
The Evenflo really starts to struggle on grass and wouldn't be our choice for regular trips off the beaten path.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Evenflo feels heavier than it is on hard surfaces. The child seat sits higher than average, which leads to some increase in the sway of the frame. The rear axle is wider, and the wheels stick out more than the competition.


This requires a little more thoughtful steering and navigating in tight turns and through doorways to avoid “tire-grabbing” obstacles. Things get worse off-road, and no one-hand steering is possible on grass.

evenflo pivot xpand - the weight and the higher seat placement on the evenflo require a...
The weight and the higher seat placement on the Evenflo require a little more oompf to get it up and over curbs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The weight is more balanced, so going up curbs requires more down pushing than lifting. The handlebar is not adjustable, so lifting the rear up to bump it onto the curb could be more challenging.

The Pivot is large and heavy, so you may need to measure your space if your space is limited.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transporting and Storing


The Envlfo is harder to transport and store than most of the competition, with one of the lowest scores in the group. It weighs two more pounds than the manufacturer claims, with a measured weight of 30 lbs in our tests.

evenflo pivot xpand - the bulky fold of the pivot fits in our compact suv, but it might be...
The bulky fold of the Pivot fits in our compact SUV, but it might be hard to fit in a sedan trunk.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

This makes it one of the heaviest in the group, even heavier than jogging strollers, that are traditionally the beasts of the group. This heft makes it harder to lift and carry for any significant distance.


The folded size of the Evenflo is also disappointing, measuring 16,790 cubic inches. While not the largest in the group and several strollers that can accept two seats are similar, it is something to consider, especially if you don't plan to push more than one child.


Why bother with the added weight and size if you only plan to have one child or only need to push one child?

evenflo pivot xpand - the evenflo is not a bad-looking stroller, and if you don't look too...
The Evenflo is not a bad-looking stroller, and if you don't look too closely or compare it to higher-quality options, it has a look similar to other popular stroller brands.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


With one of the lowest prices in the group for a stroller that expands for two, it isn't a huge surprise that it struggled side-by-side with the other strollers in our quality tests. It still managed to achieve an average result, which is commendable. Some of the competition cost two to three times that of the Evenflo. However, if you don't need a higher quality stroller and your budget is tight, how much of this matters?


The Xpand has “ripstop” type fabric and a rubberized footrest for easy cleaning and durability. The inside of the canopy is a tighter weave, likely for water resistance, and the storage bin is sturdy with mesh sides that should hold up well. We like that they provide shoulder sleeves for the harness, but it isn't the most skin-friendly fabric in the group.

The plastic wheels on the Evenflo are not our favorite and often...
The plastic wheels on the Evenflo are not our favorite and often become deformed or dented over time, depending on your lifestyle and terrain.
While many of the Evenflo joints are plastic, they fit well with the...
While many of the Evenflo joints are plastic, they fit well with the frame and fabric which helped increase its quality to an average level.

The Xpand has reasonably sized foam-filled plastic wheels. They aren't as grippy as we'd like, and plastic isn't our favorite as they are prone to becoming disfigured over time. The overall fit and finish are average, with nothing that screams cheap but nothing that is truly thoughtful. The aluminum frame has plastic joints that increase sway and flex with play fore and aft. If it stands alone, we suspect no one will be critical of the design, but next to higher-quality options, it does pale.

There are a variety of seating options for the Xpand, including higher or lower placement and two seats at once.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kid's Comfort


The Evenflo earned an above-average result for kid comfort features.


The toddler seat on the Xpand is a sling-style seat on an oval frame.

evenflo pivot xpand - the xpand recline adjustment operates via a lift lever on the back...
The Xpand recline adjustment operates via a lift lever on the back of the seat.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The entire seat reclines with a lever on the back of the seat that is easy to use. The recline has three possible positions, and the leg rest has five.

The leg rest on the Evenflo has an adjustable angle and a frame to...
The leg rest on the Evenflo has an adjustable angle and a frame to keep little legs contained.
The sling seat on the Pivot is deep enough for cozy sitting upright.
The sling seat on the Pivot is deep enough for cozy sitting upright.

However, we think only three of the five are really useable. The seat is lightly padded, and the frame keeps little legs mostly contained in the seat.

The Xpand canopy is a good size and ample enough to offer adequate...
The Xpand canopy is a good size and ample enough to offer adequate protection.
The Pivot canopy has a covered mesh window for checking on passengers.
The Pivot canopy has a covered mesh window for checking on passengers.

The canopy on the Evenflo seat is medium in size. While not a disappointment, it isn't going to cover everything or offer late afternoon or early morning protection from low sun. The coverage is best with the seat in the upright position and degrades as you recline. It has a mesh peek-a-boo window with a flap cover.

evenflo pivot xpand - we think the evenflo is a good option for growing families on a...
We think the Evenflo is a good option for growing families on a budget.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Should You Buy the Evenflo Pivot Xpand?


The Pivot is an inexpensive versatile stroller with room to grow. It has a modern look and is similar in style and features to the highest-ranking options, making it an appealing choice for anyone who wants this style but can't afford the prices of higher-ranking options. The Xpand is almost half the price of other award winners, but it still provides what you might want in a stroller, albeit heavier and larger than some might like. We like the Pivot and think it could be a good choice for many families with budget limitations but still need the bells and whistles for everyday adventures.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


The Pivot is not for everyone, and while we like the price and what you get for it, it isn't the best in the group, depending on your goals. If your main goal is meeting budget restrictions, the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is also an inexpensive option that could get the job done in a product that is easier to push and move. If your family only needs to push one child, the Baby Trend can save you even more money and serve double duty as an adventure stroller moving off-road or for occasional running. It is lighter and smaller when folded than the Evenflo, and some parents might prefer the sportier style over the bulky Evenflo. If your budget can stretch and you want a style like the Evenflo with the versatility of different seating, the Cybex Balios S Lux is a higher-scoring option that brings both to the table without the price concerns of the highest-scoring options.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz