In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Review

A nice, expandable stroller with seating options for up to 3 riders and useful features
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evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $320 List
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Manufacturer:   Evenflo
By Dr. Juliet Spurrier and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Dec 29, 2021
58
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#17 of 17
  • Ease Of Use - 45% 7.2
  • Maneuverability - 30% 4.7
  • Weight/Folded Size - 15% 3.5
  • Quality - 10% 6.0

The Skinny

Compared to other top-ranked full-size strollers, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand is a full-size stroller at an affordable price suitable for families on a budget or those looking to grow. The Xpand has much to love, with reversible and versatile seating that can accommodate up to 3 riders with accessory purchases. We like the large canopy on the toddler seat, the easy-to-access storage bin, and the adjustable-height handlebar. The Xpand isn't the easiest to push, and it has lower quality than some of the higher-end options, even other full-size strollers designed to accommodate multiples. To read more details about strollers designed for multiples, check out our best double stroller review. But, for the price, this Evenflo offers a lot of features and functionality that we think parents will love. For families with multiple little ones or plans to grow, it can be hard to beat this budget-minded option, helping it earn a place in our best strollers lineup.
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile seating
Feature-full
Modern styling
Low price
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower attention to detail
Editor's Note: This gear review was updated on December 21, 2021, with additional sections to help your stroller decision-making process.

Compare to Similar Products

 
evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review
Awards Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award   Best Value Award 
Price $320 List$400 List
$399.95 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$250 List$150 List
$103.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Versatile seating, feature-full, modern styling, low priceHigh-quality, compact fold, lighter weight, comfyLots of car seat compatibility, fairly lightweight, handbrakeBudget-friendly, light and easy to carry/stowEasy to navigate tight places, inexpensive
Cons Lower attention to detailSomewhat harder to pushLimited storage access, prop-up footrestNot the best mover, lower qualityLimited storage, lower quality materials
Bottom Line A nice, expandable stroller with seating options for up to 3 riders and useful featuresA compact, full-size with impressive features for comfort and ease of use, but it is somewhat harder to push, especially one handAverage option that doesn't truly outshine the regular City MiniBasic stroller that is budget-friendly, lightweight and small for occasional strollingAn easy-to-maneuver and budget friendly option, but has limited functionality
Rating Categories Evenflo Pivot Xpand Thule Spring Baby Jogger City Mi... Britax B-Lively Baby Trend Expedition
Ease Of Use (45%)
7.2
7.9
6.6
6.6
5.1
Maneuverability (30%)
4.7
6.6
9.0
6.6
8.2
Weight/Folded Size (15%)
3.5
7.5
7.0
9.0
5.5
Quality (10%)
6.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
Specs Evenflo Pivot Xpand Thule Spring Baby Jogger City Mi... Britax B-Lively Baby Trend Expedition
Weight 28.4 lbs 22.7 lbs 21.6 lbs 18.9 lbs 23.7 lbs
Folded Dimensions 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L 17"W x 15"H x 30"L 25.6"W x 11.2"H x 33"L 24"W x 9.5"H x 29"L 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth Maximum: 55 lbs/38" Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 64 lbs/44"
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 65 lbs/44" Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/44"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 50 lbs/42"
Included Car Seat Compatibility Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax None Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2 Britax All Britax Seats Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend car seat
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit2
Cybex
Cloud Q, Aton M, Aron 2
Maxi-Cosi
Mico 30
Nuna
Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R
Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2
Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 2, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip
Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Cloud Q
Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 Elite, Snugride 35 Platinum, Snugride Click Connect 35 LX
Maxi Cosi Mico AP, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico 30
Nuna Pipa
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35
Uppababy Mesa
Clek Living
Britax All Britax Seats None
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend Car Seat
Recline Deep Deep Deep Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Extra large Large Large Large Large
Sun Shade Size Medium Large Large Large Small
One-handed Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 33"/44.7" 39"/43" 38.5"/45.7" 40" 41"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Included Accessories None Sun Shade City GO infant car seat adapter. None None
Setup Time 5-10 minmin:sec 1-5 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec

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



evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the pivot offers easy to use features in a design that is intuitive...
The Pivot offers easy to use features in a design that is intuitive and functional.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Evenflo has ease of use on par with more expensive and higher-end options, making it a good buy for those looking for daily ease of use.


evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the pivot has a straightforward fold that might take some practice...
The Pivot has a straightforward fold that might take some practice to get down.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold


This stroller has a frame unlock feature on both sides of the frame before you can fold it, making it a two-handed fold. It has an auto-lock when folded, and it self-stands, but it doesn't have a carry handle making it somewhat awkward to lift or carry.


evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the pivot's single-action brake pedal is off to the right side of...
The Pivot's single-action brake pedal is off to the right side of the rear axle. It is a rocker-style pedal that is easy to set and release.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The Pivot has single-action brakes with a right-side pedal on the back. The pedal is very easy to set and release with a feet-friendly design.


The Pivot storage bin is extra large and fits almost anything, but...
The Pivot storage bin is extra large and fits almost anything, but it has a smaller weight limit than the impressive competition.
The Evenflo has a single cup holder on the side of the frame.
The Evenflo has a single cup holder on the side of the frame.

Storage


The Evenflo storage bin has good access from all sides, especially the back. It is large and has an adequate max weight limit of 10 lbs. This limit is the average for the group, and while it can't compete with some of the competition, it is on par with the rest of the group. This stroller also has a cup holder on the side of the frame, which is becoming rare. However, we aren't convinced it is a great design as some items may fall when strolling.


evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the pivot canopy is nice looking but somewhat small with a smaller...
The Pivot canopy is nice looking but somewhat small with a smaller mesh, peek-a-boo window.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The Pivot has a medium-sized canopy that would be better with a zip-out expansion for more coverage. The canopy looks sharp and has a covered peek-a-boo window with additional ventilation. It is best for overhead coverage and not much else.


evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the pivot's harness has a cheap feel but it works well despite its...
The Pivot's harness has a cheap feel but it works well despite its simple design.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The Pivot has a 5-point harness with infinite adjustment. The height adjusts quickly by sliding up and down tethered straps on the seatback, and while the harness feels cheap, it is simple and straightforward to use.


The seat back on the Evenflo is easy to recline with the lift of the...
The seat back on the Evenflo is easy to recline with the lift of the lever.
The seats on the Pivot are easy to alter with side connection points...
The seats on the Pivot are easy to alter with side connection points you can quickly adjust.

Seat


The Xpand has versatile seating with toddler seats that can face forward or backward. The seats have reclining backs and padded adjustable footrests for almost flat napping.


The adjustments are easy to use with an almost infinite number of possible options. This stroller can also accommodate two seats or two infant carriers. Depending on seat placement and the number of seats, the front rider could end up using the storage bin for leg space.

The Pivot toddler seat can lay flat and is deep enough for younger...
The Pivot toddler seat can lay flat and is deep enough for younger babies to nap comfortably.
The Evenflo seat can face the parent for increased bonding.
The Evenflo seat can face the parent for increased bonding.

Car Seat Compatibility


The Pivot Xpand works with the Evenflo SafeMax and LiteMax without adapters. You can also purchase adapters for click-in compatibility with seats from Chicco, including the Chicco KeyFit 30, Graco, and Peg Perego.

Ease of Setup


The Pivot is easy to set up, taking a little over 5 minutes to assemble.



The documentation is only average, but it is pretty simple to assemble and doesn't require any tools. All that is required is snapping on the wheels and seat.

evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the pivot would be easier to maneuver if it didn't have smaller...
The Pivot would be easier to maneuver if it didn't have smaller, plastic wheels.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


This stroller has foam-filled plastic wheels, which hurt its overall maneuverability. While they are nicer than most wheels of this ilk, and at least they aren't dual wheels on each leg, they aren't as nice as rubber tires, and this makes them harder to push over uneven terrain.


The Xpand is easy enough to turn and move over flat hard surfaces (though not great), but grass and gravel give it pause. Really rough roads result in some potential tilting/tipping as it struggles to make it over the bumps. Larger wheels or less flex in the handlebar would help here. Overall, this one is harder to push and turn, and one-handed maneuverability isn't going to happen, but it will do for the price and the ability to add more seats. If maneuverability matters to you, consider the Thule Urban Glide 2.

evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the pivot is on the larger and heavier side of the spectrum of...
The Pivot is on the larger and heavier side of the spectrum of products in our review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The Xpand has the ability to expand into a top-ranking double stroller. This design makes it somewhat heavier and larger than much of the competition.


This stroller is 28.4 lbs and measures 16,790 cubic inches when folded. This makes it one of the heaviest strollers in the group, though not the largest, but really close on both counts.

evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the pivot has quality on par or slightly better than its price would...
The Pivot has quality on par or slightly better than its price would indicate.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


This stroller struggles somewhat in quality, but it is on par and perhaps even slightly better than its low price would indicate.


It has materials and construction that feel sturdy and durable on its own but sort of lacks when rolled side-by-side with the more expensive competition. The wheels are foam-filled plastic and not as durable or maneuverable as rubber options. The frame is somewhat rickety but not to the point of concern. Overall, however, it offers a clean look and feel with useful design choices.

Accessories


evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the evenflo pivot expand can work with an infant car seat adapter...
The Evenflo Pivot Expand can work with an infant car seat adapter for more seating options.
Credit: Evenflo
Evenflo Infant Car Seat Adapter for Chicco, Graco, and Peg Perego — Is required if you hope to create a travel system with a car seat from a different manufacturer. You should always check with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility with your chosen car seat.

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Stroller Second Seat — This secondary toddler seat creates a stroller for two should the need arise.

evenflo pivot xpand full size stroller review - the evenflo pivot expand can work with a rider board for more riding...
The Evenflo Pivot Expand can work with a rider board for more riding options.
Credit: Evenflo
Evenflo Stroller Rider Board — This fun riding platform connects to the back of the Pivot to create a third riding location for older children who want more ability to move around.

Should You Buy the Evenflo Pivot Xpand?


Frankly, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand lacks the quality and maneuverability we expect in everyday strollers, causing it to rank very low among the competition. Therefore, if you seek a stroller for one child, we think you should look elsewhere in our lineup. But we can't overlook the fact that this stroller fits a niche; the ability to accommodate your growing family without breaking the bank. It might not be the best stroller, but it's not terrible. If you're willing to tolerate what it lacks, it will be okay for occasional strolling rides on flat, hard surfaces.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


If you're expecting multiples and like the idea of a stroller made for two (or more!), we suggest checking out our double stroller review, as it has more information and details to guide your decision-making process. However, if you only have one child, we suggest looking into the Baby Trend Expedition or the Baby Jogger City Mini 2. Both options have the same list price or less than the Evenflo Pivot Xpand, potentially allowing room in your budget to resell one of these strollers and purchase a double stroller down the road once a second baby comes along.

Manufacturer Video



Dr. Juliet Spurrier and Wendy Schmitz
 

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

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