Cybex Gazelle S vs. S2: Which Premium Stroller System Deserves Your Investment?

I’ve spent countless hours pushing strollers through city streets, park trails, and shopping mall corridors, and I know firsthand how critical it is to choose the right one. When Cybex released the Gazelle S2 as an upgrade to their popular Gazelle S, I needed to understand what changed and whether the improvements justified replacing a perfectly functional stroller.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these two premium convertible stroller systems, helping you decide which one fits your family’s lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re expecting your first child or planning to expand your family, understanding the differences between these models will save you from buyer’s remorse.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With The Cybex Gazelle S

I purchased the Gazelle S when my first child was born in 2021, and it quickly became my daily driver for nearly everything. The versatility impressed me immediately because I could start with a single bassinet configuration and knew I had the option to expand when baby number two arrived. The stroller handled our neighborhood sidewalks beautifully, and I appreciated how the all-wheel suspension absorbed bumps that would have jolted my daughter awake in lesser strollers.

The reversible seat became one of my favorite features during those early months when I wanted to maintain eye contact with my baby.

I found myself switching between parent-facing and forward-facing modes depending on her mood and the environment.

Shopping trips were manageable thanks to the generous storage basket that accommodated diaper bags, groceries, and my purse without complaint.

The one-handed fold worked as advertised, though I’ll admit it took me about a week of practice before I could execute it smoothly while holding my daughter.

What really sold me on the Gazelle S was its ability to grow with our family. When we welcomed our second child last year, I added the second seat kit and transformed the stroller into a double configuration. The transition was straightforward, and I loved having multiple seating arrangement options depending on whether both kids were sleeping, playing, or needed different positions. The frame handled the additional weight admirably, though I definitely noticed the stroller felt heavier and bulkier when navigating tight spaces like coffee shops or boutique stores.

Temperature control became a minor issue during summer months. The canopy provided excellent sun protection, but my older daughter sometimes complained about feeling too warm on particularly hot days. I found myself using the peek-a-boo window frequently to check on her comfort level and would occasionally need to remove layers of clothing before strapping her in. The fabric cleaned easily when inevitable spills occurred, which happened more frequently than I care to admit with a snack-loving toddler.

The stroller’s maneuverability impressed visitors and other parents alike. I could navigate crowded farmers markets with one hand while carrying a coffee in the other, and the turning radius was tight enough to make quick direction changes without feeling like I was wrestling with the frame. However, I noticed the front wheels occasionally wobbled slightly on uneven terrain, which made me more cautious when transitioning from smooth pavement to gravel paths or grass.

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Pros Of Cybex Gazelle S

• Versatile Configuration Options: The Gazelle S offers over 20 different seating arrangements that accommodate your family’s changing needs throughout multiple stages of childhood. I could start with a single bassinet for my newborn, transition to the infant car seat using adapters, and eventually move to the toddler seat as she grew. When our second child arrived, adding the second seat kit took less than 15 minutes, and suddenly I had a double stroller with numerous configuration possibilities. You can position both seats facing forward, both facing backward, one forward and one backward, or even create a sibling setup with a toddler seat and infant bassinet. This flexibility meant I never felt locked into a single use case, and the stroller adapted to our family rather than forcing us to adapt to its limitations.
• Exceptional Build Quality: The materials and construction of the Gazelle S communicate premium quality from the moment you touch it. The aluminum frame feels substantial and rigid without being unnecessarily heavy, and I never worried about structural integrity even when fully loaded with two children and gear. The fabric resists staining better than many competitors I’ve tested, and it maintained its appearance despite years of regular use and exposure to various weather conditions. The wheels roll smoothly on their bearings without any of the squeaking or resistance that plagued some other strollers in our playgroup. Every connection point, locking mechanism, and adjustment feature operates with precision that suggests thoughtful engineering and quality control. You can feel the difference between this and budget strollers immediately, and that confidence in the product’s durability provides genuine peace of mind.
• Smooth All-Wheel Suspension: The suspension system absorbs impacts and vibrations that would otherwise disturb sleeping children or make the ride uncomfortable for awake passengers. I regularly pushed the Gazelle S across broken sidewalks, cobblestone streets, packed dirt trails, and transitional surfaces between pavement and grass without major issues. The suspension compressed appropriately over bumps and returned smoothly without bouncing, creating a relatively stable platform that protected my children from jarring movements. While not as advanced as some dedicated jogging strollers, the system performed admirably for everyday urban and suburban use. My daughter often fell asleep during walks specifically because the ride was smooth enough to lull her into comfortable rest, and I credited the suspension system for many successful naptime transitions.
• Generous Storage Capacity: The under-seat basket on the Gazelle S accommodates 25 pounds of cargo, which proved sufficient for most daily activities and short trips. I could fit a fully loaded diaper bag, my purse, a light jacket, and still have room for a few groceries or impulse purchases during shopping excursions. The basket’s shape and accessibility made it relatively easy to retrieve items without folding the stroller or removing children, though I did need to plan placement strategically when the seat was reclined. The basket’s solid construction prevented sagging even when fully loaded, maintaining its shape and functionality throughout my ownership. Additional storage pockets on the back of the seat held smaller items like keys, phone, and wallet for quick access, and I appreciated having designated spaces for frequently needed items rather than digging through the main basket.
• Excellent Maneuverability: Single-handed steering became second nature within days of using the Gazelle S regularly. The front swivel wheels could be locked for straight-line stability on smooth surfaces or left unlocked for tight turning radius in crowded environments. I could navigate narrow store aisles, busy sidewalks, and congested events without feeling like I was piloting an aircraft carrier. The handlebar height adjustment accommodated different users, which was essential because my husband stands eight inches taller than me, and we both needed comfortable pushing positions. The stroller tracked straight on flat surfaces without constant correction, allowing me to focus on my surroundings rather than wrestling with directional drift. Even in double configuration with both seats occupied, the steering remained responsive and predictable, though I definitely needed both hands more frequently when navigating challenging terrain with maximum weight.
• Reversible Seating: The ability to switch between parent-facing and forward-facing orientations provided flexibility that enhanced our bonding and my daughter’s development. During early months, I kept her facing me so I could monitor her constantly and maintain eye contact that developmental experts emphasize. As she grew more curious about the world, I transitioned to forward-facing mode so she could observe her environment and engage with surroundings. The reversal mechanism was straightforward, requiring me to release two levers and rotate the seat, though it wasn’t quite effortless with the seat fully loaded. I appreciated having this option rather than being locked into a single orientation, and I used both modes regularly depending on circumstances and my daughter’s mood. Some situations like walking through parking lots felt safer with parent-facing mode, while leisurely park strolls were more enriching in forward-facing configuration.

Cons Of Cybex Gazelle S

• Substantial Weight: At 28.9 pounds without any accessories or children, the Gazelle S represents a significant mass that you’ll feel during extended use and especially when lifting it in and out of vehicles. I developed a specific technique for loading it into my SUV trunk, but the weight still tested my strength after long days when I was already tired from childcare. Friends who drove sedans struggled even more with the lifting height required to clear their trunk lips, and some eventually resorted to keeping the stroller partially assembled to avoid the full lifting motion. The weight becomes more pronounced when you add the second seat kit, bassinet, or other accessories, pushing the total mass well over 30 pounds before accounting for children and cargo. While the sturdy construction justified some of this weight, I often wished for a lighter alternative when dealing with stairs, curbs without ramps, or unpredictable terrain that required lifting.
• Bulky Folded Dimensions: Even when collapsed, the Gazelle S occupies considerable trunk space that limited what else I could transport simultaneously. The folded dimensions of 31.5 by 23.6 by 12.2 inches meant I couldn’t fit the stroller alongside multiple suitcases for family trips, and I sometimes needed to rearrange or remove seats to accommodate everything. The fold itself worked reliably once I learned the proper sequence, but it wasn’t as compact as some competing models that prioritized portability over features. I needed to plan vehicle packing carefully, especially for longer trips when we brought additional gear like a pack-and-play or cooler. Friends with smaller vehicles occasionally couldn’t accommodate the Gazelle S for carpooling, which limited some of our activity options. The bulk also meant I couldn’t easily carry the folded stroller any meaningful distance, essentially requiring vehicular transport for any location beyond walking distance from home.
• Premium Price Point: The Gazelle S’s retail price of approximately $899 to $999 for the base configuration places it firmly in the luxury stroller category, and costs escalate quickly when adding essential accessories like the second seat kit, bassinet, car seat adapters, or rain cover. I invested nearly $1,400 total by the time I had everything needed for a complete two-child system, which represented a significant chunk of our baby gear budget. While the quality justified the expense in my experience, the upfront cost created sticker shock that I needed to rationalize carefully. Budget-conscious families might struggle with this investment, especially when decent strollers exist at half the price. The resale value remained relatively strong, which offset some of the expense, but I still felt the financial impact during the initial purchase. You’re paying for engineering, materials, and versatility that many families don’t necessarily need or can’t afford to prioritize.
• Limited Canopy Ventilation: The standard canopy on the Gazelle S provided excellent sun protection but created potential overheating issues during warm weather that I hadn’t anticipated. My daughter occasionally complained about feeling too hot, particularly during summer afternoon walks when temperatures climbed into the 80s and 90s. The peek-a-boo window offered some airflow, but it wasn’t sufficient for adequate ventilation in hot conditions. I found myself needing to dress her in lighter clothing than I would have otherwise preferred, and I sometimes cut activities short when I noticed her getting uncomfortable from heat accumulation. The fabric’s sun protection rating was excellent, but the tradeoff in breathability meant I needed to carefully monitor temperature and adjust our schedule to avoid peak heat hours. Some competing models incorporated mesh panels or additional ventilation features that would have addressed this concern more effectively.
• Harness Adjustment Complexity: Changing the harness height on the Gazelle S required completely rethreading the straps through different slots in the seat back, which was unnecessarily time-consuming and frustrating. Each adjustment took me five to ten minutes depending on how cooperative my daughter was being, and I needed to perform this task regularly during growth spurts. The process involved removing the straps from their current position, threading them through new slots, and ensuring proper alignment and security before use. I couldn’t make adjustments on the fly when I realized the harness had become too tight, instead needing to return home or find a suitable location to perform the modification. This design choice seemed outdated compared to no-rethread systems available on other premium strollers, and it represented one area where Cybex could have improved user experience without significant cost or complexity additions.
• Occasional Wheel Wobble: The front swivel wheels sometimes developed a slight wobble or shimmy on uneven terrain that I found disconcerting, particularly when transitioning from smooth pavement to rougher surfaces like gravel or grass. The wobble wasn’t dangerous or severe enough to affect stability, but it created an impression of imprecision that contrasted with the otherwise premium feel of the stroller. I experimented with locking the front wheels for straight-line travel, which eliminated the wobble but reduced maneuverability significantly. The issue seemed to worsen slightly over time as the wheels accumulated miles, suggesting potential bearing wear or tolerance changes. While not a dealbreaker, this characteristic reminded me that even premium products have imperfections, and it occasionally made me question whether I was pushing the stroller beyond its intended use cases when I ventured onto less maintained paths.

My Experience With The Cybex Gazelle S2

When Cybex announced the S2 earlier this year, I was skeptical about whether the improvements would matter enough to justify the upgrade cost. A friend purchased one for her newborn, and I had the opportunity to test it extensively during our weekly park meetups. The weight reduction was the first thing I noticed when I lifted it into her car trunk. Those 2.4 fewer pounds might not sound significant on paper, but they made a tangible difference in daily handling, especially when maneuvering the stroller in and out of vehicles or carrying it up stairs to her apartment.

The enhanced suspension system became apparent when we walked along a particularly rough section of pathway that I knew well from my own stroller adventures.

Where my Gazelle S would transmit some of the vibration through the frame, the S2 seemed to glide over the same bumps with noticeably smoother absorption.

My friend’s baby remained peacefully asleep through terrain that typically would have caused some stirring.

I found myself genuinely envious of this improvement because I remembered countless times when I’d carefully plot routes to avoid problematic sidewalk sections.

The improved canopy ventilation addressed one of my main complaints about the original model.

The S2 features additional mesh panels that allow air circulation without compromising sun protection, and I could see how much more comfortable her daughter looked even on warm afternoons. The temperature regulation seemed significantly better, and my friend mentioned she rarely needed to worry about overheating issues that I’d experienced regularly. This seemingly small upgrade would have saved me considerable stress during our first summer with the Gazelle S.

Storage capacity improvements proved genuinely useful during our shopping trips together. The S2’s basket held 30 pounds compared to my 25-pound limit, and the five extra pounds of capacity meant she could accommodate larger grocery runs without resorting to hanging bags from the handlebar like I sometimes did. The basket’s accessibility also seemed slightly improved with better clearance when the seat was reclined, though this advantage was subtle. I found myself strategically packing my basket to fit everything while watching her casually toss items in without the spatial planning I’d become accustomed to performing.

The no-rethread harness system on the S2 eliminated one of my least favorite maintenance tasks. Adjusting the harness height on my Gazelle S required removing and rethreading straps through different slots, which was time-consuming and frustrating when I needed to make quick adjustments. The S2’s system allowed my friend to simply adjust the height with a lever mechanism, taking seconds instead of minutes. This feature alone would have saved me probably an hour of cumulative frustration over the years, especially during rapid growth spurts when I needed frequent adjustments.

Pros Of Cybex Gazelle S2

• Reduced Weight: The S2’s 26.5-pound frame represents a meaningful reduction that improves daily handling across numerous scenarios. My friend could lift her S2 in and out of her vehicle with noticeably less effort than I expended with my Gazelle S, and the difference was immediately apparent when I tested both strollers consecutively. The weight savings didn’t compromise structural integrity or features, suggesting that Cybex identified engineering improvements or material substitutions that maintained performance while reducing mass. This improvement benefits everyone but particularly helps caregivers who struggle with heavy lifting or frequently encounter situations requiring stroller portability. The reduced weight also means less momentum to control on slopes and easier course corrections when navigating obstacles. You’ll appreciate this change thousands of times over the stroller’s lifespan, making it one of the most impactful upgrades despite being relatively modest in absolute terms.
• Enhanced Suspension System: The S2’s refined suspension noticeably outperforms the original Gazelle S in absorbing impacts and vibrations from imperfect surfaces. I observed this difference directly when pushing both strollers over identical terrain, and the S2 provided a demonstrably smoother ride that kept my friend’s baby sleeping through bumps that would have woken my daughter in the original model. The enhancement suggests improvements to damping characteristics, spring rates, or suspension geometry that Cybex implemented based on user feedback and testing. This upgrade matters significantly for comfort and for maximizing the stroller’s utility across diverse terrain types. You can confidently navigate neighborhoods with aging infrastructure, rural areas with unpaved sections, or parks with packed dirt trails knowing that your child will experience minimal jarring. The better suspension also reduces fatigue for the person pushing because less force transmits through the handlebar as vibration.
• Improved Canopy Ventilation: The S2 addresses one of my primary complaints about the original by incorporating additional mesh panels and ventilation zones that allow air circulation without compromising sun protection. My friend’s daughter remained comfortable during warm weather walks that would have caused overheating concerns in my Gazelle S, and the improvement was substantial enough to notice without side-by-side comparison. The ventilation design maintains the UPF 50+ sun protection rating while creating airflow that moderates temperature buildup under the canopy. This thoughtful refinement demonstrates that Cybex listened to user feedback and engineered a solution that didn’t sacrifice one benefit to achieve another. You can take longer walks in warmer conditions without constantly worrying about your child’s comfort, and the improved ventilation reduces the need to dress children in minimal clothing that might not provide adequate coverage for sun protection.
• Increased Storage Capacity: The S2’s 30-pound basket capacity provides 20 percent more cargo room than the Gazelle S, which translates to meaningful practical advantages during shopping trips and daily activities. My friend could accommodate larger grocery runs, bulkier items, or simply pack more liberally without carefully calculating weight distribution. The five-pound increase might seem modest, but it represents the difference between fitting everything comfortably versus making difficult choices about what to carry. The basket’s shape and accessibility also appeared slightly refined, though this improvement was subtle enough that I couldn’t definitively confirm it without detailed measurement. The additional capacity reduces the temptation to hang bags from the handlebar, which affects steering and stability, and it provides more flexibility for spontaneous activities that generate unexpected cargo.
• No-Rethread Harness System: The S2 eliminates one of the most frustrating aspects of the original Gazelle S by implementing a harness adjustment mechanism that doesn’t require threading and rethreading straps through slots. My friend could adjust her daughter’s harness height in seconds using a simple lever system, while the same task would have taken me ten minutes with the original design. This improvement saves cumulative hours over the stroller’s lifespan and enables quick adjustments when you discover the current setting has become too tight or loose. The new system doesn’t compromise safety or security, maintaining the same five-point harness reliability while dramatically improving user experience. You’ll appreciate this feature every time your child goes through a growth spurt, which happens frequently during the ages when you’ll be using the stroller most intensively. The upgrade represents exactly the kind of practical refinement that improves daily life without requiring groundbreaking innovation.
• Additional Configuration Options: The S2 offers 22+ configurations compared to the Gazelle S’s 20+, providing even more flexibility in how you arrange seating, bassinets, and accessories. While the difference isn’t enormous, the additional options address specific use cases that some families encountered with the original model. My friend mentioned that one of the new configurations allowed a particular bassinet and toddler seat arrangement that she preferred for her specific situation, though I didn’t have occasion to test this personally. The expanded versatility reinforces Cybex’s commitment to accommodating diverse family structures and needs, and it suggests that they refined the system based on real-world feedback about which arrangements users wanted but couldn’t achieve with the original design. You might never need all 22+ configurations, but having options available means you’re less likely to encounter a desired setup that the stroller can’t accommodate.

Cons Of Cybex Gazelle S2

• Higher Initial Investment: The S2’s retail price of approximately $1,099 to $1,199 represents a substantial $200 increase over the already expensive Gazelle S, pushing it further into luxury territory that many families can’t justify. The price difference is significant enough to cause serious reconsideration, especially when the improvements, while meaningful, aren’t revolutionary. You’re essentially paying a premium for refinements and optimizations rather than completely new functionality, which is a tough sell when budgets are tight. The total system cost including necessary accessories can easily exceed $1,500, which approaches or surpasses many families’ entire baby gear budgets. While the quality and features justify the expense for some buyers, the price point excludes many potential customers who would benefit from the improvements but simply can’t allocate this much money to a stroller regardless of its merits.
• Limited Used Market: Because the S2 is relatively new to the market as of 2024, finding used models at significant discounts is nearly impossible, forcing buyers to pay full retail price. The Gazelle S benefited from four years of market presence, creating a robust secondary market where budget-conscious families could find gently used models for hundreds less than new prices. If you’re willing to buy used equipment, the S2’s newness eliminates this cost-saving strategy, while the Gazelle S might be available at prices 30 to 50 percent below retail. The limited used availability also means fewer reviews and long-term durability reports from real users, so you’re taking more of a gamble on how the stroller will hold up after years of intensive use. Early adopters essentially beta test products for the broader market, and you might encounter issues that won’t be discovered until more users accumulate significant time with the S2.
• Incremental Rather Than Revolutionary: The improvements from the Gazelle S to the S2 represent refinements and optimizations rather than fundamental reimagining of the stroller’s design or capabilities. If you already own a Gazelle S, the upgrades probably don’t justify replacing a functional stroller, and the lack of breakthrough innovation might disappoint buyers hoping for dramatically new features. Cybex played it safe with evolutionary improvements rather than taking risks on bold new directions, which is both smart business and somewhat conservative product development. You’re getting a better version of the same basic stroller, not a next-generation design that obsoletes the previous model. This approach makes sense from Cybex’s perspective but might leave enthusiasts wanting more dramatic advancement for the price increase and four-year development period.
• Marginal Folded Size Improvement: While the S2 does fold slightly more compactly than the Gazelle S, the difference of less than an inch in each dimension is barely noticeable in practical terms. If the original’s bulk was a dealbreaker, the S2 won’t solve that problem because it remains a large stroller when collapsed. The dimensions of 30.7 by 23.2 by 11.8 inches still occupy substantial trunk space that will limit what else you can transport simultaneously, and the improvement isn’t sufficient to enable new use cases that were impossible with the original. Cybex could have prioritized fold compactness more aggressively if they’d been willing to compromise other features, but they chose to maintain the overall design philosophy rather than chase maximum portability. You should evaluate the S2’s folded size on its own merits rather than expecting meaningful improvement over the Gazelle S, because the change is incremental at best.
• Unproven Long-Term Durability: The Gazelle S has four years of real-world use data demonstrating how it holds up to intensive daily use, while the S2 lacks this history and could theoretically develop issues that won’t emerge until after thousands of miles. The weight reduction and material changes might have unknown consequences for longevity that won’t become apparent until 2026 or beyond. Early adopters accept this uncertainty in exchange for having the latest features, but it represents genuine risk that could result in unexpected maintenance, repairs, or replacement needs. The Gazelle S’s track record provides confidence that it will last through multiple children with reasonable care, while the S2’s performance over comparable timespans remains theoretical. This concern might seem paranoid, but premium strollers should deliver multi-year durability, and you’re taking a calculated risk by choosing the newer model without proven longevity data.
• Potentially Overcomplicated: With 22+ configurations and numerous adjustment points, the S2 can overwhelm users who simply want a straightforward stroller without extensive customization options. The complexity adds weight, moving parts, and potential failure points compared to simpler designs that might better serve families who don’t need maximum versatility. You’re paying for flexibility that you might never utilize, and the additional mechanisms represent things that could theoretically break, wear out, or require adjustment over time. Some buyers would prefer a more focused design that excels at specific use cases rather than attempting to serve every possible scenario. The configurability is simultaneously a major selling point and a potential drawback depending on your preferences and how you plan to use the stroller throughout your children’s early years.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining both strollers through personal experience and extensive observation, I believe your decision should prioritize whether you’re starting fresh or considering an upgrade. If you don’t currently own a Gazelle S and you can afford the S2’s premium price, the newer model’s improvements in weight, suspension, ventilation, storage, and harness adjustment justify the additional investment for most families. The refinements address real pain points that I experienced with the original, and you’ll benefit from these enhancements thousands of times over the stroller’s lifespan.

However, if you already own a Gazelle S, I wouldn’t recommend upgrading to the S2 unless specific improvements address problems that significantly impact your daily experience. The original remains an excellent stroller that will serve your family well, and the S2’s enhancements, while nice, aren’t revolutionary enough to justify replacing functional equipment. Save your money for other family needs unless the weight reduction or ventilation improvements would dramatically improve your quality of life.

For budget-conscious shoppers, consider the used Gazelle S market where you can find substantial savings on a proven design. You’ll miss out on the S2’s refinements, but you’ll get 90 percent of the functionality at potentially 50 percent of the cost. The money you save could fund other baby gear, family experiences, or simply remain in your bank account for the countless expenses that come with raising children. Both strollers represent premium quality that will exceed your expectations if you’re coming from budget alternatives, and you can’t really make a wrong choice between them if they fit within your budget parameters.