Cybex Solution G2 Review

Crash Test

The Cybex Solution G2 achieved better-than-average crash test results, with crash test dummy sensors showing lower G-forces than many competitors.

Both the head (HIC) sensor and the chest clip sensor results were well below the group average. Only a couple of competitors had better HIC results. A few more had lower chest clip results (lower is better), but the Cybex result is still good.

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Overall, compared to the competition, the crash test analysis shows there is a potential for an additional margin of protection using the Cybex. All the seats we crash test are considered safe and should have met federal guidelines. We run our test somewhat faster using a stiff sled that is more similar to modern-day cars, looking for options that stand out in the competition. The Cybes is definitely a standout.

Ease of Use

The Cybex is easier to use than most, with only a handful performing better in our tests.

Buckling little ones in can be easy or hard, and it depends on how long your arms are to reach around the base. Older children can likely do it on their own, but younger kids will need help. The lack of armrests makes it easier for children to pull the belt across their laps without anything blocking the way or questions on how to thread it.

The Cybex's design made it relatively easy for children to use on their own, but some younger kids might need help buckling in.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Getting the vehicle belt under the bump might be challenging or confusing for some younger children.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Occasionally, the shoulder strap would get twisted, but it wasn't a regular occurrence; it is something to keep an eye on, as not all kids will know how to fix it. The design of the shoulder strap restraint also caused the belt to fail to retract whenever unbuckled.

Transporting it is easier than other high-back boosters thanks to the fold-in-half design. We appreciate the two carry handles and the lighter weight, which make it less cumbersome than many competitors.

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Installation is straightforward, and the rigid LATCH connectors are easy to pull from storage and push into place. They are thinner than those found on other types of seats, and we had no trouble slipping them between the vehicle seat back and bottom. The connectors are only to hold the seat in place when no one is in it, and they do not function like those on other car seat types.

Weight and Size

For such a big fella, the Cybex is managably lightweight at 12.8 lbs, making it slightly higher than the average but nowhere near the biggest offender. It does not convert to a backless booster, so this is the weight you'll be lugging if you need to carry it. It folds in half, making it easier to carry.

The seat bottom width is 17 inches, making it narrower than some, but not the narrowest, if that is your goal. This seat, like many, gets significantly wider as the back rises, and despite the narrow seat bottom, the wider back can still make it hard to fit multiple seats across. We suspect that, despite its ability to fold, few families will want to use this seat on travel.

Comfort

The Cybex performed well for comfort, with only a handful of contenders offering more. It is well-padded, but not as nice as competitors' memory foam-style padding. For shorter rides, it is unlikely to matter, and it is undoubtedly better than those that are essentially fabric over hard plastic.

Our child testers felt the Cybex was comfortable.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The headrest on the CYbex is adjustable for taller children.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The fabric cover feels thicker than some (almost foamy), which lends to comfort. Padding on the back is thicker down low and thins out as you go higher, leaving little near the top for taller riders. The combination of fabric and padding feels breathable.

The headrest raises for taller children, and the process is easy. It also reclines back a little, improving comfort somewhat and offering some customization. The seat itself also reclines a little by pulling the seat bottom forward, allowing the back to lean. There are two positions, upright and leaning.

Quality

The Cybex earned a better-than-average quality rating, though perhaps lower than we would have expected given its higher price. Several competitors were more impressive and cost less.

The Cybex seat has better padding than most, but we think a memory foam style of foam will last longer.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The fabric on the Cybex is a mesh that looks very breathable, but potentially irritating to bare skin.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The Cybex padding feels cheaper and is best described as plastic-cotton-ball fluff. We suspect it won't wear well over time and will lose its cushion capabilities faster than memory foam-style padding. The fabric is a mesh material that feels more durable than the padding. It fits tightly to the seat shell without bagging, and the stitching looks uniform and solid. While we suspect the mesh-and-fabric combo is more breathable than other combinations, we think denser or memory foam would be more comfortable.

The shell feels thicker and not flimsy, but there are many channels for things to fall into and for grime to collect. The backrest doesn't feel as connected as many competitors, with more wiggle the further it travels away from the seat bottom. Perhaps this is a result of the folding capability, but it's hard to say. We think the impact foam is EPS, but Cybex doesn't explicitly say. We love that the seat is Greenguard Gold certified for low VOC emissions.

Should You Buy the Cybex Solution?

Maybe. We get it, the Cybex is pretty nice, and it looks good. We can see how die-hard Cybex fans will want to grab this booster and call it a day. We wouldn't fault you if you did. It is easy to use and offers better-than-average crash-test analysis. In a world without competition, we'd recommend it in a heartbeat. However, there are options with better performance, including better crash test performance, that cost the same or are cheaper. These factors make the Cybex less of a sure bet in our minds, and we think most folks will be happier looking elsewhere.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?

If you want the best in crash test results, the Nuna AACE is the seat for you. Without sacrificing a thing, this easy-to-use seat looks good, is comfortable, and earned the best crash test sensor results we've ever seen. With the same list price as the Cybex, it would be our pick. If your budget is smaller, the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 has a similar crash test performance to the Cybex but costs a little over half as much. It is an economical choice that still delivers significantly better-than-average crash test performance. This Chicco is easy to use, just as comfortable as the Cybex, and feels of higher quality.

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