Cybex Priam 2022 pushchair review

Tested by

Writer Jade tested the Priam 2022 with her family in London. Jade’s daughter is six months old and big for her age in terms of height and weight, so she wanted to test it for city living including lots of neighbourhood walks, park visits and restaurant/shop/café stops. Jade also tested it out on buses and trains.

First impressions

It’s a solid pushchair – with large parts (in comparison to our usual pram, which is the more compact Bugaboo Bee6). However, the materials feel top quality, and everything is well-finished.

How easy is it to build the Cybex Priam 2022 pushchair?

Not so easy – this was probably the main drawback of the pram. My husband had two goes trying to put both the bassinet and pushchair parts together, as did I. It took a final joint and fifth effort to work it out.

We both found the illustrated instructions quite hard to follow, especially with regards to getting the hood on the pushchair (my tip is to make sure it’s fully zipped over the frame at the bottom – it will fit if you pull hard! – before clipping the sides on).

On the LUX Carry Cot, there are two metal frames that you are supposed to pull down (with attached material tabs for ease) and pop into place so that the base and walls are supported (see instruction manual picture and real-life pic). We found this part very hard and couldn’t get the metal wires to where we thought they needed to go.

I’m not sure Ray and Charles Eames' commitment to simplicity and functionality can really be applied to this bit – but at least you only have to do this once. Plus, you can check the brand’s videos online for extra help.

How does the Cybex Priam compare to older models?

The biggest change is that the LUX Carry Cot height is 12cm higher than the previous version of the Priam, meaning the baby is closer to the parent, which certainly makes a difference when checking them and picking them up.

The harness system for the pushchair has also been updated from 5 points to 2 – making it much quicker (and less fiddly) to strap the baby in.

What do you think of the Cybex Priam 2022's carrycot?

The carrycot is big, and the materials (100% cotton) are very comfortable. It has a firm but plush and breathable memory foam mattress, a large hood and an outer fabric of hard-wearing canvas.

My daughter is six months old and fits very comfortably in it with extra space for toys and blankets. The hood has a breathable window and a sun canopy with UPF50+ sun protection.

My one criticism is that if you want to collapse the hood down, you have to press and hold two buttons at the same time on both sides – meaning you have no spare hands to push it down. There’s also a ‘lite’ version of the carrycot, which folds up with the pushchair.

How easy is the carrycot to add on/take off the pushchair?

The memory buttons that attach it to the chassis are excellent, so you don’t have to try and press both buttons at once to get it off, though it is on the heavier side (4.9kg), and there are no straps.

Instead, there is an ‘integrated carrying handle’ in the hood, but this didn’t feel very intuitive and also means you have to lift it with one hand/arm.

How easy is it to fold the Cybex Priam?

The fold is simple and smooth despite its size and can be done one-handed via the main handlebar adjustment button plus one underneath. It’s very ergonomic.

What’s it like when folded down?

It’s still quite bulky when folded down and only really lies flat. You can half-fold it if you want it upright, but it means the wheels are actually still in the unfolded position, and it takes up a lot of space (see the photo in my hallway).

How good is the Cybex Priam 2022 at pushing and steering?

This is one of the highlights. The big wheels and flat, broad handlebar mean that pushing and steering are effortless, and it feels light, despite the large frame. It is also easy with one hand. This is true across different surfaces, too, including uneven pavements, cobblestones (the suspension is good, with quite a lot of bounce; see the video) and grass.

Deep curbs are easy to tackle because of the sturdy handlebar to create leverage and big hind wheels. The manoeuvrability is good, although the size can make things a bit difficult in tight spaces.

How well does it work on public transport?

I tried the Cybex Priam on a train and a bus. Getting on and off is easy, owing to the big wheels, but it’s not the most suited to public transport as it takes up a lot of space. I didn’t try it on the tube as it’s a big pram, and I didn’t feel particularly comfortable trying to tackle stairs with it, even with help.

It’s possibly more suited to those with a car, although the chassis (and seat pack) took up most of the boot of our Volkswagen Golf, so there wasn’t much space for anything else, not least the carrycot.

What’s the Cybex Priam chassis like?

The frame feels strong, durable and well-designed. It comes in four different options – rose gold, matt black, chrome with black detailing, or chrome with brown detailing.

How do you rate the buggy handle?

It’s excellent, and I wish all buggy handles were like this. There is one button on the underside of the handle in the middle, which allows you to adjust the height with one hand – so it’s perfect for parents of differing heights! It’s lined in leather, so feels luxurious to the touch.

What do you think of the Cybex Priam seat unit?

The thing that really struck me was the size – there was ample room for my daughter, and I could see it lasting until she’s four, as advertised. It can face both the parent and outwards and high up. It’s squidgy but firm, meaning all-round comfort.

The recline option goes back quite far (with an easy lever on the back of the seat), so it’s great for napping on the move. The cover comes off with zips, so it’s easy to wash, and I particularly liked the rain cover, which was easy to slip on and had a well-designed window so the baby can still see you/outside.

My one issue with the seat unit is the cushioned protectors on the straps are easy to take off – my daughter did it during her first spin!

What’s the hood like?

It’s great. It folds open in four stages. The maximum extension goes quite far down, and the additional sun shield is a smart touch. There’s a ventilation/peephole window through which to check on them.

What are the Cybex Priam wheels like?

They are rubber wheels, and the back wheels are big and the front wheels smaller, making for easy handling. There’s also a setting to fix the front wheels for up and down hills. The suspension is good, with some give. The front and back wheels come off easily; the former by sliding a switch and the latter by pressing a button.

How good are the brakes?

I wasn’t that impressed with the brakes. While I was on the bus, I noticed that I couldn’t put the brake on and leave the pram unattended (which I can do with our regular pram) because when the bus slowed down or braked, the pram was creaking as if it was going to move, so I had to always have one hand on it for safety.

That said, it’s fine for normal or stationary usage, i.e., when you’re putting the child in or taking them out. It’s a narrow lever you click with your foot, so it doesn’t get in the way when you’re pushing.

How do you rate the basket on the Cybex Priam 2022 pushchair?

The basket is great. You can pull it out to create more space too. The smaller setting has magnets to hold it in place – ideal for your grocery shopping. It’s also accessible from the ‘parent side’, which is preferable and because the carrycot and seat fixtures sit high up, it fits a lot inside and is easily accessible.

What’s in the box?

Cybex Priam Frame

• Chassis
• Seat unit (hard parts)
• Shopping basket
• Bumper bar
• Rain Cover
• Car Seat Adapters

Seat pack

• Soft seat cover (lots of different colours available here!)

Carry Cot

• Carry Cot
• Rain Cover (additional to the one above for pushchair)
• Mattress

What are the additional accessories you can buy?

• Footmuffs (the silver is very cool!)
• Snack tray
• Insect covers for either seat or carrycot
• Cup holder
• 2-in-1 cup holder (holds cup/bottle and phone)
• Change bag
• Parasol
• Ski fixture
• Kid board for an older child
• Rough terrain extra wheels

Can the Cybex Priam be used with a car seat to create a travel system?

Yes. Cybex has its own car seat, which fits with this model – the Cloud Z i-Size. It has a lie-flat position and a 180-degree rotation mechanism when in the car (it sits on a base).

Now you’ve tested the Cybex Priam, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing it?

I would want to know the measurements, including the measurements of it folded, as getting it into my hallway was tight. And I would also like to know that buying the Cybex Priam chassis alone only gives you the frame.

You have to buy the cover for the seat separately, which feels a bit stingy. Other brands give you the chassis plus the pushchair fitting in its entirety.

Who would the Cybex Priam be most useful for?

Those with plenty of space, who wouldn’t need to use public transport regularly. It’s great for country living and especially for those who drive (though, as mentioned, a big boot is necessary).

It’s a fantastic, hardwearing, hardworking everyday pram – especially if you invest in a smaller travel pram. It’s also one for the fashion-forward, with numerous high-profile collaborations and plenty of colourway options both on chassis and the seat and cot attachments.

Is this Cybex Priam worth the money?

This is an expensive system as the base (£729.95), carrycot (£299.95) and seat pack (£169.95) will cost, in total, £1,199.85, minus the car seat, which is £249.95.

Where can I buy the Cybex Priam?

It’s available from Baby and Co and Samuel Johnston.

How does the Cybex Priam compare to other similar prams on the market?

MadeForMums verdict

If you have the space and the money, this is one of the best quality, most stylish and comfortable (for both parent and child) prams around. It has both form and function.

Its high design and considered attention to detail make it one of the best in its class. This isn’t for value-hunters; it’s for those who want to splurge – the website, after all, mentions skiing in Aspen, and it has a royal and celeb fanbase.