Cybex Pallas G2 2-in-1 car seat review

Choosing a car seat is one of the most important purchases a parent can make. The key focus is safety, followed by comfort, and with the CYBEX Pallas G2, both are at play. It’s a 2-in-1 car seat suitable from 15 months to 12 years, making it the one car seat you need after that all-important journey home. Moreover, the over-lap buckle feature means that for kids like mine, who embrace the car seat battles, are easily persuaded by the ease of a buckle. I've been testing the Pallas G2 car seat with my three-year-old daughter for several months to test its durability, comfort and ease of use.

Testing the Cybex Pallas G2 2-in-1 car seat

Build

The main selling point of this car seat is the integrated impact shield, the over-the-lap buckle system, which aims to reduce the risk of neck injury by 40 per cent compared to standard harness systems. Safety does come first with car seats, but having an option that avoids mesh escape clips can really make a difference with car journeys.

My daughter is (or at least was) an escape artist, and we have always struggled with the transition into the car seat. We have been in car parks for at least an hour trying to settle her into her car seat. I even sprained my wrist once trying. Without a traditional harness, she is not restricted in the same way and can move freely without me having to stop the car and strap her back in again. Not only that, but she actively engages in getting into the seat, as she can help grab the buckle and secure herself.

I had been using the Cosatto all-in-all car seat prior to this one, and there is a significant difference with the seat itself. It is extremely lightweight, and it’s seemingly not as bulky either. With this, it does have more flexibility on the sides, which was concerning, but combined with the L.S.P System Plus design, I feel confident in her safety. The L.S.P System helps distribute side impact throughout the car seat shell and headrest, reducing impact by 20 per cent.

Usability

The combination of the ISOFIX and Top Tether does give a secure fit to the car and, quite frankly, has me questioning why other car seats don’t use it. Given that it does require ISOFIX, it can be limiting depending on your car, so you must check your car is suitable. However, as with ISOFIX, it was very easy to install, three clips and you are good to go. This also means you don’t have a bulky support leg in the foot well, giving space for dangling legs but also for that ever-growing changing bag.

While our daughter is just shy of the second way of installing with the seat belt (requires a minimum height of 100cm, we did try it and again, it was very simple to do and without fighting the seat belt to stretch around. At her last measure, she was 98cm, and I do believe she is tall for her age. I will dread the next growth spurt, as that will mean an end to the over-the-lap buckle.

On that note, the impact shield is a blessing in disguise, really. They don’t lie when they say you can use it one-handed, especially as the buckle is on either side, so no matter which side of the car you install the seat on, the buckle will always be closest to the car door. You adjust the shield with a simple button on the cushion, meaning it grows with your child, and there is also an indicator to say when it’s secure.

One thing I didn’t consider was how my child would use the cushion almost as a table. This does mean it easily collects food and stains, so I would choose your colour wisely. However, the fabric is removable for cleaning, though I’ve found a damp cloth (and a general acceptance of stains where kids are involved) works fine.

Performance

My daughter enjoys this seat and actively chooses it over her other car seats and I feel confident she is secure and safe in it. She has napped in this car seat as well and unlike other seats her head naturally sits back against the car. It does have a few features to aid this as well, with the second recline setting and the adjustable headrest.

Due to its easy installation and lightweight, it’s been perfect for swapping between cars if family members are helping out on nursery pickups. I have found that it easily fits in different cars with the same amount of security.

Final verdict

I really appreciate the ease this car seat brings when it comes to getting my child into the car safely. The extra bonus is how much she loves being in this car seat, as the design does not make her feel restricted, let alone the confidence that she will remain secure throughout the car journey.

The only concern I’ve had was the flexibility around the sides, yet I feel confident that CYBEX has added extra side safety measures if the worst were to happen.

I truly believe that this car seat will grow with my daughter and adjust to her physical safety needs as she grows up. There is clear guidance around when to move to the next stage when she can no longer use the impact shield. There is a good buffer of 5 cm between the two stages as well.

This car seat pricing I would suggest is mid-range but what you get is an innovative design that challenges the standard harness belts for toddlers and is easily adjusted for older children. I would highly recommend this seat if you do have an escape artist for a toddler.

Clare Bradley is the Affiliate Insight Analyst at Bauer Media, where she pulls insights for multiple brands but dabbles in the written word for Mother&Baby, Empire and more. She has previously worked on local newspapers such as The Scotsman and The Yorkshire Post. As an avid upcycler, Clare has a keen eye for deals and a soft spot for film memorabilia.