Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max vs Zoe Journey
A price tie, $500 against $499, with near-identical weights of 26.2 lb and 26.4 lb. The Tayla Max is the long one when folded, 41 x 26.2 x 17.5 inches, and the Journey the squarer one at 18.5 x 23 x 30. Baskets are 25 lb for the Tayla Max and 22 lb for the Journey, and Zoe's handlebar adjusts from 36 to 44.5 inches. The car seat story differs: Maxi-Cosi includes adapters for its own seats and converts the upright seat to a lie-flat carriage with QuikCarriage, while Zoe charges $55 for each adapter, covering Nuna Pipa, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Britax and KeyFit. The Journey also turns into a double by adding seats, which the Tayla Max cannot. Its seat limit of 48.5 lb falls to 33 lb with the height adapter set. A Maxi-Cosi owner with one child has the simpler and cheaper setup in the Tayla Max. A family expecting a second child, or one with a Pipa, Britax or KeyFit seat, should budget for the Journey's $55 adapters in exchange for a frame that becomes a double.
Folded, the Zoe Journey makes a 7.39 cu ft box to the Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max's 10.88 cu ft. Neither fits a 22 x 14 x 9 in carry-on sizer: the Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max misses by 19 in and the Zoe Journey by 9.5 in. The Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max is 0.2 lb lighter by its maker's figure (26.2 lb to 26.4 lb). The Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max is newborn-ready as sold; the Zoe Journey needs a bassinet, insert or infant car seat for the first months.
Maxi-Cosi
Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max
~$500
At $499.99 the Tayla Max is Maxi-Cosi's cheapest full-size, 26.2 lb, with a one-hand self-standing fold, four recline positions and a 25 lb basket, the largest in the line.
Best for: A full-size basket and one-hand fold at a budget price
Check price on Amazon
Zoe
Zoe Journey
~$499
Airless tires, four-wheel suspension and a lie-flat recline of up to 180 degrees sit on a single-to-double convertible.
Best for: A single that converts to a double, priced under the big brands
| Specification | Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max | Zoe Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$500 | ~$499 |
| Type | Full-size | Full-size |
| Weight | 26.2 lb | 26.4 lb |
| Newborn option | Bassinet in the box | Newborns ride in an infant car seat |
| Folded size | 41 x 26.2 x 17.5 in | 18.5 x 23 x 30 in |
| Carry-on check | Over by 19 in (3 sides over) | Over by 9.5 in (3 sides over) |
| Folded box | 10.88 cu ft | 7.39 cu ft |
| Unfolded size | not published | 30 x 23 x 44 in |
| Fold | One-hand fold, stands when folded | not published |
| Handlebar height | not published | 36–44.5 in |
| Basket | 25 lb | 22 lb |
| Max child weight | 50 lb | 48.5 lb |
| Recline | 4 positions | Zoe: 110 to 180 degrees, one-hand recline with three secure positions |
| Car seats | 1 seat family: 1 with an adapter | 5 seat families: 5 with an adapter |
| Single to double | not published | Single-to-double: add seats as the family grows |
| Warranty | not published | 2 years |
Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max: what it gives up
- Folded depth of 41 in is long
- Does not take Ambra, unlike the Oxford and Fame
- Seat limit is 50 lb
- Canopy and fabric lack the recycled EcoCare fabric of other models
Zoe Journey: what it gives up
- Seat limit of 48.5 lb falls to 33 lb with the height adapter set
- 26.4 lb
- Car seat adapters are $55 each
Full pages: Maxi-Cosi Tayla Max · Zoe Journey