In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We tested the top strollers from Thule, Mockingbird, UPPAbaby, and more to find the best option for every family and budget
We've tested more than 185 strollers, including more than 50 full-size strollers, in our ongoing effort to find the very best. We purchase each stroller ourselves to assure complete independence in our comparison and ratings.
We purchased and tested the top 18 competitors after researching over 100+ options. Our extensive side-by-side tests look for ease of use, maneuverability, quality, weight, and more to give you the details you need to find the right stroller for your family.
Finding an excellent stroller can be challenging, with so many to choose from, especially if you don't know what to look for. Our favorite full-size is the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. This quality option has 30 lbs capacity storage, an adjustable handlebar, and versatile seating that can hold a bassinet or infant car seat.
If you like the look and feel of the Cruz but not the price, a less expensive option is the Cybex Balios S Lux. This easy-to-use stroller is also smaller and lighter when folded and works with Cybex infant car seats.
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Mico Max Plus Nuna PIPA, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r, PIPA rx, PIPA lite rx, PIPA urbn Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Aton M Clek Liing UPPAbaby Mesa
Baby Jogger City GO 2 Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe Ultra Chicco KeyFit and Fit2 (all infant car seat models) Clek Liing, Liingo Cybex Cloud Q, Aton M Evenflo Embrace, Nurture Graco SnugRide (all infant car seat models) Maxi-Cosi Mico (30, Max 30, Max Plus) Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R, Lite LX, Lite RX, and RX UPPAbaby Mesa (2020 model or newer), Mesa Max
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Is a high-quality, full-size option that offers some of the easiest-to-use features and a quick and simple 2-hand fold. This stroller has a comfortable seating area with a deep recline and a giant canopy. It features a huge storage basket with an exceptional limit of 30 lbs, which fits our large diaper bag during testing. It has a significantly higher capacity and larger size than the group average of 10 lbs. It has an adjustable handlebar with a 40"- 43" range in our tests, suspension, and fine details like a leatherette-wrapped handle and belly bar. It can also work with multiple infant car seat brands. One tester says, “I love the look and feel of this stroller; you can easily tell the difference compared to cheaper options.” The Cruz folds flat with measured dimensions of 22.9"W x 16.5"H x 33"L in our tests, which is 12,469 cubic inches in our tests, where the average was closer to 13,583. It is also comparatively lightweight, with a measured weight of 25 lbs in our tests (the average was 26.4 lbs).
The Cruz is a two-hand fold and isn't the best at grass and gravel. While coming in under the average for weight and folded size, it also isn't exactly compact, which could be a deal break if your space is limited. This stroller also sports a higher price tag, which could be a no-go for smaller budgets. The Cybex Balios S Lux has a similar style and features, weighing 25 lbs and measuring 11,904 cubic inches in our tests. It often costs less and could be a potential contender for families with less to spend. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is similar to the Cruz but can save you money if you plan to grow your family. With a measured weight of 28 lbs in our tests and a folded size of 14,157 cubic inches, it is bulkier than the Cruz, but it can seat two. One parent stated, “We took our Vista on travel and think it is a great choice for multiple kids.” Overall, we think it is tough to beat what the Cruz offers, and if your budget allows for it, the Cruz can offer years of comfortable strolling for passengers and pushers.
The Thule Urban Glide 2 is a jogging stroller we've included in our full-size review because it offers enough versatility to double as your daily stroller. The Urban Glide 2 is super easy to push and turn, thanks to the larger, rubber, pneumatic wheels. It can move over almost any surface with ease, and the front wheel can be locked in place for running on the fly. This stroller has a comfortable seating area, uses high-quality materials, and has covered storage with a capacity limit of 10 lbs, fitting a large diaper bag in our tests. We measured the adjustable handlebar with a range of 30" - 46", a larger range perfect for taller pushers or parents with vastly different heights.
Because it is a jogger, it is somewhat bigger and heavier than a traditional full-size option. With a measured weight of 26.2 lbs and a measured size of 27.2"W x 15.5"H x 36.5"L in our tests, it is bigger than a traditional full-size stroller. However, our tester said, “Despite its size, the quick one-hand fold and rolling ability make it relatively portable.” The measured folded volume of 15,388 cubic inches means small spaces will not be its friend. If you want a smaller option, the Cybex Balios folds fairly compact with a measured cubic volume of 11,904 cubic inches, but it can't be used as a jogger. The Urban Glide 2 is also a little more expensive than some, but it is still nicely priced for a jogger and less expensive than options like the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 and the UPPAbaby Vista v2. If you want a jogger but need a wallet-friendlier option, the Baby Trend Expedition is a possible option. We think the Urban Glide 2 is a great choice for parents who love the outdoors and plan on off-road adventures but need something for the occasional everyday use.
New Version Alert
Thule has launched a new version of the Urban Glide called the Thule Urban Glide 3. This updated version is included in our jogging stroller review, and much like its predecessor, it is an impressive, high-quality, easy-to-use stroller that could easily double-duty as an everyday stroller and an all-terrain option. We plan to add the new version 3 to the full-size review update in the coming year.
Choosing a top performer like the Thule Urban Glide 2 can potentially translate into a one-and-done stroller solution for those who like off-road adventures or moving at higher speeds.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Do not run with younger babies
It is not safe to run with babies who lack the muscle control to support their head and neck. Even in their infant car seat carrier attached by way of an adapter. We encourage parents to consult with their pediatrician and their jogging stroller manufacturer manual for more information before setting out for adventures faster than strolling.
The Cybex Balios S Lux is a modern-day traditional stroller with the style and seating versatility parents are looking for, including compatibility with some Cybex infant car seats and a capacity range of birth to 55 lbs. This quality option has a large canopy with a UPF 50+ rating and bigger foam-filled plastic wheels that help it move easily on flat surfaces. It is often priced lower than other popular strollers and has easy-to-use features like an adjustable handlebar with a range of 39.5" - 43" in our tests. During testing, it also had a standout performance in our tests for passenger comfort, with a 3-position recline measuring 60, 45, and 20 degrees. The Cybex is smaller and lighter than others, with a weight of 25.3 lbs and a measured folded volume of 11,904 cubic inches in our tests. These measurements are below the group's averages, which were closer to 26 lbs and 13,000 cubic inches.
The Cybex is not the best mover when you head off-road. Since the wheels are foam-filled plastic, pushing on grass and gravel simply isn't as easy as some competitors we tested. The similar UPPAbaby Cruz v2 also has foam-filled plastic wheels, but the wider wheel width and bigger size made them easier to push off flat surfaces in our tests. While less expensive than some models, its price could still be a deal breaker for a tighter budget. If you need to spend less, the Evenflo Xpand Pivot is an inexpensive choice with a similar look but lower-quality materials. We think the Cybex is a great choice for those who want better quality without the top price tag and who usually stick to the sidewalk and indoor spaces. Our tester says, “As long as you stay on the beaten path, we think you'll be pleased with the Cybex and its overall functionality.”
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand is an expandable stroller that can seat 2+. This full-size option has a large storage bin with a capacity limit of 10 lbs and fits our large diaper bag during testing. It features adjustable seating, infant car seat attachments, and an adjustable handlebar with a measured range of 33" - 44.7" in our tests. We like the quick, one-handed fold that self-stands if the wheels are in the right position. The toddler seating reclined to 70, 50, and 30 degrees during our testing, and it has 5 leg rest positions, but only 3 seemed useable in our tests. If your family's budget is at the top of your mind and you know it will be growing, this budget option should be on your shortlist.
This stroller is heavy and big, making it less appealing if you want something small or compact. With a measured folded volume of 16,790 cubic inches, dimensions of 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L, and a weight of 30 lbs, it is definitely more of a heft than the average option we measured. The Britax B-Free measured smaller (6,674 cubic inches) and lighter (only 22.5 lbs), and if you only have one to push, it could be a better solution. If your budget is bigger and quality is a top goal (or more storage), then the UPPAbaby Vista v2 is an amazing option for up to 3 kids and holds up to 30 lbs of supplies. Graham, our in-house tester, reports, “The ability for a stroller to grow on a budget is a game-changer.” The Evenflo is hard to beat for the price, and we think that those with tighter budgets will find much to love in this simple stroller.
While not the highest scorer in the group, We think the Evenflo Pivot could be a budget contender for those looking to grow their family or want the look of a higher-end product but don't want to spend the money.
The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is an inexpensive jogging stroller with capabilities suitable for everyday use. As an upgraded version of the original Baby Trend Expedition, has enough features to keep pushers and passengers happy. In our tests, this three-wheeled stroller has under-seat storage with a 5 lb limit and a comfortable seat that reclines from 70 - 30 degrees in infinite positions. There is also a parent console and a child snack tray with cup holders. It has rubber pneumatic tires, is easy to push, and can head off-road or run without missing a beat. Our in-house tester said, “It is a good stroller that doesn't have a big price tag; it is perfect for many families on a budget.”
The Expedition is not the best quality, and some of the features are lacking, like the smaller canopy or lack of suspension. The console and child-tray cup holders only measured 2.5 in deep and 3 in wide in our tests, which makes them potentially useless and dangerous as items can fall out (assuming they even fit). It has a bulky fold with a measured volume of 14,308 cubic inches and is heavier for a full-size option at 28.1 lbs in our tests, though not the heaviest jogger in the group. It also didn't perform well in our jogging stroller review run-ability tests. If you are a serious runner, you might want to look at the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 instead, as it has adjustable tracking and suspension that makes it better suited to everyday running. If you have a very tight budget and just want to have an easy time pushing your stroller over any surface, the Race Tec is exactly what you need and will save you so much money in the long run.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is a super high-quality stroller that expands to a double stroller that accepts bassinets, infant car seats, toddler seats, or any combination of the three. We love the giant 30 lb storage basket, the straightforward fold with a flat design, and the huge canopy with UPF 50+ material that protects from the elements. It has fine attention to detail, includes the features you really need, and is super easy to push and use. The Vista has an adjustable handlebar with a measured range of 39.5" - 42.5" in our tests, making it good for parents of different heights. It has larger wheels that, during testing, helped it maneuver over most surfaces.
The Vista is expensive and could be a deal breaker for families on a tighter budget. If you like the look and design, the Evenflo Xpand Pivot or the Mockingbird have similar styles and functions but cost less. Neither is perfect, but one or both could be suitable stand-ins depending on your goals. It is also heavy and large, measuring 28.3 lbs and 14,157 cubic inches in our tests. The average stroller in our review measured closer to 26 lbs and 13,583 cubic inches, with the single stroller getting as low as 6,674 cubic inches. We love the Vista and think for growing families, the price is worth it if you can afford it. One tester said, “I'm glad it will last as long as my kids need a stroller, so I don't have to think about buying another one.”
The Britax B-Free is a cool little stroller that can get the job done, assuming it aligns with your needs. The B-Free is a super compact option with a measured folded size of 24"W x 10.3"H x 27"L and 6,674 cubic inches in our tests. It also weighs less, with a weight of 22.5 lbs in our tests, compared to some that weigh closer to 30 lbs. It has nice fabric, versatile storage pockets, and a good-sized canopy with a zip-open mesh panel and a reclining sling-style seat with a measured range from 55-20 degrees. In our tests, the B-Free is easy enough to push and turn with an adjustable handlebar with a 32" - 44.5" height range. While you won't want to take it hiking, it can manage a play park without angering you, thanks to rubber tires bigger than most foam-filled plastic options. Our tester remarked, “I like how easy and quick it is to fold; I can do it so fast!”
This stroller is limited in its ability, as it can't go jogging or head off the beaten path, but this is true of most full-size competitors. Moving off flat surfaces is best left to strollers like the Thule Urban Glide 2 or the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec, depending on your budget. It also has a small storage capacity of only 10 lbs, which can limit the kinds of adventures or errands you can go on. In comparison, the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 holds up to 30 lbs! This makes it better suited for errands like grabbing groceries. However, if you want to save money and avoid buying a travel stroller or your life is mostly spent in tight urban spaces, then the B-Free will likely make you and your little passenger happy.
The quick and compact fold of the Britax B-Free makes it an excellent choice for those who want a compact choice for travel or busy city outings.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Compare Products
We test full-size competitors in multiple metrics to find the best of the bunch for every goal.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Test Full-Size Strollers
Our testing protocol for strollers is extensive and involves putting each stroller through 50 individual tests to inform our ratings. We've purchased and tested more than 190 strollers since 2014, including more than 50 strollers that fit our criteria for everyday-use “full-size strollers.” We buy each stroller ourselves, accepting no freebies from manufacturers to ensure complete independence.
The strollers were pushed on and off of grass to sidewalks to mimic the same kind of use you'll experience heading to a play park.
Pushing full-size strollers through doorways can be a common everyday occurrence when running errands.
Our testing of full-size strollers is divided across five rating metrics:
Ease of Use tests (40% of overall score weighting)
Maneuverability tests (25% weighting)
Transporting and Storing tests (15% weighting)
Quality tests (10% weighting)
Kid's Comfort (10% weighting)
We tested each stroller in tight spaces, doorways, and on different surfaces to determine which options are the easier to push and turn.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our testing occurs in the GearLab in-house lab and in the real world during daily use with little ones. The full-size stroller reviews use research and details on performance derived from real-world applications compared to the other contenders. We handle each stroller from unboxing to in-house testing and hours of use to determine which are the easiest to use, have the most useful features, are the most maneuverable, and are high quality compared to the competition.
We perform a myriad of tests in our quest to find the best strollers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Testing includes pushing strollers in a designated test path over various surfaces and thresholds. We measure the weight and size of folded strollers and put them into and take them out of cars. We lift, carry, and open and close each stroller to compare to the competition. We analyze the materials, quality, design, and more to determine metric performance and scores.
The test group of full-size options all folded side by side.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Our experienced team of experienced stroller testers is run by our BabyGearLab founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier, Board Certified Pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and totally awesome mother of two. She uses her education and experience as a pediatrician and her expertise as a mom to define the BabyGearLab safety standards. The lead for the hands-on stroller test team is Senior Research Analyst, Bob Wofford, father of 7, who has been the stroller testing development and execution leader since 2013. It's safe to say Bob has pushed, pulled, and assembled more strollers than anyone on the planet.
Our Senior Research Analyst assembled every stroller in the review, like the UPPAbaby Vista v2 shown here.
Credit: Graham Faulknor
The stroller team also includes Graham Faulknor, a father of one and GearLab Senior Research Analyst. Graham spearheaded the most recent update of 18 contenders starting from the assembly. Graham has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado and has over 15+ years of experience designing, building, and testing everything from race cars and medical devices to consumer goods. The team is rounded out with Senior Review Editor and mother of two, Wendy Schmitz, who has reviewed and researched over 150 strollers since joining BabyGearLab in 2014, including hundreds of hours of hands-on use. Overall, the team has over 20 years of combined experience using and testing all types of strollers.
The Ridge seat recline is deep enough for napping, but like many joggers it is not fully flat.
The Revolution has a bulky fold that takes up more space than many competitors.
Analysis and Test Results
We selected 18 finalists for our exhaustive, side-by-side testing that includes everything from maneuverability and ease of use to quality and overall weight. We chose each contender after extensive research on quality, innovation, and popularity. We also gave consideration to the multiple factors parents are looking for.
What's the Best Value?
Value in a full-size stroller largely comes down to how often you plan to stroll, how many years you plan to stroll, and how many children might use the stroller. Strollers come in a wide range of prices, and we see no need to buy more stroller than you need. The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is an excellent occasional adventure stroller great for parks and easy pushing almost anywhere; it also has one of the lowest price tags in the group. However, if you are a serious runner or live in a busy city, it likely won't meet your needs and will not feel like a good value if it leads to a second stroller purchase. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 has one of the higher prices in the group, but the quality and longevity make it a great value because it will last for years and potentially has a good resale value. However, if you plan to have multiple children close in age and could benefit from a double stroller, it isn't as good of a value as something like the Evenflo Xpand Pivot that can work for two and has a very wallet-friendly price tag. We also think the Britax B-Free is an excellent budget choice, especially if you travel frequently or live in the city. This inexpensive, compact option is perfect as a double-duty full-size and travel option. It can potentially save money in the long run since you don't need a second stroller for travel.
The UPPAbaby Ridge folding handle under the leg rest is a press and twist handle that is super easy to use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
Ease of use includes the features you use frequently that impact everyday functionality. Your stroller's ability to perform well on demand is the difference between enjoying it or wanting to kick it to the curb.
Ease of Use Performance Ratings
Product
Storage
Fold/Unfold
Harness
Brakes
UPPAbaby Vista v2
8.0
8.5
9.0
10.0
UPPAbaby Ridge
7.5
10.0
9.0
8.0
UPPAbaby Cruz v2
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.0
Thule Urban Glide 2
7.0
9.5
9.0
7.5
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
10.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
Thule Spring
6.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
Mockingbird
9.0
8.0
7.5
7.5
BOB Alterrain Pro
6.5
10.0
8.0
7.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
8.0
6.5
10.0
6.0
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
5.0
8.0
6.0
9.5
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
6.5
7.0
8.0
7.0
Baby Jogger City Select 2
8.5
6.5
6.0
7.0
Britax Brook +
9.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
Baby Jogger City Sights
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Britax B-Free
5.0
8.0
5.0
8.0
GRACO Modes Nest
10.0
6.5
5.0
4.0
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
9.0
7.0
4.0
3.0
Baby Trend Expedition
7.0
7.0
4.0
3.0
A full-size stroller's overall score in this metric is based on several sub-metrics that we tested side-by-side.
The Thule Urban Glide 2 features a one-hand fold with a twist handle under the seat. Plus, it can roll like luggage when folded.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
These individual sub-metric tests (fold/unfold, storage, harnesses, and brakes) provide more information and details that help in stroller comparison, especially if you're torn between two contenders or if one sub-metric is more important to you.
Folding a full-size stroller has a lot of moving parts and little ones can get injured if not kept at a distance when folding.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
We prefer strollers with few steps that fold smoothly without complications, as this can make all the difference when you're on the go, especially with a little one in tow. However, not every stroller is lucky to have an easy-fold design. We lined up the competition side-by-side to test various aspects of this sub-metric, such as ease of folding and unfolding, if a stroller sports an auto or manual fold lock, carry handle, or shoulder strap, and if it can self-stand.
The easiest strollers to fold are the BOB Alterrain, Thule Urban Glide 2, and the UPPAbaby Ridge. All of these options have a one-hand fold via a handle under the leg rest you twist. It is a swift operation and super simple. If you notice, they are also all traditionally jogging strollers. The hardest options are those that require two hands or need a lot of adjustments before folding, or they are best folded with accessories removed. These included the Cybex Balios S Lux, Baby Jogger City Select 2, Britax Brook +, and the GRACO Modes Nest Stroller. These options need seats removed to be truly compact, and this can be difficult or impossible depending on where and why you are folding it.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 storage bin fits our extra large diaper bag and a laptop bag. The easy access and 30 lb capacity make it a shinning star in the storage metric.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Storage
The amount of storage space a stroller provides can differ; unfortunately, some storage designs are not very thoughtful or functional. In fact, some strollers in our lineup have large storage bins but with low weight capacities, making those spaces virtually useless.
The Cruz v2 has one of the biggest baskets with the largest weight limit.
The Race Tech has a child's snack tray with two shallow cup holders.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 have the biggest baskets for storage, with the highest weight limit of 30 lbs. The smaller bins with 10 lb limits were somewhat disappointing but should be enough to carry your baby's supplies depending on where the day takes you. The Baby Trend Expedition and the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec have the lowest basket limits at 5 lbs. The Baby Trends do have additional storage features like a parent console and child's tray, but they aren't as useful as we'd like, and items either didn't fit or fell out of the cup holders during testing.
The Urban Glide 2 has ample padding around the crotch and shoulder straps.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
All of the strollers in our review have 5-point harnesses, with some offering sufficient padding or safety buckles, requiring two hands to operate. Others have an adjustable crotch strap and shoulder height adjustment with some non-rethread harnesses, and the rest rethread. We noticed that some harnesses are stiff to adjust, and we value those that are smooth and quick to operate.
The Cruz has an easy to adjust harness with smooth webbing.
The Baby Trend harness has rougher webbing and a lower-quality buckle system.
The lowest-scoring harnesses in the group belong to both Baby Trend strollers. They require harness rethreading, and the buckle is stiff with rougher webbing on the straps. The Britax B-Free also has challenging rethreading shoulder strap adjustments, but the buckle is easier. The best harnesses are on the UPPAbaby and Thule strollers. These options have easy-to-use buckles and adjustments, as well as soft straps and padding for comfort.
The brakes on the UPPAbaby Vista v2 include a color change window so you can tell if they are set at a glance.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
Not all brakes are foot-friendly, and some are trickier to employ or disengage. Our lineup even features a stroller, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, that sports a hand parking brake. We prefer pedals that do not require lifting from underneath to release.
The Race Tec has double-action brakes and requires two pedals to be set.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 has a color-changing window on the brake to let you know if they are set or ready to roll.
Once again, the Baby Trend options failed to impress with their double-action brakes, which require setting and releasing two pedals. We worry parents will forget or grow complacent over time and only press one pedal. This would result in the brakes being improperly set and could result in injury or death. The best brakes in the lineup are those on the UPPAbaby Vista v2, with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 following close behind.
Having an easy-to-fold stroller can be a game changer if you need to perform this function on a regular basis.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Ease of Use
The ease of use final score is a collection of test results from multiple sub-metrics, previously detailed above.
The easiest options in the review to use are the UPPAbaby Ridge, UPPAbaby Vista v2, and the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. Each UPPAbaby stroller has features that work well and are intuitive, many working with a single hand. They have larger storage bins with bigger capacities, adjustable handlebars, smooth harness webbing, and color-coded brake pedals. The Baby Trend Expedition performs the worst in our ease-of-use tests. This stroller isn't necessarily hard to use, but it is harder than the competition because it lacks some features, and other features are lower quality and more challenging, like double-action brakes instead of single.
The Cruz v2 has lots of easy-to-use features like a telescoping handlebar and push button seat recline.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The UPPAbaby strollers and the Thule Urban Glide 2 lack amenities like a parent or child console, but both companies offer these accessories for purchase. We believe these conveniences can be useful depending on your lifestyle, and we recommend you consider the additional cost in your decision-making process if you think you want them. However, we don't believe these features are mandatory. In fact, we found that many of these features weren't that useful during testing. Many were poorly designed and only checked a box instead of adding real benefits.
Many strollers can be paired with a stroller by purchasing an adapter or using a native brand seat to create a travel system of your choice. This photo shows the UPPAbaby Vist v2 paired with an UPPAbaby car seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Car Seat Compatibility
Most of the full-size strollers in our review are compatible with at least one (sometimes more) infant car seat, and some are light enough to work as a stand-in for a car seat frame stroller. Some strollers are restricted in the brands they are compatible with, or they don't accept infant carriers. Other strollers have significant cross-brand compatibility with the purchase of an adapter.
If you hope to combine your stroller with an infant car seat, then we encourage you to choose your car seat first, as safety is critical for car seats. We also think some parents should consider a car seat frame stroller for the first 6-9 months instead of a traditional full-size stroller. These frame options are easier to use with an infant car seat carrier, lighter, cheaper, and can give you a better idea of how you'll use a full-size stroller going forward so you can make a better buying decision. While you'll end up buying two different strollers, it could still translate to saving money if it prevents you from buying a stroller that doesn't meet your strolling needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Another potential alternative is to skip the stroller during infancy and carry your baby in a baby carrier. These wearable devices allow you to carry your little one, often hands-free, in a close and bonding position that removes the hassle of a stroller entirely. Many babies love being held close, and it can reduce fussiness and crying.
This is an example of a click-in car seat adapter seen on the BOB Alterrain.
This image shows a car seat adapter with a secondary strap setup used on the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0. We have concerns that parents might skip the step, creating the potential for injuries.
Some car seats use a click-in attachment, while others click and strap the carrier in place. We prefer the click-only options because they are more straightforward, relatively foolproof, and usually feel more stable. The strap method isn't challenging, but it is a second step, and we worry parents will skip it (accidentally or intentionally), which could create safety issues and potential for injuries. If you choose a strap combination, we encourage you always to use the straps as the manufacturer recommends to avoid safety risks.
We started our test process by building each stroller from unboxing to ready-to-roll.
Credit: Graham Faulknor
Ease of Setup
Assembly is a one-time job but relevant to some who lack assembly savvy or loathe the process. We consider the time it takes to set up, possible challenges, required tools, and manual usefulness. None of the strollers are hard to assemble, and almost none require tools. Most just snap on wheels, seats, or canopies.
The Mockingbird is one of the easiest options in the review to assemble.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The easiest option to assemble is the Mockingbird, and the company even sent us an email before the stroller arrived showing us exactly how to do it. Many other options are just as easy, but the Mockingbird stood out thanks to the video. The hardest options to set up are the Cybex Balios S Lux and the Graco Modes Nest. Both had harder-to-understand instructions that lacked written components or offered more information than was needed.
We test each stroller for maneuverability including how well they move over different surfaces, thresholds, and through doorways and tight spaces. We consider push-ability using one and two hands and how challenging it is to push.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
Our maneuverability tests include a convoluted pathway of turns and corners over various surfaces, including hardwood, pavement, gravel, grass, snow/ice (when the weather allows), and dirt. We also created a crowded-supermarket simulator, a multi-surface obstacle course containing tight corners and real-world challenges.
Maneuverability by Surface Type
Product
Hard Surface
All-terrain
Curbs
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
7.5
10.0
9.0
Thule Urban Glide 2
7.0
10.0
9.0
BOB Alterrain Pro
7.5
9.0
8.0
Mockingbird
8.0
8.0
7.0
UPPAbaby Cruz v2
8.0
8.0
7.0
UPPAbaby Vista v2
7.5
8.0
7.0
Baby Trend Expedition
6.5
9.0
7.0
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
7.0
8.5
7.0
Baby Jogger City Sights
8.5
7.5
6.0
Baby Jogger City Select 2
8.5
7.5
6.0
Britax B-Free
8.0
6.0
6.0
UPPAbaby Ridge
6.0
5.0
8.0
GRACO Modes Nest
7.0
6.0
6.0
Britax Brook +
6.0
5.0
7.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
8.0
5.0
4.0
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
4.0
5.5
6.0
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
5.5
4.0
6.0
Thule Spring
4.0
4.0
5.0
We push each stroller through it all and then compare their results for ease of pushing, turning, and performance over various surfaces and in tight spaces like a crowded city sidewalk.
The Britax B-Free has rubber tires and a three-wheel design that helps it maneuver easier than many competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
It is worth noting that most of the high-scoring strollers perform well on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The more substantial wheels make for effortless pushing and single-handed turning on pavement, and they excel in smaller spaces with tight turning radiuses. Their advantages were even more pronounced when going over grass or gravel in the park. Smaller wheel products with solid tires got bogged down on rough surfaces, often to unworkable levels. The plastic wheels also transmit jarring shocks directly to the baby because they do not absorb the energy and often lack suspension.
The bst strollers are those that allow you to push on various surfaces and through standard doorways with ease. The Cruz is shown in this image.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Hard Sufaces
Pushing and turning on flat, hard surfaces like pavement and concrete or those you encounter indoors is the bread and butter for a full-size stroller. Being able to push a stroller with minimal resistance or to turn with a single hand can make the job of pushing a child hither and yon easier. The top performers on flat surfaces for maneuverability were the Baby Jogger City Select 2 and Baby Jogger City Sights. Both strollers have minimal chassis flex and have solid wheels with light suspension that makes threshold changes and turns a thoughtless operation. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2, Britax B-Free, Mockingbird, and the Cybex Balios S Lux are close behind. Each has a high quality wheel and sturdy frames that help make them easier to handle. The worst in the group were the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 and the Thule Spring. Both strollers have smaller diameter wheels and flexing frames requiring more response time, making it hard to make tight turns without pre-game planning.
The small wheels on the Thule Spring wheels are foam-filled rubber and the size seemed to hurt its ability to move over grass and off-road.
While the Baby Jogger brand has the word “Jogger” in the brand name, most of their products are not suitable for jogging. This applies to all of the Baby Joggers in this review. You should not jog with any stroller that is not designed for jogging, as they do not have the proper design features to provide a safe jogging experience with a baby. No, seriously, don't do it!
The rubber tires and three-wheel design with a locking swivel front wheel help it navigate all kinds of surfaces with relative ease.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
All-Terrain
Before you have children you might think all-terrain strolling isn't in your future. It could feel like a non-issue if you don't hike or run. But wait! Don't fall into that trap. You will likely need and use your stroller on various terrains, so its performance here should not be ignored. Even a quick trip to an urban park will have you pushing over grass and gravel. Headed to the zoo? Many have uneven pathways and odd thresholds. Even your local strip mall could be surrounded with cobblestone or carpet.
Plastic wheels like those on the Evenflo are not the best for easy maneuverability.
The rubber, air-filled tires on the BOB Alterrain make it easy to push and turn over almost any surface you'll encounter.
Smaller plastic wheels can become dented or deform over time depending on the terrain you regularly traverse. Our test shows that rubber or dense foam-filled wheels are better for moving on uneven surfaces. If you need to stroll frequently over grass, gravel, or dirt, maneuverability should be an essential consideration in your decision-making process, and those with rubber tires should be at the top of your list.
The highest-scoring options for all-terrain maneuverability were the
jogging strollers, including the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0, the BOB Alterrain Pro, The Baby Trend Expedition, and the Thule Urban Glide. The rubber tires, three-wheel design, and optional front-wheel locking make these strollers super nimble when moving off-road. They have the design and features required for smoother sailing and easier pushing, like suspension and larger, more robust wheels. For the non-jogger style strollers, the best performance was seen in the UPPAbaby Cruz v2, UPPAbaby Vista v2, and the Mockingbird. The harder options to push and turn off-road are the Evenflo Pivot Xpand and the Thule Spring. Once again, their smaller wheels and flexing frames only got worse when the terrain wasn't flat.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 was a little wobbly during our maneuverability testing with a significant flex in the frame.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Maneuverability
Only you know the areas you plan to stroll, and there is much to consider depending on your location, lifestyle, and plans. Having an easy-to-push and turn stroller could make all the difference between a great outing and a frustrating experience.
The top performers for maneuverability are the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 and the Thule Urban Glide 2. Both options are jogging strollers that include larger rubber wheels, a 3-wheel design, shocks, and an adjustable handlebar. All of these features help create a stroller that is easier to push and turn, often with one hand on almost any surface. The Baby Jogger options also performed well, with the exception of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, which earned one of the lowest maneuverability scores. The Thule Spring earned the lowest score. The Spring has smaller wheels than the higher-performing options, and the frame flexes enough that it takes a significant effort to turn it on uneven surfaces or on terrain like dirt and grass.
The Britax B-Free is one of the smallest folded options in the group and could be a potential choice for those with smaller spaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
We perform our own measurements to test each stroller's weight and folded size. This practice is important as we discovered that some manufacturers provided weights or measurements that excluded components such as wheels or detachable seats. This results in their stated stroller weight appearing much lighter on paper than it is set up for actual use. Our measurements include wheels and seats but do not include accessories like bassinets or rain covers.
Weight and Folded Size Ratings
Product
Weight
Folded Size
Britax B-Free
8.7
9.0
Thule Spring
8.4
8.5
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
8.7
7.4
Baby Jogger City Sights
7.2
6.8
Baby Jogger City Select 2
6.3
7.4
Baby Trend Expedition
7.9
5.7
Britax Brook +
8.4
5.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
7.2
6.1
UPPAbaby Cruz v2
7.4
5.7
GRACO Modes Nest
9.0
3.2
Thule Urban Glide 2
6.8
4.1
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
5.8
4.7
UPPAbaby Vista v2
5.7
4.8
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
5.3
4.5
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
4.8
3.3
UPPAbaby Ridge
4.5
3.4
Mockingbird
4.7
3.0
BOB Alterrain Pro
3.0
3.0
The Race Tec is a bulky and somewhat heavier option compared to the full-size competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Measured Weight
Because you will likely need to lift and carry your stroller at some point, how much it weighs could be a concern. Especially if any user is particularly petite or under weight restrictions after childbirth.
The BOB Alterrain Pro is the heaviest option at 34 lbs. However, we expect a jogger to be heavier than the average full-size stroller. But in fairness, it is still heavier than the other joggers we included in this review. The heaviest traditional stroller is the Mockingbird at 30 lbs. The average weight for the group is 26 lbs. The lightest in the group are the GRACO Modes Nest Stroller and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, but neither of these scored well overall, and you could be trading one problem for another by selecting a stroller on weight alone.
The Mockingbird is one of the largest options in the group, leaving limited extra space in our compact SUV.
The smaller Britax B-Free leaves extra space in our compact SUV.
Measured Size
We measured the folded size of the strollers both for the individual dimensions and the overall folded volume. This gives you enough information to determine if your favorite stroller fits in your life, literally.
The largest option is the Mockingbird Stroller, which, when folded, measures 23,432 cubic inches. For comparison, the average folded option is 13,583 cubic inches. Even the largest jogging stroller, the BOB Alterrain Pro, is smaller than the Mockingbird, at 17,357 cubic inches. The Britax B-Free is the smallest, with a folded volume of only 6,674 cubic inches.
This image includes the smallest folded option (second from the left) and other options, including one of the largest (second from the right).
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Transporting and Storing
The best-scoring stroller in this metric was the Britax B-Free. This little option folds very small and weighs less than most competitors. With a folded size of 6,674 cubic inches, nothing even came close. Plus, it only weighs 22.5 lbs.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 has thoughtful attention to detail using quality materials like the shock absorption seen here.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
Many believe that quality is directly related to price, and while this is somewhat true, we find that some mid-range products offer quality on par with or better than the more expensive options.
Quality of Materials
Product
Fabric
Frame
Wheels
UPPAbaby Vista v2
5.0
5.0
4.0
UPPAbaby Cruz v2
5.0
5.0
4.0
BOB Alterrain Pro
4.0
5.0
4.0
UPPAbaby Ridge
3.0
5.0
5.0
Baby Jogger City Select 2
5.0
4.0
3.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
4.0
5.0
3.0
Baby Jogger City Sights
5.0
4.0
3.0
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Britax B-Free
4.0
3.0
4.0
Mockingbird
4.0
3.0
4.0
Thule Urban Glide 2
4.0
3.0
4.0
GRACO Modes Nest
4.0
3.0
3.0
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
3.0
3.0
3.0
Thule Spring
4.0
2.0
2.0
Britax Brook +
2.0
3.0
2.0
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
3.0
2.0
2.0
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
1.0
2.0
3.0
Baby Trend Expedition
1.0
1.0
2.0
This observation is good news for anyone hoping to find a high-performing, quality product that won't break the bank.
Higher quality options like the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 use materials and design to create products that work well, feel good, look sleek, and have few if any, manufacturer flaws.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Evenflo is a good stroller for the price, but the quality does not stand out in this group.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fabric
Fabric quality encompasses the comfort and skin-friendly feel, the durability and how well it fits the frame, and how easy it might be to clean or wear over time. The fabrics on the strollers we tested were all over the place. Some were rough and somewhat abrasive and stiff and didn't fit the frame well, while others were soft, smooth, easy to wipe clean, and wrapped nicely around the frames. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 have some of the highest quality materials in the group, and the look and feel bear this out compared to the competition. The roughest and stiffest fabric is found on the Baby Trend strollers.
The Vista v2 is a higher quality choice with a sleek design and better materials than most competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Frame
A good frame should be fairly flex-free, and the fold and connection points should be few and solid. We look for rattle, sturdiness, design, and lack of defect when assessing frames. Those that score high tend to have limited fold points, a lack of visible connectors, and a design that doesn't bend or flex when under pressure from the passenger or pushing. The nicest frames were seen in the BOB Alterrain Pro, Cybex Balios, and all of the UPPAbaby strollers.
We liked the foam-filled rubber tires on the UPPAbaby Ridge both for the quality of materials and overall functionality.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Wheels
The best quality tires and wheels are largely found on the jogging stroller, in part at least due to their design and activity needs. These options have rubber tires and larger wheels designed for more adventure types than a standard stroller. The highest scoring were the UPPAbaby Ridge wheels. Next were the UPPAbaby Vista v2 and Cuz v2, the BOB strollers, and the Britax B-Free and Mockingbird. The worst wheels were smaller and plastic that felt flimsy or had wobble during testing. These were found on the Thule Spring, Baby Jogger City Min GT2, Britax Brook+, and oddly, the Baby Trend Expedition as its tires suffered frequent flats and slow leaking in our tests.
The Baby Trend might have features not seen in competitors, but the quality of the features and functionality wasn't great in our tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Quality
The top-quality options in this review are the UPPAbaby Vista v2 and the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. These strollers combine quality components and high-end materials with a fit and finish that stands out in the crowd. Products earn higher scores for quality if they have comfortable and durable fabric, pneumatic or foam-filled rubber tires, and sturdy frames with smooth finishes and little flex or rattle.
The lowest-scoring option is the Baby Trend Expedition. Most of the low-scoring strollers have plastic wheels (not true of the Expedition), stationary handlebars, and a lot of flex with multiple, often visible, connection joints. However, the Baby Trend Expedition combines some nicer features like rubber pneumatic tires and larger wheels, which give it excellent maneuverability and the ability to run. It suffers from problems like a uselessly small canopy and the lowest weight capacity basket.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 has many useful features for creating a comfortable experience for passengers like the adjustable leg rest.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
Finding a stroller your child will ride in without complaint is a big deal. Not all strollers offer seating arrangements that allow for true comfort.
The Vista v2 has several features for comfort, including a padded sling-style seat, adjustable leg rest with foot rest, and a giant canopy for element protection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
Several of the strollers in our lineup offer adjustable leg rests; some even adjust in length and angle, and almost all have some degree of reclining seat. Finding a comfortable napping position can be important when keeping little ones happy. Both UPPAbaby traditional strollers have padded sling seats on an oval frame that allows for lay-flat recline, adjustable leg rests, and excellent canopy coverage.
The BOB canopy is one of the largest in the group, offering excellent protection against the elements.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
A stroller's sunshade can vary in design, and we appreciate sunshades that provide ample coverage and sun protection through SPF or UV fabric, have peek-a-boo windows, and function well with a car seat. The best canopies in the group are on the Cybex Balios S Lux, and all of the UPPAbaby strollers. These are large sunshades with peek-a-boo windows with SPF 50+ ratings. They cover out and over the knee of most passengers and create a cozy pod-like environment for private napping. The worst is the Baby Trend Expedition, with a ridiculously small canopy that covers almost nothing and can only rotate to prevent direct sun.
The Baby Trend Expedition has one of the smallest canopies sin the group.
The Britax B-Free is one of the bigger options in the group.
Overall Kid Comfort
The smallest canopy is on the Baby Trend Expedition, and while it rotates, it doesn't cover enough of the passengers to be truly useful. Some of the best canopies are on the BOB Alterrain and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0. Once again, the UPPAbaby strollers stand out here with the highest-scoring canopies.
We prefer seats with an adjustable deep recline, large sunshades, adjustable leg rests, and more. These features should be easy for parents to use and, if possible, not disturb little ones who might be sleeping.
The stroller that offers the most passenger comfort is the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. The UPPAbaby Vista v2, Cybex Balios S Lux, and the Mockingbird Stroller follow close behind. The lowest scoring option in the group is the Baby Trend Expedition.
We purchased and tested every full-size stroller in our review side-by-side.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Pick the Best Full-Size Stroller
Choosing a stroller doesn't have to be frustrating if you keep a few key considerations in mind.
Many infant car seats can be paired with popular strollers by purchasing an adapter or using adapters included with your stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Pairing with a Car Seat?
If you hope to pair your stroller with a compatible infant car seat, we recommend choosing your car seat first. Because car seats are so important and safety-critical, we think this choice should be made first, and then a stroller that meets your needs and works with your car seat should be chosen. Luckily, many of the strollers work well with various infant car seats from popular brands, including the award winners from our best infant car seat review.
Where you plan to stroll, and the terrain you need to traverse can impact which stroller is the right one for your needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Where are You Strolling?
Where you plan to use your stroller the most and the kind of terrain you'll be traversing is a major factor in overall stroller satisfaction. A jogging stroller might be a no-go if you are a city dweller strolling on crowded city sidewalks or in small cafes. However, if you plan to visit parks, go hiking, or like to run, a standard traditional stroller isn't going to meet your needs. We recommend paying close attention to maneuverability and the kind of tires on each stroller to find the one that is right for your plans.
The Britax B-Free has a unique storage bin with leg rest flip-up access in the front, giving you more access options.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Features to Consider
Which features are important to each family will vary, and it is hard to say that any one feature is a must for all. However, we think having as much storage as possible and a comfortable seating area are important. Carrying your supplies or adding items when running errands can make a stroller more useful. Keeping little passengers comfortable can make strolling more enjoyable or last longer. Other parents might be looking for accessories like a parent console or a child snack tray. Looking at the features and functionality can help you narrow the field.
The full-size strollers in this review come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and weights, and these could impact their useability.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Size Matters
Size matters. Once you've narrowed your options based on the above factors, the last thing to consider size. The strollers in this category range from 21-33 lbs and from around 6,000 cubic inches folded to over 17,000, giving a huge size range to choose from. If you have limited space in your home or car or limitations on the weight you can lift or carry, then the size of your stroller matters. If you plan to stroll straight from your front door and have less need to put your stroller in a car or carry it, then it might be less important. We measured each stroller and tested them in a compact SUV to give you comparable information.
We purchased and tested popular strollers for everyday use in our full-size stroller review.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
After much testing, we think it is unlikely that one stroller is perfect for every need or family. All families are unique, and as such, they all have unique lifestyles and strolling habits. Add on travel plans, home location, family size, and budget concerns, and you have too many variables to say that any single stroller will work for everyone. However, we do think finding “the one” perfect option for your family's goals and needs is possible. In our review, we share our experiences, observations, and test results to provide our insight and details so you can make an informed buying decision. Our information can help narrow the field to a handful of products to find the best stroller for your family.
