In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Review

Limited functionality, but best sit and stand in the review
gearlab tested logo
Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Review
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Price:  $290 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Joovy
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team  ⋅  May 8, 2023
48
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 17
  • Ease of Use - 40% 5.0
  • Maneuverability - 25% 3.6
  • Transporting/ Storing - 15% 6.8
  • Quality - 10% 4.0
  • Kid Ride - 10% 4.5

Our Verdict

The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is an inline stroller with sit and stand capabilities and a rear seat with additional purchase. This sit-and-stand product is better than the majority of the strollers of this type thanks to a lighter weight, small fold, and easy-to-use features. While it wasn't the highest-scoring option, it is the highest-scoring product for this kind of stroller. It earned an honorable mention for parents who need a lightweight top-ranked double stroller of different ages. While the Caboose may not do everything, like accept two car seats, what it does provide, it does well and for a budget-friendly price.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to lift and carry
Compact fold
Easy to stow
REASONS TO AVOID
Accepts one car seat
Harder to maneuver
Storage is hard to access
Editor's Note: we now link to the Caboose Too, a newer version of the Caboose. This version seems to have an upgraded back seat and more. We hope to test it in the future but feel it is similar enough to the option we tested and there is still value in our testing.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Value Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
Best Wagon for Fun
Best Value Award
Great Value on a Budget
 
Price $290 List
Check Price at Amazon
$400 List
$282.88 at Amazon
$400 List
$249.99 at Amazon
$250 List
$199.99 at Amazon
$250 List
$229.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
48
67
61
57
55
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Best sit and stand we tested but it has limited functionalityBudget-minded option with versatile seating and features on par with higher-end optionsWe like the adjustable features on this wagon, but it struggled during testing to keep up with more traditional stroller typesGreat budget-friendly stroller that works well in small spacesHeavy and hard to use stroller, but it does offer nice maneuverability for the price
Rating Categories Joovy Caboose Ultra... Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Evenflo Pivot Xplor... Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Navigator
Ease of Use (40%)
5.0
8.3
6.7
5.7
5.8
Maneuverability (25%)
3.6
6.0
6.6
8.2
7.2
Transporting/ Storing (15%)
6.8
3.4
5.4
3.8
2.8
Quality (10%)
4.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
Kid Ride (10%)
4.5
7.8
3.3
4.4
4.6
Specs Joovy Caboose Ultra... Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Evenflo Pivot Xplor... Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Navigator
Measured Weight 23.4 lbs 34.6 lbs 34.5 lbs 30.6 lbs 39.7 lbs
Capacity Limits Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 45 lbs/44 in
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/38 in
Maximum: 55 lbs/39 in Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Measured Folded Dimensions 21.2"W x 11.8"H x 46.5"L 26.7"W x 25"H x 32.7"L 27"W x 39"H x 24.5"L 32.8"W x 16.5"H x 34"L 32.9"W x 19"H x 34.8"L
Folded Volume 11,632 cu in 21,827 cu in 25,799 cu in 18,401 cu in 21,753 cu in
Number of Car Seats Accepted 1 2 1 0 2
Included Car Seat Compatibility Baby Trend
Flex-Loc, Latch-Loc
Britax
B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone
BOB
B-Safe
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Combi
Shuttle 33, Shuttle, Connection
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q
Evenflo
Embrace
Graco
Junior Baby, SafeSeat, Snugride Click Connect 30, 35, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 32, 35
JJ Cole
Newport
Lamaze
Via
Maxi Cosi
Mico, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Cabriofix, Pebble, Prezi
Mothercare
Travel Tot
Nuna
Pipa
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30
Recaro
Performance Coupe
Safety 1st
onBoard 35, onBoard 35 Air, Designer 22
UPPAbaby
Mesa
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax None None Any Baby Trend Infant Car Seat
Click-in Car Seat Adapters None Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
Evenflo
Evenflo® LiteMax, Evenflo® SafeMax, Evenflo® Gold SecureMax
None None
Strap-In Car Seat Adapters Baby Trend
Flex-Loc, Latch-Loc
Britax
B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone
BOB
B-Safe
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Combi
Shuttle 33, Shuttle, Connection
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q
Evenflo
Embrace
Graco
Junior Baby, SafeSeat, Snugride Click Connect 30, 35, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 32, 35
JJ Cole
Newport
Lamaze
Via
Maxi Cosi
Mico, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Cabriofix, Pebble, Prezi
Mothercare
Travel Tot
Nuna
Pipa
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30
Recaro
Performance Coupe
Safety 1st
onBoard 35, onBoard 35 Air, Designer 22
UPPAbaby
Mesa
None None None None
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 41.8" 33"/44.7" 31"/39.8" 40.6" 41"
Recline Front/Left Seat Mid-Level Deep N/A Deep Deep
Recline Rear/Right Seat N/A Deep N/A Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Medium Extra Large Small Large Large
Sun Shade Size Large Medium Small Small Small
One-handed Fold No No No No No
Locking Fold Manual Auto Auto Manual Manual
Self-standing Fold No Yes No Yes Yes
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes No No
Included Accessories None None 2 Parent Cup Holders, Children's Tray MP3 Speakers MP3 Speakers
Average Setup Time 20-25 min 10-15 min 15-20 min 10-15 min 20-25 min

Our Analysis and Test Results

Starting in 2005, a family started the company, which is now located in Texas and California. Joovy prides itself on original, functional designs created with the quality construction of fun gear for everyday outings. Joovy makes a multitude of different baby products, including everything from favorite baby bottles to strollers.

Performance Comparison



joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the caboose has a variety of seating options, but it isn't the...
The Caboose has a variety of seating options, but it isn't the easiest product to use.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

Ease of Use


The Joovy Caboose is below-average for ease of use out of the best double strollers.

Folding the Caboose starts with releasing the stroller by pulling up...
Folding the Caboose starts with releasing the stroller by pulling up on the side levers with both hands.
This lever locks the Caboose closed.
This lever locks the Caboose closed.

Fold and Unfold


The Caboose requires two hands to fold and has three steps. It is average for ease of folding, and you'll need to pull up on the release on both sides simultaneously and bend over to finalize the fold. It does not self-stand and has a manual lock. Unfolding the stroller is easier with one hand, one step, and bending to the ground.

The Caboose storage bin is roomy, but the access points are so...
The Caboose storage bin is roomy, but the access points are so narrow you can't fit a diaper bag inside.
The rear seat addition on the Caboose makes the storage bin almost...
The rear seat addition on the Caboose makes the storage bin almost impossible to access because baby's legs and feet will ride over the only opening.

Storage


The storage is easier to access with the sliding bench seat than some other sit-and-stand competitors with almost impossible access to storage. However, if you opt for the Caboose Rear seat, the access is virtually nil. The maximum allowance of the basket is 5 lbs, and the smaller access opening means it is hard to fit a diaper bag inside. The bin is medium in size, but we couldn't fit any diaper bag inside. However, it is on par with the competing sit-and-stand style strollers.

The neoprene parent console on the Caboose has storage pockets and...
The neoprene parent console on the Caboose has storage pockets and cup holders.
The Caboose child's tray has dual cup holders and a shallow tray for...
The Caboose child's tray has dual cup holders and a shallow tray for snacks. The rear seat has no similar features, though the child in the back could theoretically use the parent console for storing items.

The Caboose has a neoprene parent's console (above left) with 2 cup holder pockets and Velcro and zipper pockets for smaller items. The pockets are easy to use and can carry about 5 lbs. The holders work well, and the flex of the fabric means even odd-shaped items can fit inside. The child's tray (above right) also works with bottles and sippys, but the holders are shallow, and taller items could fall out.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the buckle on the caboose is fairly easy to use, and we liked the...
The buckle on the Caboose is fairly easy to use, and we liked the harness material a lot.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The Caboose has a 5-point harness for the front seat and a 3-point for the rear bench seat (standard). Both are easy to get on and take off but aren't as easy to adjust as competitors. The shoulder height adjustment has three options and rethreads for height on the front seat, while the rear seat doesn't offer shoulder straps. The crotch straps in both seats are stationary, but the length is adjustable. The straps also help connect the car seat, and this is not ideal as you can't adjust the straps with the car seat in place. You'll need to guess the strap length and redo the installation if it needs adjustment.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the caboose offers double action brakes that are not sandal foot...
The Caboose offers double action brakes that are not sandal foot friendly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The brakes are single-action and are average for ease of setting and release. The single-action brakes are favorable and rare on this product style, a welcome departure.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the caboose has the dual plastic front wheels that make pushing and...
The Caboose has the dual plastic front wheels that make pushing and turning a chore.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The Caboose is not a stand-out in maneuverability. None of the sit-and-stand models impress in the maneuverability department.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the front wheels on the caboose can be locked in place if necessary...
The front wheels on the Caboose can be locked in place if necessary for better control over uneven surfaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This stroller is narrower, which makes getting around in tight areas easier, but the plastic wheels and dual front wheel design make pushing it more difficult than it should be, and some testers kicked the back of the stroller when pushing. It continues to struggle off-road, needing extra strength on the grass and stopping dead on gravel. It is probably best to keep this option on hard and flat surfaces.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the joovy caboose ultralight graphite is the lightest stroller in...
The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is the lightest stroller in this review and the third smallest when folded.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Transporting and Storing



Weight and Folded Size


The Caboose is the lightest option in our tests of double strollers, with a total weight of 23.4 lbs.


The Caboose is also relatively small when folded, with one of the smallest folded measurements in the group at 11,634 cubic inches. Being light and small gave the Caboose an edge in the weight and folded size metric.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the seating arrangments on the caboose are vastly different, which...
The seating arrangments on the Caboose are vastly different, which can be good for siblings of vastly different ages, but could be frustrating for those who want similar experiences or who might fight over a preferred seat.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

Kid Ride


The Caboose isn't meant for napping, and it doesn't try to be something it isn't. but if your little ones prefer to nap on the move, it could be the wrong stroller for your needs.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - engaging the caboose recline on the front seat isn't as easy as it...
Engaging the Caboose recline on the front seat isn't as easy as it looks or should be.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


The front seat reclines with one hand and has three positions. It is a little harder to use than it should be, and it doesn't lay flat enough to be cozy. The rear seat does not recline at all, and you won't be able to recline the front seat if the rear bench seat has a child in it. More comfort can be found in other side-by-side options that typically offer a deeper recline.

The canopy on the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite fully open and...
The canopy on the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite fully open and locked with the rear cover zipped in place, with the front seat fully reclined.
The Canopy on the Caboose close and the seat in the upright position.
The Canopy on the Caboose close and the seat in the upright position.

Sunshade


The sunshades on the Caboose are the best for the sit-and-stand style. The front canopy is large and covers most of the baby's head and part of their body. The rear seat doesn't have a true canopy but instead has a piece of fabric that stretches from the front seat and zips onto the frame, covering the baby from front to back without side coverage. The rear seat cover will not work with the older child using the rear platform to stand on. Neither cover has a peek-a-boo window or ventilation, but neither is large enough for you to miss them. If you want a huge canopy with more body coverage, you'll need to upgrade to an option with two identical oversized sunshades.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the caboose only scored a 4 out of 10 for quality, this is the...
The Caboose only scored a 4 out of 10 for quality, this is the second to the lowest score in this metric.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


While this product isn't a high disappointment, it isn't that impressive either. For a Joovy product, it scored low, but it manages a higher score than most similar options. This stroller has a heavier canvas that feels durable, but it isn't very soft. The hemstitching falls right on the edge of the seat behind the knee of some toddlers, and it could chafe. The material along the edge also feels like it will snag easily. We like the harness material (very soft and supple), but the seat only has average padding for comfort.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the caboose is as lightweight as many double umbrella strollers.
The Caboose is as lightweight as many double umbrella strollers.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

The frame has an umbrella-style feel and is utilitarian-looking without smooth and appealing lines. The overall fit and finish are on the dull side, and the components and plastic wheels have a cheap feel that impacts the overall design. The handlebar is not adjustable and is narrow and flat, which doesn't feel that good in the hand and might cause fatigue on longer trips.

The stroller has stiff front and rear shocks, and the front seat is hard with minimal padding. The back seat is a hard bench with light padding and no seatback, so comfort for that passenger is even less than the front.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the caboose can accept one infant car seat of various brands.
The Caboose can accept one infant car seat of various brands.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Car Seat Compatibility


The Caboose can be used with one infant car seat, like those from our best infant car seat review. It is compatible with some seats from the following brands: Baby Trend, Britax/BOB, Chicco, Cybex, Evenflo, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Peg Perego, Safety 1st, and UPPAbaby. We tested the Caboose with the Britax B-Safe 35, Chicco Keyfit 30, Cybex Aton 2, Evenflo Embrace, Graco Click Connect 35, Graco Click Connect 40, and the Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30.

None of the adapters need assembly, but you need to remove the child's tray to attach them. All of the infant seats are strap-in connections, and they can be installed incorrectly if the straps are not properly secured. We worry some parents will forget the strap or choose not to use it, making this design a potential safety concern.

None of the seats were straightforward to install or remove, but they were all secure once attached. All seats scored the same in our tests, and we wouldn't really recommend one over the other.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the footrest on the caboose's front seat is adjustable and comes up...
The footrest on the Caboose's front seat is adjustable and comes up far enough for baby to lay almost flat with leg support.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Setup


The Caboose did not score well for ease of setup, with a setup time of over 14 minutes.



However, the documentation is good, and we like the quick start guide with useful illustrations. It isn't as clear as it could be, but the number of things you need to put together is the real problem.

joovy caboose ultralight graphite - the joovy caboose ultralight graphite is a lightweight stroller for...
The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite is a lightweight stroller for two that can accept on infant car seat.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff

Twins


The Caboose is not the best bet for twins, given the disparity between seats and the lack of car seat attachment for two. While it is a nice option for parents who have an active older child and a younger one, it accepts only one infant car seat, making it impossible to use with two babies of the same age, and even if you purchase it for twins who are large enough to fit in the seats, they will likely disagree over who gets to stand and who gets to nap. The budget-friendly Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double has two similar seats, has inline width, and works with some infant car seats, making it more of a twin potential choice.

Should You Buy the Joovy Caboose?


If you have two children of different ages and need a lightweight narrow stroller that folds relatively flat, then the Caboose fills a niche that you can't find in much of the competition. We like what it offers, and we think it fits the niche well. However, it is not the right stroller for those looking for a primary everyday option as it lacks sufficient storage for two or running errands, and it is harder to maneuver under certain circumstances. We think this is the right choice for families who want an economical choice, need a secondary or travel stroller, and don't anticipate the need for napping or carrying a lot of supplies.

What Other Doube Stroller Should You Consider?


If you have two children closer in age or plan to move off flat hard surfaces, we think you'll be better off with a more traditional stroller for two. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is a high-quality choice with two similar seats and all the conveniences you'll need for a full day of fun or errands. However, the Vista is pricey and might not be the best choice for those on a budget or parents who want to head off the beaten path. If outdoor adventures or running is in your future, then the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double is a strong contender. If Budget is a concern, the Baby Trend Expedition Double deserves a closer look.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team