Radio Flyer City Luxe Stroll 'N Wagon Review

Radio Flyer has been manufacturing products since 1917. Based in Chicago, this family-owned company is dedicated to creating high-quality, durable products for children and their families.

Ease of Use

The City Luxe makes life easy and is simple to use compared to the wagon competition, but scores just above average when compared to the full double stroller lineup.

It features one-handed fold-and-unfold, easy-to-adjust harnesses, and a single-action brake that is easy to engage and release. These features are intuitive and nearly foolproof to use.

Fold and Unfold

This wagon didn't slow us down during quick transitions or when loading kids and gear. The two-step fold-and-unfold process can be done one-handed. The only minor hiccup we encountered is that securing the Velcro strap is easier with two hands, though we see this as a worthwhile tradeoff for safety. With familiarity, it's possible to do it by feel with one hand, but otherwise, you'll need to tip the wagon over to reattach it.

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Storage

The Radio Flyer has a total weight limit of 120 lbs; keep in mind most of that weight will be the kids. With the riding cabin that doubles as cargo space, mesh pockets, water bottle holders, and the parent caddy attached to the push bar, there's room for snacks, drinks, and all the essentials.

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While it doesn't offer as much generous storage as some competitors, it provides enough to keep everything within reach, so you're not digging through bags while your kids wait.

Harness

The Radio Flyer City Luxe features five-point harnesses that can be converted to a three-point setup, which can be particularly helpful for older kids who want to get in and out.

For younger riders, the five-point configuration is the safer option. Although the harnesses are not the easiest to tighten or loosen, lack shoulder and crotch padding, and have a stiff release button, they are still satisfactory.

Brakes

The single-action brake (a crossbar that engages the wheel cogs) is easy to use and works with sandals or bare feet, making it quick to lock in place. While we might worry about this brake on steep hills, it feels reliable on sidewalks, in parks, and on typical streets.

Maneuverability

The City Luxe is responsive and easy to handle. It's similar to a nice grocery cart, in a good way. You can push or pull it to make tight turns with little effort.

We preferred pushing it on sidewalks and longer paths because it feels more stroller-like that way, while the pull handle came in handy on sand and softer terrain. Both the angle of the push handle and the height of the pull handle are adjustable. We especially love that the spring-loaded pull handle never falls to the ground and always bounces back upright, staying within reach. It is a long wagon that is harder to maneuver in tight turns and can get stuck when navigating in narrow areas.

When out and about with this wagon, it glides smoothly over flat, firm surfaces. Although it isn't an all-terrain powerhouse, the larger rear wheels help it handle grass, cracks, and curbs. It also did well on uneven surfaces and over small rocks and sticks. The front handle makes lifting over curbs easier. Overall, it's a highly maneuverable wagon that feels nimble enough for everyday outings and light off-road use.

Transporting and Storing

Thanks to the City Luxe's manageable weight, compact size, and simple folding mechanism, it's easy to lift and fits in most trunks or storage spaces. However, it lacks a strap to keep it securely closed.

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Weight and Folded Size

In our tests, the Radio Flyer City Luxe weighs just over 31 pounds. When folded, it is relatively compact, measuring 24.3" W x 32.5" H x 14.4" L, for a volume of about 11,372 cubic inches.

It can also stand on its own when folded. However, the lack of a lock or strap to keep it folded is a downside because it could open during storage.

Kid Ride

The City Luxe Stroll 'N Wagon offers a more practical than plush ride for kids. While they don't compete with premium padded double strollers for coziness, wagons offer something different.

However, the lack of recline, leg rests, foot well or adjustable canopy hurt it for kids comfort, earning one of the lowest scores in the group.

Seat

With this wagon, kids sit upright in the main riding area and enjoy an almost 360-degree view, which can make rides feel more interactive and fun. They can look around and take it all in. The setup itself is basic, with no extra padding, leg rest, or recline. With fewer comfort features, we believe it works best for short rides and casual outings, but it will be less comfortable for longer rides. One feature we like is that the wagon cabin can be transformed into a bench, making it perfect for setting up a base camp when hanging out at a park or the beach.

Sunshade

The sunshade poles are stored inside the wagon's frame and extend into position when needed. The canopy snaps into place, and while it isn't the most secure option, it's fine for most everyday situations. When you're done, the canopy rolls up almost on its own and tucks into a storage pocket, making it much simpler to manage than complicated folding designs. It does store a bit bulky, but the ease of use nearly makes up for that tradeoff. Coverage is solid overhead, but it doesn't block the sun at low angles.

Continuous Sleeping Comfort

We tested the Radio Flyer Luxe for sleep-ability by measuring potential wake-up events on asphalt, cracks, and bumpy paths. It registered 43 events that jostled the passenger enough to possibly wake them. Most of these events occurred on asphalt and were likely due to the wagon's lower bench style and smaller foam tires, which lack shocks. Overall, while most kids can't recline enough to nap in a wagon, this still indicates a pretty bumpy ride.

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Quality

The City Luxe feels well-built and durable enough to handle daily wear and tear. However, it is what you'd call “good for the price” and not a standout for quality, earning a below-average score.

We noticed a strong manufacturing smell right out of the box, which faded after a few days. While we consider this a temporary nuisance rather than a quality flaw, it's worth mentioning because you may want to air it out a bit before first use. It has a few plastic components, and the adjustable handle mechanism isn't perfect. However, the fabric and frame feel durable, and it features beefier foam wheels that perform well.

Car Seat Compatibility

This wagon doesn't accommodate car seats. If this is a priority for you, you'll need another solution or a different stroller.

Ease of Setup

Setup takes approximately 20 minutes. The instructions are clear, and the illustrations are useful. It took some time to assemble the pieces; the most challenging part was collecting tools and attaching the wheels. Overall, we think it's manageable.

Twins

While you can take both kids out together, they share the same cargo space. When they're little, they can likely stretch out their legs comfortably without issue. However, as they get bigger, they might outgrow the shared space or find the fun in kicking one another for attention.

Should You Buy the Radio Flyer City Luxe Stroll 'N Wagon?

If you're looking for a fun, easygoing wagon for casual outings or a good secondary option for certain adventures, we feel the City Luxe Stroll 'N Wagon is a solid pick. It's simple, reasonably priced, and low-stress. It could come in handy when you don't want to haul out your main, often more expensive, double stroller. We think it works well for short walks, park days, zoo trips, and family outings where flexibility matters more than plush comfort. However, for longer walks, all-day adventures, or full-on errand runs, a traditional double stroller with more cushioning and support will likely be the better choice.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?

If you want a more comfortable wagon experience with better seating, thoughtful details, and generous storage, we suggest considering the Wonderfold Elite Pro Stroller Wagon. That said, it's a beast and works best if you're not constantly loading it in and out of the car. Our favorite wagon for all adventures is the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon. This all-terrain model has dual adjustable canopies, a footwell, can be pushed or pulled, and is quick to fold. If your routine involves more walking, navigating the city, running errands, or off-terrain travel, a jogging double stroller may be the better choice. We like the Baby Trend Expedition Double as a budget-friendly option that's easy to push, maneuverable on any terrain, and offers good passenger comfort.

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