Thule Chariot Cross 2 Review

The Thule Company started over 70 years ago, established in Sweden in 1942 when the founder, Erik Thulin, began making gear for Swedish fishermen. Twenty years later, they created the first ski rack, followed by a roof rack with a basket. Today, Thule has obtained international recognition for supporting active lifestyles with gear designed to transport toys like bike racks, cargo carriers, sports racks for winter and water toys, and more. Thule also makes strollers and bike trailers for outdoor for parents with babies.

Ease of Use

The Chariot Cross is an improvement over the old version, but still offering slightly below-average ease of use.

Once folded the Cross 2 locks in place automatically, so it won't fall open until you want it too.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The folding mechanism of the Cross 2 includes color-coded adjustment points for simple step-by-step folding.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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Fold and Unfold

The Cross folds with two hands; it has an automatic lock (above left) and stands on its own. The process isn't complicated but is convoluted, with anywhere from 3 to 12 steps, depending on how small you need it to be. It has color-coded buttons (above right) that remind you what needs to happen to fold, including the quick-release wheels. The self-stand feature is probably only useful for storage, but it is an added benefit that many in the competition lack. Unfolding is about the same and is a reversal of the folding steps.

Storage

The main storage bin hangs off the back between the rear wheels and under the handlebar. The basket is large and holds our extra-large diaper bag, though the bin's narrow shape meant we had to jam it in. The basket has a maximum capacity of 8.8 lbs, which isn't ideal for two children, since their supplies can easily weigh more than that. We imagine many parents will overfill the basket because of its larger size, and we worry this could create a potential tipping hazard.

It also has a stow pocket for little treasures and snacks inside the cabin. The pockets are big, but younger kids won't be able to reach them when buckled in. Each seat back has a pocket for additional storage of parent items, and none fell out during testing.

Harness

Both seats have identical 5-point harnesses that are easy to put on and take off. The straps are adjusted using a non-rethread style, with an 8-inch range of infinite height possibilities. The buckle on the Cross 2 is easier than its predecessor's because it no longer requires nesting the top buckle portions.

The Cross 2 brake is easy to access, and the pedal is sandal foot friendly.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

With a quick glance at the opposite wheel hub, parents can tell if the brake is set or released with a color indicator.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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Brakes

The Cross brakes are much more accessible than the old Cougar brakes and are now sandal-foot-friendly and single-action (above left). We had no trouble setting them, and they have a useful color-coded indicator (above right).

Maneuverability

The Chariot Cross has impressive maneuverability, tying with some of the better jogging stroller contenders. All the top-ranked strollers have larger rubber air-filled tires that significantly improve pushing and turning over smaller plastic wheels.

The Cross is easy to push and turn, no matter the terrain. The new, more adjustable handlebar makes it even easier. We had no trouble moving over flat surfaces, grass, and gravel, or up and down curbs.

This stroller has an adjustable suspension, making it one of only two in this review. This quick feature moves smoothly, with clear indicators that make the adjustment a snap.

The handlebar offers a variety of positions, is covered in dense foam, features an ergonomic design, and comes with a safety strap. We like the new rotating bar and see it as a significant improvement over the Cougar 2 handlebar. With the padded sling-style seat that reclines, we think most passengers will be cozy in the Cross.

Transporting and Storing

Lugging heavy or large strollers in your car or up a flight of stairs could impact your decision about which stroller to buy. Knowing the weight and folded size could be key, depending on your lifestyle or car. This trailer earned one of the lowest scores for transporting and storing.

Weight and Folded Size

The Chariot Cross is a different kind of stroller, with additional features that make it well-suited for going off the beaten path. These features also make it heavier. It certainly will not be suitable for city living and crowded streets, but it isn't designed for that, and it makes no apologies for it.

The Cross weighs 31.6 lbs and measures 24,452 cubic inches when folded. Before you start thinking it's a massive beast, more than half of the competition weigh more than the Cross, making it one of the lighter options! The folded size hurts its overall score, since only a few larger products are in the test group. We caution parents to check their trunk space or car size before using the Cross, just in case it doesn't fit and needs to be returned.

Kid Ride

We test each stroller with child comfort and features in mind because a happy child is required for an easy adventure. The Cross offers better comfort than the average stroller, but the trailer design prevents it from being a top scorer.

Seat

The Cross recline seats offer more recline than the limited recline on similar trailers. The Cross seats move independently for individual comfort. The operation is a simple one-handed process with three positions. Thanks to this product's adventure possibilities, none are flat enough for serious napping, but the slope should be sufficient to lull most little ones. Children sit with their legs stretched out in front of them, eliminating the need for leg or footrests. The seat's design allows for more freedom of movement than a traditional stroller, even though it is not adjustable.

Sunshade

The sunshade is not a traditional canopy. It is a fabric panel that clips on to block the sun and can be raised or lowered. A vinyl window at the top lets you peek at little ones when you recline the seats. Unfortunately, the sunshade does not provide ventilation. The front of the Cross, where children climb in, has a convenient zippered cover that can be mesh or vinyl, depending on the weather.

Continuous Sleeping Comfort

Long adventures always include nap time built into the itinerary. We tested the Chariot against other double strollers on average terrain with smaller obstacles to see how it performed in delivering a smooth ride with minimal jolts that might wake a napping child. Thanks to adjustable leaf springs and huge 20" rear air tires, this top-tier trailer delivers the smoothest ride in our testing with only 6 possible wake-up events of minimal intensity!

Quality

For quality, the Chariot offers impressive attention to detail and high-end materials that come together nicely.

This product has a great design and uses materials that work well and feel solid and connected without flexing or jostling. Everything has its place and works well with the other parts and components. The Chariot has ripstop canvas with thermo-molded seats. The material integrates into the frame, and there are very few exposed fasteners. The windows are slightly tinted and made of a somewhat pliable plastic that feels durable.

Car Seat Compatibility

This stroller does not accept infant car seats. It does, however, have an optional Thule Baby Supporter and Thule Infant Sling for younger babies. These products can only be used for strolling, and parents should never use the Cross on uneven terrain or jog with babies under 8 months old (discuss with your pediatrician before heading out).

Ease of Setup

The Cross took about 11 minutes to assemble, which is average for ease of setup. It has an international-style manual with all languages grouped within each section, and the corresponding pictures at the beginning or end. This design makes the manual frustrating to follow, requiring time-consuming flipping back and forth. It isn't hard to put together, but there are more pieces to assemble than the Cougar 2, and it requires one tool that comes with the stroller.

Twins

This product can be used with twins and has inserts for baby positioning and infant slings. It does not accept any infant car seats, and there are adventures you shouldn't take infants on, like jogging, skiing, or anything that involves moving over uneven terrain. However, it could be a good product for twins if your goals do not include car seat carriers. If car seat transportation is a must-have, you could pair this stroller with the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double, an inline double stroller that accepts a variety of infant car seat brands, is lightweight, and is budget-friendly.

Should You Buy the Chariot Cross?

If you love the great outdoors and spend every season enjoying outdoor adventures, then the Cross might be the little adventure wagon you've been looking for. With the ability to stroll, bike, run, and ski, it is hard to find a better piece of baby gear for outdoor enthusiasts. If you hope to continue your fun on the run with a little one, then the Cross is one we think you'll love.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?

While the Cross is an amazing trailer that does more, it could be outside your budget. If you still want a great multi-purpose stroller for more than strolling, then we love the Thule Urban Glide 3 Double. This impressive double all-terrain side-by-side stroller offers excellent maneuverability and quality, and has much in common with the Cross at a lower price. We recommend parents compare the two products to see which is a better fit and to ensure they don't pay for more stroller than they need.

Accessories

While the Cross comes with bike trailer and strolling components, Thule offers two additional conversion kits depending on the kind of activity you enjoy:

• Thule Jogging Kit 2 — The jog kit comes with everything you need to start jogging. The kit is easy to attach and can be stowed onboard the Cross 2 when not in use. You should not jog with your baby until they are at least eight to twelve months old or as directed by your pediatrician.

• Thule Chariot Cross Country Ski Kit — The cross-country ski kit comes with the necessary components for adventures in cross-country skiing. This package provides more fun and outdoor exploration for you and your baby during the snowy months. With skis and harness attachments, you'll be up and skiing in no time flat.

Accessories for comfort include:

• Thule Baby Supporter — The baby supporter provides additional support and comfort for babies 6-18 months old who may need a little more padding but are too big for the infant sling. This support assumes your baby can sit up unassisted but needs a little help filling up the standard seat.

• Thule Chariot Padding 2 — The Chariot padding adds some additional comfort to the standard seats, but it also provides some protection to the stroller and makes clean-up easier for parents. This accessory is an easy way to help catch dirt, crumbs, and spills and extend your cabin's interior life.

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