Veer Cruiser Review

Veer is a brand for parents that claim to create products to get kids outdoors and on adventures instead of staring at scenes. The company branding and marketing leans heavily into outdoor adventures and “clean living” to build “unbreakable bonds” with our kids and memories they will never forget.

Ease of Use

While the Veer's features and functionality are easy enough to use and well-designed, but the lack of useful features hurt its overall ease-of-use coming in below the average.

Fold and Unfold

The walls of the wagon break down for folding, using a simple, easy, multi-step process that ends with the handle locking everything in place. Sometimes we had to use a little more pressure to finish the job, but it isn't hard to do. There is no place to stow the snack tray in the fold, so it will be on its own, which creates an opportunity for it to be left behind or lost over time.

Storage

If you want real storage on the Veer, you'll have to purchase it. As it comes, this wagon only has a snack tray with cup holders and interior storage pockets. We weren't able to get enough supplies for two on board without putting them on the floor between the children. We couldn't put any other supplies in there like a picnic or beach toys or there would be no place for kids.

It includes parent cup holders that swivel slightly on the handlebar when you lift it up and down. These seem to work well, and we didn't experience any items falling out during normal use, but uneven terrain could cause items to fall out.

Harness

The Veer has 3-point harnesses in each seat. As there is no back support, there is nowhere for two more points to go to create a 5-point harness. The side and crotch straps on the harness are all adjustable for a snug fit.

The buckle requires sliding the side straps, one at a time, into the crotch strap end. The mechanism pinches between your index finger and thumb, rather than a button to press. It is effective but rudimentary and takes more effort, which could be challenging with a wiggly toddler.

Adjusting the straps isn't as easy as some competitors'. We don't think it is intuitive, and if you are adjusting with a cranky child in the seat… good luck.

The single-action brake pedal on the Veer is easy to use and nothing hinders reaching it.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

To unlock the Veer brake, you need to push in on the unlock symbol with the toe of your shoe or foot.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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Brakes

This wagon has single-action brakes with a pedal in the middle, at the end of the wagon under the handlebar. The brake pedal is wide and locks when pressed down, requiring a deeper press to disengage the lock button. It does require a good amount of pressure, but nothing that feels impossible or difficult.

The pedal springs back if not set properly, and we can't imagine anyone thinking they've set it when they haven't. Releasing is an inward pressure on the unlock button with the toes of your shoes or actual toes if wearing sandals or barefoot. It is a comfortable process.

Maneuverability

The Veer is easier to maneuver than some competing wagons, but it isn't a smooth sail overall. It has hard plastic wheels with a larger pair on the end opposite the handle. This wagon can be pushed or pulled, but the handlebar always remains on the same side as the smaller wheels and brake pedal, making it hard to push. The stroller fits through a 32-inch standard doorway.

In our experience, it is easier to pull this stroller than to push it, no matter the terrain. Pushing on the handle makes for an awkward and uncomfortable arm position. The back wheels are fixed, so the wagon swings out in a way that isn't intuitive and takes time to sort out when you first move it. While pulling is better, it isn't much better, and it is still hard to turn and requires some effort. We could not make one turn on our obstacle course that the other strollers and competing wagons made without problems. It feels like the wagon pulls away from the puller on turns, and it doesn't manage tight turns very well, whether pushed or pulled. The hard wheels and lack of suspension result in less smooth movement than that of much of the competition.

Using this wagon off-road isn't much better than on flat surfaces, and because the handle is just a T at the end, pushing is nearly impossible. Imagine pushing a shopping cart backward with one hand; that's a close approximation. We think the only real viable way to use this wagon is to pull it. The handle shaft also locks into place at certain elevations, making tight turns even more challenging. Maneuverability isn't as simple with the Veer as it is with the competition.

Transporting and Storing

The Veer folds relatively flat, even if it is long. This design makes it easier than much of the competition to lift, carry, and stow in a car or a smaller space at home.

Weight and Folded Size

The Veer weighs 34.5 lbs. This weight is about average in our double stroller lineup, but it is noteworthy that it is heavier than the manufacturer claims it is (32.6 lbs) and heavier than some other wagons we've tested.

Its folded size is 15,168 cubic inches, much smaller than most competitors'. The size is thin and easy to slide into narrow spaces because it doesn't have the bulk of most competitors.

Kid Ride

Keeping little ones comfortable can be the difference between a fun outing and a fussy one. This wagon can't compete with more traditional or jogging strollers for comfort, given the sling-style seats, padding, and often-included suspension that aren't available here. In fact, the lack of comfort features in the Veer resulted in a lower score for kid comfort.

Seat

The seats in the Veer are upright with no head or neck support. There are no recline or real leg-rest options, and no padding or features designed for comfort or napping. The only nod to real children riding inside is the footwell, which at least helps prevent the inevitable kicking of one another that is only a matter of time. We don't think little ones will like riding in this wagon for longer periods.

Sunshade

There are no sunshades included with this stroller. If you want shades, you need to buy the accessory from Veer. This seems shortsighted for a wagon intended to transport children outdoors. Frankly, given the price of this option, it's disappointing that something as simple as sun protection isn't included.

Continuous Sleeping Comfort

While the design of a wagon is not conducive to kids sleeping, we still put the Veer through the same test as the double strollers to see how much jostling passengers would feel on an average walk. While going over rougher ground and cracks, the Veer had eighteen potential wake-up events despite the front suspension and huge 12" rear tires that should absorb some impacts. However, with a higher-than-average eighteen events, that's going to be a rougher ride than most.

Quality

The Veer earned a higher-than-average score for quality, and it definitely looks sleek and rugged, like it can take on anything and be hosed off afterward. But its overall look is more utilitarian and less luxurious.

This wagon has only minimal fabric, with canvas on the sides. The ends are plastic, and the foot well is mesh.

The frame feels solid and has welded joints on the base components. The entire unit is rigid and feels sturdy, including the footwell, which is stationary rather than hanging like on some other wagons. The wheels are foam-filled plastic to help prevent disfigurement, and the rear wheels are about 5 inches larger than the front wheels. We like the addition of fenders over the back wheels to prevent some mud/dirt/sand from spraying the rear passenger.

The overall fit and finish are nice, and the paint has no defects. The handle and everything else lock firmly in place to prevent jiggling for a solid final product. It has no canopies or other components to consider.

Car Seat Compatibility

The Veer accepts one infant car seat with the purchase of an adapter. The following adapters are available: Graco, Britax, UPPAbaby, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Chicco, and Peg Perego.

Ease of Setup

The Veer took less than 15 minutes to assemble.

The process is straightforward, requiring no tools or tightening of any screws. The manual has pictures and a step-by-step guide in case it isn't clear. We had difficulty sliding on the fenders, but it still wasn't an arduous experience. Many of the components sort of lock or click into place. Most parts come out of the box ready to use, and you just snap on the wheels.

Twins

Older twins can work in the Veer as long as they can sit up on their own and have good head and neck control. It is not suitable for infants or younger babies, and we think it is probably best for toddlers or children who are mobile and ready to explore the world (always follow the manufacturer's instructions and warnings).

Should You Buy the Veer Cruise?

While this wagon is a higher-quality option with a sleek look and fun marketing, we don't see the appeal of a wagon this expensive. This model comes bare bones with a fairly hefty price tag for what you get. There are no sunshades or seating padding, and storage is practically non-existent. If a wagon is what you are after, we think there are better options, but in all honesty, a jogger or bike trailer is better for versatile outdoor adventures with indoor possibilities.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?

If a wagon is what you're after, we prefer the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon. It hits a sweet spot between kid comfort, clever features like customizable UPF 50+ canopies, and parent-friendly usability with good storage. In our testing, it outperformed the Veer and offers conveniences the Veer doesn't. If budget is a concern, we also love the Radio Flyer City Luxe Stroll 'N Wagon. This option scores higher but lacks some of the versatility and features we see in the Pivot Xplore. However, we aren't convinced that a wagon is all that and more. We believe there are better, more versatile options for adventurous parents seeking fun with their little ones. A jogger like the Thule Urban Glide 3 Double could offer better comfort, more storage, and easier maneuverability.

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