Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Review

Ease of Use

The GT2 scores are just below average for the group, and while not hard to use, they pale in comparison to higher-scoring options. The real downsides here are the storage and harness test results.

Fold and Unfold

The GT2 is easy to fold and unfold. We could manage it with one hand, and by adjusting the handlebar to its maximum length, it can be made to stand on its own.

Storage

The storage for the GT is sorely lacking compared to others. The bin itself is fairly large and fits our large diaper bag if you squeeze it in, but the maximum allowable weight is 10 lbs, which might not work if you plan to carry groceries or if your diaper bag is heavy. Access on the sides and front is almost better than on the back, because a crossbar there breaks up the bin and makes it hard to get large items in and out. It also has a pocket on the back of the seat that holds 2 lbs, but it is fairly tight and is best used for phones or a snack bar.

Harness

The harness has large shoulder adjustments that are not that easy to make. It isn't done often, but it will probably be frustrating when it is needed.

The waist slide buckles are challenging to tighten. The shoulder and waist components also could be tricky to get together if you have a crabby or squirmy baby in the seat. They nest together before securely snapping into the center buckle.

Brakes

The GT2 has a unique hand brake that takes some finessing. There is a small button on the side of the lever to release it, and this can be easy or hard if you have hand dexterity issues. It is a single-action brake that is easy enough to apply and foot-friendly.

Car Seat Compatibility

Graco, Maxi Cosi, Nuna, Peg-Perego, UPPAbaby, and Clek.

Ease of Setup

The GT2 was easy to assemble and takes 5-10 minutes, depending on your assembly prowess. The documentation is easy to follow, requires no tools, and basically is just snapping on the wheels and canopy.

Maneuverability

Maneuverability is more important than you might think until you push a stroller. Being able to easily move over all kinds of surfaces or make tight turns is important almost every time you head out with your stroller. The GT2 did not perform as well for maneuverability as we'd like.

Moving on flat surfaces is not the best; this is where a full-size stroller should shine. You can feel every cord or bump in the road, and the smaller wheels, closer together, make it harder to navigate in tight spaces. There is so much frame flex that it can be hard to push, especially as the passenger's weight increases.

Moving off the beaten path doesn't make things easier, and the smaller wheels remain a problem.

While not the worst and certainly manageable for a greenbelt or a playpark, we wouldn't want to hit a trail or attend an outdoor festival with this stroller.

The handle adjustment can make some aspects of pushing and turning easier, depending on your height. Moving over curbs and tipping slightly back helps with leverage if the handlebar is adjustable.

We think even slightly larger wheels or a wider rear set could go a long way toward improving the overall maneuverability of this stroller.

Transporting and Storing

The GT2 shines for its compact size and weight, which affect how the stroller is transported and stored. Whether in your car trunk, on public transportation, or in a smaller apartment, the size of your stroller might matter.

The GT2 is 22.44 lb, and the folded size is 9,462 cubic inches. This folded size is definitely smaller than most of the competition, although it is a little long. It is also one of the lightest options, making it a compelling choice for those worried about weight or size.

Quality

The GT2 is really in the middle of the road in terms of quality, with a just-below-average result and a price that might be somewhat high compared to similar strollers.

The fabric is largely microfiber throughout, with a sling-style seat and minimal padding. This is average for this kind of stroller and about what we'd expect to see here. The fabric fits in a channel on the frame for a more finished look, but the frame is so darn flexible that the overall experience is still a bummer. With a tighter frame, everything could have been better.

The tires are foam-filled rubber, which is better than plastic. They are grippy but small, and even a slightly bigger diameter would have been appreciated for many reasons. The front steering can be locked to move over uneven surfaces without tipping.

Kid's Comfort

Your passenger's comfort is important, and they will let you know if a stroller doesn't pass muster. Passenger features need to be easy to use and enhance the ride experience.

The canopy on the GT2 is large and provides fairly good coverage until the sun is low in the sky. It has vinyl peek-a-boo windows and no ventilation if the seat is upright. Once you recline the seatback, a mesh ventilation window appears at the top, increasing airflow on hot days.

The seat back reclines enough for comfortable napping, and the toggle to adjust is one-handed to lower and two-handed to raise. It isn't particularly easy, and the method is dated. The two straps coming together via a toggle design is more than 15 years old, and while it works, it could be simpler.

The leg rest is padded and fully supported, extending to a narrow footrest. The leg rest is adjustable and lifts up for shorter kids, and the lower angle looks comfortable for older children. However, the footrest is a little small, doesn't adjust, and when napping, relaxed legs might fall to the side.

Continuous Sleeping Comfort

Nothing lulls babies into a deep sleep like a nice, long stroll. So the last thing any parent wants is for their passenger to be jolted awake by rough terrain. When we measured possible sudden wake events over a standard walk, the GT2 scored about average, with about four wake events of low intensity, usually on cracks and bumps. We think the all-wheel suspension on the rubber tires is helping maintain the smoothness of the ride, but the single front wheel sometimes takes impacts harder than the 4-wheel options.

Should You Buy the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2?

Nah, it isn't one we'd recommend to a friend, and we think there are better options, no matter your goal. While there are some things to like about the GT2, such as its smaller folded size and lighter weight, we struggled to push it across all terrains, and the smaller wheels aren't grippy enough, making it more challenging to maneuver.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?

The Cybex Balios S Lux is one we think most families would prefer over the GT2. The Balios performed better than the GT2 across almost every metric, and its maneuverability and smaller size make it a potential contender for travelers or those who need to navigate cities with public transportation or crowded sidewalks. The Joie Ginger dlx is also a budget-friendly, compelling stroller. It is much easier to push and use than the GT2, and it is in a similar price range to the City Mini. If you want a 3-wheel option and your budget can stretch, you'd be looking at jogging strollers like the Guava Roam, which folds smaller than almost any competitor, but is heavy and overkill if you don't plan to jog or head off-road.

Manufacturer Video