In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Jogger City Sights Review

Great stroller but the bar blocking the storage bin can be frustrating and the tires aren't grippy enough
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Baby Jogger City Sights Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $620 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Jogger
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Mar 31, 2024
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 6.8
  • Maneuverability - 25% 8.4
  • Transport/Storing - 15% 7.0
  • Quality - 10% 8.0
  • Kid's Comfort - 10% 7.5

Our Verdict

The Baby Jogger City Sights is a top-ranked full-size stroller with a removable seat that can be paired with a bassinet or infant car seat. The City Sights performed well both on flat surfaces and off-road, though it isn't one for taking long trips down a gravel trail or a day at an outdoor festival. It has a storage bin with 15lbs of allowable weight, and the seat can face toward the parent or out to the world. We like the quality of this option and the smaller fold but didn't think it was the easiest to use. The City Sights has a strange fold initiated by a pinch mechanism that is not obvious, and the under-seat fold handle is a hindrance to the storage bin and requires bending all the way down to reach it. Overall, we see the appeal of this option but for the price, we think you can get more convenience and better ease of use from other options in this lineup.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple fold
Good quality
Rolls smooth on sidewalks
REASONS TO AVOID
Storage bin obstructions
Poor tire grip
Editor's Note: The City Sights was part of our all-new testing of full-size stroller in March 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Full-Size Stroller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Double Duty Jogger
Best Value Award
Lower Price Impressive Full-Size Stroller
Best Value Award
Budget Full-Size For Growing Families
Price $620 List
$371.99 at Amazon
$700 List
$699.99 at Amazon
$650 List
$599.95 at Amazon
$650 List
$649.95 at Amazon
$350 List
$281.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Straightforward stroller, but the lack of grip on the tires and the strange cross bar blocking the storage bin make it frustrating to useA quality choice that uses thoughtful design to create an easy-to-use option, but it has a higher price and a larger foldThis jogger is a dual-purpose choice with better storage and easy maneuverability over most surfacesWhile it performs well on flat surfaces, this high-quality option struggles off-road if those are your goalsA budget-friendly expandable stroller with good storage but limited other features and a heavier weight
Rating Categories Baby Jogger City Si... UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Thule Urban Glide 2 Cybex Balios S Lux Evenflo Pivot Xpand
Ease of Use (40%)
6.8
8.5
8.4
7.8
8.0
Maneuverability (25%)
8.4
8.3
8.5
7.1
5.4
Transport/Storing (15%)
7.0
6.7
5.7
6.8
4.2
Quality (10%)
8.0
9.3
8.0
8.0
6.7
Kid's Comfort (10%)
7.5
8.5
6.7
7.6
7.3
Specs Baby Jogger City Si... UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Thule Urban Glide 2 Cybex Balios S Lux Evenflo Pivot Xpand
Capacity Limits Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lb
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 50 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 49 lbs/ 44 in
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/43"
Measured Weight 25 lbs 25 lbs 26 lbs 25 lbs 30 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 24"W x 31.5"H x 14"L 22.9"W x 16.5"H x 33"L 27.2"W x 15.5"H x 36.5"L 24"W x 16"H x 31"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L
Folded Volume 10,584 cu in 12,469 cu in 15,388 cu in 11,904 cu in 16,790 cu in
Handlebar Height Min/Max 39"/42.8" 40"/43" 30"/46" 39.5"/43" 33"/44.7"
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight 16 lbs 30 lbs 14 lbs 24 lbs 11 lbs
Car Seat Compatibility Baby Jogger City GO 2, City GO 4, City GO Air
Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe Ultra, Endeavours
Chicco Fit2, Fit2 LE, KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect 35 LX, SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite, SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum, All other Click Connect
Nuna PIPA, PIPA Lite LX, PIPA RX, PIPA Lite, PIPA Lite R
Chicco KeyFit 35, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air
Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Aton M
Clek Liing
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Mico Max Plus
Nuna PIPA, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r, PIPA rx, PIPA lite rx, PIPA urbn
UPPAbaby Mesa
BOB Unity
Britax Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX Compatible
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit Plus
Combi Shuttle 33
Evenflo Discovery 5
Graco SafeSeat, SnugRide, SnugRide Click Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect LX 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40
Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix, Citi, Pebble
Nuna Pipa
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio 4-35
Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite, onBoard, onBoard Air
Safe-n-Sound Unity, Unity Neos
UPPAbaby Mesa
Cybex (All)
Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Maxi Cosi Mico Max, Maxi Cosi Coral XP
Nuna Pipa lite
Chicco KeyFit/KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco all with SnugRide, SnugLock 30/35
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35
Wheel Type Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Plastic Pneumatic Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Plastic
Brake Type Single Single Single Single Single

Our Analysis and Test Results

Baby Jogger has been in operation since 1984, inspired by dads who wanted to jog with babies. They now offer various stroller styles and car seats. The company was purchased in 2015 by the Newell Rubbermaid company.

Performance Comparison



The City Sights is easy enough to use but pales in comparison to some of the more straightforward competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The City Sights scores below average for ease of use with features that aren't as straightforward as competitors.

Removing the seat on the City Select is the downside to this fold, and while you can leave it in place, it will be bulkier once folded.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


The City Sights can be folded with one hand, but the mechanism to initiate it is a pinch system that is somewhat hidden and not obvious. It is a two-step process with a pull bar under the seat. It does not self-stand.

baby jogger city sights - the storage bin size on the city sights isn't as impressive as it...
The storage bin size on the City SIghts isn't as impressive as it looks because the folding mechanism crossbar hangs into the bin limiting the size of the items you can fit there.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Storage


The under-seat storage basket is large and fits our large diaper bag inside. It has average access, which would be better if the pull handle for folding wasn't in the way on a crossbar that dips down into the bin itself. The maximum weight you can put in the bin is 15 lbs. There is also a zippered pocket on the back of the seat, which you can add up to 1 lb. This is better than some, but given that a few competitors are 25+, it feels insufficient.

baby jogger city sights - the nesting harness style on the city sights requires putting the...
The nesting harness style on the City Sights requires putting the shoulder and hip straps together before inserting them in the buckle.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


The major shoulder strap adjustments might not need to be done frequently, but it is frustrating to do when it needs to be done. Smaller adjustments are average and on par with other strollers. This stroller has a nesting harness system that requires putting together the shoulder straps with the hops straps before putting them into the buckle. It is extra steps over the average harness; it isn't hard but feels unnecessary.

The single action brakes on the City Sights have a press to set and lift to release pedal on the right side near the wheel.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The City Sights has single-action brakes with one pedal on the right side. While close to the wheel, it isn't hard to press. It requires lifting from under the pedal to release the brake. It is not hard to pop up and doesn't hurt a bare foot.

Car Seat Compatibility


The City Sights is compatible with some infant car seats from Baby Jogger. You can purchase an adapter to use with various other car seats from Britax, Chicco, Graco, Nuna, and UPPAbaby. Check with the manufacturer before buying a stroller base on a preferred car seat, as these can change.

The City Sights has an intuitive build that consists mostly of snapping parts onto the frame.
Credit: Graham Faulknor

Ease of Setup


Assembly of the City Sights is not challenging. It can take 5-10 minutes to finish, most of which involves unboxing. It does not require tools, and the process is intuitive. The manual is straightforward and has clear pictures to help you. The recline lever is hidden in the canopy, which might not be obvious if this is your only stroller build.

The City Sights performs surprisingly well off-road given the smaller wheel size.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


Despite smaller wheels, the City Sights is easy to maneuver, earning one of the higher scores in this metric. It rolls well on flat surfaces and moves over thresholds easily. It has a little frame flex, but it isn't enough to be annoying.

baby jogger city sights - if the wheels on the city sights were bigger or rubber, we think the...
If the wheels on the City SIghts were bigger or rubber, we think the off-road experience would be better for both the passenger and pusher.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Off-road is a little bit more of a slog, but not prohibitive. The smaller tires could be the issue here, and off-road is not a preferred surface for this stroller. It is fine to transition from sidewalk to grass, but you won't want to stay on the grass for the long term.

There is some built-in shock absorption at the frame and wheel connection, but it isn't on par with that found on higher-ranking joggers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

With smaller front wheels it takes some pop-up and back lift to get this stroller up and over larger thresholds like curbs and speed bumps.

The City Sights manages tight turns relatively well, making it a potential contender for sidewalk adventures in the city.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

It has a slight shock-absorbing design, locking front wheels, and an adjustable handlebar that can make it somewhat easier to push when the road gets rough.

baby jogger city sights - the city sights has a somewhat bulky fold and isn't as compact as we...
The City Sights has a somewhat bulky fold and isn't as compact as we expected.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transporting and Storing


The City Sights weighs 25.44 lb in our tests, which is a pound over the manufacturer's claims. This is average for a full-size stroller that doesn't lean toward being a good traveler. It is easy to fold and lift into the car trunk.


The folded size measures 10,584 cubic inches, smaller than most but not the smallest in the group. However, if size is a concern for you based on your home or car, it could be a good choice.

baby jogger city sights - the city sights is dressed up with a wrapped handlebar and nicer...
The City Sights is dressed up with a wrapped handlebar and nicer micro-fiber fabric helping bump up the quality score.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


The quality of the City Sights is one of the nicer strollers we've tested. The microfiber fabric feels skin-friendly, and the canopy includes a second layer with water-repellent properties. The seat has light padding, but the design doesn't require much padding for comfort.

The wheels are smaller than we'd like, and foam-filled plastic is not our favorite for function or longevity. These can become deformed over time. They also aren't as grip-able as rubber tires. The overall fit and finish are good with an aluminum frame and integrated plastic with fewer exposed fasteners.

The City Sights canopy is a good size offering coverage past the...
The City Sights canopy is a good size offering coverage past the knee of most passengers.
The City Sights has mesh windows on the sides of a fully open...
The City Sights has mesh windows on the sides of a fully open canopy. While this might be nice for hot days, we worry in the winter parents will need to decide between sun coverage vs. keeping warmer.

Kid's Comfort


Kid's comfort is better than most; your little one will probably nap without complaint. The recline button is behind the seat and works with one hand. It has 3 preset positions, and the entire seat tilts to recline, not just the back. The canopy is large and has a UV50+ rating. It has two side mesh areas for peeking and airflow.

baby jogger city sights - the city sights seat is deep and fully reclines with an adjustable...
The City Sights seat is deep and fully reclines with an adjustable leg rest.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The leg rest is also adjustable, and while it moves with the seat, it has its own hinge point to rotate on with seven positions. The highest position is probably only suitable for an infant, but the rest is lightly padded, and the leg rest frame can help keep legs tucked on top.

Should You Buy the Baby Jogger City Sights?


The City Sights isn't a bad little stroller, and it performed well in our tests, earning a higher-than-average score. It has a simple fold, moves well on flat surfaces, and is of better quality than most. However, the wheels on this stroller are not very grippy, and moving off the beaten path will likely frustrate parents as much as it did us. It also has a strange crossbar in the middle of the storage basket, making getting larger bags in and out a hassle. Overall, we get the appeal but think there are others to consider.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


The Cybex Balios S Lux scored similarly overall and has a similar price that is often lower with sales. This high-quality option is nice looking and offers better accessibility to storage. However, we prefer the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 over both, and if your budget allows it, we think you won't be disappointed in its performance.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz