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