In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Review

A lightweight solution for those looking to save money but be ready for poor durability and mediocre performance
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Baby Jogger Summit X3 Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $550 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Jogger
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Sep 10, 2024
61
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 10
  • Run-ability - 35% 6.1
  • Ease of Use - 20% 5.6
  • Maneuverability - 20% 6.2
  • Transport and Storage - 10% 6.4
  • Quality - 10% 7.4
  • Kid Comfort - 5% 5.0

Our Verdict

The Baby Jogger Summit X3 has the price of a high-end best stroller, but it fell short of meeting the same performance levels as the higher-ranked strollers. While the quality is good and the folded size is smaller than some, there is no appealing function or feature that we loved over competitors. The Summit has a locking swivel front wheel with rubber, air-filled tires. The brakes are stiff and not foot-friendly. It can hold a child up to 75, making its lifespan longer than some, but the seat design and canopy mean taller children will struggle to sit fully upright. The front wheel has adjustable tracking that works well but we had to make frequent adjustments during the same run, which feels like it should be unnecessary. Overall, it is a so-so option, in our opinion, and we think there are higher-performing options to be had in this lineup for a similar price.
REASONS TO BUY
Great tracking
Max capacity of 75lbs
Long lifespan
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive for the performance
Stationary handlebar
Weird handlebar wrap

Compare to Similar Products

 
baby jogger summit x3
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Jogging Stroller
Top Pick Award
Best Jogger for Longterm Use
Top Pick Award
Highest Quality Jogging Stroller
Best Value Award
Best for Small Budgets
Price $550 List
$384.99 at Amazon
$600 List$550 List
Check Price at Amazon
$600 List
$599.99 at Amazon
$150 List
$129.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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88
77
75
53
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Unimpressive performance and durability make this lower-priced option a mediocre choiceAn excellent performer for both running and everyday life, it is hard to go wrong with this compact folding joggerA sturdy, high-quality crossover option that is easy to run with, but the fold requires two hands, and it doesn't self-standNice crossover with an appeal to many but has some limitations to consider before choosing it over better-performing optionsBudget jogger that is lightweight and easy to maneuver but it lacks dedicated running features like tracking and suspension
Rating Categories Baby Jogger Summit X3 Guava Roam Crossover BOB Revolution Flex... UPPAbaby Ridge Baby Trend Expedition
Run-ability (35%)
6.1
8.3
7.7
7.3
3.9
Ease of Use (20%)
5.6
9.0
7.4
9.2
5.8
Maneuverability (20%)
6.2
9.3
8.4
6.4
6.7
Transport and Storage (10%)
6.4
8.2
6.2
4.5
8.1
Quality (10%)
7.4
9.8
8.7
9.8
3.7
Kid Comfort (5%)
5.0
7.8
7.2
7.4
5.2
Specs Baby Jogger Summit X3 Guava Roam Crossover BOB Revolution Flex... UPPAbaby Ridge Baby Trend Expedition
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 75 lbs / 44"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 60 lbs / 42 in
*car seat adaptor (sold seperately) allows for usage from 0 - 6 months
Minimum (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 week
Stroller Seat: 8 week - 8 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 months - 5 year
Maximum: 75 lbs / 44 in
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 55 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs / 42"
Measured Weight 28.1 lbs 28.5 lbs 27.3 lbs 30.5 lbs 23.6 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 34.5" x 25.8" x 15" 28.5" x 17.4" x 15.1" 37.8" x 25.5" x 15.3" 37.3" x 26.3" x 17.0" 16.3" x 23.5" x 33.1"
Folded Volume 13,326 cu in 7,488 cu in 14,748 cu in 16,677 cu in 12,679 cu in
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 40.5" 34" - 45" 34.5" - 48" 41.25" - 45.5" 41"
Fixed/Swivel Wheel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel
Measured Rolling Resistance Average 46 Ft 24 Ft 37 Ft 21 Ft 45 Ft
One-handed Fold Yes Yes No Yes No
Auto or Manual Fold Lock Manual Manual Manual Auto Manual
Self-standing Fold No Yes No Yes Yes
Included Accessories Parent console (removable) Water bottle holder Parent Console (removable)
Child Tray (removable)
Setup Time 10 mins 5 mins 5 - 10 mins 5 - 10 mins 5 - 10 mins
Warranty Lifetime warranty for frame (excludes wheels), 1 year warranty for wheels 2 Year warranty

60 Day trial period
Frame is warranted for 5
years. Components and fabric are
warranted for 1 year
3 Year warranty 1 year limited warranty

Our Analysis and Test Results

Baby Jogger started with a line of jogging strollers and now primarily creates some of the best full-size strollers. They offer a comprehensive line of full-size strollers for up to two children. Their full-size strollers are popular with parents and have some easy-to-use features. The Baby Jogger Summit is one of their only jogging strollers. They also offer a few car seats.

Performance Comparison



The Baby Jogger Summit performed about average in our tests for run-ability without impressing us or being truly disappointing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Run-ability


The Summit scored just below the average in our tests for run-ability. It is disappointing for a product whose main goal is running, but certainly not the worst. Our tester used this product for more than 5 miles of running and walking, depending on the terrain and workout.

The Summit had a relatively long rolling resistance test result.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

We also performed a rolling resistance test, which the Summit performed well in, with one of the longest rolling distances in the group.

baby jogger summit x3 - the summit handlebar is not adjustable and sits about 40.5 inches...
The Summit handlebar is not adjustable and sits about 40.5 inches from the ground.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

The Summit is missing some key features we think are important for a great jogging stroller. The handlebar is not adjustable, and while it is probably sufficient for the average adult, if you have parents of different heights or fall outside the range, it is frustrating and uncomfortable over time. We measured the handle at 40.5 inches from the ground. It has suspension, but it isn't adjustable and it is one of the worst in the group, but at least it is there.

The Summit's swivel front wheel can be locked in place with a toggle on the front of the wheel.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The front wheel is a locking swivel wheel with adjustable tracking. However, our tracking was only so-so. It was easy enough to adjust and tracked straight after adjustment but it also needed regular adjustment and often ended up pulling to one side after a bit of running. Tracking is a small dial on the front near the wheel and we preferred to keep the wheel locked even when walking for better stability.

baby jogger summit x3 - even after watching youtube videos we were unable to repeatedly use...
Even after watching Youtube videos we were unable to repeatedly use the locking wheel mechanism on the frame.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Locking the front wheel is not straightforward, and the manual didn't help much. We had to watch an online video to make the adjustment the first time. While it is relatively easy to accomplish, it isn't obvious, and the lack of clarity was frustrating. We think there is no reason a buyer should need to look online to determine how to use a product.

The Summit's frame has a remote wheel lock mechanism, but it did not work well in our tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The manufacturer advertises being able to switch between fixed and swivel using a switch on the handlebar. Unfortunately, it isn't as intuitive or obvious as other handlebar adjustments we saw in this group. We weren't able to figure out how to do it.

The Summit has suspension that is sort of soft and easily compresses.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

If you are a casual runner, this stroller might be enough or less frustrating for you. However, our shorter tester felt the handlebar was too high, which led to increased fatigue keeping arms that high, and it required a two-hand push uphill. The suspension was only so-so and got tippy and unbalanced on uneven terrain. The tracking was noticeably worse on dirt trails, making it less ideal for surfaces that aren't flat and firm. With many reasons to limit running on dirt trails, we wouldn't recommend it for those who do more trail running than road running.

baby jogger summit x3 - we fit our large diaper bag in the summit storage bin, but its...
We fit our large diaper bag in the Summit storage bin, but its maximum weight capacity is 10 lbs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The Summit is one of the hardest strollers in the group to use, with disappointing performances in most sub-metrics.

baby jogger summit x3 - a seatback mesh pocket on the summit can hold small items, but we...
A seatback mesh pocket on the Summit can hold small items, but we wonder how long the mesh will hold up over time with items jostling around inside.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Storage


The storage on the Summit is minimal with no parent console or child tray. While not a deal breaker because they are largely useless when moving at speed, it would be nice if there was a place for water storage that could help prevent stopping while running to wet your whistle. The under-seat storage has easy access and fits our large diaper bag. However, it has a 10 lb limit, which might not be enough for everyday errands but likely plenty for a dedicated run. There is a bar across the middle of the bin, but we didn't find it to be much of a problem. The Summit has a mesh pocket on the back for quick access items like a phone, wallet, or keys.

The Summit is easy to fold and unfold with a one-handed design.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


This jogger folds one-handed and has a manual locking mechanism. It doesn't self-stand, but it has a carry handle that makes it somewhat easier.

The Summit shoulder straps are rethread style adjustments.
The Summit shoulder straps are rethread style adjustments.

Harness


The 5-point harness is average to put on but difficult to adjust. The shoulder straps have padded covers that get bunched up when you adjust the length, so you have to readjust the covers and smooth them out. The shoulder straps are the rethread style, so they have to be unthreaded and rethreaded. The buckle is also only average and not as premium-feeling as higher-ranked competitors' buckles in our tests.

The Summit deceleration brake is not as effective as other handbrakes in the group.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The parking brakes on the Summit are average to set and release. They are somewhat stiff and lift from underneath to release, which is not a foot or shoe-friendly design. It also offers a deceleration brake on the stroller handle, but it isn't very effective, and we did not feel like it helped as much as other model brakes.

The Baby Jogger is average for setup. It took us over 10 minutes, and the manual was subpar.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Ease of Setup


The Summit is only average for setup. It took about 10 minutes, and the manual was subpar. With no written instructions, you are instead subjected to rudimentary illustrations that are neither in-depth nor detailed enough to be truly useful.

baby jogger summit x3 - the summit is not as easy as competitors to maneuver with the swivel...
The Summit is not as easy as competitors to maneuver with the swivel wheel.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


Despite having a swivel front wheel that you can lock for running, the Summit was not the easiest to maneuver. It earned one of the lowest scores for the metric and was not a tester favorite.

This stroller performed better on hard, flat surfaces than off-road on trails and gravel. It has a long body but still manages to handle well when making turns. We had no trouble passing the caddy corner through two doorways, but it took some finessing to avoid hitting anything. It did okay navigating the tight spaces but lacked the fine-tuning required for a smooth ride.

baby jogger summit x3 - the design of the summit struggled in our tests with a more bouncy...
The design of the Summit struggled in our tests with a more bouncy and unstable feel on uneven terrain.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Moving off-road is when things get trickier. This stroller struggled on the sand and softer surfaces. If we locked the wheel, the tracking struggled to stay set, and it pulled significantly to one side. It managed better on dirt paths, but it got bouncy, somewhat tippy, and unreliable if there were any bumps or uneven surfaces. It required significant effort to push through sand and bumps. Tipping for curbs was easy enough, but it bounced a little on bigger curbs, and it wasn't predictable each time.

The smaller size of the Summit helps make it easier to lift and fit in a compact SUV.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transport and Storage


The Summit earned one of the highest scores for transporting and storage. This stroller weighed 28.1 lbs, matching the manufacturer's claim, which is rarer than you'd think.

We weigh each stroller in our lab and the Summit weighs just over...
We weigh each stroller in our lab and the Summit weighs just over 28lbs with all the parts in place.
The Summit was weighed like all strollers in the review by hanging...
The Summit was weighed like all strollers in the review by hanging it from a scale.

This weight is a little above the average and not noteworthy either way. When folded, it measures 34.5" x 25.8" x 15" or 13,326 cubic feet, making it one of the smallest.

baby jogger summit x3 - the final folded summit is on the smaller side for a jogger, but if...
The final folded SUmmit is on the smaller side for a jogger, but if space is limited, there are smaller options.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

However, the smallest in the group is almost half this size! The stroller's heavier weight means it requires some effort to lift and move.

baby jogger summit x3 - the quality of the summit is about average for the group.
The quality of the Summit is about average for the group.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


The Summit scored about average for quality. The overall fit and finish are okay, but when compared side-by-side, they struggle to compare with the competition. There are several plastic connectors and shiny reflective accents.

The fabric is soft and smooth. The padding is minimal but feels well placed where it might offer the most for passenger comfort. The material feels like it would wipe clean fairly easily, and it is smooth enough to avoid catching and keeping gunk.

baby jogger summit x3 - the summit has plastic connections and snap that easily scuffed...
The Summit has plastic connections and snap that easily scuffed during testing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The frame has minimal rattle and flex and feels more solid than most. The folding pull handle feels somewhat stretchy, and we wonder how long this stretchiness will last.

baby jogger summit x3 - we appreciated the wheel design, which made using the air valve easy.
We appreciated the wheel design, which made using the air valve easy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The wheels are 16 inches in the back, with a 12-inch single wheel in the front. They are dense plastic with plastic spokes. The design makes accessing the air valve easy. The tires are rubber, pneumatic, and easy to fill, with a decent tread but middle-of-the-road quality. There is some play in the wheels, so we had to frequently mess with the tracking adjustment.

baby jogger summit x3
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

The handlebar is wrapped in a weird material we didn't like. It has a rubbery, plastic feel that gets wet and slippery when you sweat. Overall, it feels cheap, and we could feel tiny air bubbles under the top film.

baby jogger summit x3 - the canopy on the summit covers a large part of the seating area...
The canopy on the Summit covers a large part of the seating area, and the peek-a-boo window is large enough to see everything.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kids' Comfort


The Baby Jogger did not perform well overall in our tests for kids' comfort, with a lower score than most competitors. This stroller has a nicer sunshade with an ample canopy that covers most of the passenger.

The Summit canopy has side ventilation panels for hot days.
The Summit canopy has side ventilation panels for hot days.
The Summit peek-a-boo window is large, works well, and can double as...
The Summit peek-a-boo window is large, works well, and can double as ventilation. The flap stays closed with magnets and open with Velcro.

It has a mesh peek-a-boo window and is UPF 50+ rated. The window cover stays closed with a magnet closure and Velcro to keep it open. It includes two ventilation panels. Early morning and evening might allow for some sun exposure with the sun low in the sky.

baby jogger summit x3 - the summit seat is cozy enough for most passengers.
The Summit seat is cozy enough for most passengers.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

However, the seat itself leaves some to be desired. The Jogger does not have a snack tray or pocket for a cup or snack. The leg rest is not adjustable, but it does have nice padding for support.

The sling-style seat on the Summit is comfortable enough, and we...
The sling-style seat on the Summit is comfortable enough, and we liked the footwell, which helps keep feet contained better than some competitors.
The plastic toggle on the Summit is easy to use but feels dated.
The plastic toggle on the Summit is easy to use but feels dated.

The footrest is made of the same fabric as the rest, and it all comes together nicely. The seat back has a limited range of motion, but it is a one-recliner. It takes two hands to lift and dis the old-school plastic toggle adjustment, which is effective but feels dated.

Should You Buy the Baby Jogger Summit X3?


While Baby Jogger is a popular brand name parents look at, and Jogger is right in the company name, Summit is not one of our favorites. With a price on par with better-performing options, it is hard to fall in love with this mediocre stroller. The Summit was not a great runner, though not the worst, but it is a bummer considering the point of this kind of stroller. It is also somewhat harder to use than the competition, and the seat is only so-so for passengers. Overall, we think there are far better-performing strollers in our tests with similar prices.

What Other Jogging Stroller Should You Consider?


If your budget is bigger and you want the absolute best for just about anything, the Guava Roam would be our pick. This stroller was one of the best in our running tests. It is easy to use, high-quality and has a one-handed fold you'll want to do for no reason. It's so easy, with directions right on the stroller, so you never forget. This option has never-flat rubber tires, a parent console, and a swivel wheel you can lock from the handlebar while standing upright.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz