Baby Jogger Summit X3 Review

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

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Ease of Use

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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