In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We tested the 17 top strollers from Thule, Mockingbird, UPPAbaby, and more to find the best option for every family and budget
We've tested more than 185 strollers, including more than 50 full-size strollers, in our ongoing effort to find the very best. We purchase each stroller ourselves to assure complete independence in our comparison and ratings.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Updated September 29, 2025
Finding the perfect primary stroller for your new baby can feel daunting. But a fantastic stroller can make outings easier and longer-lasting, increasing opportunities for fun and bonding.
We purchased and tested the top 17 competitors after considering over 100+ strollers. Our extensive side-by-side tests assess ease of use, maneuverability, quality, weight, and more to give you the details you need to find the right stroller for your family.
The most impressive full-size stroller is the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. This quality option has ample storage, an adjustable handlebar, and versatile seating that can hold a bassinet or infant car seat. Plus, the frame folds flat enough to cosplay as a travel stroller. If you need something bigger, the UPPAbaby Vista v3 can seat two and has a similar style and features.
If you like the look and feel of the Cruz but not the price, a less expensive option is the Cybex Balios S Lux. This easy-to-use stroller is also smaller and lighter when folded and works with Cybex infant car seats.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 is a high-quality, full-size option that offers some of the easiest-to-use features and a quick and simple 2-hand fold. This stroller has a comfortable seating area with a deep recline and a giant canopy. It features a huge storage basket with an exceptional limit of 30 lbs, which is significantly higher and larger than the group average of 10 lbs. It has an adjustable handlebar, suspension, and fine details like a leatherette-wrapped handle and belly bar. It can also work with multiple infant car seat brands. One tester says, “I love the look and feel of this stroller; you can easily tell the difference compared to cheaper options.” The Cruz folds flat at 12,469 cubic inches in our tests, where the average was closer to 13,583. It is also comparatively lightweight.
The Cruz is a two-hand fold and isn't the best at grass and gravel. While coming in under the average for weight and folded size, it also isn't exactly compact, which could be a deal-breaker if your space is limited. This stroller also sports a higher price tag, which could be a no-go for smaller budgets. The Cybex Balios S Lux has a similar style and features. It often costs less and could be a potential contender for families with less to spend. The UPPAbaby Vista v3 is similar to the Cruz but can save you money if you plan to grow your family. With a measured weight of 27.9 lbs in our tests and a folded size of 13,618 cubic inches, it is bulkier than the Cruz, but it can seat two. One parent stated, “We took our Vista on travel and think it is a great choice for multiple kids.” Overall, we think it is tough to beat what the Cruz offers, and if your budget allows for it, the Cruz can offer years of comfortable strolling for passengers and pushers.
If you can afford the UPPAbaby Cruz v2, it performed better overall in most metrics than any competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Cruz v3
UPPAbaby recently launched a new version of the popular Cruz. While we plan to test the v3 as soon as possible, we think the information in our Cruz v2 review is similar enough to help your purchase decision. We suspect that if you love the Cruz 2, the v3 will also be a winner. It looks like there have been upgrades to the seat, canopy, storage bin access, and other things.
The Thule Urban Glide 3 offers outstanding performance and versatility, stepping up to the plate as your day-to-day stroller, off-roading partner, and potential jogger. The Urban Glide 3 features large pneumatic wheels and shocks that easily traverse most terrains, while providing a comfortable and smooth ride. The Glide is a dream to push and turn, and doesn't blink in the face of curbs. The handlebar is adjustable for parents of all heights, offering one-handed steering potential. This stroller features a comfortable, wide seat and covered storage with a capacity limit of 15 lbs that fits our large diaper bag.
The Urban Glide's jogger heritage makes it larger and heavier than some competitors. One tester noted, “Although this stroller seemed bigger than most, I found its easy one-handed fold and rolling capability meant it was easier to transport.”It's also one of the bigger full-size strollers with a folded volume of 14,735. However, it is one of the smaller joggers, if you don't consider the smaller Guava Roam Crossover. While the Urban Glide 3 is a tad spendy, it is competitively priced for double duty, and more affordable than the UPPAbaby Ridge (another compelling crossover). If you want an all-terrain stroller but your budget is tighter, we recommend the Baby Trend Expedition. We believe the Urban Glide 3 is an excellent, versatile stroller that will impress adventurous families with its off-road performance, while still showing up for everyday use.
Do not run with younger babies
It is not safe to run with babies who lack the muscle control to support their head and neck. Even in their infant car seat carrier attached by way of an adapter. We encourage parents to consult with their pediatrician and the jogging stroller manufacturer's manual for more information before setting out for adventures faster than strolling.
The Cybex Balios S Lux is a modern-day traditional stroller with the style and seating versatility parents want, including compatibility with some Cybex infant car seats and a capacity range up to 55 lbs. This quality option has a large UPF 50+ canopy and bigger foam-filled plastic wheels for easy pushing on flat surfaces. It is often priced lower than other popular strollers and has easy-to-use features like an adjustable handlebar. It also offers exceptional passenger comfort, with a 3-position recline that is comfortable for napping. The Cybex is smaller and lighter than others, with a weight of 25.3 lbs and a measured folded volume of 11,904 cubic inches.
The Cybex is not the best mover when you head off-road; pushing on grass and gravel isn't as easy as some competitors. The similar UPPAbaby Cruz v2 also has foam-filled plastic wheels, but the wider wheel width and bigger size make them easier to push off flat surfaces. While less expensive than some models, its price could still be a deal breaker for a tighter budget. The Evenflo Xpand Pivot is an inexpensive choice with a similar look but lower-quality materials. We think the Cybex is a great choice for those who want better quality without the top price tag and who usually stick to the sidewalk and indoor spaces. Our tester says, “As long as you stay on the beaten path, we think you'll be pleased with the Cybex and its overall functionality.”
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand is an expandable stroller that can seat 2+. This full-size option has a large storage bin with a capacity limit of 10 lbs and fits our large diaper bag. It features adjustable seating, infant car seat attachments, and an adjustable handlebar. We like the quick, one-handed fold that self-stands. The toddler seat reclines to 70, 50, and 30 degrees, and it has five leg rest positions. If your family's budget is at the top of your mind and you know more kids are coming, this budget choice should be on your shortlist.
This stroller is heavy and big, making it less appealing if you want something small or compact. With a measured folded volume of 16,790 cubic inches, dimensions of 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L, and a weight of 30 lbs, it is definitely more of a heft than the average option. If your budget is bigger and quality is a top goal (or more storage), then the UPPAbaby Vista v3 is an amazing option for up to 3 kids and holds supplies up to 30 lbs. Our in-house tester reports, “The ability for a budget stroller to grow as a family grows is a game-changer.” The Evenflo is hard to beat for the price, and we think that those with tighter budgets will find much to love in this simple stroller.
We think the Evenflo Pivot could be a budget contender for those looking to grow their family or want the look of a higher-end product but have less to spend.
The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is an inexpensive jogging stroller with capabilities suitable for everyday use. As an upgraded version of the original Baby Trend Expedition, it has enough features to keep pushers and passengers happy. This three-wheeled stroller has under-seat storage with a 5 lb limit and a comfortable seat that reclines from 70 - 30 degrees in infinite positions. There is also a parent console and a child snack tray with cup holders. It has rubber pneumatic tires, is easy to push, and can head off-road or run without missing a beat. Our in-house tester said, “It is a good stroller that doesn't have a big price tag; it is perfect for many families on a budget.”
The Expedition is not the best quality, and some of the features are lacking, like the smaller canopy or lack of suspension. The console and child-tray cup holders only measured 2.5 in deep and 3 in wide in our tests, which makes them potentially useless and dangerous, as items can fall out (assuming they even fit). It has a bulky fold with a measured volume of 14,308 cubic inches and is heavier for a full-size option at 28.1 lbs, though not the heaviest or biggest folded jogger. It also didn't perform well in our jogging stroller review run-ability tests. If you are a serious runner, you might want to look at the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 of the BOB Alterrain Pro instead, as they have features that make them better suited to everyday running. If you have a very tight budget and just want to easily push your stroller over any surface, the Race Tec is exactly what you need and will save you so much money.
The UPPAbaby Vista v3 is an impressive, high-quality choice for growing families looking for an option to grow with their family for years of use. The versatile Vista easily expands to a double stroller. It can accept bassinets, infant car seats, toddler seats, or any combination of the three, making it an excellent choice for twins. The easy, fold-to-flat design and self-stand feature make this stroller easier to store and transport than some. The premium materials stand out, as does the enormous 30 lb capacity storage basket, larger wheels, adjustable handlebar, and huge canopy with full coverage protection. It has a fine attention to detail, includes features you need, and is super easy to push and maneuver.
The Vista is expensive, which could be a deal-breaker for some budgets. However, if you plan to use it for many years through multiple kids, perhaps the price is justifiable. If you like the look, but want to tread easy on your bank account, the Evenflo Xpand Pivot or the Mockingbird have similar styling, but are more budget-conscious. The Vista is also large, measuring 27.9 lbs and 13,618 cubic inches when folded. The average stroller measured closer to 26 lbs and 13,583 cubic inches. We love the Vista v3 and think that for growing families, the price tag is worth it, depending on your budgeting goals. One tester noted, “Knowing I'll never have to buy another stroller, no matter how many kids we have, is worth the extra expense.”
We test full-size competitors in multiple metrics to find the best of the bunch for every goal.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
Our testing protocol for strollers is extensive and involves 50 individual tests to inform our ratings. We've purchased and tested more than 190 strollers since 2014, including more than 52 strollers that fit our criteria for everyday-use “full-size strollers.” We buy each stroller ourselves, accepting no freebies from manufacturers to ensure complete independence.
Our testing of full-size strollers is divided across five rating metrics:
Ease of Use tests (40% of overall score weighting)
Maneuverability (25% weighting)
Transporting and Storing (15% weighting)
Quality (10% weighting)
Kid's Comfort (10% weighting)
We tested each stroller in tight spaces, doorways, and on different surfaces to determine which options are the easier to push and turn.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our testing occurs in the GearLab in-house lab and in the real world during daily use with little ones. The full-size stroller reviews use research and details on performance derived from real-world applications compared to the other contenders. We handle each stroller from unboxing to in-house testing and hours of use to determine which are the easiest to use, have the most useful features, are the most maneuverable, and are high quality compared to the competition.
We perform a myriad of tests in our quest to find the best strollers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Testing includes pushing strollers in a designated test path over various surfaces and thresholds. We measure the weight and size of folded strollers and put them into and take them out of cars. We lift, carry, open, and close each stroller to compare it to the competition. We analyze the materials, quality, design, and more to determine metric performance and scores.
The test group of full-size options all folded side by side.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Our experienced stroller testers are overseen by our BabyGearLab founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier, Board Certified Pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and totally awesome mother of two. She uses her education and experience as a pediatrician and her expertise as a mom to define the BabyGearLab safety standards. The lead for the hands-on stroller test team is Senior Review Analyst, Bob Wofford, father of 7, who has been the stroller testing development and execution leader since 2013. It's safe to say Bob has pushed, pulled, and assembled more strollers than anyone on the planet.
Our Senior Research Analyst assembled every stroller in the review, like the UPPAbaby Vista v2 shown here.
Credit: Graham Faulknor
The stroller team also includes Graham Faulknor, a father of one and GearLab Senior Review Analyst. Graham has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado and over 15+ years of experience designing, building, and testing everything from race cars and medical devices to consumer goods. The team is rounded out with Senior Review Editor and mother of two, Wendy Schmitz, who has reviewed and researched over 150 strollers since joining BabyGearLab in 2014, including hundreds of hours of hands-on use. Overall, the team has over 20 years of combined experience using and testing all types of strollers.
Analysis and Test Results
We selected 17 finalists for our side-by-side testing, including everything from maneuverability and ease of use to quality and weight. We consider the features and functions we believe parents are looking for.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Value in a full-size stroller involves how often and how many years you plan to stroll, and if you plan to grow your family. Strollers come in a wide range of prices, and we see no need to spend more than you need to to meet your goals. The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is an excellent occasional adventure stroller perfect for parks and easy pushing, sporting one of the lowest prices in the group. However, if you are a serious runner or live in a busy city, it likely will not feel like a good value if it leads to a second stroller purchase. If you plan to have multiple children close in age and could benefit from a double stroller, the Evenflo Xpand Pivot can work for two and has a very wallet-friendly price tag.
The UPPAbaby Ridge folding handle under the leg rest is a press and twist handle that is super easy to use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The features you use frequently that impact everyday functionality can influence your overall experience. A stroller's ability to perform well on demand is the difference between a successful outing and a parking lot breakdown.
Ease of Use Performance Ratings
Product
Storage
Fold/Unfold
Harness
Brakes
UPPAbaby Vista v2
8.0
8.5
9.0
10.0
UPPAbaby Ridge
7.5
10.0
9.0
8.0
UPPAbaby Cruz v2
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.0
Thule Urban Glide 2
7.0
9.5
9.0
7.5
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
10.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
Thule Spring
6.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
Mockingbird
9.0
8.0
7.5
7.5
BOB Alterrain Pro
6.5
10.0
8.0
7.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
8.0
6.5
10.0
6.0
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
5.0
8.0
6.0
9.5
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
6.5
7.0
8.0
7.0
Baby Jogger City Select 2
8.5
6.5
6.0
7.0
Britax Brook +
9.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
Baby Jogger City Sights
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Britax B-Free
5.0
8.0
5.0
8.0
GRACO Modes Nest
10.0
6.5
5.0
4.0
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
9.0
7.0
4.0
3.0
Baby Trend Expedition
7.0
7.0
4.0
3.0
The Thule Urban Glide 2 features a one-hand fold with a twist handle under the seat. Plus, it can roll like luggage when folded.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Individual functions and features like fold/unfold, storage, harnesses, and brakes can affect your user experience. We provide comparison details and more information to help you make a purchase decision based on what is most important to you.
Folding a full-size stroller has a lot of moving parts and little ones can get injured if not kept at a distance when folding.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
We prefer strollers with few steps that fold smoothly without complications. However, not every stroller is lucky to have an easy-fold design. We lined up the competition side-by-side to test various aspects related to folding: how easy it is to do, can you do it with one hand, does it automatically locks in place, does it self-stands, can it roll like luggage, is there a handle or a strap.
The easiest strollers to fold are the BOB Alterrain, and the UPPAbaby Ridge, with the Thule Spring coming in close behind. All of these options have a one-handed fold via a twisting handle under the leg rest. It is a swift operation and super simple. The hardest options require two hands, need adjustments before folding, or are best folded with accessories removed. These included the Cybex Balios S Lux, Baby Jogger City Select 2, Britax Brook +, and the GRACO Modes Nest Stroller. These options need seats removed to be truly compact, and this can be difficult or impossible depending on where and why you are folding it. If it is a stroller built for two with two seats, you can double that hassle.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 storage bin fits our extra large diaper bag and a laptop bag. The easy access and 30 lb capacity make it a shinning star in the storage metric.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Storage
The amount of storage space a stroller provides can differ, with some designs being less thoughtful or functional. If you live in the city and hope to get groceries with your stroller, this could be a super important consideration. If you only take short adventures to the park, perhaps less so. Things to consider are the basket size, the weight capacity, and how easy it is to access.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 and the UPPAbaby Vista v3 have the biggest underseat baskets, with the highest weight limit of 30 lbs. They are truly remarkable, with easy access from most sides, fitting baby supplies and other things. The smaller bins with 10 lb limits were somewhat disappointing, but should be enough to carry your baby's supplies, depending on where the day takes you. The Baby Trend Expedition and the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec have the lowest basket limits at 5 lbs. The Baby Trends do have additional storage features like a parent console and child's tray, but they aren't as useful as we'd like, and items either didn't fit or fell out of the cup holders during testing. The Thule Urban Glide v3 has a Velcro/zipper cover over the bin and a zipper pocket to help keep things contained. Its 15 lb limit makes it a middle-of-the-road contender with the protection of a cover, but the triangle shape makes larger items harder to stow.
The Urban Glide 2 has ample padding around the crotch and shoulder straps.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
All of the strollers in our review have 5-point harnesses, with some offering padding or safety buckles or requiring two hands to operate. Others have an adjustable crotch strap and shoulder height adjustment with some non-rethread harnesses. We value harnesses that are smooth and quick to operate.
The lowest-scoring harnesses in the group belong to both Baby Trend strollers. They require harness rethreading, and the buckle is stiff with rougher webbing on the straps. The best harnesses are on the UPPAbaby and Thule strollers. These options have easy-to-use buckles and adjustments, as well as soft straps and padding for comfort. The new Vista v3 buckle sort of snaps together with a two-part magnetic system that was a breeze to operate once we figured it out. The Cybex Balios is also easy to adjust and has soft webbing, with infinite adjustments in shoulder height that slide up and down an exposed strap.
The brakes on the UPPAbaby Vista v2 include a color change window so you can tell if they are set at a glance.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
Not all brakes are foot-friendly, and some are trickier to employ or disengage. Our lineup even features a stroller, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, that sports a hand parking brake. We prefer pedals that do not require lifting from underneath to release, as it can be difficult, damage footwear, or injure bare feet.
The Baby Trend options failed to impress with their double-action brakes, which require setting and releasing two pedals. We worry parents will forget or grow complacent over time and only press one pedal. This would result in the brakes being improperly set and could result in injury or death. The best brakes in the lineup are those on the UPPAbaby Vista v3 and its press-to-engage/disengage pedal with color-changing indicator. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 follows close behind.
Having an easy-to-fold stroller can be a game changer if you need to perform this function on a regular basis.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Ease of Use
The ease of use final score is the culmination of test results from multiple sub-metrics detailed above.
The easiest options to use are the UPPAbaby Ridge, UPPAbaby Vista v3, and the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. It is as if UPPAbaby took all the hassle out of strolling with thoughtful designs to solve real problems. Each UPPAbaby stroller has features that work well and are intuitive, many working with a single hand. They have larger storage bins with bigger capacities, adjustable handlebars, smooth harness webbing, and color-coded brake pedals. You have to try to find a hard-to-use feature on a UPPAbaby. Alternatively, the Baby Trend Expedition performs the worst in our ease-of-use tests. This stroller isn't prohibitively difficult to use, but it is harder than the competition because it lacks some features, and other features are lower quality and more challenging, like double-action brakes instead of single.
The Cruz v2 has lots of easy-to-use features like a telescoping handlebar and push button seat recline.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The UPPAbaby strollers and the Thule Urban Glide 3 lack amenities like a parent or child console, but both companies offer these accessories for purchase. We believe these conveniences can be useful depending on your lifestyle, and we recommend you consider the additional cost in your decision-making if you find them valuable. However, we don't believe these features are mandatory. In fact, we found that many of these features weren't that useful during testing. Many were poorly designed and only checked a box instead of adding real benefits like shallow cup holders that didn't hold water bottles.
Many strollers can be paired with a stroller by purchasing an adapter or using a native brand seat to create a travel system of your choice. This photo shows the UPPAbaby Vist v2 paired with an UPPAbaby car seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Car Seat Compatibility
Most of the full-size strollers are compatible with at least one (sometimes more) infant car seat, and some are light enough to work as a stand-in for a car seat frame stroller. Some strollers are restricted in the brands they are compatible with, or they don't accept infant carriers at all. Other strollers have significant cross-brand compatibility with the purchase of an adapter.
If you hope to combine your stroller with an infant car seat, then we encourage you to choose your car seatfirst, as safety is critical for car seats. We also think some parents should consider a car seat frame stroller for the first 6-9 months instead of a traditional stroller. The frame options are easier to use with an infant car seat carrier, lighter, cheaper, and can give you a better idea of how you'll use a full-size stroller going forward, so you can make a better buying decision. While you'll end up buying two different strollers, it could still translate to saving money if it prevents you from buying a stroller that doesn't meet your needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Another alternative is to skip the stroller and carry your baby in a baby carrier. These wearable devices allow you to carry your little one, often hands-free, in a close and bonding position that removes the hassle of a stroller entirely. Many babies love being held close, and it can reduce fussiness and crying.
Some car seats use a click-in attachment, while others click and strap the carrier in place. We prefer the click-only options because they are more straightforward, relatively foolproof, and usually feel more stable. The strap method isn't challenging, but it is a second step, and we worry parents will skip it (accidentally or intentionally), which could create safety issues and potential for injuries. If you choose a strap combination, we encourage you to always use the straps as the manufacturer recommends to avoid safety risks.
We started our test process by building each stroller from unboxing to ready-to-roll.
Credit: Graham Faulknor
Ease of Setup
Assembly is a one-time job (theoretically), but if you lack assembly prowess or loathe “build it yourself” projects, it could be important to you. We consider the time it takes to set up, possible challenges, required tools, and manual usefulness. None of the strollers were hard to assemble, and almost none require tools. Most require just snapping on wheels, seats, or canopies.
The Mockingbird is one of the easiest options to assemble.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The easiest option to assemble is the Mockingbird, and the company even sent us an email with a video before the stroller arrived showing us exactly how to do it. Many other options are just as easy, but the Mockingbird stood out thanks to the video. The hardest options to set up are the Cybex Balios S Lux and the Graco Modes Nest. Both had harder-to-understand instructions that lacked written components or offered more information than was needed.
We test each stroller for maneuverability including how well they move over different surfaces, thresholds, and through doorways and tight spaces. We consider push-ability using one and two hands and how challenging it is to push.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
Our maneuverability tests include a convoluted pathway of turns and corners over various surfaces, including hardwood, pavement, gravel, grass, snow/ice (when the weather allows), and dirt. We also created a crowded-supermarket simulator, a multi-surface obstacle course containing tight corners and real-world challenges.
Maneuverability by Surface Type
Product
Hard Surface
All-terrain
Curbs
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
7.5
10.0
9.0
Thule Urban Glide 2
7.0
10.0
9.0
BOB Alterrain Pro
7.5
9.0
8.0
Mockingbird
8.0
8.0
7.0
UPPAbaby Cruz v2
8.0
8.0
7.0
UPPAbaby Vista v2
7.5
8.0
7.0
Baby Trend Expedition
6.5
9.0
7.0
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
7.0
8.5
7.0
Baby Jogger City Sights
8.5
7.5
6.0
Baby Jogger City Select 2
8.5
7.5
6.0
Britax B-Free
8.0
6.0
6.0
UPPAbaby Ridge
6.0
5.0
8.0
GRACO Modes Nest
7.0
6.0
6.0
Britax Brook +
6.0
5.0
7.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
8.0
5.0
4.0
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
4.0
5.5
6.0
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
5.5
4.0
6.0
Thule Spring
4.0
4.0
5.0
We push each stroller through it all and then compare their results for ease of pushing, turning, and performance.
Most high-scoring strollers perform well on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The more substantial wheels make for effortless pushing and single-handed turning on pavement, and they excel in smaller spaces with tight turning radii. Their advantages were even more pronounced when going over grass or gravel in the park. Smaller wheel products with solid tires got bogged down on rough surfaces, often to unworkable levels. The plastic wheels also transmit jarring shocks directly to the baby because they do not absorb the energy and frequently lack suspension.
The best strollers are those that allow you to push on various surfaces and through standard doorways with ease. The Cruz is shown in this image.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Hard Surfaces
Pushing and turning on flat, hard surfaces like pavement and concrete, or those you encounter indoors, is the bread and butter for a full-size stroller. Being able to push a stroller with minimal resistance or turn with a single hand can make pushing a child hither and yon easier. The top performers on flat surfaces for maneuverability were the Baby Jogger City Select 2 and Baby Jogger City Sights. Both strollers have minimal chassis flex and have solid wheels with light suspension, which makes threshold changes and turns a carefree operation. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2, Mockingbird, UPPAbay Vist v3, and the Cybex Balios S Lux are close behind. Each has a high-quality wheel and sturdy frames that help make them easier to handle. The worst in the group were the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 and the Thule Spring. Both strollers have smaller diameter wheels and flexing frames requiring more response time, making it hard to make tight turns without pre-game planning.
While the Baby Jogger brand has the word “Jogger” in its name, most of their products are not suitable for jogging. This applies to all of the Baby Joggers in this review. You should not jog with any stroller not designed for jogging, as they do not have the proper design features to provide a safe jogging experience with a baby. Seriously, don't do it!
The rubber tires and three-wheel design with a locking swivel front wheel help it navigate all kinds of surfaces with relative ease.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
All-Terrain
Before you have children, you might think all-terrain strolling isn't in your future. It could feel like a non-issue if you don't hike or run. But wait! Don't fall into that trap. You will likely need and use your stroller on various terrains, so its performance here should not be ignored. Even a quick trip to an urban park will have you pushing over grass and gravel. Headed to the zoo? Many have uneven pathways and odd thresholds. Even your local strip mall could be surrounded by cobblestone or carpet.
Smaller plastic wheels can become dented or deformed over time, depending on the terrain you regularly traverse. Our test shows that rubber or dense foam-filled wheels are better for moving on uneven surfaces. If you need to stroll frequently over grass, gravel, or dirt, maneuverability should be an essential consideration in your decision-making process, and those with rubber tires should be at the top of your list with foam filled dense wheels coming in next.
The highest-scoring for all-terrain maneuverability were the jogging strollers, including the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0, the BOB Alterrain Pro, The Baby Trend Expedition, and the Thule Urban Glide 3. The rubber tires, three-wheel design, and optional front-wheel locking make these strollers super nimble when moving off-road. They have the design and features required for smoother sailing and easier pushing, like suspension and larger, more robust wheels. For the non-jogger style strollers, the best performance was seen in the UPPAbaby Cruz v2, UPPAbaby Vista v3, and the Mockingbird. The harder options to push and turn off-road are the Evenflo Pivot Xpand and the Thule Spring. Once again, their smaller wheels and flexing frames only worsened when the terrain wasn't flat.
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 was a little wobbly during our maneuverability testing with a significant flex in the frame.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Maneuverability
Only you know the areas you plan to stroll, and depending on your location, lifestyle, and plans, there is much to consider. Having an easy-to-push and turn stroller could make all the difference between a great outing and a frustrating experience. We cannot overstate the importance of assessing your possible terrains with eyes wide open.
The top performers for maneuverability are the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 and the Thule Urban Glide 3. Both options are jogging strollers that include larger rubber wheels, a 3-wheel design, shocks, and an adjustable handlebar. These features make a stroller easier to push and turn, often with one hand on almost any surface. The Baby Jogger options also performed well, except the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, which earned one of the lowest maneuverability scores. The Thule Spring earned the lowest score. The Spring has smaller wheels, and the frame flexes enough that it takes a significant effort to turn it.
Being able to roll your folded stroller, like the UPPAbaby Vista v3 seen here, is a game changer depending on your situation.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw
Transporting and Storing
We perform our own measurements to test each stroller's weight and folded size. We discovered that some manufacturers provided weights or measurements that excluded components such as wheels or detachable seats, so their stated stroller weight appeared much lighter on paper than when set up for actual use. Our measurements include wheels and seats, but not accessories like bassinets or rain covers.
Weight and Folded Size Ratings
Product
Weight
Folded Size
Britax B-Free
8.7
9.0
Thule Spring
8.4
8.5
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
8.7
7.4
Baby Jogger City Sights
7.2
6.8
Baby Jogger City Select 2
6.3
7.4
Baby Trend Expedition
7.9
5.7
Britax Brook +
8.4
5.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
7.2
6.1
UPPAbaby Cruz v2
7.4
5.7
GRACO Modes Nest
9.0
3.2
Thule Urban Glide 2
6.8
4.1
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
5.8
4.7
UPPAbaby Vista v2
5.7
4.8
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
5.3
4.5
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
4.8
3.3
UPPAbaby Ridge
4.5
3.4
Mockingbird
4.7
3.0
BOB Alterrain Pro
3.0
3.0
The Race Tec is a bulky and somewhat heavier option compared to the full-size competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Measured Weight
Because you will likely need to lift and carry your stroller at some point, how much it weighs could be a concern. Especially if any user is particularly petite or has weight restrictions after childbirth.
The BOB Alterrain Pro is the heaviest option at 34 lbs. However, we expect a jogger to be heavier than the average full-size stroller. But in fairness, it is still heavier than the other joggers. The heaviest traditional stroller is the Mockingbird at 30 lbs. The average weight for the group is about 26 lbs. The lightest in the group are the GRACO Modes Nest Stroller and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, but neither of these scored well overall, and you could be trading one problem for another by selecting a stroller based on weight alone.
Measured Size
We measured the folded size of the strollers both for the individual dimensions and the overall folded volume. This gives you enough information to determine if your favorite stroller fits in your life, literally.
The largest option is the Mockingbird, which, when folded, measures 23,432 cubic inches. For comparison, the average folded option is 13,583 cubic inches. Even the largest jogging stroller, the BOB Alterrain Pro, is smaller than the Mockingbird, at 17,357 cubic inches.
This image includes the smallest folded option (second from the left) and other options, including one of the largest (second from the right).
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Transporting and Storing
The easiest stroller to transport and store is the Thule Spring. This little option folds small and weighs less than most competitors. Its folded size is only 7,650 cubic inches, and it comes in at a light weight of only 23 lbs, for ease in transferring from location to location. However, its poor performance in other tests makes it a less compelling option than competitors that weigh more or are larger. We recommend considering features like carry straps and the ability to roll when folded as more useful guides related to transporting than size alone.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 has thoughtful attention to detail using quality materials like the shock absorption seen here.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
Many believe that quality is directly related to price, and while this is somewhat true, we find that some mid-range products offer quality on par with, or better than, the more expensive options.
Quality of Materials
Product
Fabric
Frame
Wheels
UPPAbaby Vista v2
5.0
5.0
4.0
UPPAbaby Cruz v2
5.0
5.0
4.0
BOB Alterrain Pro
4.0
5.0
4.0
UPPAbaby Ridge
3.0
5.0
5.0
Baby Jogger City Select 2
5.0
4.0
3.0
Cybex Balios S Lux
4.0
5.0
3.0
Baby Jogger City Sights
5.0
4.0
3.0
BOB Revolution Flex 3.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Britax B-Free
4.0
3.0
4.0
Mockingbird
4.0
3.0
4.0
Thule Urban Glide 2
4.0
3.0
4.0
GRACO Modes Nest
4.0
3.0
3.0
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
3.0
3.0
3.0
Thule Spring
4.0
2.0
2.0
Britax Brook +
2.0
3.0
2.0
Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
3.0
2.0
2.0
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
1.0
2.0
3.0
Baby Trend Expedition
1.0
1.0
2.0
This observation is good news for anyone hoping to find a high-performing, quality product that won't break the bank.
Higher quality options like the UPPAbaby Cruz v2 use materials and design to create products that work well, feel good, look sleek, and have few if any, manufacturer flaws.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Evenflo is a good stroller for the price, but the quality does not stand out in this group.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fabric
Fabric quality encompasses the comfort and skin-friendly feel, the durability, how well it fits the frame, and how easy it might be to clean or wear over time. The fabrics on the strollers we tested were all over the place. Some were rough and somewhat abrasive and stiff and didn't fit the frame well, while others were soft, smooth, easy to wipe clean, and wrapped nicely around the frames. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 and the UPPAbaby Vista v3 have some of the highest quality materials in the group, and the look and feel bear this out compared to the competition. The roughest and stiffest fabric is found on the Baby Trend strollers.
The Vista v2 is a higher quality choice with a sleek design and better materials than most competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Frame
A good frame should be fairly flex-free, and the fold and connection points should be few and solid. We look for rattle, sturdiness, design, and lack of defects when assessing frames. Those that score high tend to have limited fold points, a lack of visible connectors, and a design that doesn't bend or flex when under pressure from the passenger or pushing. The nicest frames were seen in the BOB Alterrain Pro, Cybex Balios, and all of the UPPAbaby strollers.
We liked the foam-filled rubber tires on the UPPAbaby Ridge both for the quality of materials and overall functionality.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Wheels
The best quality tires and wheels are largely found on the jogging stroller, in part at least due to their design and activity needs. These options have rubber tires and larger wheels designed for more adventure types than a standard stroller. The highest scoring were the UPPAbaby Ridge wheels. Next were the UPPAbaby Vista v3 and Cuz v2, the BOB strollers, Thule Urban Glide 3, and the Mockingbird. The worst wheels were smaller and plastic that felt flimsy or had a wobble during testing. These were found on the Thule Spring, Baby Jogger City Min GT2, Britax Brook+, and, oddly, the Baby Trend Expedition as its tires suffered frequent flats and slow leaking during testing.
The Baby Trend might have features not seen in competitors, but the quality of the features and functionality wasn't great in our tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall Quality
The top-quality options in this review are the UPPAbaby Vista v3 and the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. These strollers combine quality components and high-end materials with a fit and finish that stands out in the crowd. Products earn higher scores for quality if they have comfortable and durable fabric, pneumatic or foam-filled rubber tires, and sturdy frames with smooth finishes and little flex or rattle.
The lowest-scoring option is the Baby Trend Expedition. Most of the low-scoring strollers have plastic wheels (not true of the Expedition), stationary handlebars, and a lot of flex with multiple, often visible, connection joints. However, the Baby Trend Expedition combines some nicer features like rubber pneumatic tires and larger wheels, which give it excellent maneuverability and the ability to run. It suffers from problems like a uselessly small canopy and the lowest weight capacity basket.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 has many useful features for creating a comfortable experience for passengers like the adjustable leg rest.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
Finding a stroller your child will ride in without complaint is a big deal. Not all strollers offer seating arrangements that allow for true comfort.
The Vista v2 has several features for comfort, including a padded sling-style seat, adjustable leg rest with foot rest, and a giant canopy for element protection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
Several of the strollers in our lineup offer adjustable leg rests; some even adjust in length and angle, and almost all have some degree of reclining seat. Finding a comfortable napping position can be important when keeping little ones happy. Both UPPAbaby traditional strollers have padded sling seats on an oval frame that allows for lay-flat recline, adjustable leg rests, and excellent canopy coverage.
The BOB canopy is one of the largest in the group, offering excellent protection against the elements.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
A stroller's sunshade can vary in design, and we appreciate sunshades that provide ample coverage and sun protection through SPF or UV fabric, have peek-a-boo windows, and function well with a car seat. The best canopies in the group are on the Cybex Balios S Lux, and all of the UPPAbaby strollers. These are large sunshades with peek-a-boo windows with SPF 50+ ratings. They cover out and over the knees of most passengers and create a cozy pod-like environment for private napping. Those on the BOB strollers and the Urban Glide 3 are also impressive. The worst is the Baby Trend Expedition, with a ridiculously small canopy that covers almost nothing and can only rotate to prevent direct sun.
Overall Kid Comfort
The smallest canopy is on the Baby Trend Expedition, and while it rotates, it doesn't cover enough of the passengers to be truly useful. Some of the best canopies are on the BOB Alterrain and the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0. Once again, the UPPAbaby strollers stand out here with the highest-scoring canopies.
We prefer seats with an adjustable deep recline, large sunshades, adjustable leg rests, and more. These features should be easy for parents to use and, if possible, not disturb little ones who might be sleeping.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 offers the most passenger comfort. The UPPAbaby Vista v3, Cybex Balios S Lux, and Mockingbird Stroller follow close behind. The lowest-scoring option in the group is the Baby Trend Expedition.
We purchased and tested every full-size stroller in our review side-by-side.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Pick the Best Full-Size Stroller
Choosing a stroller doesn't have to be frustrating if you keep a few key considerations in mind.
Many infant car seats can be paired with popular strollers by purchasing an adapter or using adapters included with your stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Pairing with a Car Seat?
If you hope to pair your stroller with a compatible infant car seat, we recommend choosing your car seat first. Because car seats are so important and safety-critical, we think this choice supersedes a stroller. Luckily, many of the strollers work well with various infant car seats from popular brands, including the award winners from our infant car seat review.
Where you plan to stroll, and the terrain you need to traverse can impact which stroller is the right one for your needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Where are You Strolling?
Where you plan to use your stroller the most and the kind of terrain you'll be traversing are significant factors in overall stroller satisfaction. A jogging stroller might be a no-go if you are a city dweller strolling on crowded city sidewalks or in small cafes. However, if you plan to visit parks, go hiking, or like to run, a standard traditional stroller is less likely to meet your needs. We recommend paying close attention to maneuverability and the kind of tires on each stroller to find the one that is right for your plans.
The Britax B-Free has a unique storage bin with leg rest flip-up access in the front, giving you more access options.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Features to Consider
Which features are important to each family will vary, and it is hard to say that any one feature is a must for all. However, we think having as much storage as possible and a comfortable seating area are important. Carrying your supplies or adding items when running errands can make a stroller more useful. Keeping little passengers comfortable can make strolling more enjoyable or last longer. Other parents might be looking for accessories like a parent console or a child snack tray. Looking at the features and functionality can help you narrow the field.
The full-size strollers in this review come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and weights, and these could impact their usability.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Size Matters
Size matters. Once you've narrowed your options based on the above factors, the last thing to consider is size. The strollers in this category range from 21-33 lbs and from around 6,000 cubic inches folded to over 17,000, giving a huge size range to choose from. If you have limited space in your home or car or limitations on the weight you can lift or carry, then the size of your stroller matters. If you plan to stroll straight from your front door and have less need to put your stroller in a car or carry it, then it might be less important. We measured each stroller and tested them in a compact SUV to give you comparable information.
We purchased and tested popular strollers for everyday use in our full-size stroller review.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
All families are unique, with unique lifestyles and strolling needs. We think it is unlikely that one stroller is perfect for every need or family. Add on travel plans, home location, family size, and budget concerns, and you have too many variables to say that any single stroller will work for everyone. However, we do think finding “the one” perfect option for your family's goals and needs is possible. In our review, we share our experiences, observations, and test results to provide our insight and details so you can make an informed buying decision. Our information can help narrow the field to a handful of products to find the perfect stroller for your family.
Meet Your Review Team
Wendy Schmitz Senior Review Editor Wendy is a mother of two who has been a leading member of BabyGearLab's Review team since 2014. She brings a combination of skills and talent to the team that translates into well written, thought-provoking, easy to understand reviews that provide the parents with the information necessary to make a well-informed decision regarding products for their children, as well as, entertain and encourage readers to read more articles on the site. Wendy has a BA in Biology and brings a scientific and... read more
Juliet Spurrier, MD Mom-in-Chief Dr. Juliet Baciocco Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), mother of two, and founder of the Baby section of GearLab. Juliet earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Anthropology and Italian Literature from the University of California at Berkeley and her Medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington DC. She completed her pediatric residency at the Doernbecher Children's Hospital at Oregon Health & Science... read more
