REASONS TO BUY
Price
Lightweight
Compact fold
REASONS TO AVOID
Dual-front wheel
Hard to access storage
Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Review
A budget-minded stroller with the features you need and not much else
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Full-Size Strollers
The Skinny
The Baby Jogger City Mini 2 is a lightweight top-ranked full-size stroller for everyday adventures with some improvements on the older version. This stroller has adequate storage, an almost flat recline, and adjustable leg rest. It comes with a large canopy with dual peek-a-boo windows and single-action brakes. This version has limited rear storage access with a strangely placed crossbar. It also has a hard-to-use harness height adjustment that requires patience and practice to use. While this Mini has a few flaws and is lower quality than some of the full-size products, compared to multiple top-notch strollers we've tested, we think most parents will love what it offers for the budget-friendly price tag and will quickly forgive any shortcomings.
Editor's Note: We updated this gear review on December 21, 2021, with additional information and details, including a section on whether or not you should buy this full-size stroller.
Our Analysis and Test Results
With a desire to jog with their little ones, new parents started the Baby Jogger company when they couldn't find a jogging stroller to meet their new parent needs. Since 1984, the company has created more than just joggers with a complete lineup that includes some of the best full-size strollers and some top-ranked double strollers. Newell Rubbermaid purchased Baby Jogger in 2015.
Performance Comparison
The City Mini 2 is easy to use and features an almost flat recline for napping and a large canopy for weather protection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Mini 2 is easier to use than some of the competition, but it isn't much better than average, with some features requiring two hands to operate.
Fold and Unfold
The City Mini has a straightforward, no-nonsense fold with snap frame locks and a quick-release pull handle. The stroller auto-locks and has a carry handle.
The single-action brakes on the Mini 2 are not as foot-friendly as much of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
The Mini 2 has a plastic pedal for the single-action brakes near the rear axle. It is a press to set and lift to release mechanism that works smoothly but is not friendly to sandaled feet as it isn't the friendliest feeling pedal.
The Mini 2 storage bin is hard to access with a crossbar blocking rear access and only limited access on the front and sides.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
The storage bin has a maximum weight limit of 10 lbs with additional storage on the seatback. The bin is relatively large, but it isn't as easy to access as it could be. It now has front access and some side access, but the back is hindered by a bar that was not part of the previous version. It's a far cry from a contender, like the UPPABaby Vista v2, that has an easily accessible, extra-large storage bin with a maximum capacity of 30 lbs.
The peek-a-boo window covers on the Mini 2 canopy close with Velcro which is not our favorite as it is loud and can wear out over time.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
The 50 SPF canopy on the Mini 2 is large and has two peek-a-boo windows for good sightlines no matter where you stand. The canopy covers everything and more and can rotate forward for more coverage.
The buckle and harness fit adjustments on the Mini 2 are easy enough to use, but making harness height changes is convoluted and somewhat challenging.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The Mini 2 harness has many of the same issues as the previous version. It has the same poorly designed rethread height adjustment that requires the strap to move through two layers of fabric and padding. Where the straps connect in the back is also hard to get to as you need to slide your hand in a thin pocket, and you can't see what you are doing. Adjusting the harness to fit is easier, and the buckle works well if a bit stiff.
The recline toggle on the Mini 2 works well, but it is a cheaper and more convoluted than some of the higher-end competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
The Mini 2 seat reclines back for comfort, lying almost flat. It moves with a toggle that holds straps from each side to adjust the angle. This mechanism requires two hands if you want to do it easily. The leg rest on the new Mini can be propped up for cozier napping or access to storage from the front. It is an improvement over the previous stationary leg rest, but it isn't as nice as those with angle options.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Mini 2 is compatible with all baby Jogger infant car seats and many seats from other brands with the purchase of adapters. Other compatible brands and seats include (but are not limited to) the Britax B-Safe 35, Chicco KeyFit 30, Cybex Aton 2, Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 Elite, Maxi Cosi, Nuna Pipa, Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, UPPAbaby Mesa, and the Clek Liing.
Ease of Setup
The City Mini is easy to set up with very few parts to assemble and takes around 4 minutes to finish.
The manual is easy to follow, and no tools are required; the canopy and wheels snap on easily and could likely be attached without the manual.
Maneuverability
The dual front wheel on the City Mini 2 is still a design flaw, in our opinion, as it negatively impacts maneuverability. The double wheel can more easily get hung up on bumps and uneven surfaces, making it more difficult to push over any surface. This stroller works smoothly over flat surfaces and can turn tightly in small spaces. It struggles somewhat over grass and gravel, and while it can go over a short greenbelt or similar, it isn't a good choice for off-roading or significant time on bumpy surfaces.
The Mini2 is small and light, but larger and heavier than the previous Mini which seems like an unfortunate design choice.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
Historically, the City Mini has been small and lightweight, giving parents a great option for double duty as full-size and a favorite umbrella stroller. However, the new model is both heavier and larger than the previous version, which is a shame as this was a big plus for the City Mini. This version weighs 19.3 lbs compared to the old 17.5. It measures 8,472 cubic inches when folded than the previous size of only 6,840.
The Mini 2 is nice enough with quality on par with the lower price, but no real standout design or high-end features.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
While the City Mini 2 is a nice basic stroller, the quality is really only on par with the price. The overall look and feel are better than the average stroller, but the fit and finish can't compete side-by-side with the higher-priced competition. The wheels are foam-filled plastic and work well, but rubber would be better for maneuverability and looks. The frame shape is better than the old City Mini, and the fabric fits the tubing better. The fabric is a heavy canvas and nicer than its predecessor, and it seems both cleanable and breathable.
Should You Buy the Baby Jogger City Mini 2?
There's a reason why this stroller ranks well compared to others. It's lightweight, compact when folded, and offers enough features for daily walks around the neighborhood with your little one. Plus, its price is attractive, and we think it's a great deal for most families.
What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?
If you're frequently off-roading, we think you should consider the Thule Spring or Thule Urban Glide 2. They are more expensive than the Baby Jogger City Mini 2, but we believe their prices are justified given how effortless they are to push and use. The Urban Glide 2 is also one of the best jogging strollers.
Manufacturer Video
—
Wendy Schmitz
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