In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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We tested the 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.
Are you looking for the best full-size stroller available today? We purchased and tested the top 18 competitors after researching over 100+ options. Finding an excellent stroller can be challenging, with so many to choose from, especially if you don't know what to look for. Our extensive side-by-side tests look for ease of use, maneuverability, quality, weight, and more to give you the details you need to find the right stroller for your family. There is something for everyone in our list of the best full-size strollers with our test results and hand-selected award winners. You'll find everything you need to know in our detailed review, no matter your budget or specific needs.
Editor's Note: This stroller review was updated on March 31, 2024, with a complete and full test of each product using our updated 2024 testing protocol of all new contenders and some old favorites.
Chicco KeyFit 35, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Aton M Clek Liing Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Mico Max Plus Nuna PIPA, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r, PIPA rx, PIPA lite rx, PIPA urbn UPPAbaby Mesa
Chicco KeyFit 35, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Mico Max Plus Nuna PIPA, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r, PIPA rx, PIPA lite rx, PIPA urbn Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Aton M Clek Liing UPPAbaby Mesa
Cybex (All) Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Maxi Cosi Mico Max, Maxi Cosi Coral XP Nuna Pipa lite
Baby Jogger City GO 2 Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe Ultra Chicco KeyFit and Fit2 (all infant car seat models) Clek Liing, Liingo Cybex Cloud Q, Aton M Evenflo Embrace, Nurture Graco SnugRide (all infant car seat models) Maxi-Cosi Mico (30, Max 30, Max Plus) Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R, Lite LX, Lite RX, and RX UPPAbaby Mesa (2020 model or newer), Mesa Max
Min./Max. Handle Height
40"/43"
39.5"/42.5"
30"/46"
39.5"/43"
33"/43"
Wheel Type
Foam Filled Plastic
Foam Filled Plastic
Pneumatic
Foam Filled Plastic
Foam Filled Rubber
Brake type
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
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 fold. This stroller has a comfortable seating area with a deep recline and a giant canopy. It features a huge storage basket with exceptional storage limits of 30 lbs. It has an adjustable handlebar, suspension, and fine details like leatherette wrapped handle and belly bar, and it can work with multiple infant car seat brands.
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 break if your space is limited. This stroller also sports a higher price tag, which might be a ni-go for smaller budgets. The Cybex Balios S Lux has a similar style and features but often costs less and could be a potential contender for families with less to spend. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is similar to the Cruz but can save you money if you plan to grow your family or want to push more than one child. Overall, we think it is tough to beat what the Cruz has to offer, and if your budget allows for it, the Cruz can offer years of comfortable strolling for passengers and pushers.
The Thule Urban Glide 2 is a top-ranked jogging stroller we've included in our full-size review because it offers enough versatility to double as your daily stroller. The Urban Glide 2 is super easy to push and turn, even with one hand! It can move over almost any surface with ease and the front wheel can be locked in place for running on-the-fly. This stroller has a comfortable seating area, uses high-quality materials, and comes with covered storage.
Because it is a jogger, it is somewhat bigger and heavier than a traditional full-size option. However, the quick one-hand fold and rolling ability make it relatively portable despite its size. If you want a smaller option, the Britax B-Free folds very compact but can't be used as a jogger. It is also a little more expensive than some, but it is still nicely priced for a jogger. If you want a jogger but need a wallet-friendlier option, the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is a possible option. We think the Urban Glide 2 is a great option for parents who love the outdoors and plan on off-road adventures but need something for the occasional everyday use.
The large pneumatic tires on the Thule Urban Glide 2 make it a dream for running and moving over almost any surface.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 manufacturer manual of their jogging stroller 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 are looking for. This quality option works with Cybex infant car seats, has a large canopy, and has bigger wheels that help it move easily on flat surfaces. It often has a lower price than other popular strollers and has features that are easy to use. It had a standout performance in our tests for passenger comfort as well, with a deep recline and adjustable leg rest.
The Cybex is not the best mover when you head off-road. Since the wheels are foam-filled plastic, pushing on grass and gravel simply 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 made 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. If you need to spend less, 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 as long as you stay on the beaten path, we think you'll be pleased.
The Cybex Balios is a high-quality choice with nice features that often costs less than higher-ranking options. If you can find it on sale, it is a great potential money saver.
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand is an expandable stroller that can seat 2+. This full-size option has a large storage bin, adjustable seating, infant car seat attachments, and more. We like the quick fold and the simple design. If your family's budget is at the top of your mind and you know it will be growing, this budget option should be on your shortlist.
This stroller is heavy and big, making it less appealing if you want something small or compact. The Britax B-Free is smaller and lighter, and if you only have one to push, it could be a better solution. If your budget is bigger and quality is on your mind, then the UPPAbaby Vista v2 is an amazing option for up to 3 kids. 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.
The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is an inexpensive jogging stroller with capabilities suitable for everyday use. This three-wheeled stroller has under-seat storage, a comfortable seat, and enough features to keep pushers and passengers happy, like a parent console and child snack tray. It has rubber pneumatic tires, is easy to push, and can head off-road or run without missing a beat.
The Expedition is not the best quality, and some of the features are lacking, like the smaller canopy or lack of suspension. It has a bulky fold and is heavier for a full-size option, though not the heaviest jogger in the group. If you are a serious runner, you might want to look at the Thule Urban Glide 2 or the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 instead, as they have adjustable tracking and suspension that make them better suited to everyday running. If you have a very tight budget and just want to have an easy time pushing your stroller over any surface, the Race Tec is exactly what you need and will save you so much money in the long run.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 is a super high-quality stroller that expands to a double stroller that accepts bassinets, infant car seats, toddler seats, or any combination of the three. We love the giant 30 lb storage basket, the straightforward fold with a flat design, and the huge canopy that protects from the elements. It has fine attention to detail, includes the features you really need, and is super easy to push and use.
The Vist is expensive and could be a deal breaker for families on a tighter budget. If you like the look and design, the Evenflo Xpand Pivot or the Mockingbird have similar styles and functions but cost less. Neither is perfect, but one or both could be suitable stand-ins depending on your goals. We love the Vista and think for growing families, the price is worth it if you can afford it.
The Britax B-Free is a cool little stroller that can get the job done, assuming it aligns with your needs. The B-Free is a super compact option with the smallest fold in the group and one of the lowest weights. It has nice fabric, versatile storage pockets, and a good-sized canopy. The B-Free is easy enough to push and turn, and while you won't want to take it hiking, it can manage a play park without angering you.
This stroller is limited in its ability, and it can't go jogging or head off the beaten path. Moving off flat surfaces is best left to strollers like the Thule Urban Glide 2 or the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec, depending on your budget. However, if you want to save some money and avoid buying a travel stroller or your life is mostly spent in tight urban spaces, then the B-Free is likely to make you and your little passenger happy.
The quick and compact fold of the Britax B-Free makes it an excellent choice for those who want a compact choice for travel or busy city outings.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Compare Products
We test full-size competitors in multiple metrics to find the best of the bunch for every goal.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Test Full-Size Strollers
Our testing protocol for strollers is extensive and involves putting each stroller through 50 individual tests to inform our ratings. We've purchased and tested more than 190 strollers since 2014, including more than 50 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.
The strollers were pushed on and off of grass to sidewalks to mimic the same kind of use you'll experience heading to a play park.
Pushing full-size strollers through doorways can be a common everyday occurrence when running errands.
Our testing of full-size strollers is divided across four rating metrics:
Ease of Use tests (40% of overall score weighting)
Maneuverability tests (25% weighting)
Transporting and Storing tests (15% weighting)
Quality tests (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 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, and open and close each stroller to compare 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 You Should Trust Us
Our experienced team of experienced stroller testers is run 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 Research 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 Research Analyst. Graham spearheaded the most recent update of 18 contenders starting from the assembly. Graham has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado and has 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.
We purchased and tested every full-size stroller in our review side-by-side.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How to Choose a Full-Size Stroller
Choosing a stroller doesn't have to be frustrating if you keep a handful of 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 should be made first, and then a stroller that meets your needs and works with your car seat should be chosen. Luckily, many of the strollers work well with various infant car seats from popular brands, including the award winners from our best 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 pushing over is a major factor in stroller satisfaction. If you are a city dweller who will be strolling on crowded city sidewalks or in small cafes, a jogging stroller is going to be a no-go. However, if you plan to visit parks, go hiking, or like to run, a standard traditional stroller isn't going 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. Being able to carry your supplies or add 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 size of a folded stroller can impact how suitable it is for your situation and needs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Size Matters
Last, size matters. Once you've narrowed your options based on the above factors, the last thing to consider is your size needs. 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 an apartment or car, or you have limitations on the weight you can lift or carry, then the size of your stroller matters. If you plan to stroll right out your door and have less of a need to put your stroller in a car or carry it very far, then it might be less important. We measured each stroller and tested them in a compact SUV to give you comparable information to find the right size for your needs.
The Ridge seat recline is deep enough for napping, but like many joggers it is not fully flat.
Analysis and Test Results
We selected 18 finalists for our exhaustive, side-by-side testing that includes everything from maneuverability and ease of use to quality and overall weight. We chose each contender after extensive research on quality, innovation, and popularity. We also gave consideration to the multiple factors parents are looking for.
Value
Value in a full-size stroller largely comes down to how often you plan to stroll, how many years you plan to stroll, and how many children might use the stroller. Strollers come in a wide range of prices, and we see no need to buy more stroller than you need. The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is an excellent occasional adventure stroller great for parks and easy pushing almost anywhere; it also has one of the lowest price tags in the group. However, if you are a serious runner or live in a busy city, it likely won't meet your needs and will not feel like a good value if it leads to a second stroller purchase. The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 has one of the higher prices in the group, but the quality and longevity make it a great value because it will last for years and potentially has a good resale value. However, if you plan to have multiple children close in age and could benefit from a double stroller, it isn't as good of a value as something like the Evenflo Xpand Pivot that can work for two and has a very wallet-friendly price tag. We also think the Britax B-Free is an excellent budget choice, especially if you travel frequently or live in the city. This inexpensive, compact option is perfect as a double-duty full-size and travel option. It can potentially save money in the long run since you don't need a second stroller for travel.
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
Ease of use includes the features you use frequently that impact everyday functionality. Your stroller's ability to perform well on demand is the difference between a stroller you enjoy and one you'll want to kick to the curb.
A full-size stroller's overall score in this metric is based on several sub-metrics that we tested and scored. These individual sub-metric tests provide more information and details, which comes in handy when you're comparing strollers, especially if you're torn between two contenders or if one sub-metric is more important to you.
The UPPAbaby strollers and the Thule Urban Glide 2 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 process if you think you want them. However, we don't believe these features are mandatory. In fact, during testing, we found that many of these features weren't that useful. Many were poorly designed and only checked a box instead of adding real benefits.
The Cruz v2 has lots of easy-to-use features like a telescoping handlebar and push button seat recline.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The easiest options in the review to use are the UPPAbaby Ridge, UPPAbaby Vista v2, and the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. Each UPPAbaby stroller has features that work well and are intuitive, many working with a single hand. The Baby Trend Expedition performs worst in our ease-of-use tests. This stroller isn't necessarily hard to use, but it is harder than the competition because it lacks some features, and others are of lower quality and more challenging to use.
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
Fold and Unfold
We prefer strollers with few steps that fold smoothly without complications, as this can make all the difference when you're on the go, especially with a little one in tow. However, not every stroller is lucky to have an easy-fold design. We lined up the competition side-by-side to test various aspects of this sub-metric, such as ease of folding and unfolding, if a stroller sports an auto or manual fold lock, carry handle, or shoulder strap, and if it can self-stand. The easiest strollers to fold are the BOB Alterrain, Thule Urban Glide 2, and the UPPAbaby Ridge. All of these options have a one-hand fold via a handle under the leg rest you twist. It is a swift operation and super simple. The hardest options are those that require two hands or need a lot of adjustments before folding, or they 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.
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; unfortunately, some storage designs are not very thoughtful or functional. In fact, some strollers in our lineup have large storage bins but with low weight capacities, making those spaces virtually useless.
The Cruz v2 has one of the biggest baskets with the largest weight limit.
The Race Tech has a child's snack tray with two shallow cup holders.
The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 have the biggest baskets for storage, with the highest weight limit of 30 lbs. The smaller bins with 10 lb limits were somewhat disappointing but should be enough to carry your baby's supplies. The Baby Trend Expedition and the Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec have the lowest basket limits at 5 lbs.
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 sufficient padding or safety buckles that require two hands to operate. Others have an adjustable crotch strap and shoulder height adjustment with some non-rethread harnesses, and the rest rethread. We noticed that some harnesses are stiff to adjust, and we value those that are smooth and quick to operate.
The Cruz has an easy to adjust harness with smooth webbing.
The Baby Trend harness has rougher webbing and a lower-quality buckle system.
The lowest-scoring harnesses in the group belong to both Baby Trend strollers. They require rethreading of the harness, 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 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 feet-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.
The Race Tec has double-action brakes and requires two pedals to be set.
The UPPAbaby Vista v2 has a color-changing window on the brake to let you know if they are set or ready to roll.
Once again, the Baby Trend options failed to impress with double action brakes that require setting and releasing two pedals. The best brakes in the lineup are those on the UPPAbaby Vista v2 and the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 following close behind.
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 in our review 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 of the strollers are restricted in the brands they are compatible with, or they don't accept any infant carriers. 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 seat first, 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 full-size stroller. These 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 strolling needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Another potential alternative is to skip the stroller during infancy 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.
This is an example of a click-in car seat adapter seen on the BOB Alterrain.
This image shows a car seat adapter with a secondary strap setup used on the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0. We have concerns that parents might skip the step, creating the potential for injuries.
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 always to 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 but relevant to some who lack assembly savvy or loathe the process. We consider the time it takes to set up, possible challenges, required tools, and manual usefulness. None of the strollers are hard to put together, and almost none require tools. Most are just snapping on wheels and seats or canopies.
The easiest option to assemble is the Mockingbird, and the company even sent us an email 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. We push each stroller through it all and then compare their results for ease of pushing, turning, and performance over various surfaces and in tight spaces like a crowded city sidewalk.
The top performers for maneuverability are the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 and the Thule Urban Glide 2. Both options include larger rubber wheels, a 3-wheel design, shocks, and an adjustable handlebar. All of these features help create an option that is easier to push and turn, often with one hand. The Baby Jogger options also performed well, with the exception of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, which earned one of the lowest maneuverability scores. The Thule Spring earned the lowest score.
The bst 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
While the Baby Jogger brand has the word "Jogger" in the brand 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 that is not designed for jogging, as they do not have the proper design features to provide a safe jogging experience with a baby. No, seriously, don't do it!
The small wheels on the Thule Spring wheels are foam-filled rubber and the size seemed to hurt its ability to move over grass and off-road.
It is worth noting that most of the 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 radiuses. 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 often lack suspension.
Plastic wheels like those on the Evenflo are not the best for easy maneuverability.
The rubber, air-filled tires on the BOB Alterrain make it easy to push and turn over almost any surface you'll encounter.
Also, smaller plastic wheels can become dented or deform over time depending on the terrain you regularly traverse. 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.
The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec did not score well for transporting and storing as it has a bulkier fold and is heavy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
We perform our measurements to test each stroller's weight and folded size. This practice is important as we discovered that some manufacturers provided weights or measurements that excluded components such as wheels or detachable seats. This results in their stated stroller weight appearing much lighter on paper than it is set up for actual use. Our measurements include wheels and seats but do not include accessories like bassinets or rain covers.
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
The best-scoring stroller in this metric was the Britax B-Free. This little option folds very small and weighs less than most competitors. With a folded size of 6,674 cubic inches, nothing even came close. Plus, it only weighs 22.5 lbs.
The BOB Alterrain Pro is the heaviest option at 33.50 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 we included in this review. The heaviest traditional stroller is the Mockingbird at 30.19 lbs. The average weight for the group is 26.42 lbs.
The Mockingbird is one of the largest options in the group, leaving limited extra space in our compact SUV.
The smaller Britax B-Free leaves extra space in our compact SUV.
The largest option is the Mockingbird Stroller at 23,432 cubic inches when folded. 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.
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 of the mid-range products offer quality on par, or better than, the more expensive options. This observation is good news for anyone hoping to find a high-performing, quality product that won't break the bank.
The top-quality options in this review are the UPPAbaby Vista v2 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 Evenflo is a good stroller for the price, but the quality does not stand out in this group.
The Vista v2 is a higher quality choice with a sleek design and better materials than most competitors.
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 of the strollers offer seating arrangements that allow for true comfort. 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, be used without disturbing little ones who might be sleeping.
The stroller that offers the most passenger comfort is the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. The UPPAbaby Vista v2, Cybex Balios S Lux, and the Mockingbird Stroller follow close behind. The lowest scoring option in the group is the Baby Trend Expedition.
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 of them 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 rest, 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 Baby Trend Expedition has one of the smallest canopies sin the group.
The Britax B-Free is one of the bigger options in the group.
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 purchased and tested popular strollers for everyday use in our full-size stroller review.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
After much testing and research, we believe there isn't one stroller that is perfect for every need or every family. All families are unique, and as such, they all have unique lifestyles and strolling habits. Add on travel plans, home location, family size, and budget concerns, and you have too many variables to say that any one option will work for everyone. Despite these variables, we think finding "the one" perfect stroller for your family's goals and needs is possible. We highlight these impressive strollers through our testing and analysis results. 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 best stroller for your family.
