In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Review

Below average option, but is a compact and easy-to-maneuver stroller for travel or smaller spaces
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Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $430 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Jogger
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Mar 31, 2024
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#17 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 6.8
  • Maneuverability - 25% 4.9
  • Transport/Storing - 15% 8.2
  • Quality - 10% 5.0
  • Kid's Comfort - 10% 5.5

Our Verdict

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a below-average full-size stroller that didn't stand out outside of being lightweight and compact when folded. However, even that isn't enough to make it one we think is a good fit for most families. This stroller has remained essentially unchanged for over 10 years. The features and functions feel dated compared to newer designs, and the functionality is somewhat lacking in most tests. The smaller wheels had trouble both on and off-road, and the narrow wheelbase left it somewhat tippy when trying to negotiate tight turns. The storage bin has a bar that goes across, limiting access, and the seatback can't be lifted with one hand. Overall, it is a somewhat dull stroller that can get the job done, but we think there are higher-performing options that parents and passengers will enjoy more.
REASONS TO BUY
Folds small
Lightweight
Good in tight spaces
Nifty brake design
REASONS TO AVOID
Flexy frame
Small tires
Rougher ride
Storage bin can be tricky
Editor's Note: The GT2 is part of our newly tested lineup of full-size strollers launched on March 12, 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Value Award
Lower Price Impressive Full-Size Stroller
Best Value Award
Budget Full-Size For Growing Families
Best Value Award
Best Tightest Budget Stroller
 
Price $430 List
$429.97 at Amazon
$650 List
$649.95 at Amazon
$350 List
$285.36 at Amazon
$173 List
$129.99 at Amazon
$150 List
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Average option that doesn't stand out beyond being lightweight and smaller when foldedWhile it performs well on flat surfaces, this high-quality option struggles off-road if those are your goalsA budget-friendly expandable stroller with good storage but limited other features and a heavier weightBudget-friendly jogger with off-road capabilities, but the quality is on par with the priceThe lower price makes the flaws of this jogger easier to accept
Rating Categories Baby Jogger City Mi... Cybex Balios S Lux Evenflo Pivot Xpand Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Expedition
Ease of Use (40%)
6.8
7.8
8.0
6.5
5.9
Maneuverability (25%)
4.9
7.1
5.4
7.8
7.6
Transport/Storing (15%)
8.2
6.8
4.2
5.4
7.0
Quality (10%)
5.0
8.0
6.7
4.0
2.7
Kid's Comfort (10%)
5.5
7.6
7.3
5.4
3.5
Specs Baby Jogger City Mi... Cybex Balios S Lux Evenflo Pivot Xpand Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Expedition
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 65 lb
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/43"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Measured Weight 22 lbs 25 lbs 30 lbs 28 lbs 24 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 25.6"W x 11.2"H x 33"L 24"W x 16"H x 31"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L 24.5"W x 16"H x 36.5"L 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L
Folded Volume 9,462 cu in 11,904 cu in 16,790 cu in 14,308 cu in 12,463 cu in
Handlebar Height Min/Max 38.5"/45.7" 39.5"/43" 33"/44.7" 41.5" 41"
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight 12 lbs 24 lbs 11 lbs 11 lbs 15 lbs
Car Seat Compatibility Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2, City GO Air
Britax B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite
Chicco Fit2, KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip
Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Cloud Q
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 LX, SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite, SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum
Maxi Cosi Mico AP, Mico Max 30, Mico 30
Nuna Pipa
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35
UPPAbaby Mesa
Clek Liing
Cybex (All)
Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Maxi Cosi Mico Max, Maxi Cosi Coral XP
Nuna Pipa lite
Chicco KeyFit/KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco all with SnugRide, SnugLock 30/35
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35
Baby Trend (All) Baby Trend (All)
Wheel Type Foam Filled Rubber Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Plastic Pneumatic Pneumatic
Brake Type Single Single Single Double Double

Our Analysis and Test Results

Parents launched Baby Jogger in 1984 when they couldn't find a great jogging stroller for getting on the road with their babies. In addition to jogging strollers, Baby Jogger has been making top-ranked strollers since the beginning. The company is now owned by Newell Rubbermaid and continues to create family-favorite strollers.

Performance Comparison



baby jogger city mini gt2 - the rotating handlebar on the gt2 can make it easier to navigate...
The rotating handlebar on the GT2 can make it easier to navigate curbs but it also puts taller pushers closer to the kicking the back of the stroller.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The GT2 scores are just below average for the group, and while not hard to use, they pale in comparison to higher-scoring options. The real downsides here are the storage and harness test results.

Folding the GT2 is a quick and painless process you can do on the go.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


The GT2 is easy to fold and unfold. You can fold it with one hand, and if you adjust the handlebar to the maximum length, it can be convinced to stand by itself.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - the bar across the back of the gt2 and limited weight capacity of 10...
The bar across the back of the GT2 and limited weight capacity of 10 lbs, make it a storage bin we aren't big fans of.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Storage


The storage for the GT is lacking compared to others. The bin itself is sort of large, and it fits our diaper bag without a problem, but the maximum allowable weight is 10 lbs, which might not work if your goal is groceries or your diaper bag is heavy. Access on the sides and front is almost better than access on the back, thanks to a crossbar that breaks up the bin. It also has a pocket on the back of the seat that holds 2 lbs, but is fairly tight and is best used for phones or a snack bar.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - the gt2 harness has padded covers on the shoulder straps and crotch...
The GT2 harness has padded covers on the shoulder straps and crotch area.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


The harness has large shoulder adjustments that are not that easy to make. It isn't done often, but it will probably be frustrating when it is needed.

The GT2 harness has a convoluted nesting puckle system that takes more time and feels unnecessarily complex, but you don't need to manipulate passenger's arms to complete it.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The shoulder and waist components could be tricky to get together if you have a crabby or squirmy baby in the seat. They nest together before securely snapping into the center buckle.

The handbrake on the GT2 is a unique feature that can be nice if you have the hand dexterity to manipulate the mechanism.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The Gt2 has a unique hand brake that takes some finessing. There is a small button on the side of the lever to release it, and this can be easy or hard if you have hand dexterity issues. It is a single-action brake that is easy enough to apply and foot-friendly.

Car Seat Compatibility


The GT2 comes ready to pair with a Baby Jogger infant car seat and has adapters available for some seats from the following brands: Britax, Chicco, Cybex,

Graco, Maxi Cosi, Nuna, Peg-Perego, UPPABaby, and Clek.

The GT2 is easy to assemble and has limited parts to connect.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Setup


The GT2 was easy to assemble and takes 5-10 minutes, depending on your assembly prowess. The documentation is easy to follow, requires no tools, and basically is just snapping on the wheels and canopy.

The GT2 frame flex and smaller wheels and wheelbase make it sort of wobbly moving over grass.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


Maneuverability is more important than you might think until you push a stroller. Being able to easily move over all kinds of surfaces or make tight turns is important almost every time you head out in your stroller. The GT2 did not perform as well for maneuverability as one would like.

The front wheel on the GT2 is a swivel wheel you can lock in place for more stability and it features a small spring for shock absoprtion.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Moving on flat surfaces is not the best; this is where a full-size stroller should shine. You can feel every cord or bump in the road, and the smaller wheels that are closer together make it harder to navigate in smaller spaces. There is so much frame flex that it can be hard to push, especially as the weight in the stroller increases.

The GT2 has slight shocks for maneuverability and passenger comfort.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Moving off the beaten path doesn't make things easier, and the smaller wheels remain a problem.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - the smaller wheels on the gt2 made it more challenging to navigate...
The smaller wheels on the GT2 made it more challenging to navigate everyday changes in terrain, like moving off the sidewalk to the grass.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

While not the worst and certainly manageable for a greenbelt or a playpark, we wouldn't want to hit a trail or attend an outdoor festival with this stroller.

The rear wheelbase on the GT2 has some shock absorption abilities, but the design also increases the flexing of the stroller frame.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The handle adjustment can make some aspects of pushing and turning easier, depending on your height. Moving over curbs and tipping slightly back helps with the leverage of an adjustable handlebar.

It is nice to have an adjustable handlebar for users of different heights. The rotation bar, like the one on the GT2, is not our favorite as it puts taller users with longer strides closer to kicking the back of the stroller.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

We think even slightly bigger wheels or a wider set in the back could go a long way to help improve the overall maneuverability of this stroller.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - the gt2 folds fairly flat without some of the awkward parts that...
The GT2 folds fairly flat without some of the awkward parts that stick out on other strollers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transporting and Storing


The GT2 shines in the size and weight metrics that influence the transporting and storing of the stroller. Whether in your car trunk, on public transportation, or in a smaller apartment, the size of your stroller might matter.


The GT2 is 22.44 lb, and the folded size is 9,462 cubic inches. This folded size is definitely smaller than about 2/3s of the competition. It is also one of the lightest options in the group, making it a compelling option for those worried about weight or size.

There is a lot of flex and wobble in the GT2 and this impacts the maneuverability and overall pushing experience for parents that only gets worse off flat surfaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


The GT2 is really in the middle of the road for quality, with a just below-average result and a price that might be somewhat high compared to similar strollers.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - you can easily see into the gt2 seating area to check in on little...
You can easily see into the GT2 seating area to check in on little ones without stopping.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The fabric is largely a microfiber material in all places, with a sling-style seat and minimal padding. This is average for this kind of stroller and about what we'd expect to see here. The fabric fits in a channel on the frame for a more finished look, but the frame is so darn flexible that the overall experience is still a bummer. With a tighter frame, everything could have been better.

The tires are made of foam-filled rubber, which is better than plastic. They are grippy but small, and even a slightly bigger diameter would have been appreciated for many reasons. The front steering can be locked to move over uneven surfaces without tipping.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - the gt2 has 2 peek-a-boo canopies that have rollup covers.
The GT2 has 2 peek-a-boo canopies that have rollup covers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kid's Comfort


Your passenger's comfort is important, and they will let you know if a stroller doesn't pass muster. The features for passengers need to be easy to use and increase the enjoyment of the ride.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - the top of the gt2 seat has mesh ventilation that opens when the...
The top of the GT2 seat has mesh ventilation that opens when the seat is reclined.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The canopy on the GT2 is large and covers fairly well until the sun is low in the sky. It has vinyl peek-a-boo windows and no ventilation if the seat is upright. Once you recline the seatback, a mesh ventilation window appears at the top, increasing airflow on hot days.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - the toggle recline adjustment on the gt2 is an older style of...
The toggle recline adjustment on the GT2 is an older style of adjustment than some of the newer competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The seat back reclines enough for comfortable napping, and the toggle to adjust is one hand to lower and two to raise. It isn't particularly easy, and the method is dated, with other options offering a quick pull handle instead. The two straps coming together in a toggle method is more than 15 years old, and while it works, it could be more straightforward.

baby jogger city mini gt2 - the seatback on the gt2 is a deep enough angle for comfortable...
The seatback on the GT2 is a deep enough angle for comfortable napping.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The leg rest is padded and fully supported, extending to a narrow footrest. The leg rest is not adjustable but does prevent dangling legs. However, napping relaxed legs might fall to the side, and we wish it were better for keeping passengers inside the stroller.

Should You Buy the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2?


Nah, it isn't one we'd recommend to a friend, and we think there are better options in this review, no matter your goal. While there are some things to like about the GT2, like the smaller folded size and lighter weight, we struggled with pushing it on all terrains, and the smaller wheels aren't grippy enough, making it more challenging to maneuver.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


If you like this style and the smaller fold or lightweight design, the Britax B-Free is very similar and one we think most families would prefer over the GT2. The B-Free performed better than the GT2 in almost every metric, and its maneuverability and smaller size make it a potential contender for those who travel or need to navigate cities with public transportation or crowded sidewalks. While not an award winner, it performed well and can save you money over the Baby Jogger.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz