In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon Review

The adjustable features on this wagon are cool, and we think it maneuvers well, but it was hard for any wagon to compete with the more traditional strollers
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Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon Review (The Evenflow Xplore is a fun wagon for kids with storage, canopies and even a snack tray.)
The Evenflow Xplore is a fun wagon for kids with storage, canopies and even a snack tray.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $400 List
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Manufacturer:   Evenflo
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Research Analyst  ⋅  May 8, 2023
61
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 6.7
  • Maneuverability - 25% 6.6
  • Transporting/ Storing - 15% 5.4
  • Quality - 10% 6.0
  • Kid Ride - 10% 3.3

Our Verdict

The Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon is a fun two-seater wagon with canopies, a child tray with dual cup holders, add-on storage, and one-sided dipping for easy onboarding of little ones. This wagon fit in our test trunks despite its odd fold with the long handle and bulky bottom. It is a two-handed fold, but it isn't challenging to complete. We like that this wagon is a push or pull with the pivoting handlebar to accommodate the user, and we think the color-coded feature to indicate locked or unlocked is a bonus for harried parents. This favorite double stroller has double-action brakes and requires setting two pedals for safety, which is a bummer and typically seen on lower-end strollers. The storage is small and feels inadequate for supplies for two and can get in the way when pushing, but it is more than the other wagons we tested. Overall, this is our preferred wagon, but given its struggles to keep up with top-ranked strollers and joggers, we worry it can't handle all situations and could be more frustrating than it is worth.
REASONS TO BUY
Fit in test trunk
Made well
Smooth maneuverability
Feels lighter
Some cool adjustable features
REASONS TO AVOID
Two-hand fold
Double-action brakes
Limited storage
Strange folded shape
Editor's Note: We added the Evenflo Pivot Xplore Wagon to the double stroller review on April 20, 2023, as part of a five stroller update to the lineup.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Wagon for Fun
Best Value Award
Best Bang for the Buck
 Best Value Award
Great Value on a Budget
 
Price $400 List
$319.99 at Amazon
$400 List
$285.36 at Amazon
$330 List$250 List
$212.49 at Amazon
$250 List
$229.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line We like the adjustable features on this wagon, but it struggled during testing to keep up with more traditional stroller typesBudget-minded option with versatile seating and features on par with higher-end optionsA lot of stroller for the price with nice features that are easy to useGreat budget-friendly stroller that works well in small spacesHeavy and hard to use stroller, but it does offer nice maneuverability for the price
Rating Categories Evenflo Pivot Xplor... Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Joovy ScooterX2 wit... Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Navigator
Ease of Use (40%)
6.7
8.3
7.2
5.7
5.8
Maneuverability (25%)
6.6
6.0
4.8
8.2
7.2
Transporting/ Storing (15%)
5.4
3.4
4.2
3.8
2.8
Quality (10%)
6.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
Kid Ride (10%)
3.3
7.8
6.6
4.4
4.6
Specs Evenflo Pivot Xplor... Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Joovy ScooterX2 wit... Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Navigator
Measured Weight 34.5 lbs 34.6 lbs 31.4 lbs 30.6 lbs 39.7 lbs
Capacity Limits Maximum: 55 lbs/39 in Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/38 in
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 45 lbs/44 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Measured Folded Dimensions 27"W x 39"H x 24.5"L 26.7"W x 25"H x 32.7"L 29.5"W x 15"H x 38.3"L 32.8"W x 16.5"H x 34"L 32.9"W x 19"H x 34.8"L
Folded Volume 25,799 cu in 21,827 cu in 16,948 cu in 18,401 cu in 21,753 cu in
Number of Car Seats Accepted 1 2 0 0 2
Included Car Seat Compatibility None Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax None None Any Baby Trend Infant Car Seat
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Evenflo
Evenflo® LiteMax, Evenflo® SafeMax, Evenflo® Gold SecureMax
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
None None None
Strap-In Car Seat Adapters None None None None None
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 31"/39.8" 33"/44.7" 41.9" 40.6" 41"
Recline Front/Left Seat N/A Deep Deep Deep Deep
Recline Rear/Right Seat N/A Deep Deep Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Small Extra Large Very Large Large Large
Sun Shade Size Small Medium Large Small Small
One-handed Fold No No Yes No No
Locking Fold Auto Auto Manual Manual Manual
Self-standing Fold No Yes No Yes Yes
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes No No
Included Accessories 2 Parent Cup Holders, Children's Tray None None MP3 Speakers MP3 Speakers
Average Setup Time 15-20 min 10-15 min 10-15 min 10-15 min 20-25 min

Our Analysis and Test Results

Evenflo launched their first product in 1920, with nipples for infants. The Ohio-based company started creating other kinds of products for bottle-feeding. Evenflo Juvenile and Evenflo Juvenile Furniture Company merged in 1995, and they now sell feeding gear, strollers, car seats, and high chairs.

Performance Comparison



Little ones seem to love the Xplore wagon, despite parents wishing for better maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Xplore earned an above-average score for ease of use. While it isn't the easiest in the group, it performed well compared to other products in its price range.


evenflo pivot xplore wagon - the evenflo xplore folds smaller than some doubles, and when laid...
The Evenflo Xplore folds smaller than some doubles, and when laid down it can be relatively compact.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold


This stroller requires two hands to fold and unfold, but the locking mechanism is automatic.

The Xplore has an interesting fold that is uncomplicated.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This wagon doesn't fold into a compact package, and the lock doesn't keep the stroller tightly together as there is some leeway once folded. There is a visual color indicator on this option that tells you if it is locked into the full unfold position for additional safety. Testing shows this wagon is more challenging to fold than some of the competition, and we don't think you could do it while holding a child. Instead of pulling the handle up from the ground, you push it down to push out the wheels.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon - we were able to fit our large diaper bag in the xplore storage bin...
We were able to fit our large diaper bag in the Xplore storage bin, but with a limit of 10 bs, we suspect there is not enough space or weight capacity to carry goods for two.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The Xplore has a few storage opportunities onboard, but none are very big or can hold supplies for a full day for two children.

The Xplore has a detachable storage bin that can be used inside or outside the wagon.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This wagon comes with a storage bin that attaches to the end of the wagon. It is somewhat deep and has a maximum weight capacity of 10 lbs. It has open-top access and is easy to use. We see two problems: it isn't big enough for enough supplies for two, and little ones can easily access it and toss things out. It can also be in the way of a longer stride, depending on your walk and how you use the stroller.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon - the snack tray on the xplore clicks in place and can be removed by...
The snack tray on the Xplore clicks in place and can be removed by pressing the grey buttons. We suspect some savvy toddler will be able to figure this out at some point, so parents should use caution.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This stroller also has inside stow pockets and a tray for snacks with dual cup holders for kids. The pockets can hold smaller treasures and snacks but nothing of notable size or weight, with a 4 lb weight limit.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon - the xplore harness has two adjustable side straps and a crotch strap...
The Xplore harness has two adjustable side straps and a crotch strap that is not adjustable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


Each seat on the wagon has a 3-point harness. This is a crotch strap and two hip belts. The crotch strap is not adjustable, and the straps need to be entirely flat to adjust the hip straps. The buckles on the harnesses are straightforward and feel sort of cheap compared to some of the competition. It is easy to use, and the side pops out without effort.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon - the brakes are double-action, which means that you must press two...
The brakes are double-action, which means that you must press two different pedals to secure the wagon.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The brakes on the Xplore are double-action brakes with a pedal on each side of the axle to press for a proper setting of the brakes. The pedals are easy to press and release, but depending on how you have the storage bin, it can get in the way.

The Pivot Xplore has double-action brakes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Double-action brakes are not our favorite. We worry some parents might forget to set both pedals or become complacent over time with setting both brakes. Some parents might also feel that pressing one brake pedal is enough, but it is not.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon - the wheels on the xplore are hard plastic, and the front wheels...
The wheels on the Xplore are hard plastic, and the front wheels fully swivel around, which is good for turns, but not so good on uneven surfaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


Once again, the Xplore earned an average score in this test metric. While it isn't a stellar wagon to push and turn, it is better than about half of the competition and we weren't overly frustrated by it.


This wagon moved pretty well on hard flat surfaces earning higher marks than on uneven terrain. The carpet test was a challenge for this stroller, and its hard plastic wheels and friction made it a bear to push, but it did go over cords and other smaller items without any trouble. The fact that the handlebar is situated in the middle of the wagon and allows for pushing or pulling is a plus, and it means it can also turn tighter than other wagons we've seen.

The handlebar on the Xplore can pivot from a middle position to a front pulling location.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

It fits through our 32-inch standard doorway with ease. One of our testers was fairly petite, under 5'5", and had trouble rubbing her legs on the storage bin, and the handle was too long, even at its shortest height. We also weren't big fans of the handle's shape and size as it is a thin bar with edges that create unnecessary pressure points; this is magnified when you try to use it one-handed as the adjustment button is in the middle.

We tested the Xplore indoors and outdoors on various surfaces for our maneuverability testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Off-road with the wagon isn't great, and it did score as well here. With no suspension and hard plastic wheels that swivel, it struggles to move on uneven surfaces like dirt, grass, and cobblestone. While pulling was definitely easier than pushing off-road, it wasn't great. The wide wheels might keep it on top of the ground better than narrow wheels, but it also creates more friction and resistance. One tester equated it to pushing a car that had broken down. Rubber, air-filled tires would be a big plus here.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon - the xplore fit well in our sedan trunk space.
The Xplore fit well in our sedan trunk space.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Transporting and Storing


Transporting and storing includes tests for the size and weight and how easily one can lift or move the strollers to get them from place to place or store them in your home or car.


While the Xplore has an awkward fold, it is still pretty small compared to some of the competition, and if you adjust the handlebar down, it isn't very long.

Getting your chosen stroller into a car for transport could be a challenge depending on your vehicle or available space.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


This wagon is 34.5 lbs, which is close to the average for the group. This isn't a stand-out weight for a double stroller, as they tend to be heavier than singles.


It is fairly easy to lift and manipulate it to a trunk or smaller space. When folded, it is 25,799 cubic inches. This isn't big or small for the group and is pretty average. The largest is over 33,000 cubic inches, and the smallest is closer to 11,000.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon - while the pivot xplore offers dual canopies standard, the seats are...
While the Pivot Xplore offers dual canopies standard, the seats are not very comfortable and lack full back and neck support or ample leg room. This is not a stroller for napping or long trips on rough roads.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Kid Ride


This is not a comfortable stroller for kids. There is no comparison between this and the more traditional strollers or joggers that often have sling-style seats, padding, reclining seat backs, and leg rests.


evenflo pivot xplore wagon
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


It is a reasonably hard seat with no head or neck support and limited back support. It has some padding on the seat, but it isn't anything compared to other strollers and is likely more for show than usefulness. There is no log rest, and feet dangle into a mesh basket between the seats on either end of the wagon.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We don't think this is a good option for younger babies for these reasons and the lack of suspension to absorb some impact from the road. We also don't think kids will be comfortable for longer periods, and napping would be near impossible.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon - the xplore has two independently moving canopies that have full...
The Xplore has two independently moving canopies that have full rotation and can be fully closed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


Unlike some other wagons, the Xplore has dual canopies included as standard with the stroller. Both canopies have airflow mesh vents on the sides and rotate fully from the front to the back or can be closed entirely. While they offer enough coverage for sun protection, it wouldn't hurt if they were larger and covered more of little ones' bodies.

The canopies on the Pivot Xplore have fairly good overhead coverage and side ventilation, but because they rotate so easily, we suspect little ones will find great joy in moving them.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We suspect that the ease of the movement of these sunshades will cause bored little ones to play with them, and over time it could wear them out, but it's better to have them than to pay extra for them.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


Evenflo gives you just enough quality to appear durable without the higher-quality materials that typically inflate prices. The material of the wagons seems durable and didn't snag in our tests.


The base is a canvas, with thinner, more breathable on the sides of the stroller, and plastic mesh for the bottom and sides of the stroller. The material on the sunshade is reversible for color preference, and we like the feel of the material, but it is only single stitching, which could cause problems in the future, especially if little ones end up playing with them.

The color-coding lock mechanism for the end side that pushes down to...
The color-coding lock mechanism for the end side that pushes down to allow easier access is a nice touch and an indicator of attention to design and detail.
The end of the Xplore can be dropped down to make climbing onboard...
The end of the Xplore can be dropped down to make climbing onboard easier for little ones to do on their own. It locks in place to let you know it is ready for strolling and the back won't drop down.

The frame on the Xplore feels sturdy overall; there is one welded component, and overall, it does not have as much flex as other Evenflos we've tested. This wagon has smaller plastic wheels in the front with only one side connection, and the front wheel rotates from one side when you push to the other when you pull.

The overall fit and finish are nice enough without being showy or unnecessarily fancy. The fabric is secured to the frame with screws. The stitching is well done without errors or loose threads, and we had no concerns about quality during testing. However, some design choices are interesting and feel like potential problems for the rider or long-term use. No suspension or better features for comfort mean little ones will feel every bump and jostle while moving. Also, the storage bin attachment hinge could be broken if little ones choose to use it to climb aboard the wagon, and the fact that it hangs off one side means it could be the way and get snagged on items nearby.

Car Seat Compatibility


This wagon accepts one infant car seat from the following manufacturers: Graco, Britax, UPPAbaby, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Chicco, and Peg Perego. For more details on the specific model of seats, see the comparison table in the primary review.

Ease of Setup


It took us over 15 minutes to assemble this wagon, with an average easy enough-to-understand manual.



This wagon comes with an Allen wrench for the two screws on the handle. The procedure was a bit confusing as the diagram was dark, and parts were challenging to differentiate. The written instructions were more helpful for this reason. Given that the setup was relatively intuitive, we wonder if it would have been easier to put this one together without the manual, which took time to decipher.

Twins


This wagon only accepts one infant car seat at a time, so it is not the best choice for infant twins. In addition, the lack of suspension and other features designed to decrease the impact of the road on the rider makes it a jarring ride unsuitable for younger babies, in our opinion. While it can work for older babies that can sit on their own with head and neck control, it is likely, not useable for two of the same age until they are older.

evenflo pivot xplore wagon
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon?


Out of the wagons that we tested, the Xplore is our favorite. It seats two, has dual canopies, a snack tray with double cup holders, and detachable storage. If a wagon is the way you want to go and you've considered all of the limitations and drawbacks of a wagon, then this would be the one we'd recommend to a friend.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?


We aren't convinced that wagons are the way to go for most families and are unlikely to be a good choice as the main or only stroller you buy. Due to the lack of comfort features and most conveniences, including storage big enough for two, we think there are limited uses for wagons and potential real-life problems you don't see in the marketing. Sure, these wagons look fun, but they have limited surfaces they can comfortably traverse, they are easiest to move while pulling, so little ones can throw things out while you go (without your knowledge), and they take up a lot of space in indoor locations. Overall, we think a jogger like the Thule Urban Glide Double or a bike trailer like the Hamax Outback are more versatile, provide more storage, and are far more comfortable for little ones than any wagon we've seen so far.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz