In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Thule Chariot Cross 2 Review

Really cool for outdoor adventures that is surprisingly easy to navigate
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Thule Chariot Cross 2 Review (The Thule Chariot Cross 2 is a cool adventure stroller for parents who want more than just a stroll through the park.)
The Thule Chariot Cross 2 is a cool adventure stroller for parents who want more than just a stroll through the park.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $1,350 List
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Manufacturer:   Thule
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team  ⋅  May 8, 2023
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 7.4
  • Maneuverability - 25% 9.6
  • Transporting/ Storing - 15% 2.4
  • Quality - 10% 9.0
  • Kid Ride - 10% 4.9

Our Verdict

The Thule Chariot Cross 2 is not like most of the best double strollers in our review. This Outdoor Activities winner is an excellent choice for parents who like adventure and is not a product for the faint of heart or those seeking a casual stroll about town. This product offers almost everything the active parent or weekend warrior might need to incorporate their little ones in all their outdoor passions. Whether your hobby is running, biking, or even skiing, the Cross 2 is the right stroller for the job. This highly versatile product has loads of convenience and comfort features that will leave little riders happy in their cozy Cross ready for adventure. The Cross comes standard with the strolling and bike trailer kits, jogging, and skiing kits are sold separately.
REASONS TO BUY
Activity attachments for biking
Jogging
And skiing
Enclosed seating
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to stow
No car seat compatiblity
New Name
It would appear that Thule has dropped the “2” from the name of the Chariot Cross. We believe all other aspects of the trailer/stroller remain the same. We currently link to the product with the name Thule Chariot Cross.

Editor's Note: This gear review was updated on April 20, 2023, as a direct result of the addition of new products to the review.

Compare to Similar Products

 
thule chariot cross 2
Awards Top Pick Award
Best for Outdoor Adventures
Editors' Choice Award
Best Inline Double
Editors' Choice Award
The Ultimate Side-by-Side
Best Value Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Value Award
Great Value on a Budget
Price $1,350 List
$1,350 at Amazon
$1,345 List
Check Price at Amazon
$850 List
$849.95 at Amazon
$400 List
$285.36 at Amazon
$250 List
$212.49 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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57
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Good choice for outdoor fun that is super easy to maneuverQuality stroller with versatile seating options for growing familiesAwesome double stroller doing dual jobs as a jogger for toddlersBudget-minded option with versatile seating and features on par with higher-end optionsGreat budget-friendly stroller that works well in small spaces
Rating Categories Thule Chariot Cross 2 UPPAbaby Vista v2 D... Thule Urban Glide 2... Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Baby Trend Expediti...
Ease of Use (40%)
7.4
9.1
7.9
8.3
5.7
Maneuverability (25%)
9.6
7.8
9.2
6.0
8.2
Transporting/ Storing (15%)
2.4
3.0
3.4
3.4
3.8
Quality (10%)
9.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
4.0
Kid Ride (10%)
4.9
9.8
6.2
7.8
4.4
Specs Thule Chariot Cross 2 UPPAbaby Vista v2 D... Thule Urban Glide 2... Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Baby Trend Expediti...
Measured Weight 31.6 lbs 35 lbs 32.1 lbs 34.6 lbs 30.6 lbs
Capacity Limits Minimum: (Walk Only):
1-10 months with the Infant Sling
or 6 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 6 mo.
Maximum: 49 lbs/44"
Minimum: Birth With Infant Snugseat Or Bassinet
3 months+ For Toddler Seat
Maximum: 50 lbs/40 in
Minimum: (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: Birth
Stroller Seat: 6 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 6 months
Maximum: 100 lb Total Capacity Limit
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/38 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Measured Folded Dimensions 31.3"W x 21"H x 37.2"L 25.8"W x 26.5"H x 37"L 31.1"W x 18.7"H x 35.8"L 26.7"W x 25"H x 32.7"L 32.8"W x 16.5"H x 34"L
Folded Volume 24,452 cu in 25,297 cu in 20,820 cu in 21,827 cu in 18,401 cu in
Number of Car Seats Accepted 0 2 1 2 0
Included Car Seat Compatibility None UPPAbaby
Mesa
None Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax None
Click-in Car Seat Adapters None UPPAbaby
Mesa
Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air
Maxi-Cosi
Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP & Micro Max Plus,
Nuna
PIPA™, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r & PIPA lite rx
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q & Aton M
BeSafe
Izi GO Mod, Izi GO X1
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton 4, Aton 5
Maxi-Cosi
CabrioFix, Citi, Mico 30, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Pebble, Pebble Plus
Nuna
Pipa
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
None
Strap-In Car Seat Adapters None None BOB
Unity
Britax
Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX, BabySafe
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit Plus, KeyFit 30
Combi
Shuttle 33
EvenFlo
Discovery 5
Graco
Safe Seat, SnugRide Classic Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, 35 LX, 40
Maxi-Cosi
CabrioFix, Citi, Pebble
Nuna
Pipa
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30
Safety 1st
onBoard, onBoard Air, Comfy Carry Elite
Safe-n-Sound
Unity, Unity Neos
UPPAbaby
Mesa"
None None
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 35.5"/44.5" 39.5"/42.5" 30.9"/45.1" 33"/44.7" 40.6"
Recline Front/Left Seat Mid-Level Deep Deep Deep Deep
Recline Rear/Right Seat Mid-Level Deep Deep Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Large Very large Medium Extra Large Large
Sun Shade Size Large Large Medium Medium Small
One-handed Fold No No Yes No No
Locking Fold Auto Auto Manual Auto Manual
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Included Accessories Bicycle Trailer Kit, Rain Cover, Flag Rain Shield, Bug Shield None None MP3 Speakers
Average Setup Time 10-15 min 5-10 min 5-10 min 10-15 min 10-15 min

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Thule Company started over 70 years, established in Sweden in 1942 when the founder, Erik Thulin, began making gear for Swedish fishermen. Twenty years later, they created the first ski rack, followed by a roof rack with a basket. Today, Thule has obtained international recognition for supporting active lifestyles with gear designed to transport toys like bike racks, cargo carriers, sports racks for winter and water toys, and more. Thule also makes strollers and bike trailers for outdoor parents with babies.

Performance Comparison



thule chariot cross 2 - the cross 2 is easier to use than the chariot cougar 2, but it is...
The Cross 2 is easier to use than the Chariot Cougar 2, but it is still only about average for this metric.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Chariot Cross is an improvement over the old version that it replaces with a slightly better than average ease of use performance.


Ease of use impacts your daily experience and is essential for preventing regular frustration. The charts below offer more detailed information on how the stroller compares to the competition in our testing within the ease of use metric.

Once folded the Cross 2 locks in place automatically, so it won't...
Once folded the Cross 2 locks in place automatically, so it won't fall open until you want it too.
The folding mechanism of the Cross 2 includes color-coded adjustment...
The folding mechanism of the Cross 2 includes color-coded adjustment points for simple step-by-step folding.

Fold and Unfold


The Cross folds using two hands; it has an automatic lock (above left) and self-stands. The process isn't hard, but it is convoluted with anywhere between 3-12 steps, depending on how small you need it to be. It has color-coded buttons (above right) that help remind you what needs to happen to fold, including the quick-release wheels. The self-stand feature is probably only useful for storage, but it is an added benefit much of the competition lacks. Unfolding is about the same and is a reversal of the folding steps.

thule chariot cross 2 - the storage bin on the thule chariot cross 2 hangs off the back of...
The storage bin on the Thule Chariot Cross 2 hangs off the back of the frame and fit our extra-large diaper bag. However, given the lower maximum weight allowance of 8.8 lbs, we worry it isn't enough for supplies for two.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The main storage bin hangs off the back between the rear wheels and under the handlebar. The basket is large and holds our extra-large diaper bag, though the narrow shape of the bin means we had to jam it in. The basket has a maximum capacity of 8.8 lbs, which is not great for two children as supplies can easily weigh more than 8 lbs. We imagine many parents will overfill the basket thanks to its larger size, and we worry this could make it a potential tipping hazard.

thule chariot cross 2 - the storage basket on the cross 2 has an interior pocket for easier...
The storage basket on the Cross 2 has an interior pocket for easier organization of supplies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

It also has a stow pocket inside the cabin for little treasures and snacks. The pockets are big, but younger kids won't be able to reach them when buckled in. Each seatback has a pocket for additional storage of parent items, and we didn't have any items fall out during testing.

thule chariot cross 2 - the cross 2 harness is easy to use, with an improved buckle over...
The Cross 2 harness is easy to use, with an improved buckle over previous models.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


Both seats have identical 5-point harnesses that are easy to put on and take off. Adjusting the straps is a non-rethread style with an 8-inch range of infinite height possibilities. The buckle is easier than its predecessor on the Cougar 2 because it no longer requires nesting of the top buckle portions.

The Cross 2 brake is easy to access, and the pedal is sandal foot...
The Cross 2 brake is easy to access, and the pedal is sandal foot friendly.
With a quick glance at the opposite wheel hub, parents can tell if...
With a quick glance at the opposite wheel hub, parents can tell if the brake is set or released with a color indicator.

Brakes


The Cross brakes are much more accessible than the old Cougar brakes and are now sandal foot-friendly and single-action (above left). We didn't have any trouble setting them, and they have a useful color-coded indication (above right).

thule chariot cross 2 - the chariot cross 2 earned the top score for maneuverability in part...
The Chariot Cross 2 earned the top score for maneuverability in part thanks to an adjustable suspension system, adjustable handlebar, and larger rear rubber tires.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The Chariot Cross has impressive maneuverability, tying with some of the best jogging stroller contenders. All of the top-ranked strollers have larger rubber air-filled tires that significantly improve pushing and turning over smaller plastic wheels.


The Cross is easy to push and turn no matter what the terrain. The new, more adjustable handlebar only makes this easier We had no trouble moving over flat surfaces, grass, gravel, or up and down curbs.

thule chariot cross 2 - the strolling front wheels on the cross 2 are easily removed and...
The strolling front wheels on the Cross 2 are easily removed and stow onboard so the bike attachment or jogging kit can be added.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This stroller has an adjustable suspension, making it one of only two in this review. This feature is quick and moves smoothly with clear indicators that make the adjustment a snap.

thule chariot cross 2 - the handlebar on the cross 2 rotates on a pivot point to accommodate...
The handlebar on the Cross 2 rotates on a pivot point to accommodate the height of various users.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The handlebar has a variety of possible positions, is covered in dense foam, has an ergonomic design, and comes with a safety strap. We like the new rotating bar and see it as a significant improvement over the Cougar 2 handlebar. With the padded sling-style seat that reclines, we think most passengers will be cozy in the Cross.

thule chariot cross 2 - the cross 2 is a larger folded package which makes it harder to stow...
The Cross 2 is a larger folded package which makes it harder to stow and transport. Parents can remove the wheels to make it somewhat smaller, but it is still one of the largest in the group when folded.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Transporting and Storing


Lugging heavy or larger strollers in your car or up a flight of stairs could impact your decision on which stroller to buy. Knowing the weight and folded size could be key depending on your lifestyle or car.

Weight and Folded Size


The Chariot Cross is a different kind of stroller with additional features that make it worthy of going off the beaten path. These features also make it heavier. It certainly will not be suitable for city living and crowded streets, but it isn't designed for that, and it makes no apologies.


The Cross weighs 31.6 lbs and measures 24,452 cubic inches when folded. Before you start thinking that is one massive beast, first notice that more than half of the competition weigh more than the Cross, making it one of the lighter options! The folded size hurts its overall score with only a few larger products in the test group. We caution parents to check their trunk space or car size before using the Cross, just in case it doesn't fit and needs to be returned.

thule chariot cross 2 - while the pod on the cross might be cozy, the seats don't have a...
While the pod on the Cross might be cozy, the seats don't have a significant recline and little legs are just stretched out with no real support.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Kid Ride


We test each stroller with child comfort and features in mind because a happy child is required for an easy adventure.

thule chariot cross 2 - the two seats inside the cross 2 both recline and only have leg and...
The two seats inside the Cross 2 both recline and only have leg and foot room in front of the seats which is not adjustable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


The Cross recline seats are an improvement over the limited recline on similar trailers. The Cross seats move independently for individual comfort. The operation is a simple one-handed process with three positions. None are flat enough for serious napping, thanks to the adventure possibilities of this product, but the slope should be sufficient to lull most little ones. Children sit with their legs stretched out in front of them, negating a need for leg or footrests. The seat's style allows for more freedom of movement than a traditional stroller, even though it is not adjustable.

thule chariot cross 2 - the seats on the chariot cross 2 recline and have a vinyl peek-a-boo...
The seats on the Chariot Cross 2 recline and have a vinyl peek-a-boo window for spying on your baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The sunshade is not a traditional canopy. It is a piece of fabric that clips on to block the sun and can move up or down. There is a vinyl window at the top for peeking at little ones when you recline the seats. Ventilation is not part of the sunshade. The front of the Cross, where children climb in, is a zippered cover that can be mesh or vinyl, depending on the weather.

thule chariot cross 2 - the cross 2 earned a top score for quality with high-end materials...
the Cross 2 earned a top score for quality with high-end materials that work together seamlessly and without flex or rattle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


For quality, the Chariot offers impressive attention to detail and high-end materials that come together well.


This product has a great design and uses materials that work well and feel solid and connected without flexing or jostling. Everything has its place and works well in conjunction with the other parts and components. The Chariot has ripstop canvas with thermo-molded seats. The material integrates into the frame, and there are very few exposed fasteners. The windows are slightly tinted and made of a somewhat pliable plastic that feels durable.

Car Seat Compatibility


This stroller does not accept infant car seats. It does, however, have an optional Thule Baby Supporter and Thule Infant Sling for younger babies. These products can only be used for strolling, and parents should never use the Cross on uneven terrain or for jogging with babies under eight months old (discuss with your pediatrician before heading out).

Ease of Setup


The Cross took about 11 minutes to assemble, which is average for ease of setup. It has an international-style manual with all the languages grouped in each section and the corresponding pictures at the end or beginning. This design makes the manual frustrating, and it requires flipping back and forth to follow. It isn't hard to put together, but there are more pieces to assemble than the Cougar 2, and it requires one tool that comes with the stroller.

Twins


This product can be used with twins and has inserts for baby positioning and infant slings. It does not accept any infant car seats, and there are adventures you shouldn't take with infants like jogging, skiing, or anything that moves over uneven terrain. However, it could be a good product for twins if your goals do not include car seat carriers. If car seat transportation is a must-have, you could pair this stroller with the Joovy Twin Roo+, a double frame stroller that accepts a variety of infant car seat brands, is lightweight, has 4 cup holders, and is very budget-friendly at $130.

Should You Buy the Chariot Cross?


If you love the great outdoors and spend every season enjoying outside adventures, then the Cross might be the little adventure wagon you've been looking for. With the ability to stroll, bike, run, and ski, it is hard to find a better piece of baby gear for outdoor enthusiasts. If you hope to continue your fun on the run with a little one, then the Cross is one we think you'll love.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?


While the Cross is an amazing trailer that does more, it could be outside your budget. If you still want a great multi-purpose stroller for more than strolling, then we love the Hamax Outback. This impressive little trailer is smaller and has much in common with the Cross for a lower price. We recommend parents compare the two products to see which is a better fit and to ensure they don't pay for more stroller than they need.

Accessories


Thule offers two additional conversion kits depending on the kind of activity you enjoy (it comes with the strolling and bike trailer kits):

  • Thule Jogging Kit 2 — The jog kit comes with everything you need to start jogging. The kit is easy to attach and can be stowed onboard the Cross 2 when not in use. You should not jog with your baby until they are at least eight to twelve months old or as directed by your pediatrician.

  • Thule Chariot Cross Country Ski Kit — The cross-country ski kit comes with the necessary components for adventures in cross-country skiing. This package provides more fun and outdoor exploration for you and your baby during the snowy months. With skis and harness attachments, you'll be up and skiing in no time flat.

Accessories for comfort include:

  • Thule Baby Supporter — The baby supporter provides additional support and comfort for babies 6-18 months old who may need a little more padding but are too big for the infant sling. This support assumes your baby can sit up unassisted but needs a little help filling up the standard seat.

  • Thule Chariot Padding 2 — The Chariot padding adds some additional comfort to the standard seats, but it also provides some protection to the stroller and makes clean-up easier for parents. This accessory is an easy way to help catch dirt, crumbs, and spills and lengthen your cabin interior life.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team