Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller Review: The Ultimate Convertible Stroller for Growing Families?

I remember the moment vividly. We were navigating a crowded farmers market with our first child, a bulky, single-purpose stroller, and the sudden realization that baby number two was on the way. The panic was twofold: first, the pure joy, and second, the immediate logistical nightmare. How would we manage two small children, a diaper bag, and produce without a stroller that felt like driving a city bus? The thought of buying another expensive single stroller, only to need a double stroller months later, felt incredibly wasteful. We needed a single piece of gear that could adapt, evolve, and grow right alongside our family—a true long-term investment. This wasn’t just about convenience; it was about finding a solution that could simplify the beautiful chaos of family life, from quiet walks in the park to hectic travel days.

What to Consider Before Buying a Convertible All-Terrain Stroller

A convertible stroller is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for forward-thinking parents. It tackles the core problem of outgrowing baby gear. Instead of purchasing multiple strollers as your family expands from one to two children (or even three, with certain attachments), a convertible model adapts. Its main benefits are longevity, cost-effectiveness over time, and unparalleled versatility. These systems are designed to handle everything from a single infant car seat to two full-sized toddler seats, often with dozens of possible configurations. This means less clutter in the garage and more money saved in the long run, avoiding the need to sell an old stroller and buy a new one every couple of years.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the transition from one to two children, or parents of twins who want a tandem (front-to-back) stroller instead of a wide side-by-side model. It’s perfect for families who value a single, high-quality investment that will last for years and handle varied terrain, from smooth mall floors to bumpy park trails. However, it might not be suitable for those who only plan on having one child and primarily need a lightweight, compact stroller for quick errands. For those users, a simpler, non-convertible umbrella or travel stroller might be a more practical and affordable choice. The Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller is built for the family looking for the ultimate adaptable system.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Pay close attention to both the unfolded and folded dimensions. When unfolded, will it fit comfortably through your doorways and navigate tight store aisles? When folded, will it fit in your car’s trunk with room to spare for groceries or luggage? The City Select LUX boasts a 30% smaller fold than its predecessor, a critical feature for saving space.
• Capacity/Performance: Check the weight capacity per seat (the City Select LUX holds 45 lbs per seat), as this determines how long your children can use it. More importantly, evaluate the number and type of configurations. Can the seats face you, face the world, face each other, or be replaced with car seats or a bassinet? This flexibility is the primary reason to invest in a convertible model.
• Materials & Durability: A stroller is a workhorse, so the materials matter. Look for a sturdy metal frame (typically aluminum), durable, easy-to-clean fabrics like polyester, and high-quality, never-flat rubber wheels. The suspension system is also key for an all-terrain model, ensuring a smooth ride for your little ones no matter the surface.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How intuitive is the folding mechanism? Can you do it with one hand while holding a baby? How easy is it to change seat configurations? Consider features like a hand-operated brake, an adjustable handlebar for parents of different heights, and a large, accessible storage basket. Long-term care involves occasional wheel cleaning and wiping down the fabric.

While the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Premium Powerhouse

From the moment the box arrived, the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller felt substantial. This isn’t your average lightweight stroller. Unboxing it revealed components that felt robust and exceptionally well-made. The fabric is a thick, durable polyester that feels soft to the touch yet ready to withstand spills and daily wear. As one user noted, it “snapped together in minutes,” and our experience was exactly that. The process was intuitive, with wheels clicking satisfyingly into the frame and the seat attaching with a reassuring firmness. There was no struggle, no confusing diagrams—just a quick, straightforward assembly.

Compared to other strollers we’ve tested, the LUX immediately stands out for its premium feel. The frame has a satisfying heft, the telescoping handlebar moves with smooth precision, and the all-terrain wheels look like they mean business. The initial impression is one of thoughtful engineering and high-quality construction. It’s clear that this is a stroller designed not just for a season, but for years of demanding family use. You can immediately see its full feature set and user reviews reflect this sentiment of quality and durability.

A Deep Dive into the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller’s Performance

After weeks of rigorous testing—on city sidewalks, grassy parks, gravel paths, and in and out of the car—we have a comprehensive understanding of where the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller truly shines and where it has its minor quirks. This is more than a stroller; it’s a complete travel system designed to be the only stroller a family will ever need.

Unmatched Versatility: A Stroller That Truly Grows With Your Family

The single greatest feature of the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller is its chameleon-like ability to adapt. With over 20 potential configurations, it’s a promise of future-proofing. We started by using it as a luxurious single stroller for our youngest. The seat can be parent-facing, a feature we love for infants, allowing for constant connection and reassurance. As they grow more curious, a simple click and flip orients the seat to face the world. This modularity is the core of its value proposition.

The real magic happens when you add a second child to the mix. The transition to a double stroller is seamless. You simply purchase the second seat kit, and the frame accommodates both children in a tandem configuration. This is far superior to side-by-side models for navigating doorways and crowded spaces. We tested configurations with both seats forward, both parent-facing, and sibling-facing, which our kids found particularly entertaining. It transforms family outings into more interactive experiences. The options extend even further with accessories (sold separately) like a car seat adapter, a glider board for an older child to stand on, or the highly-coveted bench seat. As one parent noted after upgrading from the standard City Select, the bench seat was the game-changer for their older child who was done with a traditional stroller seat but still needed a place to rest on long days. This level of customization is what sets this stroller apart in a crowded market.

All-Terrain Dominance and a Silky-Smooth Ride

Many strollers claim “all-terrain” capabilities, but the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller actually delivers. The large, forever-air rubber tires combined with all-wheel suspension create an incredibly smooth and stable ride. We pushed it over cracked pavement, bumpy grass, and loose gravel paths without any jarring motions disrupting our napping passenger. The front wheels can swivel for nimble maneuvering in tight spaces or be locked straight for added stability when moving at a faster pace or over rough ground.

A standout feature is the control system. Integrated into the handlebar is a hand-operated decelerating brake. This is a brilliant addition that provides incredible confidence when walking down steep hills or ramps. It allows you to control the stroller’s speed without having to awkwardly lean back against its momentum. The same lever also engages the parking brake with a simple flick, which is far more convenient and sandal-friendly than a traditional foot-operated brake. While we had a flawless experience, it’s worth noting some long-term users have reported front wheels developing a wobble after a year or two of heavy use. While this seems to be a fixable issue, it’s a point of consideration for a premium product. Despite this, the overall ride quality and control are top-tier.

The Art of the Compact Fold: Engineering for Real Life

For a stroller that can comfortably carry two children and a load of gear, its fold is impressively compact. Baby Jogger claims it folds 30% smaller than the original City Select, and it’s a noticeable difference. The folding process itself is a simple two-handed motion: lift the sides and the stroller collapses in on itself, engaging the auto-lock to keep it secure. As one user happily reported, it “folded in 1 step and slipped right in behind my passenger seat in my truck.” We found it fit easily into the trunk of our sedan, leaving room for other essentials.

However, let’s address the weight. This is not a featherweight stroller. Several users correctly point out that it’s heavy, and lifting it into a car requires some muscle, especially for a more petite person. We see this not as a flaw, but as a direct trade-off for its incredible sturdiness, all-terrain capabilities, and double-stroller capacity. The solid frame that provides a safe and stable ride for two children simply cannot be lightweight. The compact nature of the fold helps mitigate the heft, making it manageable for daily use. For families needing this level of robust versatility, the weight is a reasonable price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with its solid construction, which you can explore further and check current pricing on.

Premium Comfort and Thoughtful Details

Baby Jogger didn’t just focus on the big engineering feats; the small details on the City Select LUX Stroller elevate the experience for both parent and child. For the parent, the telescoping handlebar is a huge plus, easily adjusting to accommodate different heights and ensure a comfortable pushing posture. The massive under-seat storage basket is a lifesaver, easily holding a large diaper bag, jackets, and shopping bags.

For the child, comfort is paramount. The seat itself features a multi-position recline that can go nearly flat, perfect for on-the-go naps. The adjustable calf support provides extra comfort for little legs. The extended UV50+ canopy is one of the best we’ve seen, providing ample shade, and its magnetic “peek-a-boo” window is a fantastic feature—silent, so you don’t wake a sleeping baby with the sound of Velcro. However, one common complaint we also encountered is the 5-point harness. One user described it as “VERY ANNOYING,” as it requires you to connect four separate pieces together before buckling. While secure, it can be a frustrating puzzle to solve with a fussy, wiggling toddler. It’s a small but significant point of friction in an otherwise seamless user experience.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring user feedback confirms our own findings, painting a picture of a beloved, albeit imperfect, stroller. The praise is overwhelming for its core strengths. One parent gushed, “This stroller exceeded my expectations! It snapped together in minutes, the quality is beautiful.” Another, who switched from a different brand, stated, “This lux stroller folds up more compact than my modes stroller does. So happy with the quality.” These comments echo the sentiment that its build quality, versatility, and intelligent design are worth the investment.

However, the critiques are just as important for a balanced view. The most common issues relate to longevity and support. One user experienced wobbly front wheels after about 18 months of use. Another, who had a frame break after a year, expressed frustration with a lack of response from the manufacturer. Another pointed out a significant pain point in the daily user experience: “The only thing which is VERY ANNOYING is the belt! You will definitely struggle and get frustrated many times trying to buckle all 4 pieces together!” These reviews highlight that while the design is brilliant, there can be hiccups in manufacturing consistency and long-term wear, making the purchase a significant consideration.

How Does the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller Compare to the Alternatives?

The Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller is a premium convertible stroller, but it exists in a market with many excellent, more specialized options. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller

The Graco FastAction Fold is a dedicated jogging stroller that excels at its primary function. It’s built for active parents who want to run with their child, featuring air-filled rubber tires and a lockable front wheel for stability at speed. Its main selling point is its one-second, one-hand fold, which is incredibly convenient. However, it is strictly a single stroller and lacks the core feature of the LUX: convertibility. If your main priority is running and you only have one child, the Graco is a fantastic and much more affordable choice. But for a growing family needing adaptability and all-around use, it cannot compete with the versatility of the City Select LUX.

2. Chicco TRE Jogging Stroller

The Chicco TRE is another premium, dedicated jogging stroller that shares some high-end features with the LUX, such as a hand-operated decelerating brake for control on hills. It’s ruggedly built with excellent suspension and is designed for serious runners. Its fold is also quite compact for a jogger. Like the Graco, its limitation is that it’s a single stroller only. The Chicco TRE is an excellent alternative for a family with one child that prioritizes fitness and running performance above all else. The City Select LUX, while capable of handling rough terrain, is more of an all-around, adaptable “city to country” stroller than a specialized piece of running equipment.

3. Graco Modes Jogger 2.0 Jogging Stroller

The Graco Modes Jogger 2.0 offers a taste of versatility at a lower price point. It functions as a travel system with Graco car seats and offers multiple “modes” for a single child, including a reversible stroller seat. It combines jogging features, like air-filled tires, with everyday convenience. While it’s more versatile than a basic jogger, it is not a convertible double stroller. It cannot grow with your family by adding a second seat. This makes it a great option for parents of one child who want a single stroller that can do a bit of everything, but for families with two children or plans for a second, the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller remains the superior long-term investment.

The Final Verdict: Is the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller is a phenomenal piece of engineering for a specific type of family. If you are a parent to one with plans for a second, or a parent of two young children, this stroller is one of the best investments you can make. Its unparalleled versatility, robust all-terrain performance, premium build quality, and surprisingly compact fold provide a solution that truly adapts to your family’s changing needs, eliminating the need to buy multiple strollers over the years.

It is not without its drawbacks. It is heavy, carries a premium price tag, and has some user-reported quirks like a tricky harness and potential long-term wheel wobble. However, for the family seeking a single, do-it-all stroller that can handle the transition from one to two children with grace and style, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It’s a workhorse designed for the beautiful chaos of family life. If you’re ready to make a long-term investment in a stroller that will grow with you every step of the way, we wholeheartedly recommend you check the latest price and available configurations for the Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller.