Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller Review: The Ultimate Solution for Growing Families?

I remember the moment the panic set in. We were navigating a bustling farmer’s market, our newborn sleeping soundly in her carrier, while our three-year-old, who had sworn he wanted to walk “like a big boy,” suddenly went limp. His legs were “too tired,” he declared, plopping down in the middle of the crowded path. Trying to wrangle a tired toddler while protecting a sleeping infant and balancing bags of fresh produce is a special kind of parental gymnastics. It was then we knew our trusty single stroller was officially obsolete. The world of double strollers is vast and intimidating, filled with side-by-side behemoths that barely fit through a doorway and tandem models as long as a limousine. We needed something that solved the core problem: how to transport two children of different ages and energy levels without investing in a vehicle that required its own parking space. This challenge is universal for growing families, and finding the right solution is crucial for maintaining sanity on daily outings and ambitious family adventures alike.

What to Consider Before Buying a Tandem Stroller

A tandem stroller is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for families navigating the beautiful chaos of having more than one young child. Specifically, it’s designed for a baby or younger toddler who needs a full seat, and an older child who is in that tricky “in-between” stage—too big for a stroller all the time, but too small to walk long distances without needing a break. The main benefit of a sit-and-stand tandem model like the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller is that it grants the older child a sense of independence. They can hop on the standing platform when they want to see the world or take a seat on the rear bench when their legs get tired, all without the parent having to stop and reconfigure anything. This inline design keeps the stroller’s profile narrow, making it far easier to navigate through store aisles, crowded sidewalks, and narrow doorways than its side-by-side counterparts.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent with an infant and a preschooler (typically ages 2.5 to 5). This stroller shines in urban environments, on travel days through airports, and during trips to theme parks where long distances are covered. It’s for the family that values portability and flexibility over having two identical, fully-featured seats. Conversely, this style might not be suitable for parents of twins who both need to nap simultaneously in fully reclined seats. It’s also not an all-terrain jogging stroller, so families who primarily venture onto rugged trails or uneven ground might consider a more robust option. For those needing maximum cargo space and two full seats, a stroller wagon could be a better, albeit bulkier, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The primary appeal of an inline tandem is its width. At just 21.25 inches wide, the Joovy Caboose Ultralight is as narrow as many single strollers. However, it is longer. You must consider its folded dimensions to ensure it fits comfortably in your vehicle’s trunk. We found it fit well even in a smaller sedan like a Hyundai Elantra, as one user confirmed, leaving room for groceries.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the total weight capacity (90 lbs for the Joovy is generous) and the individual limits per seat (up to 45 lbs each). Performance is about more than weight; it’s about maneuverability. A four-wheel suspension system, like the one included here, is vital for smoothing out bumps and making the push easier, especially when fully loaded.
• Materials & Durability: The frame is the stroller’s skeleton. The “Graphite” in the name refers to the finish on its steel frame, which provides a sturdy yet lightweight foundation. The fabric should be durable and easy to clean, while the wheels should be substantial enough to handle daily use on pavement and sidewalks. We noticed the quality of the frame and canopy material felt solid right out of the box.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is it to fold and unfold? Can you do it one-handed? The Joovy features a straightforward trigger-fold mechanism that is manageable, though it typically requires two hands for a smooth collapse. Maintenance involves wiping down the frame and spot-cleaning the fabric, which are standard for most strollers in this category. For a deeper dive into how these factors play out across different models, it’s worth exploring a broader comparison.

While the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite 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 the Joovy Caboose Ultralight

Pulling the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller from its box, the first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. For a double stroller, it felt remarkably manageable, confirming its “Ultralight” moniker. Assembly was refreshingly simple and intuitive, a sentiment echoed by numerous users who noted they had it put together in short order. It mostly involved snapping the wheels and the canopy into place. The graphite-finished frame feels sleek and modern, and the black fabric is practical and stylish. Compared to bulkier tandem strollers we’ve tested, the Joovy’s profile is impressively trim. It doesn’t scream “oversized,” feeling more like a slightly extended single stroller. The included universal car seat adapter and the snack tray were welcome accessories, though we immediately noticed the snack tray felt a bit stiff to click on and off. The overall first impression is of a well-designed, thoughtfully engineered product built for a very specific purpose: making life with two kids on the go simpler and lighter. It feels less like a compromise and more like a clever solution.

A Deep Dive into the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller’s Performance

A stroller’s true test comes not from the spec sheet, but from real-world use. Over several weeks, we put the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller through its paces—from quick trips to the grocery store to long, winding walks in the park and navigating a crowded weekend festival. We loaded it with our 18-month-old and our almost-four-year-old to see how it handled the dynamic needs of our family. This is where its unique design both shined and showed its limitations.

The Sit-and-Stand Experience: Freedom and Flexibility for the Older Sibling

This is, without a doubt, the star feature of the Joovy Caboose. For our older son, the stroller was a game-changer. He despised being strapped into a traditional stroller seat but often ran out of steam on longer walks. The Caboose gave him a home base that he could use on his own terms. He loved standing on the platform, holding the handles, and surveying the world like a ship captain. When his legs grew tired, he would slide onto the padded rear bench. This feature single-handedly eliminated the whining and negotiations that used to accompany any outing longer than 15 minutes. As one grandparent who purchased it for her grandkids noted, her nearly 5-year-old grandson went from hating stroller walks to loving them because he could choose to sit or stand. This autonomy is a massive win for parents of independent-minded preschoolers.

However, the design isn’t without its quirks. A common observation, which we confirmed, is that the sliding rear bench doesn’t lock into place. While it doesn’t move on its own, a fidgety child can shift it forward and back with their body weight. It’s a minor annoyance rather than a safety issue, but a locking mechanism would be a welcome improvement. The more significant issue arises when the front rider needs to nap. The front seat offers a three-position recline, which is great for the younger child. But when fully reclined, it pushes so far back that it completely occupies the older child’s seating space, forcing them to stand. One parent recounted how their 5-year-old had to stand for the remainder of an outing after their 1-year-old fell asleep. We experienced this exact scenario. It’s a fundamental trade-off of this compact design that parents must be aware of. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller excels as an activity stroller, but it’s less ideal if you need two children to nap simultaneously.

Maneuverability and Portability: The “Ultralight” Promise in Practice

Tipping the scales at just a pound or two more than many single strollers, the “Ultralight” name is well-earned. Lifting it into the trunk of our car was noticeably easier than any other double stroller we’ve handled. This low weight, combined with its narrow frame, makes it a dream for navigating tight spaces. We wove through a packed cheerleading competition and crowded airport terminals with an ease that would be impossible with a side-by-side model. The four-wheel suspension does a decent job of absorbing minor bumps on sidewalks and paved paths, providing a relatively smooth ride for both passengers.

However, its lightweight and elongated design can affect its stability. We agree with the user who cautioned to approach curbs straight-on; taking them at an angle can make the stroller feel a bit tippy, especially when carrying a heavier child in the back. It’s not dangerously unstable, but it requires a more mindful approach than a heavier, wider stroller. The fold is quick and collapses the stroller into a surprisingly compact package. But a peculiar design flaw became immediately apparent: the front footrest doesn’t lock in place when folded. It just flaps around, which is incredibly annoying when you’re lifting it into a car, as it often catches on the bumper or your legs. It’s a small detail, but one that detracts from an otherwise portable design.

The most polarizing aspect of its performance, however, is the wheels. Many users, including us, experienced the dreaded squeak. After just a few walks, a loud, piercing squeak developed in one of the rear wheels. It was loud enough to turn heads. Some users reported success with lubricants or contacting Joovy’s excellent customer service for replacement wheels, but it’s a persistent and well-documented issue that prospective buyers should be prepared to potentially address. It’s the one area where the stroller’s budget-friendly price point seems to show.

Comfort, Storage, and Day-to-Day Livability

The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller is packed with features that aim to make life easier. The front seat is comfortable and includes a secure 5-point harness. The canopy is fantastic—it’s large, provides ample UPF 50+ sun protection, and includes a clever zip-out extension that can stretch backward to cover the rear rider, a feature many users loved. This is a huge plus for sunny days at the zoo or theme park. The included parent organizer is a soft fabric attachment with two drink holders and a pocket. It’s functional but feels a bit flimsy; we wouldn’t trust it with an open coffee cup. The child snack tray is a nice inclusion, but many, including us, found it difficult to remove.

Storage is a mixed bag. The under-seat basket is enormous, running the full length of the stroller. You can fit a diaper bag, jackets, and shopping bags in there with ease. The problem is access. With the rear bench in place, the only way to get larger items in or out is from the sides, which can be awkward. One brilliant user shared a hack: placing a dollar store cookie sheet at the bottom of the basket. This prevents the basket from sagging when loaded with heavy items (like drinks or groceries) and scraping on the ground over bumps—an issue we also encountered. This simple fix dramatically improves the basket’s functionality. The combination of clever features and minor design frustrations defines the day-to-day experience with this stroller.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from other parents is largely positive, with a few consistent caveats. The overwhelming praise is for the stroller’s core concept. One user called it a “sanity saver in Disneyland,” perfectly capturing how it eliminates complaints from kids with tired legs. Another family who took it on an international trip to Europe was “more than thrilled with the purchase,” highlighting its value as a travel stroller that met all their needs for an 8-month-old and a 2.5-year-old. These stories confirm our experience that for active, traveling families with kids in the right age gap, the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller is an absolute home run.

However, the criticisms are just as consistent. The most common complaint by a wide margin is the “infernal squeaking” from the wheels. One reviewer detailed their frustration, saying it started four blocks into their first walk and was “super loud and annoying.” While Joovy’s customer service is often praised for being responsive in sending replacements, the issue appears to be a widespread design or material flaw. The other major drawback frequently cited is the conflict between the reclining front seat and the rear rider’s space, which limits its utility for families where two children might need to nap.

How Does the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Compare to the Competition?

The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller occupies a specific niche, but it’s not without rivals. Understanding the alternatives helps clarify who this stroller is truly for.

1. Chicco Cortina Together Double Stroller

The Chicco Cortina Together represents a more traditional approach to the tandem stroller. It features two full, reclining seats, making it an excellent choice for parents of twins or two children close in age who both require proper napping space. The rear seat can be removed to reveal a standing platform, giving it some sit-and-stand functionality similar to the Joovy. However, this added versatility comes at the cost of weight and bulk. It is significantly heavier and less compact than the Caboose Ultralight. If having two fully functional seats is your top priority and you have the trunk space to accommodate a larger frame, the Chicco Cortina Together is a more robust, albeit less portable, option.

2. WONDERFOLD W2 Original Stroller Wagon 2 Seater

The WONDERFOLD W2 is in a different category altogether, but it solves a similar problem of transporting two children. As a stroller wagon, its primary strengths are immense storage capacity and a rugged, adventurous spirit. It features two bench seats with 5-point harnesses inside a deep carriage, which is perfect for hauling kids, coolers, and beach gear. It excels during all-day outings where you need to bring everything with you. The downside is its sheer size and weight; it’s much bulkier than the Joovy and can be cumbersome to maneuver in tight indoor spaces. For families who prioritize cargo space and a contained play area on the go, the WONDERFOLD is superior, but for quick errands and air travel, the Joovy’s lightweight, nimble design wins out.

3. Chicco BravoFor2 Standing/Sitting Double Stroller

The Chicco BravoFor2 is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Joovy Caboose. It offers a very similar feature set: a traditional stroller seat in the front and a standing platform with a small bench in the back. The BravoFor2 is often lauded for its excellent one-hand fold and a more premium-feeling parent tray with integrated cup holders. However, it is typically heavier and more expensive than the Joovy Caboose Ultralight. The decision between these two models often comes down to brand preference and specific features. If a super-compact fold and a slightly more polished parent console are your priorities, the BravoFor2 is a strong contender. If shedding every possible pound is your goal, the Joovy remains the champion of the “ultralight” sit-and-stand category.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller Right for Your Family?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller is an outstanding product for the right family. Its brilliance lies in its focused design. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it provides a lightweight, narrow, and incredibly convenient solution for parents of an infant or young toddler and an older, more independent preschooler. Its ability to empower the older child, combined with its travel-friendly size and weight, makes it a category leader for daily errands, trips to the zoo, and ambitious family vacations. It successfully eliminates the daily struggle of managing two kids with different needs and energy levels.

However, it comes with clear compromises. The persistent potential for squeaky wheels is a significant annoyance that can’t be ignored, and the trade-off between the front seat recline and rear seat space is a daily reality. If you can look past these quirks and a few minor design flaws like the floppy footrest, the value it provides is immense. For families whose top priority is a lightweight, easy-to-manage stroller that keeps both a baby and a “big kid” happy on the go, the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller is not just a good choice—it’s one of the best you can make. If this sounds like the solution your family has been searching for, we highly recommend you check the latest price and color options available.