Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Review: Is a $150 Jogging Stroller Good Enough?

Who is the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger for?

The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger is for parents who want the big-wheel look and feel for very little money. Baby Trend lists it at $149.99 and often sells it for less. That makes it one of the cheapest three-wheel strollers on sale. It suits families who walk on park paths, gravel or grass and want more wheel than an umbrella stroller offers. It also suits parents who already own a Baby Trend EZ-Lift infant car seat, because that seat clicks straight onto the frame. It is a weaker fit if you plan to run often. BabyGearLab ranked it last of 10 jogging strollers and said quality and durability were below average. If running is the main goal, the Baby Jogger Summit X3 or BOB Gear Alterrain Pro cost far more but are built for it. If you mostly shop and run errands, a compact stroller with a bigger basket may serve you better.

How does the Expedition Jogger ride and steer?

The Expedition Jogger rolls on air-filled bicycle tires, 12 in at the front and 16 in at the rear, according to Target's listing. The front wheel swivels for town use and locks straight for long, steady stretches. There is no suspension and no hand brake, only a rear parking brake. BabyGearLab found it cruised well on flat ground but got bouncy off-road. Its reviewers said it continually pulled to one side and that the tires often went low or flat, so expect to keep a bike pump handy. They rated maneuverability as below average but good enough not to be frustrating, and noted some frame flex. Target owners mention a wobbly front wheel, and Baby Trend's answer there is to tighten the fork nut. For grass, gravel and rough sidewalks, those big tires still help more than small plastic wheels would.

• Maneuverability7.5 / 10
• WheelsAir-filled bicycle tires, 12 in front and 16 in rear (Target); front wheel swivels or locks straight; no suspension and no hand brake

How big is the Expedition Jogger when folded?

Baby Trend lists the Expedition Jogger at 24 lb, light for a three-wheeler but heavy next to a compact stroller. It gives the folded size as 24 x 33.5 x 15.5 in, close to BabyGearLab's measured 16.3 x 23.5 x 33.1 in. It is long and wide, so it fits most sedan and SUV trunks rather than small hatchbacks. The fold uses a trigger on the handle. BabyGearLab called it average and not hard, but dated: it takes two hands, needs a manual lock, and then stands on its own. Setup took its reviewers 5 to 10 minutes, including pumping the tires. It is not an airline carry-on stroller.

Is the Expedition Jogger comfortable and safe?

The Expedition Jogger has a padded seat with several recline positions and a five-point harness with a tether strap, per Target's listing. BabyGearLab was less kind. Its reviewers said the sling-style seat felt flimsy and outdated, with little padding and back support, and that the recline needs two hands and is not as deep as rivals. The canopy rotates but is small, and Target owners mention it not staying open. Baby Trend's answer on Target says the seat is about 14 in wide. The child limit is 50 lb or 42 in. Baby Trend lists it from 6 months. A newborn should ride in a compatible Baby Trend infant car seat instead. Target lists Baby Safety Alliance verification and ASTM compliance.

How much storage does the Expedition Jogger have?

Target's listing calls the under-seat basket extra large, but BabyGearLab says its maximum capacity is only 5 lb. That is enough for a light diaper bag or a jacket, not groceries. The basket is easy to reach, according to the same reviewers. A parent tray with two cup holders and a covered compartment sits on the handlebar, and the child gets a tray with two cup holders. Target owners warn that the basket can get wet from front-tire spray in the rain.

Can you run with the Expedition Jogger?

Yes, within limits. Baby Trend sells the Expedition as a jogging stroller and recommends that your child be at least 6 months old before you jog with it. It has big air tires and a front wheel that locks straight for in-line riding. It is a basic jogger, though. BabyGearLab scored its run-ability at 3.9 out of 10, the lowest part of its score, and found it pulled to one side, had no hand brake and lost tire pressure. Before any run, check both rear tires are firm, lock the front wheel straight and keep to paths you know. For an occasional slow jog on smooth paths, it may do. For regular runs, a jogger with a hand brake and suspension is the safer choice.

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger vs Baby Jogger Summit X3 vs BOB Gear Alterrain Pro

Baby Jogger Summit X3: A true jogger with all-wheel suspension and a hand brake, at $549.99. BOB Gear Alterrain Pro: Our jogging pick, with a hand brake and adjustable suspension, at $829.99.

How we rated the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger

Six criteria, weighted by how much they shape everyday life. Read our methodology.

1. Maneuverability 20%7.5
2. Fold & portability 20%8.3
3. Comfort & safety 20%6.9
4. Storage & practicality 15%7.2
5. Build & durability 15%6.6
6. Value 10%8.1

Weighted total7.4— Good

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger full specifications

What to buy instead

• A true jogger with all-wheel suspension and a hand brake, at $549.99.

  Baby Jogger Summit X3

  8.0 — Very good. 28.4 lb, folds to 34.5×25.8×15 in, $549.99.

• Our jogging pick, with a hand brake and adjustable suspension, at $829.99.

  BOB Gear Alterrain Pro

  8.6 — Excellent. 32.3 lb, folds to 39.3×25.5×16 in, $829.99.

• All-terrain tires and a one-hand fold for parents who walk rather than run, at $479.99.

  Baby Jogger City Mini GT3

  8.2 — Very good. 21.6 lb, folds to 31.5×25×10.2 in, $479.99.