Joovy Qool Review: One Stroller for One, Two or Three Kids?

Who is the Joovy Qool for?

The Joovy Qool is for families who want one stroller to carry more than one child, now or later. It starts as a single and becomes a double with the Second Seat, or a triple with the Bench Seat, both sold separately. Babylist counts 56 configurations. Lucie's List calls it a strong pick for twins, or for twins plus an older sibling, because two infant car seats can ride at once. Joovy lists the current version, the Qool Premium, at $549.99, well below premium single-to-double strollers such as the UPPAbaby Vista V3. The trade-off is weight and size. At about 30.8 lb it is one of the heavier strollers in its class. If you have one child and no plans for another soon, a lighter single stroller will be easier to live with every day.

How does the Qool ride and steer?

The Joovy Qool rides on never-flat rubber tires, 8.5 in at the front and 12 in at the rear, according to Lucie's List. Both ends have suspension, and the 2022 update added new rear suspension that the reviewer says gives a smoother ride. Lucie's List quotes an owner who says the wheels handle grass, dirt, gravel and sidewalk cracks with ease, even with a child on the bench seat. The front wheels swivel or lock, and a linked foot brake sets both rear wheels. Lucie's List does note that some parents find it hard to get over curbs, which makes sense for a 30.8 lb frame that may carry 165 lb of children. None of the listings describe it as a jogging stroller, so treat it as a sidewalk and park stroller.

• Maneuverability8.7 / 10
• WheelsNever-flat rubber tires, 8.5 in front and 12 in rear, with suspension (Lucie's List)

How big is the Qool when folded?

Joovy lists the Joovy Qool at about 30.8 lb with its main seat and gives the folded size as about 36.2 x 24.4 x 11.2 in. Lucie's List says the fold itself is simple, but you need to center the main seat and take the Second Seat off first. It does not stand on its own once folded, and the reviewer warns that it is long, so measure your trunk before you buy: 36 in is longer than many compact strollers fold. The Bench Seat can stay on when you fold. At about 11 in thick it lies flat in a trunk. This is not an airline carry-on stroller.

Is the Qool comfortable and safe?

The Joovy Qool main seat and Second Seat each recline to four positions, nearly flat, according to Lucie's List. Each seat is rated to 55 lb, and the reviewer gives a 44 in height limit. Joovy lists the main seat from 6 months, so a newborn rides in a bassinet or an infant car seat on adapters, all sold separately. The canopy is UPF 50 with a zip-out panel and mesh window. The 2022 version added an adjustable footrest, a magnetic buckle, extra harness padding and an adjustable leather handlebar. Lucie's List notes taller children may find the Second Seat cramped. Joovy's page does not name safety certifications, and Joovy gives it a 90-day limited warranty.

How much storage does the Qool have?

Storage is a strong point of the Joovy Qool. Lucie's List and Babylist both give a 25 lb basket limit, and the reviewer says you can reach it from all four sides, with extra pockets. The 2022 version adds a parent organizer with large cup holders and a swing-open snack tray for the child. Lucie's List lists the basket among the Qool's main strengths, which matters when two or three children need snacks, layers and a diaper bag.

How does the Qool go from one seat to three?

Out of the box the Joovy Qool is a single stroller. Add the Second Seat, sold separately, and it becomes an inline double, with the second seat mounted low at the front. Add the Bench Seat, also sold separately, and an older child can sit at the back, for three riders. Lucie's List says the Bench Seat suits children 3 and up, holds 55 lb, has a 3-point harness and kick bar, and is preferred over a ride-on board. For babies, Front Adapters let you attach two bassinets, each rated to 20 lb, or two infant car seats, both facing you. Babylist counts 56 configurations in all. Lucie's List priced a Double Bundle with the Second Seat and adapters at about $799 in 2023. Price the parts you need before comparing it with a stroller that includes them.

Joovy Qool vs Mockingbird Single-to-Double 3.0 vs Evenflo Pivot Xpand

Mockingbird Single-to-Double 3.0: Same $549 price, a 25 lb basket and 44 configurations, at 28 lb. Evenflo Pivot Xpand: A cheaper single-to-double at $439.99, with a lay-flat carriage mode.

How we rated the Joovy Qool

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

1. Maneuverability 20%8.7
2. Fold & portability 20%7.8
3. Comfort & safety 20%8.7
4. Storage & practicality 15%9.0
5. Build & durability 15%8.4
6. Value 10%8.7

Weighted total8.5— Excellent

Joovy Qool full specifications

What to buy instead

• Same $549 price, a 25 lb basket and 44 configurations, at 28 lb.

  Mockingbird Single-to-Double 3.0

  8.6 — Excellent. 28 lb, folds to 34×26×18 in, $549.

• A cheaper single-to-double at $439.99, with a lay-flat carriage mode.

  Evenflo Pivot Xpand

  7.6 — Good. 30.2 lb, folds to 33.8×26.5×23.8 in, $439.99.

• A premium single-to-double with a 30 lb basket, at $999.99.

  UPPAbaby Vista V3

  9.1 — Exceptional. 27.6 lb, folds to 16.3×25.7×33.8 in, $999.99.