Review · Full-size stroller
Thule Charm Review: A Full-Size Stroller With a 33 lb Basket?
Short answer: The Thule Charm is worth a look if you want a premium full-size stroller with a huge basket. Thule lists it at $1,199.95 and 29.5 lb, with a reversible seat, a newborn insert and a 33 lb expandable basket. It is new for 2026, so owner reviews are not in yet, and Thule showed some colors out of stock in November.
Our verdict
8.9out of 10
Excellent
Best for
- Parents who shop on foot and need a very large basket
- Families who want a reversible seat from birth
- Thule fans who want a city stroller rather than an all-terrain one
Skip if
- You want a stroller with years of owner reviews
- You lift the stroller into a car or up stairs every day
- You need a specific color now, since some were out of stock in November 2026
Pros
- 33 lb expandable basket, larger than the Cruz V3's 30 lb
- Reversible seat with a newborn insert included
- Handlebar adjusts to 6 heights for tall and short parents
- UPF 50+ extendable canopy, per Babylist
Cons
- 29.5 lb by Thule's figure, and Babylist lists 32 lb
- $1,199.95, or $1,499.95 with the bassinet
- New for 2026 with no owner reviews yet on Babylist
$1,199.95List price, October 2026
See it at ThulePrices change often. Check the retailer before you buy.
The Thule Charm is Thule's 2026 full-size city stroller, and on paper it competes with the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew. Its 33 lb expandable basket beats both, the seat reverses, and a newborn insert comes in the box. The trade-offs are weight, at 29.5 lb by Thule's figure, a long fold, and a $1,199.95 price that is $300 above the Cruz V3. With no owner reviews yet, families who want a proven track record may prefer to wait a season.
Who is the Thule Charm for?
The Thule Charm is for parents who want a premium full-size stroller for one child, mostly on city sidewalks and in shops. It is new for 2026, and with the Thule Shine gone from Thule's US site, it is the brand's full-size city option. Thule lists it at $1,199.95, or $1,499.95 with the bassinet. That puts it against the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 at $899.99 and the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew at $1,499. It suits families who carry a lot, because the basket holds 33 lb. It is a single stroller with no second-seat option. Because it is so new, Babylist shows no owner reviews yet, and Thule's US page showed some colors in stock and others temporarily out of stock in November 2026. If you need a stroller soon, or want proof of how it holds up, a better-known model may be safer.
How does the Charm ride and steer?
The Thule Charm rolls on four foam-filled wheels with all-wheel suspension, so the tires never go flat. Bambi Baby, a retailer, says the front wheels swivel and lock and describes a smooth, steady push over sidewalks, curbs, park paths and light snow, with easy one-hand steering. That is a retailer's description, not an owner report, and Babylist had no owner reviews to compare. Thule built this as a city stroller, not a trail or running stroller, and Bambi Baby says it is not for jogging. For rougher ground, Thule's own Urban Glide 3 has 16 in air-filled tires. The six-position handlebar lets parents of different heights find a comfortable grip, which helps on long walks.
- Maneuverability8.9 / 10
- WheelsFour foam-filled wheels with all-wheel suspension; front wheels swivel and lock
How big is the Charm when folded?
Thule lists the Charm at 29.5 lb, though Babylist says 32 lb and Bambi Baby 28.7 lb. Thule gives a folded size of 31.5 x 17 x 10 in, labeled length, width and height. Babylist and Bambi Baby both list a much larger 36 x 24 x 23 in, and Thule does not say whether its figure is with the seat or wheels off, so measure your trunk against the larger figure to be safe. Thule says the frame folds with one hand and stands upright for storage. Bambi Baby notes that the fold is longer than several rivals, including the UPPAbaby Cruz V3. At this weight it is a car-and-sidewalk stroller, not one to carry up stairs every day, and it is not carry-on size.
Is the Charm comfortable and safe?
The Thule Charm seat is reversible, so a baby can face you or the world. Thule includes a newborn insert so the seat works from birth, though Bambi Baby describes the insert as an extra for the stroller-only version. Babylist lists multiple recline positions, an adjustable leg rest, a magnetic five-point padded harness and a 25 in sitting height. The canopy extends and is UPF 50+ per Babylist. Thule and Babylist give a 48.5 lb child limit. For a separate sleep space, the Charm bassinet comes in the $1,499.95 bundle. Thule does not publish the number of recline positions or a maximum child height.
How much storage does the Charm have?
Storage is the Charm's standout. Thule lists a 15 kg load for the expandable basket, and Babylist and Bambi Baby give 33 lb. That is more than the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 at 30 lb and well above the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew at 22 lb, according to Bambi Baby's comparison chart. Thule says the basket gives quick access, and the expandable design should help with bulky shopping bags. A diaper bag plus a grocery run should fit.
How does the Charm grow with your baby?
Scroll through the stages below; the 3D stroller changes as you go. Drag it to turn it.
1 · Seat, reclined
-
01 · The early months
Seat, reclined
From birth with the included newborn insert, per Thule. Multiple recline positions, reversible seat, adjustable leg rest
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02 · Sitting up, through the toddler years
Seat, upright
The seat is rated to 48.5 lb, so most children can ride until they no longer need a stroller.
What happened to the Thule Shine?
The Thule Shine, Thule's earlier city stroller, no longer appears on Thule's US stroller page. Its old US product link now opens the Thule Spring 2, and Strolleria's Shine link lands on a category page instead of a product. Thule has not named a direct successor. In the US, Thule now sells two city-friendly choices. The Thule Spring 2 is the compact one, at $499.95 and 23.8 lb. The Thule Charm is the full-size one, at $1,199.95 and 29.5 lb, with a reversible seat, a 33 lb basket and an optional bassinet. If you liked the Shine for its reversible seat, the Charm keeps that feature but costs much more. If you liked the Shine for its small fold and lower price, the Spring 2 is the closer match, though its seat faces forward only.
Thule Charm vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew
| Spec | Thule Charm | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 | Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.9 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| List price | $1,199.95 | $899.99 | $1,499 |
| Weight | 29.5 lb | 26.5 lb | 26.5 lb |
| Folded (L×W×H) | 31.5×17×10 in | 17×22.5×32.5 in | 17.3×23.6×35.4 in |
| Max child weight | Thule and Babylist list 48.5 lb; Bambi Baby says birth to 50 lb | 50 lb | 50 lb |
| Bassinet included | No | No | Yes |
| Seats two children | No | No | No |
| Type | Full-size | Full-size | Full-size |
UPPAbaby Cruz V3: A proven full-size single with a 30 lb basket, at $899.99 and 26.5 lb. Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew: Bigger wheels and a lighter 26.45 lb frame, at $1,499.
How we rated the Thule Charm
Six criteria, weighted by how much they shape everyday life. Read our methodology.
Weighted total8.9— Excellent
Thule Charm full specifications
| Type | Full-size |
|---|---|
| Weight | 29.5 lb (Thule's US figure; Babylist lists 32 lb and Bambi Baby 28.7 lb) |
| Folded size (L×W×H) | 31.5×17×10 in (Thule's folded size, labeled length x width x height; Babylist and Bambi Baby both list a much larger 36 x 24 x 23 in, and Thule does not say whether its figure is with the seat or wheels off) |
| Open size (L×W×H) | 33.5×24×43 in |
| Max child weight | Thule and Babylist list 48.5 lb; Bambi Baby says birth to 50 lb |
| From birth | Yes; Thule includes a newborn insert with the seat, and the Charm bassinet is sold separately or in the $1,499.95 bundle |
| Seat age | From birth with the included newborn insert, per Thule |
| Recline | Multiple recline positions, reversible seat, adjustable leg rest |
| Basket | Up to 33 lb |
| Fold | One-hand fold with the seat on, stands upright when folded |
| Wheels & suspension | Four foam-filled wheels with all-wheel suspension; front wheels swivel and lock |
| Car seat compatibility | Thule Charm adapters ($64.95, sold separately) for select Cybex, Maxi-Cosi and Nuna seats, per Bambi Baby |
| Converts | Single stroller only |
| Travel | Not airline carry-on size |
| In the box | Chassis with wheels and cargo basket, Reversible seat with bumper bar, Newborn insert, Charm bassinet (sold separately, or in the 2-in-1 bundle), Car seat adapters (sold separately) |
| Safety | Thule's US page names no safety standard; it lists a Red Dot 2026 design award |
| Released | 2026 |
| List price | $1,199.95 (Thule US list price, November 2026 (stroller only; $1,499.95 with bassinet); Babylist and Bambi Baby list the same) |
What to buy instead
A proven full-size single with a 30 lb basket, at $899.99 and 26.5 lb.
UPPAbaby Cruz V3
9.1 — Exceptional. 26.5 lb, folds to 17×22.5×32.5 in, $899.99.
Bigger wheels and a lighter 26.45 lb frame, at $1,499.
Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew
8.8 — Excellent. 26.5 lb, folds to 17.3×23.6×35.4 in, $1,499.
Thule's compact choice, at $499.95 and 23.8 lb, with a forward-facing seat.
Thule Spring 2
8.6 — Excellent. 23.8 lb, folds to 29.5×17.7×15.4 in, $499.95.
Thule Charm FAQ
Is the Thule Charm worth it?
It could be if storage matters most. Thule lists it at $1,199.95 with a reversible seat, a newborn insert and a 33 lb expandable basket. It is new for 2026, so there are no owner reviews yet, and Thule's US page showed some colors out of stock in November. The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 costs $300 less.
Can a newborn ride in the Thule Charm?
Yes. Thule says the stroller comes with a newborn insert, so the reversible seat can be used from birth. You can also buy the Charm bassinet, which comes in the $1,499.95 2-in-1 bundle, or add an infant car seat with Thule's $64.95 adapters for select Cybex, Maxi-Cosi and Nuna seats.
How heavy is the Thule Charm?
Thule lists 29.5 lb. Babylist says 32 lb, and Bambi Baby says 28.7 lb, so figures vary by source. Either way it is on the heavy side for a single full-size stroller. For comparison, the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is 26.5 lb and the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew is 26.45 lb.
Did the Thule Charm replace the Thule Shine?
Thule has not said so. The Shine no longer appears on Thule's US site, and its old link now opens the Spring 2. The Charm is Thule's current full-size city stroller at $1,199.95, while the Spring 2 is the compact choice at $499.95 and closer to the Shine's old size.