Jeep Wrangler Stroller Wagon Review

Jeep Wrangler

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How it Compares

The Wrangler is an average-priced 2-seat stroller wagon. Here is how it compares on basic specs with the other 2-seat wagons we tested:

Where it Fits Among Other Choices

The Jeep is a classic, boxy, wagon-shaped stroller that is comparable to the Keenz 7S, Radio Flyer Discovery and Wonderfold in form.

The highest-scoring stroller wagons, the Veer Cruiser and Evenflo Pivot Xplore have lower profiles and cockpit-style seats. These don’t have extra room inside and are made for riding in, not for playing in and on.

The Evenflo feels more like a stroller than a wagon, whereas the Jeep clearly behaves like a wagon.

The Jeep Wrangler comes with a canopy, cooler bag, mosquito netting, car seat adapter, and ample extra storage space. None of the other wagons include all these accessories.

Our Budget Choice is the Radio Flyer Discovery stroller wagon.

Most Common Complaints

Customer reviews indicate the Jeep Wrangler is well-liked. We surveyed all the negative reviews to find out whether we agreed with the criticisms and offer some perspective based on our own experience with the Jeep.

Criticism	Our Experience
Lack of legroom	There is no footwell, so children sit flat with their legs stretched out bumping the legs of the other occupant
Heavy, difficult taking in and out of car	The Jeep is 46.2 lbs, the heaviest of the 2-seat wagons we tested. It was difficult to lift and stow folded.
Missing parts on arrival	We had no missing parts
Difficult to push with 2 kids	We measured the force to get the Jeep rolling, the force to keep it rolling and the force to turn. It performed badly in all those measurements. It didn’t do well when we pushed it on hills and over bumps either.
Does not fit in car trunk	It did not fit in the trunk of a Honda Civic, but it did fit in a Toyota Sienna minivan with the seats up in back.
Doesn’t fold down flat enough	The folded size is 10.2 cubic feet, more than the other 2-seat wagons except for the Baby Trend Expedition which was 13.1 cubic feet.
Canopy broke quickly	We haven’t noticed any weakness in the canopy
Difficult to maneuver	We found the Jeep more difficult to steer than other wagons
Doesn’t work in the sand	The wheels that come with the Jeep are not wide enough to make it all-terrain. They are 1.3″ wide in the front and 2″ wide in the back. They would need to be more than twice that wide to operate well on soft sand.
Pulls to the right	Agreed. It tends to veer off a centerline very quickly.
Car seat adapter release can be pressed by child	The button that is used to release an infant car seat from the adapter can be reached and pressed by a child sitting in the wagon. This is not safe.
Wheel bent	We didn’t have any problems with wheel quality
Difficult to fold handles	To fold the handles up or down, two buttons have to be pressed at the same time, and you have to push the handle up or down also at the same time. This is difficult to execute.

Our Video Review

Testing and Research

We evaluated 25 stroller wagons, then purchased and tested the top nine. We performed the tests running each wagon through 65 real-world tests over a three-month period. We had help from moms, dads, and the editorial team.

Parent Comfort and Usability

The Jeep Wrangler had high scores in this category where we tested assembly, customer service, user manuals, cleaning, storage, brakes and accessories. Here are the totals in parent comfort and usability:

Getting Started

The Jeep Wrangler took 16 minutes to unbox and assemble. Only the Veer was faster. The Jeep user manual was easy to follow.

We contacted customer service and they responded appropriately to our email in 12 minutes flat.

Handles

The handles have a nice zip cover for extra protection. They can be adjusted in height from 29″ to 41″ which is sufficient for all but the tallest parents. The handles themselves are well-shaped and comfortable.

One external parent cupholder.

Car Seat Adapter

A car seat adapted is included with the Jeep Wrangler. Check before you buy to make sure it is included with the one you choose.

The manual includes instructions for attaching Graco, Chicco, Evenflo, and Britax infant car seats. We tested it with a Chicco Keyfit 30 and it snapped in and out easily.

The only other stroller wagon we tested that came with a car seat adapter included was the Baby Trend Expedition.

Storage Volume Ranking

The Jeep Wrangler has a variety of storage areas.

There is an elastic bag with two big compartments that can be used to store the canopy, and if you aren’t using the canopy, the bag works well for beach towels or bulky items.

A hanging storage bag has several vertical pockets and a zippered pocket on the front end.

It also comes with an insulated cooler bag with room for 16 cans. The cooler bag can be hung on the sides or on the end of the wagon.

On the back of the wagon is a second general-purpose storage bag with three compartments.

The compartment in the center can serve as a cupholder.

Cleaning

The Jeep is easy to clean. It has removable fabric and a high crumb removal rating:

Brake Operation

Like most of the wagons we tested, there is a single brake pedal that stops both rear wheels. The pedal is easy to push and the brakes stop the wagon quickly.

However, it hurt our feet to release the pedal wearing sandals and also in bare feet.

The small wheels on the front have individual brake locks if you need to keep them from moving.

Steering and Maneuverability

The bad news about the Jeep Wrangler is its weak performance in our terrain, steering, and maneuverability tests. We loaded it up with 80 lbs of weight, 40 lbs in the front and back to compare it to the other leading stroller wagons. Steering and maneuverability ratings:

Pushing and Turning

We measured the force required to get the Wrangler moving. At 15.4 lbs of force, it was higher than any other wagon. The force to keep it moving was equal to the Radio Flyer Discovery but higher than the others.

We also tested the force required to make a 90 degree turn from a dead stop. The Jeep performed the worst in this category as well. Having wheels in the front that are far apart and being longer end-to-end contributes to the Jeep’s weak turning performance.

Terrain Performance

We performed a grass maneuverability test, a hill test and a bumpy terrain test with the Jeep fully loaded.

Grass: The Jeep performed adequately in the grass. Going straight on a flat, grassy surface wasn’t much more difficult than with other wagons. Turning on the grass was a bear.

Hills: Going uphill with the wagon loaded was more difficult than with any other stroller wagon. Crossing the hill horizontally, leaning a bit downhill to the side was also very challenging.

Bumps: The Jeep did not do well going over wood, roots, branches, or other small obstacles. Like other wagons, it is easier to pull over rough terrain than to push because you can lift the front wheels while pulling.

The rear wheels of the Jeep are 12″ in diameter and 2″ wide, which is equal to or better than the rear wheel size of other stroller wagons. The 8″ diameter front wheels are also comparable, but they are unusually thin at only 1.3″ in width.

The Jeep can’t be described as all-terrain because the wheels are not wide or flexible enough to avoid getting stuck in the sand or mud. True all-terrain wheels are much wider and can be ordered separately from Jeep.

Bumpy terrain test:

Staying Straight

In our test to check whether wagons would push straight without veering to one side or the other, the Jeep tended to veer quite quickly. Straight push test results:

Steering

Overall the Jeep Wrangler performed poorly in our maneuverability tests. Maneuverability Ratings:

Folding and Transport

The Wrangler is bulky and heavy when folded making it difficult to lift. Folding and Transport ratings:

Folding

Folding the Wrangler isn’t too difficult, but it requires some extra time to remove the canopy. The fold time numbers below include canopy removal. Without the canopy, it can be done in 17 seconds. Fold times:

After the canopy is removed, handles are folded down, and optionally, the cooler bag hanger is removed, the actual folding of the wagon is easy. Pulling up on the strap in the center is all it takes and the latch on the side usually latches itself.

Unfolding with the canopy takes 43 seconds and 20 seconds without.

Folded Size in Cubic Feet

The Jeep stands securely and rolls easily when folded. Stroller wagons folded size in cubic feet:

The Jeep did not fit in our sedan trunk.

But its 46.2 lbs can be heaved into the back of a minivan.

Kid Comfort and Usability

We evaluated seat comfort, accessories, and several other things that make a difference to kids in our kid comfort and usability scoring:

Seats

The seats in the Wrangler are straight-backed and do not recline. This means that kid feet stretch out in front and compete for the room in the center of the wagon.

There is a bar behind the seats that can be uncomfortable and there is no footwell.

The lack of a footwell makes sitting for bigger children less comfortable and means that kids may be sitting on mud they have tracked in.

The sides are not ventilated and the interior is a dark color that can heat up in direct sunlight.

The seat harness is padded and comfortable. The harness buckle opens fine with one hand.

Snack Tray and Storage

While there is plenty of storage externally, there is no internal storage, no snack tray, or kid cupholder.

The Inside

The Jeep Wrangler has more room inside than any of the 2-seat wagons we tested. It measures 33″ x 18″ x 12″ on the inside. It is comparable to the Keenz 7S though 2″ longer and the sides are 2″ shorter.

The shorter sides are a good thing. They allow kids to see out more easily and make it easier to lift children in. Some toddlers will be able to crawl in by themselves.

Canopy

The canopy has zippered pockets containing pull-down sunshades on each side. The sunshades can be attached to the sides via velcro which holds them down on windy days.

Mosquito Net

Each end of the canopy has a roll of mosquito netting secured on the inside of the canopy. The netting can be rolled down and in combination with the sunshades, you can enclose the whole wagon.

The netting doesn’t keep mosquitos out entirely because there are gaps along the sides between the netting and the sunshades.

Part and Material Quality

The Jeep Wrangler is sturdy and well constructed. It scored well in part and material quality:

The Jeep arrived tightly packaged with protective material. No parts were missing and everything worked as expected.

The axel assembly seems solid. There are no shocks and springs in the suspension and no other wagon had them either.

The zippers, velcro and other connectors on the Jeep are well-made and performed well for us.

The wheels are made of plastic and rubber similar to the Pivot Xplore. The rubber treads are a bit soft and probably good for the ride but become chipped and scarred with use.

The Jeep Wrangler Compared to Other Wagons

Jeep Wrangler vs Keenz 7S

Overall the Keenz 7S scored higher than the Jeep Wrangler in our testing. The Keenz is easier to steer and maneuver than the Jeep.

Both stroller wagons have nice accessories including storage options, canopies, and cooler bags. The Jeep includes a car seat adapter while the Keenz does not.

The wagons are roughly the same size inside. Both require children to be seated with their backs straight and feet out in front of them, with no footwell.

Our full review of the Keenz 7S wagon

Advantages of the Wrangler over the Keenz 7S:

• Significantly lower price
• Easier fold process (although both have time-consuming canopies)
• Car seat adapter included
• Mosquito netting
• Lower sides and more room between sides and canopy

Advantages of the Keenz 7s over the Jeep:

• Easier pushing overall and better grass and bump performance
• Turns and maneuvers more easily
• Fits through a narrow 28″ door
• Takes up less space when folded
• Is 14 lbs lighter

Jeep Wrangler vs Evenflo Pivot Xplore

Our full article comparing the Evenflo Xplore vs Jeep Wrangler wagons.

The Evenflo Pivot Xplore is the second-highest scoring stroller wagon in our testing and the Jeep Wrangler is the lowest-scoring. However, the Xplore is stroller-like and the Jeep has a more classic wagon shape.

If you use the wagon at events to give your kids something to play in and play on, the big, boxy wagon might be a good fit.

The Xplore handles much better than the Wrangler, and is easier to push. Its footwell makes the seats more comfortable to sit in. The Pivot’s footwell isn’t big or deep but does keep the kids in a more normal sitting position.

Our full review of the Evenflo Pivot Xplore stroller wagon

Advantages of the Jeep Wrangler over the Evenflo Pivot Xplore:

• Includes a car seat adapter
• Has more storage space
• Has a flat inner surface that can be used for napping
• The canopy, sunshades and mosquito netting together provide full coverage
• Includes a cooler bag

Advantages of the Xplore over the Wrangler:

• Is easy to push and maneuver, even fully loaded
• Folds quickly and compactly, doesn’t require canopy removal for folding
• Easy to lift and stow folded
• Includes a snack tray and cupholders for kids

Jeep Wrangler vs Veer Cruiser

The Veer Cruiser is the highest-scoring stroller wagon in our testing and outperforms the Jeep Wrangler in folding, stowing, terrain performance, and maneuverability. The Wrangler includes many more handy accessories including storage bags, cooler bag, canopy, and cooler bag.

The Veer Cruiser is more than double the cost of the Wrangler with less included.

Like the Evenflo Pivot Xplore, the Veer Cruiser is great to cruise in. Its seats are shaped well and it has a footwell for a more comfortable seated position.

But the Veer doesn’t have a flat inner surface for napping or a big boxy area that doubles as a small pack ‘n play.

Both wagons are built well but the Veer feels more rugged overall.

Our full review of the Veer Cruiser wagon

Advantages of the Jeep over the Veer:

• Lower price
• Included car seat adapter
• Included storage and cooler bag
• Included canopy
• Roomy interior and flat surface for napping

Advantages of the Veer over the Jeep:

• More comfortable seats and footwell
• Easier folding and compact folded size
• Far better maneuverability
• Easier pushing and steering on a variety of terrains
• Includes a snack tray and kid cupholders

Jeep Wrangler vs Baby Trend Expedition

The Baby Trend Expedition stroller wagon scored better in our testing than the Jeep Wrangler, primarily in the area of steering and maneuverability. It can be purchased at a similar price.

Both stroller wagons have good storage options, a boxy wagon shape, car seat adapters, and mosquito netting. The Expedition also includes a snack tray and cup holders for kids.

The Baby Trend includes full coverage mosquito netting with fewer gaps to let mosquitos in. The seats are better padded and more comfortable but there is no footwell in the Baby Trend either.

Neither wagon is easy to lift when folded. Both are big and bulky. The Expedition has a larger folded size than the Wrangler.

Our full review of the Baby Trend Expedition stroller wagon

Advantages of the Baby Trend Expedition over the Jeep Wrangler:

• Easier to push, steer and maneuver
• Quicker to fold with canopy
• More comfortable seats
• Foam nap pad and seat pad included
• Better mosquito net coverage
• Snack tray and kid cupholders included

Advantages of the Jeep over Baby Trend:

• Included cooler bag
• Better sunshade coverage
• 3″ longer and 3″ wider inside
• Smaller folded size
• 5-point harnesses

Jeep Wrangler vs Wonderfold W4 Elite

For an in-depth comparison read Jeep Wrangler vs Wonderfold W4 Elite

Best Stroller Wagons

See our article on the best stroller wagons to find out which wagons performed best in every category and which one would be a good choice for your situation.