Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair review

At £529, the price tag does reflect the premium features, but if you’re serious about sport, there’s a reason why you came to Baby Jogger in the first place. The buggy takes away some of the biggest barriers to fitness for new parents and you can’t put a price on that.

Tested by

Becky tested the Baby Jogger Summit X3 with her 11-month-old son on park jogs and fast-paced walks in Surrey. Becky has been a journalist for almost 10 years, specialising in women’s lifestyle.

First impressions of the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair?

At first, I was surprised how compact the Summit X3 is. It comes with some heavy-duty wheels but you can see that the main body of the pram has been streamlined to improve the drive for active parents, which means it folds down to a really convenient, portable size.

Above all, I was pleased to see that there weren’t too many parts in the box – just add the wheels and go!

How easy is it to assemble the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair?

Set up was quick. It took around 10 minutes to add the wheels (two at the back and one at the front) and secure the hood. The illustrated instructions manual was a little tricky, particularly when it came to the front swivel wheel and, a little unhelpfully, the pictures don’t correspond to the written instructions.

MFM parent tester, Katy, agrees the instructions could be clearer. She pointed out that the tyres also need to be pumped up once the buggy is built and that the wheels needed to be re-aligned during their first run.

How does the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair compare to previous models?

An update on the XC model, the Summit X3 is currently the only running buggy on offer from Baby Jogger and clearly something’s working well because it’s been the same since 2016. It’s noticeably narrower than its predecessor, meaning it’s more streamlined for jogging but also more practical for everyday use, like shopping and city walks.

It’s also a more stylish version because thankfully, it’s no longer red and black. But importantly, the Summit X3 has kept the best bits of the XC, like the separate hand and foot brakes, while improving the accessibility of functions like the front wheel lock by adding a handy lock lever to the handlebars.

Several Baby Jogger reviewers had issues with the XC. They reported that the front wheel was shaking when they jogged, but that issue has been resolved with this model.

Does the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair come with a carrycot?

No.

Is the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair easy to fold?

Baby Jogger pushchairs have featured a signature one-hand fold since 2007 and there still aren’t many that do it better. The folding mechanism is so impressive that you could be folding with one hand and holding something in the other. Even better, it folds into just one piece, making it easy for car or home storage.

MFM parent tester Katy found the buggy awkward because of the two straps that need to be pulled separately to fold it, although she said she hoped it would get easier to do with more practise. MFM awards judge Gemma, found there’s definitely a knack to folding it, but once you have it, it’s easy to do one-handed.

Is the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair compact when it’s folded?

The folded pushchair is impressively compact considering how big and sturdy it seems when unfolded. Disappointingly, it’s not a self-stand pushchair, which makes it more challenging for home storage but it’s easy enough to pick up and transfer to the car using the handy carry handle.

The folded pushchair is still quite deep because of the large rear wheels, which could make space limiting in smaller car boots. However, the wheels are easy enough to remove if you need extra space. With the wheels on, it measures 85cmx65cmx40cm when folded.

How good is the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair to push and steer?

Pushing the Summit X3 is a dream. It manoeuvres really well around corners, steering smoothly thanks to the swivel feature on the front wheel as well as giving you the option to lock it and fix the direction of travel when running at pace.

Running on bumpy terrains might be more challenging for parents, but it appeared to create an equally smooth ride for my son because the suspension in the wheels reduced any impact.

MFM parent tester Katy was impressed with the suspension and found it improved the smoothness on all terrains.

Is it easy to use the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair on public transport?

Using the buggy on the tube was easier than I expected because it’s so easy to nip into narrow spaces and around corners. I thought the length of the pram would cause problems, but it’s actually deceptively compact.

Is the chassis resistant to wear and tear?

Cleverly, very little of the sturdy metal chassis is exposed, making it more resistant to wear and tear. The bucket seat is covered by a durable weather-ready cover, while the UV50+ hood folds right down over the frame. One area that is prone to scratches is the moulded footrest at the nose of the pram, which is likely to take the brunt of any bumps.

Is the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair handle comfortable to use?

For two parents of very different heights, it’s unusual for us to get on well with a pram that doesn’t have an extending handle. However, this one seemed to be a suitable height for both of us. That being said, MFM parent tester Katy was disappointed that the handle height can’t be adjusted.

One peeve was the wire for the deceleration brake sitting behind the rubberised handlebar because it interfered with my grip of the handle. This can be adjusted in the same way as the handlebar brakes on a bike – but it means you have to get the wrench out!

Is the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair’s seat unit comfy?

Though the seat looks narrow it was deceptively roomy for my 11 month old. In fact, compared to other running prams, it should last families much longer because it can hold up to 75lbs in weight, making it suitable for ages 6 months to approximately 5 years.

In terms of comfort, the deep bucket seat held him safely and securely at pace and shielded him effectively from the weather conditions.

How big is the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair’s hood?

It’s a large hood that extends right down over the baby to keep them well-protected when you’re on the move. It stays firmly in place, even in high winds. I found the peephole window particularly useful for a world-facing seat, because I wanted to be reassured that my son was still comfy, especially if I had headphones in during a jog.

Are the wheels sturdy?

The Baby Jogger Summit X3’s all-wheel suspension made a huge difference to my experience as a runner, and a parent, because it enabled me to push myself with fitness while I was pushing the baby, smoothly. I particularly liked that the rear wheels were set widely apart so there was no risk of kicking them when I was running.

They’re air-filled rubber tyres, which are designed to be tough on different terrains, although I was disappointed that the buggy didn’t come with an air pump just in case we did get a puncture.

How good are the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair’s brakes?

As well as a parking brake that you can use with your foot, the Summit X3 has a hand-operated deceleration brake, which was so useful on sloping pavements for everyday use but also for hilly terrains during active outings. This is a huge plus point for a buggy that’s on the heavier side, especially if it can take children up to 5 years.

How big is the basket on the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair?

Though slightly small in size, the basket is deep and easily accessible. I could fit the essentials in there, like a water bottle for me or snack and toy for him.

What’s in the box?

• Folded Summit X3 pushchair
• 2 x rear wheels
• 1 x front wheel
• Detachable UV50+ hood

Can you buy additional accessories for the Baby Jogger Summit X3?

• Baby Jogger Footmuff
• Baby Jogger®/Graco® car seat adapters
• Chicco®/Peg Perego® car seat adapters
• Belly bar
• Parent console
• Weathershield (rain cover)

Who would the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair be best for?

Active parents keen to get their steps in during the day or maximise naptimes by squeezing in a jog or a run, without having to leave the baby with another caregiver.

Is the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair good value?

When you buy a Baby Jogger, you know you’re buying a well-researched, premium product because it’s been a specialist brand in this market since the 80s. Pricewise, it’s at the top end for running buggies, but it feels worth the price tag because it’s fit for purpose.

How does it compare to other sports pushchairs on the market?

Where can I buy the Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair?

Available at John Lewis, Kiddies Kingdom and Amazon.

MadeForMums verdict:

I can see why the Summit X3 has been a mainstay for the brand for more than 5 years without adjustment or improvement, therefore in Baby Jogger I trust. I’d recommend this model to any mums easing themselves back into fitness, because it will take you from the easy strolls to faster-paced walks, then racing all the way round the park before you know it!