Thule Urban Glide 3 Review: Built for Rough Paths, but Not for Running?

Who is the Thule Urban Glide 3 for?

The Thule Urban Glide 3 is for parents who walk every day and want a stroller that copes with more than smooth pavement. Thule describes it as an all-terrain stroller for active parents, with large 16-inch air-filled tires and a swivel front wheel that locks for higher speeds. It costs $799.95 at Thule's US site and takes children up to 49 lb, so it fits most children until about age 4. It weighs 26.2 lb and folds bulky, so it suits families with a car or ground-floor home better than those who climb stairs. Thule says newborns can ride with its bassinet or an infant car seat adapter, but both are sold separately. If you want a stroller for park paths, long walks and mixed ground, it is a strong choice. If you mainly ride trains or live in a walk-up, a lighter stroller will be easier.

How does the Urban Glide 3 ride and steer?

The ride is the Urban Glide 3's main strength. Thule lists large 16-inch air-filled tires, a swivel front wheel that locks, a twist hand brake and suspension aimed at a smooth ride on pavement or hilly ground. BabyGearLab scored maneuverability 9.5 out of 10, with 10.0 on pavement, 9.0 on all-terrain and 9.5 over curbs. It ranked the stroller second of ten jogging strollers with an overall 84 out of 100, and called the suspension impressive. Its rolling resistance measured 44 feet, longer than the group average of about 33 feet, which means a bit more push on flat ground. The handlebar adjusts from 38.5 to 45.3 inches in four positions, which helps taller or shorter parents. Locking the front wheel adds stability on rougher or faster routes, and unlocking it helps in tight shops.

• Maneuverability9.4 / 10
• WheelsLarge 16 in air-filled tires, lockable swivel front wheel, twist hand brake

How big is the Urban Glide 3 when folded?

Thule describes a one-hand, compact fold and lists the stroller at 26.2 lb, folded to 34.6 x 22.8 x 12.2 inches. BabyGearLab measured the folded stroller larger, at 37 x 26.6 x 15.2 inches, and weighed it at the same 26.2 lb. Thule says the fold has a self-stand feature, but BabyGearLab lists it as not self-standing, so be ready to lean it against a wall. The fold locks automatically. BabyGearLab gave transport and storage a score of 6.5 out of 10, the lowest of its categories, and set-up took about 15 minutes. This is not a carry-on or small trunk stroller. Measure your trunk before you buy, since a folded size of about 35 inches long needs a fairly large space.

Is the Urban Glide 3 comfortable and safe?

Thule says the seat has a built-in legrest, an adjustable recline and a five-point padded harness with a magnetic buckle. The canopy gives full coverage with ventilation, reflective details and a peek-a-boo window, and BabyGearLab called it among the largest it reviewed. BabyGearLab scored kid comfort 6.6 and described the sling-style seat as average, though the seat back reclines flat enough for napping. For newborns, Thule sells a bassinet at $299.95, and a 2-in-1 bundle with the bassinet is $1,099.90. A newborn nest costs $149.95 and a newborn inlay $79.95. BabyGearLab says the stroller seat suits children from 6 months. Warranty terms listed by BabyGearLab are limited lifetime on the frame and 3 years on fabric and parts.

How much storage does the Urban Glide 3 have?

Thule rates the cargo basket at 15 lb, which BabyGearLab notes is well above the roughly 10 lb average for the class. The basket has a zip-top cover that keeps items in and a rear mesh pocket, plus two mesh compartments for snacks or toys. That is enough for a diaper bag and a few groceries. BabyGearLab lists 75 lb as the total stroller capacity, including the child, and 49 lb for the seat. A removable parent console is included, according to BabyGearLab.

Can you run with the Thule Urban Glide 3?

The answer is not simple. Thule markets the Urban Glide 3 as an all-terrain stroller with a twist hand brake and a front wheel that locks for higher speeds, and its US site files it under all-terrain and jogging strollers. BabyGearLab, however, reports that the manufacturer's safety sheet says it is not suitable for running, and marked it Not Recommended because of that line, even while calling it a favorite. According to BabyGearLab, Thule responded that the wording is standard for an EU rule, that the stroller meets ASTM F833 in the US and Canada, and that the front wheel must be locked for jogging. BabyGearLab also lists jogging and off-road use as suitable from 6 months. If running is your main reason to buy, Thule's own Glide 3 is its dedicated running model, listed at $849.95 and 24.9 lb with 18-inch rear wheels. Read the manual that comes with your stroller.

Thule Urban Glide 3 vs Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew vs UPPAbaby Vista V3

Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew: A premium all-terrain option if you want to compare ride and price. UPPAbaby Vista V3: Full-size with a bassinet included, for use from birth and a second seat later.

How we rated the Thule Urban Glide 3

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

1. Maneuverability 20%9.4
2. Fold & portability 20%8.0
3. Comfort & safety 20%8.2
4. Storage & practicality 15%8.6
5. Build & durability 15%9.3
6. Value 10%8.0

Weighted total8.6— Excellent

Thule Urban Glide 3 full specifications

What to buy instead

• A premium all-terrain option if you want to compare ride and price.

  Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew

  8.8 — Excellent. 26.5 lb, folds to 17.3×23.6×35.4 in, $1,499.

• Full-size with a bassinet included, for use from birth and a second seat later.

  UPPAbaby Vista V3

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

• Lighter at 21.6 lb and cheaper at $479.99, but with smaller wheels and a 10 lb basket.

  Baby Jogger City Mini GT3

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