The Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight is a three-wheel stroller with rear-wheel suspension, locking swivel front wheel, pneumatic tires, a parent console, and an under-seat storage bin. This stroller earned a respectable score for maneuverability and weight and folded size, but it relatively below average in most other areas. The Zoom does not offer adjustable tracking, suspension, or handlebar height; features most serious runners believe are necessary for a great jogger. This lack of runner-friendly functionality makes it a poor choice for those looking to run frequently. Also, with a small and hard to use storage bin and no self-stand feature, we think the Joovy needs a few upgrades before it can be a real contender.
Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Review
Disappointing choice that doesn't run straight enough and lacks adjust-ability
Price:
$300 List | $223 at Amazon
Pros: Useful parent accessories, easy to push and turn in tight spaces
Cons: Harder to use and not great for running
Manufacturer: Joovy
Pros: Useful parent accessories, easy to push and turn in tight spaces
Cons: Harder to use and not great for running
Manufacturer: Joovy
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team ⋅ Sep 30, 2019
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The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
Joovy is a family company operating out of Texas and California. It started in 2005, creating useful and functional designs for everyday use. They make a variety of gear types from bottles to strollers and most things in between.
Performance Comparison
The lack of adjustable tracking hurt the overall run-ability of the Zoom as it veered off course at speed.
Run-ability
The Joovy may not be the best option for serious runners. The Joovy has a locking front swivel wheel, but it does not have adjustable tracking (something serious runners want). However, despite the lack of adjustability, it tracks fairly straight, though there is some extra effort involved to keep it moving straight.
The swivel front wheel on the Zoom can be locked in place for running or movement over rougher terrain.
It also doesn't have an adjustable handlebar, so this might make it harder to use for taller or shorter parents. While pushing and running with the front wheel locked, it is average compared to the competition. The safety strap is nicer than others, and it can be attached to the handlebar when not in use. It is attached low on the frame, and it allows the user to choose which wrist to wear it on.
The canopy on the Zoom is not as smooth and nice looking as some of the competition.
Ease of Use
The Joovy isn't the easiest option to use on an everyday basis.
Fold and Unfold
The Joovy Zoom is relatively easy to fold and unfold. It requires two hands and three steps but doesn't have an auto-lock or self-stand. It folds similarly to some of the standard strollers with a pull handle on the seat and a release lever elsewhere. Unfolding is about as easy with two hands and two steps.
The Zoom brakes are very stiff and not sandal foot friendly.
Brakes
The brakes are single action and challenging to use whether you are setting or releasing them. The pedals are not sandal foot friendly and are very stiff.
The peek-a-boo window on the Joovy is a good size and easy to see through, but the hook and loop closures are loud and so small they are somewhat ineffective.
Sunshade
The sunshade is large and offers good coverage past the knee. The canopy itself sits higher up on the frame than some of the competition, so it is less effective at blocking lower sun and wind. It has a big peek-a-boo window, but the cover has hook and loop closures that can be loud.
The bar across the middle of the Joovy storage bin, coupled with the strap down the back, make it a bin that is hard to access and fully utilize.
Storage
The storage bin is disappointing in a group with so many better options available. This bin is only medium compared to the competition, and it has a maximum weight allowance of only 5 lbs. We were able to fit our large diaper bag inside, but access is challenging and only available from the back. Access is further limited thanks to a strap and low bar that goes across the bin.
The Joovy has a mesh pocket on the seat back and dual mesh pockets in the seating area for the child. It also comes with a neoprene parent console with double cup holders and a covered pocket too small for larger smartphones. The console has a maximum weight allowance of 5 lbs. The console itself is removable and washable.
The straps on the Joovy harness pop out when the buckle is depressed making it one of the easier one hand operations in the review.
Harness
The 5-point harness is one of the easier options to use. This harness is easier to take off than put on, but both are straightforward. The straps pop out of the buckle when released, so it can be operated with one hand to open. This harness has a variety of shoulder height options and an adjustable crotch strap.
Reclining the seat back on the Joovy is harder than it needs to be requiring two hands and extra time.
Seat
The Zoom has a short padded leg rest that is not adjustable. It travels down to a footpad that feels like rubberized mesh and should be easy to hose clean. The seatback reclining feature requires two hands and is challenging to recline and raise.
Ease of Setup
The Joovy took almost 6 minutes to set up from start to finish. It has good documentation, and no tools are required.
The Joovy managed fairly well at pop ups and turning tilting and turning with the front wheel locked.
Maneuverability
The Joovy is easier to push and turn than much of the competition.
The spoked wheel on the Joovy combined with rubber pneumatic tires help make it one of the easiest to push on flat surfaces.
The Joovy is one of the easiest in the group to push and turn on flat hard surfaces. It is responsive, almost too sensitive as we experienced some tippiness when turning the stroller at speeds. However, this makes it easier to turn in tight spaces and negotiate crowded places.
Pushing and turning on the Joovy on uneven terrain is a little bit harder than the flat surfaces, but still relatively easy compared to the competition.
Pushing and turning on rougher terrain is challenging, but not prohibitively difficult. It is a little tougher on grass and gravel, but better than much of the competition. The front-wheel seemed to have more problems negotiating the larger rocks, but the riding experience for the passenger is smoother.
While lighter and smaller than some of the high ranking competition, it would be really nice if the Zoom could self-stand when folded.
Weight and Folded Size
The Joovy earned weighs in at 25.9 lbs. This weight is neither heavy nor light for this group.
The rear wheels on the Joovy are also quick release with a mechanism inside he brake components.
Jogging strollers are often more substantial than full-size strollers. However, when folded, the Joovy is 14,515 cubic inches, making it one of the smallest in the group. It can be slightly smaller by removing the quick-release wheels.
The Joovy scored below average for quality in this review with stiff competition.
Quality
Joovy has durable but coarse fabric that is not as nice on the skin as the competition. The seat and leg rest have less padding than we like, but it has soft straps which will be nice for bare skin. It has a sturdy frame with less flex than much of the competition, but it has exposed fasteners that make the overall fit and finish look cluttered.
The wheels on the Zoom are all quick release options, and feel and look nicely made.
The wheels on this stroller are spoked aluminum, and the tires are pneumatic rubber, with more wobble in the wheel connections than others. The handlebar is a fixed height and average in size with a firm foam cover for comfort. The handlebar could be larger in diameter and curved for better ergonomics.
This stroller has non-adjustable rear suspension. The overall ride comfort level is good thanks to the sling-style seat and shocks, but it could use more padding.
Manufacturer Video
— Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team