In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Thule Urban Glide 3 Review

Aesthetically pleasing, higher quality and excellent performance make it compelling, but the manufacturer safety sheet says it is "not suitable for running"
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Thule Urban Glide 3 Review (Since 2013, we've tested more than 35 jogging strollers, running over 100 miles in that time.)
Since 2013, we've tested more than 35 jogging strollers, running over 100 miles in that time.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $650 List
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Manufacturer:   Thule
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Sep 10, 2024
84
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 10
  • Run-ability - 35% 8.7
  • Ease of Use - 20% 8.0
  • Maneuverability - 20% 9.5
  • Transport and Storage - 10% 6.5
  • Quality - 10% 9.1
  • Kid Comfort - 5% 6.6

Our Verdict

The Thule Urban Glide 3 is one of our favorite jogging strollers. It is a versatile choice that attempts to be a crossover stroller and more or less succeeds. The Urban Glide 3 is an upgrade to the Urban Glide 2, with most of the changes encompassing features for kids and the comfort of the passengers. The Urban Glide 3 is a swivel wheel choice for everyday use that can be locked in place for jogging. It has adjustable tracking and handlebar and impressive suspension to keep it riding smoothly for the pusher and passenger. We like the easy one-hand fold of the Urban Glide 3 and the overall sleek look that definitely gets a second look from passersby. This stroller has a max capacity of only 49 lbs, which is significantly lower than that of some competitors and limits how long you can use it. It also has an ergonomic, angled, narrow handlebar that not all testers liked, as it encourages single-handed running. Overall, this is a stroller we continue to love for all it offers and the impressive performance it displayed during testing. It is a great option for running, moving off-road, and getting about in most environments.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to fold
Agile
All-terrain
Sleek appearance
15lb storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Not suitable for running (safety sheet insert)
Spendy
49lb max child weight
Not Recommended
This Thule stroller includes a safety manual stating it is “not suitable for running,” making it one we do not recommend (see details below).

Compare to Similar Products

 
thule urban glide 3
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Jogging Stroller
Top Pick Award
Best Jogger for Longterm Use
Top Pick Award
Highest Quality Jogging Stroller
Best Value Award
Best for Small Budgets
Price $650 List
$649.95 at Amazon
$600 List$550 List
Check Price at Amazon
$600 List
$599.99 at Amazon
$150 List
$149.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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53
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Higher-priced option that offers impressive performance and useful features, but the included safety sheet says "not suitable for running"An excellent performer for both running and everyday life, it is hard to go wrong with this compact folding joggerA sturdy, high-quality crossover option that is easy to run with, but the fold requires two hands, and it doesn't self-standNice crossover with an appeal to many but has some limitations to consider before choosing it over better-performing optionsBudget jogger that is lightweight and easy to maneuver but it lacks dedicated running features like tracking and suspension
Rating Categories Thule Urban Glide 3 Guava Roam Crossover BOB Revolution Flex... UPPAbaby Ridge Baby Trend Expedition
Run-ability (35%)
8.7
8.3
7.7
7.3
3.9
Ease of Use (20%)
8.0
9.0
7.4
9.2
5.8
Maneuverability (20%)
9.5
9.3
8.4
6.4
6.7
Transport and Storage (10%)
6.5
8.2
6.2
4.5
8.1
Quality (10%)
9.1
9.8
8.7
9.8
3.7
Kid Comfort (5%)
6.6
7.8
7.2
7.4
5.2
Specs Thule Urban Glide 3 Guava Roam Crossover BOB Revolution Flex... UPPAbaby Ridge Baby Trend Expedition
Capacity Limits Minimum (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: Birth
Stroller Seat: 6 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 6 months - 4 year
Maximum: 75 lbs Total Capacity Limit with 49 lbs as max seat weight
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 60 lbs / 42 in
*car seat adaptor (sold seperately) allows for usage from 0 - 6 months
Minimum (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 week
Stroller Seat: 8 week - 8 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 months - 5 year
Maximum: 75 lbs / 44 in
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 55 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs / 42"
Measured Weight 26.2 lbs 28.5 lbs 27.3 lbs 30.5 lbs 23.6 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 37" x 26.6" x 15.2" 28.5" x 17.4" x 15.1" 37.8" x 25.5" x 15.3" 37.3" x 26.3" x 17.0" 16.3" x 23.5" x 33.1"
Folded Volume 14,960 cu in 7,488 cu in 14,748 cu in 16,677 cu in 12,679 cu in
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 38.5" - 45.3" 34" - 45" 34.5" - 48" 41.25" - 45.5" 41"
Fixed/Swivel Wheel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel
Measured Rolling Resistance Average 44 Ft 24 Ft 37 Ft 21 Ft 45 Ft
One-handed Fold Yes Yes No Yes No
Auto or Manual Fold Lock Auto Manual Manual Auto Manual
Self-standing Fold No Yes No Yes Yes
Included Accessories Parent console (removable) Water bottle holder Parent Console (removable)
Child Tray (removable)
Setup Time 15 mins 5 mins 5 - 10 mins 5 - 10 mins 5 - 10 mins
Warranty Limited Lifetime warranty on Frame / 3 years fabric and parts 2 Year warranty

60 Day trial period
Frame is warranted for 5
years. Components and fabric are
warranted for 1 year
3 Year warranty 1 year limited warranty

Our Analysis and Test Results

Do Not Recommend
We loved the Thule Urban Glide 3. So much so that its predecessor won an award in our full-size stroller review. It is a high-quality option that is easy to use, comfy, and very versatile. Unfortunately, during testing and research, we discovered a safety sheet in our stroller box that stated that the Urban Glide 3 is “not suitable for running.” After reaching out to the company, we were told this is standard to meet an EU mandate (not applicable in the US or Canada) and that the product is designed for jogging. Despite the claim, we feel we should take the manufacturers at their written word and are, therefore, stuck with no other option than to inform readers and make it a do not recommend option since it is not advertised as a jogging stroller on their website, and it includes information warning not to use it for running.

The company provided the following statement concerning the safety warning:
"As a global brand, Thule meets all relevant safety standards where the product is sold, as such, select countries require more stringent safety warnings. In the US and Canada, Thule Urban Glide 3 meets the North American regulatory standard (ASTM F833) which makes it safe and suitable for both jogging and strolling. When jogging with the product, the front wheel must be locked in the jogging position. For strolling with the product when the wheel is unlocked and in the swivel position, the product is not suitable for running or skating."

thule urban glide 3 - this is a screenshot of the thule safety sheet included with the...
This is a screenshot of the Thule Safety sheet included with the Thule Urban Glide 3 and the Glide 2 with the “not suitable for running” warning highlighted.
Credit: Thule Safety Manual

Performance Comparison



The Urban Glide 3 performed well in our tests for run-ability.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Run-ability


The Urban Glide 3 impressed in our run-ability tests and earned one of the highest scores in the group. We perform multiple running tests to help determine run-ability, including test runner experiences and feedback to determine the run-ability score.

The Urban Glide 3 has an adjustable handlebar that rotates on a...
The Urban Glide 3 has an adjustable handlebar that rotates on a pivot point, placing taller pushers closer to the rear axle.
The Urban Glide 3 has an attached safety strap to prevent accidental...
The Urban Glide 3 has an attached safety strap to prevent accidental loss of stroller control.

The Urban Glide has many features that make it easy to run with. The handlebar is adjustable, and it has useful suspension, adjustable tracking, and a locking front wheel. The three-wheel design includes rubber and pneumatic tires, a safety strap, and a deceleration handbrake.

Run-ability Performance Ratings
ProductRunningTrackingSuspensionErgonomics
Best9.09.08.08.3
Thule Urban Glide 39.09.08.08.3
Average76.46.45.8
Worst5.03.01.03.2

The handlebar adjusts on a pivot point that rotates up or down in four possible positions from 38.5" to 45.3" from the ground. This helps parents find an ergonomic height to reduce fatigue and effort while pushing.

The Urban Glide 3 has a twisting deceleration handbrake that is easier to use than the traditional squeeze method.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

It has a pronounced curve with a center-placed, twisting deceleration brake. The brake works well to slow the stroller when running or moving downhill, but the center placement makes running one-handed more challenging, and the brake wires can get in the way when you grasp the handle on either side.

thule urban glide 3 - the main grey dial on the urban glide 3 locks the swivel wheel in...
The main grey dial on the Urban Glide 3 locks the swivel wheel in place. The grey dial next to it spins to adjust the tracking.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The front wheel locks in place easily and should only be used for running in the locked position. The adjustable tracking is also easy to use and works well to keep the stroller running straight, but we had to adjust it multiple times during testing.

thule urban glide 3 - the wheel lock on the urban glide 3 is easy to move to lock the...
The wheel lock on the Urban Glide 3 is easy to move to lock the wheel in place for all-terrain strolling and running.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

This helps reduce effort in keeping the stroller on the track and makes it easier to run one-handed. Both adjustments are located near the front wheel and require bending over to use.

thule urban glide 3 - the urban glide 3 performed better in our rolling resistance test...
The Urban Glide 3 performed better in our rolling resistance test than much of the competition.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

This Thule performed well in our rolling resistance tests with an average distance before stopping at 44 feet. This indicates it experiences less natural resistance as a result of the materials used and the overall design. It should translate into less resistance when running and, thereby, less fatigue over time.

We tested each stroller for rolling resistance by measuring how far it would travel before stopping.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The average distance for the group is closer to 33 feet, with several only rolling close to 21 feet.

thule urban glide 3 - the back of the thule urban glide 3 storage basket has a zippered...
The back of the Thule Urban Glide 3 storage basket has a zippered pocket to keep quick-access items.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The Urban Glide 3 is an easy stroller to use with features that feel intuitive and work as they should. It earned one of the higher scores in the group for ease of use.


The Thule Urban Glide 3 has an easy-access storage bin with a 15-lb...
The Thule Urban Glide 3 has an easy-access storage bin with a 15-lb storage weight.
The Urban Glide 3 has a nicely placed storage pocket that can fit...
The Urban Glide 3 has a nicely placed storage pocket that can fit your phone or other small items.

Storage


The main storage bin on the Urban Glide 3 is easy to access and has a zippered top. We fit our extra large diaper bag inside, and it has a 15-lb weight capacity. The average is close to 10 lbs, with some only holding 5, so 15 feels like a gift. The bin has reflective detailing for nighttime visibility and features a front pocket for smaller, easy-to-access items like a phone or chapstick.

thule urban glide 3 - the seatback on the urban glide 3 has a mesh storage pocket, but it...
The seatback on the Urban Glide 3 has a mesh storage pocket, but it has a 2 lb weight limit and is probably not the best place to stash your water bottle.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The seat back also has a mesh storage pocket, and we think it is best for lightweight and smaller items you might need quick access to while running. Smaller water bottles might do well, but larger stainless steel insulated bottles might be too heavy and damage the pocket over time. There is no dedicated water bottle location.

thule urban glide 3 - the urban glide 3 has interior seat storage pockets that can hold...
The Urban Glide 3 has interior seat storage pockets that can hold snacks or a child-size water bottle.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The passenger seat offers two mesh pockets for sippy cups, snacks, or toys. We love that they are placed deep in the seat so little ones can reach them and items are less likely to fall out while running, unlike child tray features that stick out the front.

Initiating the fold on the Urban Glide 3 includes sliding and twisting the handle under the leg rest.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


The Urban Glide 3 is super easy to fold and can be accomplished with a single hand. The leg rest lifts up, revealing a handle to slide and rotate. Then lift, and the whole thing folds on itself in half.

The Urban Glide 3 fold is quick, intuitive, and can be done with one hand.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

It has an automatic lock and can self-stand if you do it in a specific way. When folded, it can roll like luggage for easier transport. Unfolding is also a breeze and can be done with one hand.

thule urban glide 3 - the urban glide 3 has nice padding and is easy to use but the buckle...
The Urban Glide 3 has nice padding and is easy to use but the buckle and crotch strap padding can make operation with one hand trickier when pressing the button.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


The Urban Glide 3 is a soft webbed 5-point harness with shoulder, waist, and crotch strap adjustment points. It offers padding for comfort, and making size adjustments is a breeze. The buckle is easy to operate and does not require nesting of parts.

The Urban Glide 3 brake pedal is easy to set and release.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The Urban Glide has single-action brakes with an easy-to-set pedal. The pedal is a rocker-style pedal where you press the side closest to you to set the brake and press the smaller side closest to the stroller to release. This makes them sandal foot-friendly.

Each stroller, including the Urban Glide 3, was put through indoor and outdoor courses to test for maneuverability.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


The locking swivel wheel on the Urban Glide 3 performed well in our test for maneuverability, with one of the highest scores in the group for this metric.

Maneuverability by Surface Type
ProductPavementAll-terrainCurbs
Best10.09.09.5
Thule Urban Glide 310.09.09.5
Average87.18
Worst7.05.08.0
The Thule Urban Glide 3 performed well in our maneuverability tests both on pavement and off-road

We tested each stroller on both hard, flat surfaces and off-road. As the Urban Glide 3 is advertised as an all-terrain stroller, it is no surprise that it performed well here both on and off-road.

In our tests, the Urban Glide performed well for being agile and turning easily.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

On pavement, it earned a perfect score, handling curves smoothly. It was easy to push on carpet, hardwood, concrete, and pavement. It was able to make very tight turns, move around our obstacle course without a hiccup, and push and turn with one hand. We feel confident it can manage even tight, crowded spaces as long as there is space for the larger three-wheel design.

thule urban glide 3 - marketed as an all-terrain stroller, the urban glide 3 performed...
Marketed as an all-terrain stroller, the Urban Glide 3 performed well off-road in our tests.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Off-road, it continues to excel, feeling stable and sturdy as it goes over bumps and tricky obstacles like sand and pine needles. The suspension and rubber tires helped it navigate any surface we threw at it. It continues to impress going over curbs, and we had no issues with it being too bouncy or getting squirrelly.

thule urban glide 3 - with relatively average weight and size, this jogger is not...
With relatively average weight and size, this jogger is not prohibitively large, but it does take up significant space.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transport and Storage


The Urban Glide 3 earned a slightly above-average score for transporting and storage.


This stroller is neither lightweight nor small when folded, but the handle placement and size make it fairly easy to lift and put in a car. It weighed 26.2 lbs in our tests, which is spot on with the manufacturer's claim. When folded, it measures 37" x 26.6" x 15.2", which is 14,960 cubic inches. The weight is slightly below the average for the group, while the folded size is a smidge bigger than the average.

thule urban glide 3 - the urban glide 3 is truly a lovely stroller with a thoughtful and...
The Urban Glide 3 is truly a lovely stroller with a thoughtful and minimalistic design that is both functional and sleek.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


Thule offers a high-quality stroller in the Urban Glide 3, which earned one of the highest scores in the group for this metric.


The fabric feels durable but easy to wipe clean, similar to an outdoor adventure jacket. The padding on the seat is slightly thicker than the other Thule we tested, but it isn't as smooth as some of the competition.

The wheels are dense plastic with plastic spokes and a center hub you can press to detach the wheels quickly. The tires have thicker tread, and we didn't have any flats during testing or a need to top off the air. The handlebar is comfortable with a pronounced curve that makes it easy to push with two hands. The bar is wrapped in a thick and comfortable material that didn't leave stains on our hands and didn't get sweaty.

The aluminum frame has steel and nylon parts. The frame is powder-coated, giving it a rugged and sporty look. The frame feels stable and didn't experience flexing. There are minimal joints, fasteners, and connection points, giving it an overall clean and finished fit and finish. Overall, it has a streamlined look and a minimalistic design without clutter or frumpy features.

thule urban glide 3 - little ones of many sizes feel comfortable in the urban glide 3...
Little ones of many sizes feel comfortable in the Urban Glide 3 sling-style seat.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kids' Comfort


The Thule offers an average riding experience for passengers compared to the competition. But it still offers a comfy seat with some of the best sun protection.


thule urban glide 3 - the urban glide 3 canopy is huge and one of the best tin the group...
The Urban Glide 3 canopy is huge and one of the best tin the group, covering a significant percentage of the passenger seat.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The sunshade on the Thule offers some of the most extensive coverage in the group, earning a high score for this submetric.

The Urban Glide 3 peek-a-boo window is wide and large enough to see...
The Urban Glide 3 peek-a-boo window is wide and large enough to see the passenger easily.
The Urban Glide sunshade extension panel that zips open is a mesh...
The Urban Glide sunshade extension panel that zips open is a mesh panel that also increases ventilation.

The canopy features a zip-open extension panel for more coverage and increased ventilation in warmer weather. It also has a clear vinyl peek-a-boo window. This canopy covers more of the passenger than any other and definitely keeps low light away from sensitive eyes when fully open.

The top of the Urban Glide 3 seat back is mesh and offers...
The top of the Urban Glide 3 seat back is mesh and offers ventilation for air flow when the seat is reclined.
The recline toggle on the Urban Glide 3 is easy to use but feels...
The recline toggle on the Urban Glide 3 is easy to use but feels dated.

The Thule's seatback reclines with a plastic toggle that threads two side straps through it. It has a one-hand operation to lower it but will require two hands to raise it upright. It reclines flat enough for comfortable napping. It does not sit upright, which is standard for jogging strollers. The leg rest extends fully from the seat bottom to the footrest and has enough padding to keep little ones comfortable. The footrest is on the smaller side, but it is plastic for durability and ease of cleaning. Taller children might be able to put their foot in the hole where the front wheel connects to the stroller.

thule urban glide 3 - we like the urban glide 3, and if you're looking for an all-terrain...
We like the Urban Glide 3, and if you're looking for an all-terrain or crossover stroller, it might be the right one for you.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Should You Buy the Thule Urban Glide 3?


If you are looking for a crossover option, the new Urban Glide 3 could be the right one. It performed well in every metric and offers a lot for passenger comfort, like a larger canopy and deeper seat. It has zip-covered storage and significant adjustability for pusher comfort. If you only take occasional slower jogs around your neighborhood but want the all-terrain aspects of a three-wheel rubber tire option, then the Urban Glide 3 could be perfect. However, keep in mind it comes with a Thule safety manual stating it is “not suitable for running,” and it is not advertised on their website as a jogging stroller (it is listed as all-terrain).

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?


If you want a smaller, lighter, or less expensive crossover, the Guava Roam Crossover is a potential choice. This stroller is cheaper and has features similar to those of Urban Glide 3. It performed well in our running tests and provides quality features and design for the pusher and the rider. If you want a one-and-done stroller, the Guava could be the right choice, depending on your needs. If you want a sportier or more adventurous jogger with a longer lifespan, the BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 is one for your shortlist.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz