This Thule stroller includes a safety manual stating it is “not suitable for running,” making it one we do not recommend (see details below).
Thule Urban Glide 3 Review
Our Verdict
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
This Product
Thule Urban Glide 3 | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Jogging Stroller | Best Jogger for Longterm Use | Highest Quality Jogging Stroller | 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 | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
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 jogger | A sturdy, high-quality crossover option that is easy to run with, but the fold requires two hands, and it doesn't self-stand | Nice crossover with an appeal to many but has some limitations to consider before choosing it over better-performing options | Budget 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%) | |||||
Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
Maneuverability (20%) | |||||
Transport and Storage (10%) | |||||
Quality (10%) | |||||
Kid Comfort (5%) | |||||
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) |
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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
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:
Performance Comparison
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The average distance for the group is closer to 33 feet, with several only rolling close to 21 feet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The sunshade on the Thule offers some of the most extensive coverage in the group, earning a high score for this submetric.
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 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.
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.