In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

UPPAbaby Ridge Review

A high-quality option with aesthetic appeal and incredible convenience, but the large folded footprint and heavy weight might be a deal-breaker
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UPPAbaby Ridge Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $600 List
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Manufacturer:   UPPAbaby
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Sep 10, 2024
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 10
  • Run-ability - 35% 7.3
  • Ease of Use - 20% 9.2
  • Maneuverability - 20% 6.4
  • Transport and Storage - 10% 4.5
  • Quality - 10% 9.8
  • Kid Comfort - 5% 7.4

Our Verdict

The UPPAbaby Ridge is a crossover jogging stroller included in our review of favorite jogging strollers. This stroller feels like a thoughtfully designed option created by people who use strollers instead of people trying to check feature boxes. It is easy to use, has the highest storage capacity, and has a comfortable seat for little ones. There is a big canopy and an impressive cup holder. We like the responsive handbrake, never-flat tires, and overall versatility. Unfortunately, the Ridge isn't the best for running and struggled compared to options that favor running more than doing everything. It is heavier and larger than average when folded, making it harder to lift, carry, and stow. The extra weight and design also made it feel harder to push, and while it was good for casual jogs, our tester didn't like using it for the longer runs. We like the Ridge and see how some folks looking for a crossover will appreciate the look and feel of this option, but we encourage checking out other award winners before buying the Ridge.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent suspension
Responsive hand brake
25lbs storage
Never flat tires
All-in-one
REASONS TO AVOID
Spendy
Heavy
Doesn't feel as sporty

Compare to Similar Products

 
uppababy ridge
This Product
UPPAbaby Ridge
Awards Top Pick Award
Highest Quality Jogging Stroller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Jogging Stroller
Top Pick Award
Best Jogger for Longterm Use
 Best Value Award
Best for Small Budgets
Price $600 List
$599.99 at Amazon
$600 List$550 List
$439.99 at Amazon
$173 List
$129.99 at Amazon
$150 List
$129.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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53
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Nice crossover with an appeal to many but has some limitations to consider before choosing it over better-performing optionsAn 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-standThe Race Tec is somewhat nicer than other Baby Trend joggers we've tested, but it isn't the best for runningBudget jogger that is lightweight and easy to maneuver but it lacks dedicated running features like tracking and suspension
Rating Categories UPPAbaby Ridge Guava Roam Crossover BOB Revolution Flex... Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Expedition
Run-ability (35%)
7.3
8.3
7.7
3.9
3.9
Ease of Use (20%)
9.2
9.0
7.4
6.4
5.8
Maneuverability (20%)
6.4
9.3
8.4
6.8
6.7
Transport and Storage (10%)
4.5
8.2
6.2
6.1
8.1
Quality (10%)
9.8
9.8
8.7
5.1
3.7
Kid Comfort (5%)
7.4
7.8
7.2
6.8
5.2
Specs UPPAbaby Ridge Guava Roam Crossover BOB Revolution Flex... Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Expedition
Capacity Limits Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 55 lbs
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: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs / 42"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs / 42"
Measured Weight 30.5 lbs 28.5 lbs 27.3 lbs 28.1 lbs 23.6 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 37.3" x 26.3" x 17.0" 28.5" x 17.4" x 15.1" 37.8" x 25.5" x 15.3" 36.5" x 24.5" x 16" 16.3" x 23.5" x 33.1"
Folded Volume 16,677 cu in 7,488 cu in 14,748 cu in 14,308 cu in 12,679 cu in
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 41.25" - 45.5" 34" - 45" 34.5" - 48" 41.5" 41"
Fixed/Swivel Wheel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel
Measured Rolling Resistance Average 21 Ft 24 Ft 37 Ft 21 Ft 45 Ft
One-handed Fold Yes Yes No No No
Auto or Manual Fold Lock Auto Manual Manual Manual Manual
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Included Accessories Water bottle holder Parent console (removable) Parent Console (removable)
Child Tray (removable)
Parent Console (removable)
Child Tray (removable)
Setup Time 5 - 10 mins 5 mins 5 - 10 mins 5 - 10 mins 5 - 10 mins
Warranty 3 Year warranty 2 Year warranty

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

Our Analysis and Test Results

UPPAbaby is a family-owned business started by the Monahans in 2006. After becoming new parents, they felt there was a gap in the baby gear world, as they were unable to find the right gear to suit their needs. They believed they could create and offer better, less complicated, and well-made products. They have experienced organic growth and success and now employ more than 175 people.

Performance Comparison



The Ridge has a lot of features to make it a good jogging stroller, but our testers didn't enjoy it as much as others in the group.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Run-ability


The Ridge did not perform well in our tests for run-ability, earning one of the lowest scores in the group. We test for running, suspension, tracking, ergonomics, and more.

Run-ability Performance Ratings
ProductRunningTrackingSuspensionErgonomics
Best9.09.08.08.3
UPPAbaby Ridge7.59.07.06.5
Average76.46.45.8
Worst5.03.01.03.2
Our run-ability tests include a variety of tests, including running for 5 miles, suspension, tracking, ergonomics, and more.

Unfortunately, it is really bouncy overall, and this made the experience more of a pain than a delightful outing. While we think it is fine for a casual jog on most flat surfaces, it doesn't feel like the best fit for sprints or long workouts. The heavier weight and bouncy feel take more effort than most will want to expend regularly.

uppababy ridge - the ridge has a locking swivel front wheel and adjustable tracking...
The Ridge has a locking swivel front wheel and adjustable tracking, both of which are operated on the frame near the front wheel.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

The Ridge has suspension and an adjustable handlebar, which help keep fatigue at a minimum and reduce the vibration of the handle when running. The handlebar has 4 possible adjustment points with a range from 41.25 to 45.5 inches. While not the tallest in the group, it should be good to go for most parents. The adjustable handlebar is comfortable, and the handbrake is well placed, so it doesn't feel in the way and isn't hard to squeeze. The handbrake was responsive downhill and helped give more control to keeping the stroller on track.

The swivel front wheel on the front of the Ridge has a straightforward lock and unlock mechanism.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

This stroller has a locking swivel front wheel. When locked, it offers adjustable tracking, and the front wheel runs straight in this configuration without much adjustment over time.


While the Ridge is designed for running or the occasional jog, we think it might be better suited as an all-terrain stroller than it is a jogger for dedicated runners.

uppababy ridge - the uppababy ridge is thoughtfully designed with features that make...
The UPPAbaby Ridge is thoughtfully designed with features that make life easier like color-coded brake pedals.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Ease of Use


The UPPAbaby is very easy to use and earned a score in this metric, one of the highest in a competitive group.


uppababy ridge - the ridge storage bin has the largest capacity weight limit in the...
The Ridge storage bin has the largest capacity weight limit in the group and interior pockets for organization. The cover has a flip-top lid and partial zipper to help items stay on board.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Storage


UPPAbaby again has one of the largest weight capacities in the group, with ample storage limits of 20 lbs. This is way above the average in the group of 10 lbs and much higher than some that only hold 5 lbs. Access to the bin is very easy, and we fit our extra-large diaper bag inside. The bin has a cover that zips partially closed and can be removed. The front is a mesh window that can also lift for easy access to smaller items. There is a tab to hold it in place. The bin has a metal structural liner to help it keep its shape. The bin has three pockets to help keep things organized.

The Ridge is the only option in our review that offered a...
The Ridge is the only option in our review that offered a much-needed holder for a water bottle. Unlike cup holders, this sleeve keeps the bottle on board even when running fast or going over bumps.
The back of the Ridge canopy has a small zippered pocket that is...
The back of the Ridge canopy has a small zippered pocket that is perfect for smartphones.

It also has a slim zippered pocket on the canopy that's perfect for a smartphone! It is easy to use and doesn't bounce when running.

We love the water bottle sleeve on the Ridge.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Ridge has a unique water bottle holding sleeve we love and wish came with all strollers. Keeping hydrated while running has never been easier with the dedicated sleeve. While some competitors offer somewhat useless parent consoles with shallow cup holders, the UPPAbaby provides something far better.

Folding the Ridge is straightforward and intuitive the first time you do it.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


The UPPAbaby has an intuitive, easy-to-accomplish folding and folding design. It is a one-hand operation with an automatic lock that self-stands.

uppababy ridge - the ridge fold mechanism is under the leg rest and is easy to...
The Ridge fold mechanism is under the leg rest and is easy to operate with one hand.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The legrest on the seat folds up to reveal that twist folding mechanism. All you need to do is twist and lift, and it collapses in half.

uppababy ridge - the ridge harness webbing is soft and smooth and easy to adjust for...
The Ridge harness webbing is soft and smooth and easy to adjust for size and shoulder height.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


The harness is easy to operate with smooth webbing and adjustment that requires no effort. The buckle is firm but releases the sides without being pulled on. The shoulder straps slide up and down for height adjustment, and the shoulder and hip straps are both padded for comfort.

uppababy ridge - the ridge has two brake pedals, one to set and one to release that...
The Ridge has two brake pedals, one to set and one to release that are color-coded for quick use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The Ridge has a deceleration handbrake and a parking brake. The handbrake works well at slowing the stroller and is very responsive without any hand fatigue. The parking brake is color-coded and is press to set and press to release with two different pedals.

uppababy ridge - the brake pedals are really close to the disc portion, and shoes...
The brake pedals are really close to the disc portion, and shoes could rub on discs for those with larger feet.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Ridge has unique disc brakes in this category. They look really cool and are more like bicycle brakes than stroller brakes. The disc is located close to the pedal, and we wonder if larger feet could rub on the brakes.

The UPPAbaby comes with a picture-only manual, which isn't our favorite style. It isn't hard to build, and we finished quickly, but adding words would be nice.
Credit: Graham Faulknor

Ease of Setup


The UPPAbaby takes 5-10 minutes to set up. The process is straightforward: snap on the wheels using a quick start guide. A lot of packaging keeps the stroller safe during shipping, but it is a lot to unpack.

uppababy ridge - the ridge didn't perform as well off-road as some competitors, but...
The Ridge didn't perform as well off-road as some competitors, but the airless rubber tires were still better than most full-size options off-road.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


The Ridge has a swivel front wheel that allows it to move more easily in tight spaces or crowds.


However, it struggled with maneuverability in our tests compared to the competition. While it earned a better score than the traditional full-size strollers we tested, it couldn't compete with the jogging strollers.

uppababy ridge - the ridge handled like a dream indoors but struggled on casual...
The Ridge handled like a dream indoors but struggled on casual walks, with some noticeable wobble in the front wheel.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Pushing and turning indoors was great. The Ridge handled our obstacle course like a dream, easily making flooring transition changes.

We tested the Ridge on and off-road, including indoors and on pavement and curbs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

We could comfortably push it with one or two hands and didn't need much lead time for turning. It feels shorter and more nimble than the more traditional, well-known joggers in this lineup.

uppababy ridge - the ridge wasn't as impressive outdoors on uneven terrain as other...
The Ridge wasn't as impressive outdoors on uneven terrain as other jogging strollers.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Moving off-road is a stark contrast to the indoor experience. It occasionally felt inconsistent in its performance and was rough when the terrain got bumpy. It got tippy in our grass testing, and the flex in the frame made things worse as we moved on to other terrains. It also took more force to pop it up on the curb, but you don't have to lift it very high.

uppababy ridge
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transport and Storage


The Ridge is one of the heaviest and biggest options in the group, giving this stroller one of the lowest scores in the group for transport and storage.

Weight and Folded Size Ratings
ProductWeightFolded Size
Best9.57.2
Average6.36.3
UPPAbaby Ridge3.85.0
Worst3.04.6
our transporting and storage metric is informed by test results from measuring the weight and folded size of the strollers for comparison.

The Ridge weighed 30.5 lbs with all the parts in place, over 3 lbs heavier than the manufacturer's claimed weight of 27 lbs. It is one of the heaviest in the group, with very few packing such a heavy punch.


The folded size measured 37.3" x 26.3" x 17.0", which is 16,677 cubic inches.


This folded size is bigger than average and could be a deal breaker if your space is limited since at least one is less than half this size.


The Ridge is heavy and larger when folded than the average stroller. If your space is limited or you don't want to heft 30 lbs, it might be best to consider alternatives.

uppababy ridge - if quality is your thing, the uppababy ridge stands out in this...
If quality is your thing, the UPPAbaby Ridge stands out in this metric.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


The Ridge performed well in our quality tests compared to the competition. It isn't a surprise, as most UPPAbaby gear is high quality with an eye for thoughtful design and construction.


The fabric on the seat and the sunshade is a tight-weave canvas. The sling seat has nice padding, and we loved the shoulder and waist padding. The handlebar has a foam cover that feels good in the hand and doesn't leave residue on our hands like some competitors. It is easy to grip and works well with the handbrake. It all works so well together, and it looks intentional instead of just checking a box of features.

We like the foam-filled rubber tires that translate to no flats, no matter the terrain. This is a big deal for parents who lack tire tube changing savvy, and we love that someone stuck with a flat insisted on this added nod to quality. The frame is of nice quality and sleek, with components that fit it well. It doesn't have much flex, and there is no wiggle or rattle. The overall fit and finish are impressive and look impressive compared to much of the competition, with an attention to detail that is largely unsurpassed.

uppababy ridge - the ridge offers a recline flat enough for comfy napping on the go.
The Ridge offers a recline flat enough for comfy napping on the go.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kids' Comfort


UPPAbaby designed the Ridge with babies in mind, earning one of the highest scores in the group for passenger comfort and features.


It features a padded sling-style seat that folds flat enough for napping. It has a two-step single toggle adjustment for reclining that we see on a lot of jogging strollers but wish we didn't. It is easy to use but requires two hands to raise and feels dated. The leg rest is padded and travels all the way down to a hard footrest. The rest is somewhat narrow, so bigger feet might end up dangling off the side, but it is easy to clean after muddy adventures.

The sunshade has an SPF 50+ rating and is large enough to protect even during napping. It has two small mesh windows for ventilation and peeking. The canopy also extends open with a zippered extension panel.

While the Ridge isn't the world's best jogging stroller, it offers a high-quality design for everyday use that can traverse different terrains and partake in regular running.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Should You Buy the UPPAbaby Ridge?


Yes, maybe, it depends. The Ridge just missed winning an award by a hair. This stroller is thoughtfully designed by people who use strollers, and we like some of the unique features, such as the ample storage and the disc brakes. Overall, it performed well, but it wasn't the best runner. If you want a crossover and love UPPAbaby or value quality over other things, then the Ridge could be a good choice. If you are an avid runner and hope for a great running experience in a cross-over stroller, then it might not be the best fit.

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?


We prefer the Guava Roam Crossover to the Ridge. In our tests, it was easier to run with, and we loved the ability to switch from swivel to locking wheel without bending over and relatively on the go. It is easy to use, easy to maneuver with the swivel wheel, and has the smallest fold in the jogging business. While we wish it had a slightly bigger canopy, there isn't much to dislike in the Guava, and it edged out the Ridge in run-ability, maneuverability, transporting and storage, and Kid Comfort with a similar quality score. The Guava is also slightly less expensive.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz