In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Jogger City GO2 Review

Generally average or below average results for a seat that costs more than better-performing options
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Baby Jogger City GO2 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $350 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Jogger
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 20, 2023
64
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 14
  • Crash Test - 40% 6.5
  • Ease of Install - LATCH - 20% 6.0
  • Ease of Install - Belt - 10% 4.3
  • Ease of Install - w/o Base - 5% 5.5
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.0
  • Comfort/Quality - 5% 7.0
  • Weight/Size - 5% 6.8

Our Verdict

We eagerly anticipated testing the Baby Jogger City GO2 because having a same-brand seat to pair with Baby Jogger strollers would be nice. Unfortunately, in our tests, this seat performed below average overall and wasn't impressive in the key metrics we considered. While it offers an easy-to-use seat with above-average comfort and quality, it wasn't enough to pull up its overall poor score compared to other seats. This car seat earned a below-average result in our crash test analysis of the sensor data we obtained through third-party testing. Installing any method is also more challenging than much of the competition. These two metrics are critical in creating a safer car seat experience. Overall, we think there are better seats on the market and several less expensive seats in our review, including high-ranking infant car seat award winners.
REASONS TO BUY
Integrated tensioner/lock-off
Easy-to-adjust shoulder straps
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Below-average crash test analysis
Tensioner/anti-rebound bar doesn't work in all cars
Expensive for average performance
Editor's Note: Our infant car seat review was updated on October 1, 2023, with new crash test results and all new side-by-side comparisons. We performed an additional update on October 20, 2023, after two seats were discontinued.

Compare to Similar Products

 
baby jogger city go2
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Crash Test Analysis Infant Car Seat
Editors' Choice Award
Best Car Seat with High Stroller Compatiblity
Top Pick Award
Best Infant Car Seat for Quality & Comfort
Best Value Award
Best Crash Test on the Tightest Budget
Price $350 List
$244.99 at Amazon
$480 List$270 List
$183.99 at Amazon
$430 List
$429.99 at Amazon
$120 List
$119.00 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Interesting features aren't enough to overcome lackluster performance and higher priceWith impressive crash test results, this seat is a top contender for those with the right budgetGreat overall seat with high stroller compatibility and better than average results all aroundThis seat is high on quality and comfort, with good scores all around, but there are better crash tests for a lower price to be had elsewhereIf your budget is small, this seat has impressive crash test results
Rating Categories Baby Jogger City GO2 Clek Liing Chicco KeyFit 35 UPPAbaby Mesa Max Graco SnugRide 35 L...
Crash Test (40%)
6.5
8.7
7.6
7.3
8.4
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
3.0
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
4.3
8.3
7.0
6.5
3.5
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
5.5
7.8
6.8
7.0
3.8
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
5.5
8.5
7.0
5.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
7.0
6.0
7.5
9.0
3.0
Weight/Size (5%)
6.8
6.8
6.9
6.8
8.5
Specs Baby Jogger City GO2 Clek Liing Chicco KeyFit 35 UPPAbaby Mesa Max Graco SnugRide 35 L...
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs
Maximum Height 32 in 32 in 32 in 32 in 32 in
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 10.5 lb 10.5 lb 10.4 lb 10.6 lb 7.6 lb
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Non-rethread Rethread Non-rethread Non-rethread Rethread
Belt Routing Style European European European European American
Anti-rebound Bar Yes No Yes Anti-rebound handle position No
Load Leg No Yes No Yes No
Shoulder Harness Positions 17 3 5 Infinite 4
Crotch Strap Positions 2 1 1 1 2
Number of Recline Positions 4 7 6 4 4
Locking Handle Positions 4 3 3 4 4
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Any position Upright Position Any position Position 4 (all the way forward) Any position
Level Indicator On Base Bubble, both sides Bubble, in middle Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides needle, one side
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

Baby Jogger began in 1984 by fathers who longed to jog with their little ones. These men invented the first actual jogging stroller. As time progressed, Baby Jogger created multiple strollers, most of which are not joggers despite the moniker. In 2015, Baby Jogger was acquired by Newell Rubbermaid. They continue to produce a variety of strollers and car seats.

Performance Comparison



This video shows the crash testing we commissioned for the Baby Jogger City Go 2 from MGA Research.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Testing


The City GO2 earned a below-average result for the crash test analysis metric.

While every seat in this review is considered safe and meets federal guidelines, some showed better sensor results in our crash testing than others, potentially offering an additional margin of protection over those with lower scores.

The graph shows a comparison of the head sensor results of the Go2...
The graph shows a comparison of the head sensor results of the Go2 and the Clek Liing, as the Liing is one of the best performers in the group.
This graph compares the chest sensor results from crash testing of...
This graph compares the chest sensor results from crash testing of the Baby Jogger and the Clek Liing.

Our commissioned crash tests were a little hotter than the federal guidelines, so we expect to see a little more stress on these seats and perhaps a wider variation of results. The City GO2 earned relatively impressive chest sensor results with a lower number than much of the competition (lower is better). However, its HIC, or head sensor, results were less impressive and higher than average (lower still better here). Other infant car seats in this review earned better results in both sensors but certainly much better results, often by half, for the HIC sensor. So, while considered safe, the City GO2 results earned it a below-average score in this metric.

baby jogger city go2 - whether you use latch or the vehicle belt to install the city go2...
Whether you use LATCH or the vehicle belt to install the City Go2, you'll use the anti-rebound bar as a belt tensioner/lock-off.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation LATCH


Ease of installation using the LATCH system is the easiest method for the Baby Jogger, but that isn't saying much. With a below-average score in this metric, it isn't anything to crow about, especially when you consider it should be the easiest installation method, and it pales in comparison to higher-ranking seats.

The anti-rebound bar on the City Go2 works as a belt tensioner for the LATCH straps and the vehicle belt. It can be hard to close.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This seat has push-in LATCH connectors with flexible straps attached to the base. It features bubble-level indicators on both sides and an anti-rebound bar but no load leg.

baby jogger city go2 - the bubble level indicator on the city go2 has a wide acceptable...
The bubble level indicator on the City Go2 has a wide acceptable installation area and works well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This seat was more accessible to install in the sedan than in the small SUV we rented for testing. Depending on your car, you might have more luck, but tightening the straps was difficult, and the shape of the rebound bar made it somewhat wiggly because it doesn't align with the seat back in every car. Also, the anti-rebound bar is incorporated into the lock-off system, and we barely got it to snap down, and once we did, it wasn't tight enough. After starting again, the tightened belt made it hard to push down past the threshold to lock in because the bar hit the back of the vehicle seat.

The City Go2 has a push-style LATCH connector we prefer over the...
The City Go2 has a push-style LATCH connector we prefer over the clip style that is harder to remove.
The base on the City Go 2 has an anti-rebound bar.
The base on the City Go 2 has an anti-rebound bar.

While everything is “okay” for the installation and removal of this base, it isn't the best in the group, and everything is just slightly more complicated than it needed to be and kind of a pain when you know how easy it can be.

The recline adjustment on the City Go needs to be adjusted before installation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Recline Adjustment


This base has four recline angles available to help with installation. The adjustment is on the end of the base that goes against the vehicle seat, and this means you need to adjust it before installation is complete, or you won't have room to reach the button.

The vehicle belt (shown here in yellow) threads in the color-coded...
The vehicle belt (shown here in yellow) threads in the color-coded route under the belt tensioner on the City Go2, which is also the anti-rebound bar.
The lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle belt tuck under the...
The lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle belt tuck under the thread pathway before pushing the belt lock in place.

Ease of Installation - Belt


Installing the base using the vehicle belt is similar to the LATCH by utilizing the rebound bar as a tensioner to try to get the belt tight. It is significantly harder to install the City using this method, and we preferred the LATCH installation and installation without the base.

This installation offers color-coded routing and a built-in tensioner/lock-off, which should make things easier. Unfortunately, the tensioner is the anti-rebound bar, and it is hard to find the sweet spot between the belt not being too tight to get the bar pushed down and closed and not tight enough to install the seat stably. It takes some finagling we didn't experience with every seat. Once installed, it felt a little wiggly and less secure than the LATCH installation. Overall, it felt like too much hassle to try to get the belt tensioner fully closed and still pass the wiggle test on secure installation.

baby jogger city go2 - the city go2 utilizes the european belt path with the shoulder of...
The City Go2 utilizes the European belt path with the shoulder of the vehicle belt wrapping around the back of the carrier shell.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base


Installing a car seat without the base can come up when you need to move it to a car other than your primary car or use public transport or ride shares. The City GO2 performed below average in this test, but it was easier to install without the base than with the vehicle belt and the base.

The back of the City Go2 carrier has a color-coded clip for the...
The back of the City Go2 carrier has a color-coded clip for the shoulder belt to thread through from the vehicle.
The vehicle lap belt travels across the lap/foot portion of the City...
The vehicle lap belt travels across the lap/foot portion of the City Go2 carrier, while the shoulder belt on the vehicle goes around the back of the carrier.

The City GO2 uses the European threading method, which goes around the back of the carrier and across the foot area. It is color-coded and easy to thread, and we got it tighter in the sedan than in the SUV. The real problem we had was getting the vehicle belt to let go to get the carrier out. We also had struggles with the canopy getting in the way during installation.

baby jogger city go2 - the city go2's buckle and chest clips are straightforward and easy...
The City Go2's buckle and chest clips are straightforward and easy to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


Ease of use is where the Baby Jogger stands out, with one of the highest scores in the group for this metric.

Buckle


The buckle is more accessible than the average buckle. It is square, textured, and has a slight depression in the middle. The prongs have metal inside to create friction, preventing them from sliding on the strap and disappearing under the baby. The chest clip is pretty standard and works smoothly both to connect and disconnect.

baby jogger city go2 - the harness on the gity go2 tightens with the pull of the strap near...
The harness on the Gity Go2 tightens with the pull of the strap near the release button on the foot of the carrier. Tightening has a little more resistance than much of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Tightening/Loosening


Tightening the harness is easy enough, but there is more friction from the backside than much of the competition due to how the straps are routed. Releasing is also straightforward with an easy-to-press exposed button.

The harness shoulder height adjustment on the City Go2 works from the back of the carrier by pinching the light grey portions in before sliding it up or down as needed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Adjustment


This seat has a non-rethread harness, which means you can adjust it with your baby in the seat and on the go when you notice it needs adjustment. The adjustment is a pinch design that runs along a slotted platform that looks like a spinal cord. It has 17 possible positions, which is huge compared to most that offer closer to 4. Do we think you'll need 17? No, but it could provide a better fit, which increases protection. It has two crotch strap positions.

baby jogger city go2 - removing the city go2 carrier from the base is done by pinching the...
Removing the City Go2 carrier from the base is done by pinching the release lever and pulling the carrier up and off the base.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Carrier to Base Connection


Connecting the carrier to the base is straightforward, and we had no problems and don't see how you can do it wrong. Removal is a button on the back of the carrier. Those with shorter arms might struggle to reach it from outside the car. The handle pulls up easily, but it is easier with the canopy up and out of the way.

baby jogger city go2 - the baby jogger handle rotates back and forth by pushing the button...
The Baby Jogger handle rotates back and forth by pushing the button to unlock the handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle


The handle has four positions, and all are allowed when driving the car. It rotates on each side near the canopy and has a thicker center for hand-holding.

baby jogger city go2 - the canopy on the city go2 is average size and feels durable, but it...
The canopy on the City Go2 is average size and feels durable, but it isn't very breathable.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Canopy


Like many other seats, this option also has a handle and canopy collision problem; using both simultaneously is a problem. It seems like a minor thing, but it also feels wholly unnecessary and a poor design to us.

LATCH connector storage on the City Go2 are two separate...
LATCH connector storage on the City Go2 are two separate compartments on the base near the tensioner bar cross-over. Their use is overly complicated and not intuitive.
The City Go2 manual storage compartment is out of the way and not...
The City Go2 manual storage compartment is out of the way and not exposed to potential baby explosions and messes.

LATCH and Manual Storage


LATCH storage is so tricky we had to Google where it is and eventually found a YouTube video for help. It isn't intuitive, with strange storage under the anti-rebound bar. Under the rebound bar, you have to pull the storage compartment up, and there are two! The extra webbing gets shoved in an adjacent storage area, not where the LATCH connectors stow. If you don't get it all in correctly, then you won't be able to close the anti-rebound bar. It's so odd and overall designed we don't get it when there are much simpler designs on the market. The manual storage is in the base near the bottom, tucked away from little fingers and accidental soiling.

baby jogger city go2 - the city go2 is a nice looking seat that is more comfortable than...
The City Go2 is a nice looking seat that is more comfortable than the average seat in this group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


This seat performed well compared to the competition for comfort and quality, scoring above the average in our tests.

baby jogger city go2 - the city go2 has dense eps foam to aid in force absorption.
The City Go2 has dense EPS foam to aid in force absorption.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fabric and Padding


The fabric isn't the best, but it isn't the worst. It is about what you'd expect on a car seat. It has a few parallel stick lines along the neck rest and infant insert, but nothing we think will cause chafing. There is a warning label in the center of where the baby's head will rest, and it could be irritating if your little one has no hair, and some of the stitching could be irritating over time with a rubbing head. This seat has thicker padding on the head and neck area than most. The padding is dense, with only a little give when pressing it. We did find some complaints of excessively sweaty babies, and we can see that dense padding and this kind of fabric potentially lead to less breathability.

Handle and Canopy


The handle is straight up and across with no ergonomic bend. It has a leather cushioning center that is very nice, and we wish more offered this feature. We wish this one went down both sides for when you carry it with a hooked elbow. It doesn't rattle and feels firm.

The canopy is a ripstop material that feels durable but not breathable. It looks taunt for the most part, but there is a dip at the top. The canopy can be pushed back.

Shell


The shell sides are smooth and easy to wipe clean—no nooks or crannies for gunk build-up. The adjustable harness area on the back will be hard to use if it gets gunk in it, but this area is not exposed to the passenger.

baby jogger city go2 - the city go2 is on the heavier side, which is something to keep in...
The City Go2 is on the heavier side, which is something to keep in mind if you plan to carry it frequently.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


At 10.5 lbs, the Jogger carrier is on the heavy side but about average for the group. While the difference between carriers could be just a few pounds, those pounds add up quickly the longer you hold the carrier and the bigger your baby gets. If you plan to carry your infant in their car seat, this might matter to you, and a lighter-weight carrier will be important.

baby jogger city go2 - overall, we think there are better car seats in our infant review...
Overall, we think there are better car seats in our infant review than the Baby Jogger.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the City GO2


If you own a compatible Baby Jogger full-size stroller, we see how this short shelf-life car seat might intrigue you. With a simple attachment that makes car-to-strolling easy with no adapters, we get it. However, we think it is better to choose your car seat before you choose a stroller because the seat is a safety concern more so than a stroller. Several higher-scoring seats with better crash test analysis and ease of installation scores are available that are compatible with many popular strollers. Some of them even cost less. So, overall, we think our review has better options no matter what your car seat goals.

What Other Infant Car Seats Should You Consider?


If you are looking for a seat that is highly compatible with lots of strollers and has better crash test analysis results, we love the Chicco Keyfit 35. This seat is less expensive than the City GO2 and earned a better overall score. If your goal is the best crash test analysis results, then the Clek Liing is a top-performing option with higher quality and ease of installation. While it has a higher cost, its performance shows it has the chops to justify the price if you can afford it.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz