Budget 3-Wheeled Strollers

Best budget jogging strollers

True jogging strollers have large, fixed wheels, which make for a smoother and faster ride than their swivel-wheel counterparts. Fixed front wheels also track straighter than swiveling wheels, and they won't wobble. As a result, experts recommend a fixed-wheel stroller if you plan on running or jogging. The top-rated jogging strollers cost $350 and up, but it is possible to find cheaper options under $200. These budget options are heavier than pricier strollers because most have steel frames rather than aluminum. They also have lower weight capacities, so you won't be able to use them as long, and shorter warranties (usually one year).

Unfortunately, manufacturers seem to be focusing their attention on all-terrain strollers instead of true jogging strollers, especially in the budget category. As a result, there are few good options available among budget jogging strollers.

One exception is the Jeep Overland Limited (*Est. $200), a fixed-wheel jogging stroller that is priced considerably less than top-end joggers. It has 16-inch air tires, an adjustable handle and an under-seat bin. The Jeep Overland Limited includes several features that joggers appreciate, including a speed/distance odometer and a built-in sound system that plays music from an iPod or other MP3 player. The stroller also has a child tray with a cup holder. Like most budget jogging strollers, the Jeep Overland Limited is relatively heavy at 27 pounds. The weight limit of 45 pounds is also pretty light -- the top-rated BOB Ironman, for example, has a 70-pound limit. The Jeep stroller comes with a one-year warranty.

Experts have good things to say about the Jeep strollers, which are manufactured by Kolcraft. In one top baby gear book, the authors say the Jeep jogging strollers are a good bet for those on a budget. Babble.com, a baby and pregnancy website, also likes the Jeep Overland Limited. Editors like all the extra features, particularly the built-in speakers so you can run without headphones. The Jeep Overland Limited receives mixed reviews on Buzzillions.com, where the jogging stroller earns a 3.7-star rating in more than 200 reviews. Those who like it say the stroller is a great value, complete with a durable frame and a comfortable ride for their child. However, many parents say the tires go flat too easily and others complain that the fixed wheel makes it hard to maneuver.

InStep is one company that makes well-reviewed jogging strollers at an affordable price, including the InStep Run Around LTD (*Est. $150). It has a fixed front wheel and a one-handed folding mechanism. Like most budget strollers, it sports a steel frame (pricier jogging strollers are made with lightweight aluminum), so it weighs in at a robust 29 pounds. It has a 50-pound weight limit and a one-year warranty. Parents give the InStep Run Around LTD Jogging Stroller generally good reviews, with owners on Amazon.com describing it as "sturdy" and "durable," with a smooth ride over pavement, gravel and grass. Unfortunately, InStep has recently discontinued all their jogging strollers made prior to 2010, including the Run Around LTD. As of this writing, the stroller is still available at Amazon.com, but probably not for long.

InStep's new fixed-wheel jogging stroller is the InStep Flash (*Est. $150). At 24 pounds, it is considerably lighter than the Run Around LTD, although it has a steel frame as well. It sports 16-inch air tires, a large under-seat storage basket, two built-in cup holders and a 50-pound weight capacity. Safety features include bicycle-style hand brakes and a five-point safety harness. The InStep Flash comes in orange and has a one-year warranty. Unfortunately, this new stroller hasn't attracted many reviews yet. Only two parents review it at Amazon.com, where the InStep Flash earns a 3-star rating. One user has a positive impression, saying the stroller was easy to put together. Another reviewer claims the Flash stroller is hard to steer and doesn't track straight.    

Top picks in budget all-terrain strollers

Unlike jogging strollers, which have fixed front wheels, all-terrain strollers have a swiveling front wheel for easy maneuverability. If you thought you had to spend $400 and up on a good all-terrain stroller, think again. In a recent independent test of 11 all-terrain strollers, the top three performers all cost $150 or less. Even more surprisingly, these budget-friendly picks posted higher scores than pricey strollers from BOB, phil&teds and Mountain Buggy -- and these strollers cost more than twice as much!

So why would anyone buy an expensive all-terrain stroller? For one, strollers from BOB or phil&teds are stylish and appeal to parents who want the latest "must-have" stroller. In addition, high-end strollers are usually lighter since their frames are made with aluminum rather than steel, which is important if you'll be lifting the stroller often. Pricey three-wheelers also have lots of suspension for a more comfortable ride and high-quality components that will last for years to come. That said, if safety is your only priority, these budget strollers will serve your needs just fine.   

The best option, according to reviews, is the Jeep Liberty Limited (*Est. $160). It is one of the top performers in a recent independent test, and it also impresses the stroller experts who author a top baby gear book. The Jeep stroller has rugged 12-inch tires, a one-handed folding mechanism and a large storage basket with removable cargo bags. Like the Jeep Overland Limited reviewed above, the Liberty Limited has a built-in sound system and a parent tray with cup holders. A child tray with a toy steering wheel and horn is also included. The stroller has a 40-pound weight limit and comes with a one-year warranty. As with all all-terrain strollers, the Jeep Liberty Limited is meant for everyday use and fitness walking, not running.

In a recent independent test, the Jeep Liberty Limited outperforms the BOB Revolution, phil&teds Sport and Mountain Buggy Urban -- all of which cost $400 or more. The Jeep stroller posts excellent marks for maneuverability and safety in this test. It also enjoys very good user reviews, including a 4.2-star rating from more than 300 parents at Buzzillions.com. Parents like that it can accommodate a number of car seats (including the Graco SnugRide, the top-rated model in our report on infant car seats). Several users say that their children enjoy riding in this stroller more than others because they have music and a toy steering wheel to keep them entertained. "I love this stroller, my 15-month-old son always wants to go in it unlike other strollers where he kicked and screamed," one parent writes. The biggest problem is that the stroller is hard to lift due to its 30-pound weight. We also saw a few complaints that the wheels wobble and go flat easily.

Another all-terrain stroller that excels in independent tests is the Baby Trend Expedition LX (*Est. $130). It has two 16-inch rear wheels and a lockable 12-inch wheel in the front. Features include a parent tray with cup holders, a child tray, adjustable canopy and a large storage basket. The stroller, which has a steel frame, weighs 27 pounds and can accommodate a child up to 50 pounds. It's covered by a 180-day warranty. In addition to the base model, the Expedition LX Sonic (*Est. $200) offers built-in speakers for an MP3 player.

The Baby Trend Expedition LX scores very highly in a recent independent test, where it posts high ratings for maneuverability. However, user reviews are decidedly mixed. At Buzzillions, the Expedition LX stroller earns a 3.1-star rating from nearly 400 reviewers. While some praise the stroller's value, others complain about a wobbly front wheel that makes for a jarring ride -- one parent calls it an "earthquake on wheels." Many also report durability problems after several months of use, including screws or wheels that loosen or even fall off. Even so, there are many parents who are happy with the price and say it handles well over uneven terrain.  

For an inexpensive all-terrain stroller, the Kolcraft Contours Options 3-Wheeler Stroller (*Est. $160) receives very good reviews from parents at Buzzillions.com. This 25-pound stroller has 12-inch rear wheels and an 8-inch swiveling front wheel. An attached parent tray includes two cup holders and the child grab bar has its own cup holder as well. The Kolcraft stroller also includes an adjustable canopy and under-seat basket. It's compatible with a number of infant car seats, including the Graco SnugRide. The 50-pound weight capacity is in line with other budget all-terrain strollers, as is the one-year warranty.

Reviewers at Buzzillions.com love the style of the Kolcraft Contours Options 3-Wheeler, giving it a 4.2-star rating in nearly 200 reviews. Parents also praise the seating configuration, since you can reverse the seat to face forward or backward. "It's really fun to use and the reversible seat option is a steal at this price," one parent writes. The stroller is also very easy to maneuver. Some reviewers say it's too bulky and heavy, and others have problems fitting it in their trunk.