REASONS TO BUY
Below average price
Adjustable shocks
REASONS TO AVOID
Challenging runner
Hard to use
Crud collecting fabric
Chicco Activ3 Air Review
Below average jogger that makes running a chore
Credit: Abriah Wofford
RELATED: The Best Jogging Strollers
The Skinny
The Chicco Activ3 Air is a below-average jogger for a below-average price. This unimpressive stroller is challenging to run with thanks to a lack of tracking adjustability and its bulky size gives a less than responsive maneuverability. This stroller comes with adjustable shocks, adjustable handlebar, and a parent console (an uncommon feature in joggers). It has a large canopy and a storage bin accessible from all sides. While it is less expensive than similar options, it still falls short of offering well-functioning features that make a stroller good for jogging.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Chicco (KEE-ko) is an Italian company with more than 30 years creating baby gear. Chicco experienced great success in the United States when they introduced their infant car seats and strollers.
Performance Comparison
Unlike the majority of the competition that locks the front wheel at the wheel, the Activ3 front wheel can be locked in place from the handlebar which means no bending over or getting your hands dirty.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Run-Ability
The Activ3 is a Chicco running stroller but you may not know it thanks to poor run-ability. It has a locking swivel front wheel and adjustable handlebar that rotates on a pivot point.
It has adjustable rear wheel suspension, but no adjustable tracking to keep the stroller running straight. Without tracking you are at the mercy of however the stroller comes and it may or may not stay on course. The Activ3 is challenging to turn and maneuver while running and we experienced more difficulty tipping it than most of the competition. This stroller wanders when you run straight and you have to work to keep it on track.
The suspension on the Activ3 is very easy to adjust and can be done quickly on-the-go.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Activ3 is average for ease of use tying with some of the competition.
The Activ3 has a one-handed fold that initiates with a button push and a twist of the handlebar mechanism.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Fold and Unfold
This stroller requires one hand to fold and it auto locks and self-stands when folded. Folding has 8-11 steps depending on how compact you'd like the stroller to fold, but given that much of the competition has closer to three, even eight sounds like a lot. Unfolding is 1-5 steps and is very easy to operate even with one hand.
The parking brake on the Activ3 is on the handlebar which is a unique feature not found on the majority of strollers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
The single-action parking brakes of the Activ3 are unique as the control is located on the handlebar. It is a twist and press to lock and then press again to release mechanism that is easy to use but hard to get used to.
Storage
The storage bin (above left) on the Activ3 is medium and held our large diaper bag. It has accessibility from all sides and comes with a maximum weight allowance of 10 lbs. It also features a parent console (you shouldn't use while running) with a weight allowance of 2 lbs and two cup holders with a center storage tray (above left).
The sunshade on the Activ3 has a vinyl peek-a-boo window that works well unless you open the canopy all the way and then it moves too far forward to see inside.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
The sunshade is large with a small, vinyl peek-a-boo window in a good location for viewing. However, if you extend the canopy to its full capacity the window will be too far forward for adequate viewing.
The Activ3 harness is generally average with nothing really standing out but nothing so challenging to use that it will cause frustrating.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The 5-point harness on this jogger is average for putting on and taking off. The adjustment of the straps is a partial rethread system sewn on the front of the seat and uses sewn-on loops to lower the height.
The seatback on the Activ3 reclines with one hand and a simple squeeze of the adjustment mechanism. It is one of the few that raises and lowers with one hand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Seat
The seat on the Activ3 is hard plastic and not as cozy as a sling-style option. It has an easy to operate one-handed recline with four positions. There is no ventilation at the top of the seat in any position and you need to unzip and open the canopy for additional airflow. The seat has a stationary, padded leg rest that ends on a shallow and narrow, plastic footrest.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Activ3 comes compatible with some Chicco brand infant car seats including the Chicco KeyFit, Chicco KeyFit 30, and the Chicco Fit2. It is not compatible with any other brands.
Ease of Setup
The Activ3 took us 10:31 minutes to assemble and is average for difficulty with more parts to attach than the competition. The manual is a multi-language format that can make following along challenging so it takes time to find the right instructions.
The front wheel on the Activ3 is a lockable swivel that rotates for negotiating tight spaces or locks for jogging or off-road travel.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Maneuverability
The Activ3 has a swivel front wheel that makes negotiating turns and tight spaces easier than a fixed wheel, but it is still only average for maneuverability.
This stroller feels bulky and clunky compared to the competition on flat surfaces, but it is on par with the Chicco Tre. Because of its size, it has a tendency to feel less responsive and it requires more forethought than you'd expect. Moving off-road is somewhat harder which is disappointing in a jogger with larger rubber tires and suspension. The flex in the adjustable handlebar translates to less control over bumps and uneven surfaces.
The Activ3 self-stands which can be good for storage, but this fold is larger with the front wheel protruding from the bulk of the stroller unless you want to follow more steps for a compact fold.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Folded Size
The Activ3 is on the heavy side compared to the competition with a weight of 27.1 lbs, but it measures 14,229 cubic inches when folded which is smaller comparatively. While it isn't the heaviest, which is closer 35+, it is heavy compared to the higher ranking stroller we tested.
The Activ3 is average quality with some disappointing design features and finishing touches.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The Activ3 is similar to other Chicco fare with an average look and feel. This stroller has pleats, folds with internal plastic ribs that Chicco calls "3D Air Mesh" for breathability, but it really just collects dirt and crumbs and doesn't seem like it was designed by someone with children. It snagged in our tests and doesn't feel bare skin-friendly. The rest of the fabric has a rough, plastic feel.
The Activ3 handlebar rotates on a pivot for parents of different heights.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The frame is sturdy with more give in the handle than we'd like. It is the same as the Tre's and is clean without being busy. The adjustable handlebar has a soft foam cover that lacks the density of higher-end models but is still comfortable. The tires are no-flat rubber on dense plastic wheels. The seat hard with minimal padding and the shocks are adjustable providing an average comfort experience.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Carrie Vickers
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