When it comes to picking out a pram or pushchair to keep your little bundles snug and safe, the sheer quantity of options can be overwhelming. We tested the Thule Chariot Cross Double to see if it stood out from the crowd. 

The Thule Chariot Cross Double ticks a lot of boxes — it’s a sibling option of the Chariot Cross, which can be either a stroller, a jogging stroller, a bike trailer, or even, in the right conditions, a ski-based trailer. It seems that Thule really has thrown everything at this one, but with so many options, is it a bit of a gimmick, or is it actually a worthy choice? 

The first impression of the Chariot Cross Double is that it’s pretty big — at 80cm wide, it won’t fit through a standard UK front door when it’s ready to roll. That is quite a sizeable downside, but the flip side is that it’s straightforward to construct — the wheels all click into place with incredible ease, and that’s the extent of the assembly needed before hitting the pavement.

Thule Chariot Cross Double

That’s all there is to do right out of the box, too. There are no complex instructions to follow; click the wheels in, pump up the bicycle-style tyres and adjust the handle to the height that suits you, and you’re ready for the open footpath or woodland trail.

There are extras which can be added, such as a hand-operated brake kit, which is great if you are likely to be jogging with it or want greater control over rough or hilly terrain. This does take a little more time to fit, but it isn’t overwhelming. A main foot-operated brake is fitted to the Chariot for parking, which is easy to operate and holds the Chariot securely. 

For babies under 10 months, there are soft and comfy infant slings that attach over the seats, giving lateral, padded support to keep the babies safe and secure. For very small babies, these are a must, as the standard seat isn’t very well padded and has minimal support for tiny ones. 

Extra seat pads are also available for the standard seat, so once your little people no longer need the infant slings, they can still ride in enhanced comfort. 

Thule Chariot Cross Double storage

The kits to convert the Chariot to either a jogger or a ski trailer aren’t included as standard but can be purchased separately. Happily, the kit to convert it to a bike trailer is included so that you can hook it up to a bicycle within minutes. 

There are some clever features to the Chariot which increase the ride quality for your passengers even further — the adjustable leaf spring suspension is easy to use and makes an appreciable difference to the softness of the ride,  as well as plenty of control over different surfaces and terrain. Just move the sliding adjustment, found by the rear wheel, backwards or forwards, depending on if you want firmer or softer suspension.

Thule Chariot Cross Double suspension

Storage space is important when you’re out and about with a couple of kids in tow, and the Chariot doesn’t let us down there, either. Not only are there mesh pockets on the back of each of the two seats, but there is also a large covered compartment behind the seats, which spans the width of the buggy, so being the double version, it’s a fairly sizable space. It can also be easily clipped up out of the way if you’re jogging to allow an unimpeded stride. 

The Chariot includes a clip-on sunshade and rain cover, both of which can be folded and stored in the cargo compartment so they are always easily available. 

There are also adjustable air vents, which allow increased ventilation when the PVC rain cover is attached, optimising airflow and keeping the kid’s cabin cool.

Thule Chariot Cross Double vents

The seats in the Chariot Cross Double are forward-facing, but thanks to the panel at the top, you have a clear view of the children from above. The seats can also be unhooked and reclined individually for nap times, while still giving access to the storage pocket. 

So What Are the Bad Points of the Thule Chariot Cross Double?

Well, it’s fairly cumbersome due to its overall size, and while the one-click fold system makes it easy to collapse down, it is still a significant size when folded. The detachable wheels also need to be stored when it’s folded. They fit within the body of the stroller, but if you’ve been off the beaten track, placing the dirty wheels onto the seats can be a bit of an issue. 

It can accommodate babies from birth, using the infant slings, but there is no option for a more traditional pram top to be attached. This is possible with other strollers within the Thule range, but not this particular one. 

Having said that, the Chariot Cross is not your ordinary stroller. It’s more suited for those who want to do more than pop to the supermarket or out for a coffee with friends. It’s more geared towards those who want to invest in a vehicle that can not only take their kids around town in comfort as babies or toddlers, but also through a wood or a campsite, for a jog around the park, or a bike ride around a nature reserve. 

We haven’t been able to test the Chariot as a bike trailer yet, as our baby models are still too small for that experience — Thule recommends that the bike trailer is only used for children between one and four years old. Once they are old enough, though, we’ll be strapping them in and heading off to explore. 

Thule Chariot Cross Double Verdict

The Thule Chariot Cross Double offers some great features that will suit some parents, or even grandparents, down to the ground. It’s got ample space to accommodate two children comfortably, and it looks great too. Storage can be a bit of an issue, as it doesn’t fold down to a particularly compact size, but if you have plenty of space to allow for that, then it’s an excellent choice. 

Thule Chariot Cross Double

Price-wise, for the advantages it has, in terms of being a bike trailer and a stroller, plus a jogger too with the right kit, then at just shy of £1,100, it measures up pretty well, as all of the essential bits and bobs are included in the price. If it’s just an everyday stroller you’re looking for, this might not be your best buy.

We were impressed with the Chariot Cross Double; Thule has created a product that is excellent quality, looks pretty stylish, and, most importantly, got the seal of approval from our baby models — or grandsons as they are otherwise known — who loved their maiden voyage, and will definitely be enjoying many more adventures in the future. 

Model tested: Thule Chariot Cross Double
Average Joes Rating: ★★★★☆

Sam Huff
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