Top pick
With plenty of additional storage space, an included car-seat adapter, and the maneuverability of a traditional stroller, this versatile wagon offers plenty of bang for your buck. But don’t try to bring it to the beach.
Of all the stroller wagons we tested, the Baby Trend Expedition 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon Plus was the favorite for everyday use, and it was easier to push than wagons costing twice as much. It looks and handles more like a stroller than a wagon, with a stroller-like handlebar that angles up, making it comfortable to steer.
The Expedition 2-in-1’s narrow frame enables it to easily fit through doors, aisles, and other narrow spaces, so it’s a convenient mode of transportation for a variety of situations—from stores to crowded farmers markets. It also performs well on grass and gravel, but the treadless tires make this wagon incredibly difficult to maneuver through sand. And at 40 pounds, it’s about 7 pounds heavier than our other picks.
It was designed with comfort and safety in mind. This wagon has a deep cargo space, so falling out is not as much of a risk as with some of the other stroller wagons we tested. And because kids sit higher up off the ground in this wagon than in the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser, in our experience, they can’t reach down and get their fingers caught in the wheels. The Expedition 2-in-1 wagon has removable seat cushions that can be unfolded and spread out flat in the cargo space, converting the wagon into a cozy, bassinet-like area.
Like all stroller wagons, the Expedition 2-in-1 can be used with babies when they’re able to sit upright unassisted (often between 7 and 9 months). And with the included car-seat adapter (which is compatible with multiple brands), this stroller can be used right away with newborns. When the wagon is not in use, you can activate the brake with one foot, and both rear wheels will lock simultaneously. But note that the 3-point harnesses (as opposed to 5-point ones) may be easy for babies and toddlers with thin frames and narrow hips to slip out of, and they may be easy for older children to unbuckle.
The push/pull feature is legit. A lot of stroller wagons claim they can be both pushed and pulled. Yet with some, one of the two options can be difficult to do. The Expedition 2-in-1’s sturdy hideaway pull handle pops out from under the wagon, and it’s a great option for pulling the wagon if you’re going uphill or need a change of position. Or, with the wagon’s larger wheels positioned below the angled handlebar, the Expedition 2-in-1 maneuvers like a quality full-size stroller when pushed.
The included mosquito net is a rare find. The Expedition 2-in-1 was one of two stroller wagons we tested (the other being the Pronto) that came with a mosquito net. This handy feature can be released from the canopy and tucked snugly around the cargo space, making excursions like camping or fishing trips—or strolls through the neighborhood when the mosquitos are out—a lot more pleasant for the kids.
It has six cupholders and a basket to boot. This wagon made school pickup a breeze. There is enough room in the exterior storage basket to hold two children’s backpacks, and the parent console is large enough for two water bottles and a wallet or small purse. If you have just one passenger, the larger basket can be flipped over the edge of the wagon, creating a handy internal storage space for toys and other items. We also love that the wagon has a whopping six cupholders—two in the children’s snack tray, two in the parent console, plus two additional storage pockets outside the wagon (these are perfect for water bottles or other smaller items).
The stroller is available in multiple color combinations. With the exception of some ultramarine or khaki flair, they all involve some combination of black and gray.
Baby Trend stroller wagons come with a one-year limited warranty. Download the Baby Trend app to register your stroller wagon, and you’ll receive a free extended warranty.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The canopy doesn’t fully cover two children. A con of this wagon is the canopy, which doesn’t offer as much coverage as those on the Keenz wagon, the Larktale wagon, or the Wonderfold wagon. My kids were fighting over who got the shade.
It’s not lightweight or compact when folded. Folding the Expedition 2-in-1 wagon is not as intuitive as it is with our other picks, but once you get the hang of it, it’s simple to do. Just raise a latch on the frame with your finger, and then pull the levers on both sides of the handle toward you, to get the stroller to collapse into a flat position over the wheels. I had to remove the rear wheels before putting it into the trunk of my Honda CR-V (though I also had to do this with our other picks). And at 40 pounds (about 8 pounds more than both the Veer and the Keenz wagons), this wagon is not as easy to load into a car as our other picks.
There’s no footwell. According to Dr. Cicalese, children will be less constrained sitting in stroller wagons that have a footwell and a higher back. “They’re not going to be harmed by not having a high back or not having a footwell,” Cicalese said, “but they will be more comfortable, especially in the toddler age.” My kids were not uncomfortable in the wagon during our multiple outings. But when given a choice, they preferred to ride in the larger—and heavier—Wonderfold wagon, which has high seat backs, a footwell, and a larger canopy.
It’s not a beach wagon. This wagon handles well on grass, gravel, and dirt, but if you’re looking for a beach wagon, the thin, foam rubber wheels of the Expedition 2-in-1 are not ideal for trekking through sand. If you do find yourself in a sandy situation with two adults on hand—or even an adult and one child who is big enough to help pull the wagon—one person can push while the other uses the pull handle. So it’s possible to maneuver but not ideal.
This utilitarian stroller wagon doesn’t stand out for style. The handle is made of plastic and rubber. And the rear wheels, which are only about 1.5 inches thick, look cheap, and they’re less versatile off-road than the nearly 3-inch-thick rear wheels on the Keenz wagon.
