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City Mini vs City Mini GT Baby Jogger – What’s The Difference?

Choosing a stroller can be a minefield. There are so many options and so many choices from the brand you use like how many wheels and the material it is made from.

We have taken a closer look at two strollers from the brand Baby Jogger to see which is best and also to check out any differences between them. Take a look at our reviews of the City Mini vs the City Mini GT.

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Main Differences Between the City Mini vs City Mini GT

Even though these strollers may look very similar there are a few differences between them. 

Weight of each

The City Mini weighs 18.5 pounds, while the City Mini GT weighs 22.5 pounds.

Dimensions of each

In terms of stroller height, the Mini is about 2 inches shorter than the Mini GT that stands around 43.5 inches. When folded the City Mini only measures 9.25 inches in height while the City Mini GT measures 10.2 inches.

Tires

The City Mini has tires that are made of rubber while the City Mini GT has tires that are air-filled rubber tires. These make the GT much better on rough terrain and provides a much smoother ride.

Adjustable Handlebar

The City Mini lacks an adjustable handlebar while the City Mini GT has one, it can make all the difference if you and your partner are different heights.

Hand-Operated Brake

The City Mini comes with the traditional foot brake and it works perfectly well. But the addition of the hand brake to the City Mini GT is much better as it gives the sense of better control and is really easy to reach.

Even with their differences, both are really good options for a stroller that you can use for many years.

Shared Features Of The City Mini vs City Mini GT

Here are some of the things that the City Mini and the City Mini GT have in common.

Folding Mechanism

The easy to use folding mechanism is the same on both of these strollers. You simply just need to lift a strap and the stroller will fold.

folded stroller

Both strollers also come with a padded carry handle, and auto-lock feature ensuring the stroller remains folded for storage and transportation.

Recliner Seats

Both strollers come with seats that can be reclined to an almost flat position. Both seats also have vents to ensure that your baby is kept cool and comfortable.

Both seats also have a retractable weather cover, which allows you to adjust the stroller to ensure that your child is always comfortable.

Dual Window Canopy

Both are equipped with a dual-window canopy so that keeping an eye on your baby is super easy. Both canopies have a UV 50+ sun protection rating and can be opened in multiple positions.

The canopy can be fully pulled back to allow your little one to enjoy the weather and view. It can also be fully drawn forward to protect them from the elements and of course every position in between.

Travel System

Both the City Mini and the City Mini GT can be transformed into a travel system in just a short period. You do need to have the right car seat adapters for this to be possible.

City Mini Review

Baby Jogger City Mini 2 Stroller - 2019 | Compact, Lightweight Stroller | Quick Fold Baby Stroller, Jet

The City Mini is not designed for jogging but it does have similar maneuverability, the ability to tackle multiply terrains, and ease of use and storage that are very typical of the high-ranking joggers.

This is still a very solid stroller that is actually designed for extended periods of walking. Don’t be fooled by the fact that this looks like a large stroller, it has quite a compact design making it easy to move around in large crowds.

It has a great one-handed fold that you just pull a single strap and the auto-lock then automatically locks the stroller into the folded position making it easy to pop into the trunk of your car.

Once the stroller is in the folded position, there is also an easy-to-use handle in case you need to carry it anywhere. While those features keep mom and dad happy there are plenty of great features to keep your little one just as happy.

The seat has a fantastic recline that makes the seat position almost flat, it comes with vents so that the airflow can ensure that your baby is kept cool and comfortable no matter what the weather.

The sun canopy is fully adjustable and can be placed at various positions to suit your baby. The canopy also comes with two windows making checking on your little one super easy.

You can also change your stroller into a travel system by purchasing the correct infant car seat adapter which is sold separately.

City Mini Pros

  • Super easy to fold and unfold.
  • It is also lightweight for what you would consider a full-size stroller.
  • Compatible with a range of different car seats.
  • Suitable for children from 6 months to 65 pounds.
  • The seat reclines to an almost flat position

City Mini Cons

  • Although it is lightweight it does not stand up straight when in the folded position.
  • The seat does not sit up fully.
  • The seat may be a little low for taller toddlers.
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City Mini GT Review

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller, Jet

The City Mini GT stroller is very similar to the standard City Mini but there have been a few improvements made to the design and functionality of the stroller.

It now comes with all-terrain wheels which make short work of both concrete sidewalks and rougher terrains. The adjustable handlebar is a welcome upgrade too and is super convenient for parents of differing heights.

But the City Mini GT has kept the best parts of the standard City Mini with its quick fold technology and auto-lock system making both using and storing this stroller effortless.

The GT comes with a single central front wheel making it even more maneuverable. It also has a hand brake instead of a foot brake which is often easier for parents to access.

This stroller is suitable for long walks and provides enough comfort for your little one.

The seat reclines to an almost flat position which is great for taking naps while out and about and its large retractable weather cover offers even more protection for your baby from the elements.

The seat cover is plush and comfortable and is also fully machine washable in the event of any major spills or messes. 

City Mini Pros

  • The large canopy provides plenty of shade
  • Works on multiple terrains.
  • Suitable for children from 6 months to 65 pounds.
  • It’s slim enough to move in and out of small areas.
  • Handbrake is easy to use and easy to access.
  • The seat reclines back to an almost flat position.

City Mini Cons

  • Although the seat reclines to an almost flat position it does not fully sit up.
  • Parent consoles need to be purchased separately.
  • There isn’t much storage offered in the basket underneath.
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City Mini vs City Mini GT – The Winner Is

If you need a long-lasting stroller that has good maneuverability and is super easy to fold and store then either the City Mini or the City Mini GT would be a sound option.

But as we are here to choose a winner the City Mini GT is the stronger option. It’s a single front swivel wheel for added range of motion and its rubber air-filled tires mean that any terrain is explored effortlessly.

The City Mini GT comes with an adjustable handlebar which may not seem like a big thing for most parents but can really be a game-changer when it comes to your comfort when pushing this stroller and the hand brake it convenient and easy to use.

FAQs

Can a City Mini GT be used for jogging?

No, the Baby Jogger City Mini-series which includes the City Mini, City Mini 2, City Mini GT, and City Mini GT2 is not designed for jogging or running.

How do you unlock the City Mini GT?

The rear wheels can be locked by gently pulling the brake lever located on the right-hand side of the frame into an upright position until it clicks.

To unlock the rear wheels, pinch the gray tab and pull the lever toward you and then push the lever down until it is parallel with the frame.

Is Baby Jogger City Mini suitable for newborns?

The City Mini lies nearly flat, so you can use it with your baby if they have head and neck control. If you want to use it with a newborn you can create a travel system, additional parts are sold separately.

Is Baby Jogger a good brand?

The Baby Jogger brand is well known for its high-quality strollers that are a favorite with parents for their incredible maneuverability, easy to fold and store, can grow with the family, and can also tackle any terrain.

The Final Thought

These joggers may appear to be almost identical but there are some key differences that could be a deal-breaker for some parents.

The tires, brake system, and adjustable handlebar are small things that can make the difference between it being an adequate stroller and a fantastic stroller.