Evenflo Pivot Xplore Stroller Wagon Review After 6 Months
The short answer is that the Evenflo Pivot Explorer stroller wagon works for our family of four, and its pros outweigh the cons, especially when compared to the high price tags of many alternatives. We found it practical for outings like trips to the farmer’s market, though there are definite quirks regarding weight and navigating bumps that parents should be aware of before buying.
How Easy Is It to Fold and Unfold?
The wagon is surprisingly intuitive to set up and put away—even if you skip reading the manual. The folding process shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds.
- To Fold: Close the canopy, press the easy entry lever to collapse the front area, then press both release levers on the sides and pull the stroller up.
- Pro Tip: We found it easier to fold and unfold with the wheel locks engaged, as this prevents the wagon from sliding around.
Does It Fit in a Car?
When folded, the Evenflo Pivot Explorer is manageable enough that it fit easily into both my wife’s Subaru Outback and my Mazda 3 hatchback. If you have a smaller vehicle, fitting it in the trunk might be challenging.
How Easy Is It to Push and Maneuver?
Pushing the wagon with two children inside feels relatively smooth—it doesn’t feel dramatically different from pushing a standard stroller. The handle design offers flexibility:
- Push Mode: Use this when you want to push it like a regular stroller.
- Pull Mode: Use the side latch to release the handle for pulling, which is ideal for rougher terrain where pushing might be difficult.
What About the Canopies and Storage?
The canopies were noted as being UPF 50+, offering good sun blockage while still allowing children to see their surroundings. A useful detail is that these canopies are reversible. The storage basket, while not enormous, was sufficient for our outings, and we could position it on either the front or back depending on whether we were pushing or pulling.
- A Note on Placement: For easiest maneuvering, placing the basket on the side is recommended because this keeps the wagon shorter overall.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Consider?
While functional, several aspects of the Evenflo Pivot Explorer presented real-world compromises that required workarounds.
Navigating Bumps and Curbs
This was one of the biggest gripes. Going over small bumps—like those between a driveway and the street (not large curbs)—required significant momentum when pushing with children inside.
- The Problem: It takes considerable force to lift the front wheels up, especially in push mode.
- Workaround: Switching it from push to pull mode made going over small bumps much easier.
- Wheels: The report noted that the smaller front wheels can wobble under certain conditions (like when unevenly weighted), and jogging with the wagon is not recommended due to loss of control.
Other Design Quirks
- Cup Holders: Both the side cup holders and the internal ones seem designed only for plastic water bottles. Anything larger will not fit, meaning we rarely used them for beverages on walks.
- Lifting into the Car: The wagon itself weighs about 35 pounds, which is heavy. More problematic than the weight is that there isn’t a convenient spot to lift it; trying to maneuver it low into the trunk feels awkward.
What About Sleeping and Accessories?
We found the footrest area helpful for keeping snacks off the floor, but the space is quite small. If you only have one child, this might be noticeable. Additionally, the wagon is modular, allowing parents to purchase add-ons like a toddler second stroller seat or an infant car seat adapter, which lets it function from birth.
The Final Verdict
Overall, the Evenflo Pivot Explorer provided enough utility for our family outings that we kept it despite its flaws. While navigating small bumps and lifting it into the car require effort, these issues were not deal-breakers when weighed against the price of many other wagons on the market. It works well for day trips to places like farmer’s markets where kids can sit across from each other.
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Where to buy
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