Thule Chariot: Lite Vs. Cross Comparison Review

Deciding between the Thule Chariot Lite vs Cross?
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Thule Chariot Lite: amzn.to/31ThIeQ
Thule Chariot Cross: amzn.to/2R8iCC9
The Thule Chariot Lite multisport trailer & stroller is nearly identical to the Cross. This Thule Chariot Lite review will cover the main differences between the two.
0:56 1. The Lite doesn't have reclining seats.
1:48 2. The Lite has suspension, but it's not adjustable.
2:43 3. The Lite's seat back is not padded.
3:03 4. The Lite's seat bottom is not removable.
3:43 5. The Lite doesn't have a top viewing window.
4:12 6. The Lite has different rear storage than the Cross.
4:53 7. The Lite is a few pounds lighter than the Cross.
While most trailers sit a child relatively upright, the angle of the Lite’s seat back is set in a pretty reclined position. The cross reclines even farther.
The standard sitting position in the Cross and the Lite is leaned back enough to be very relaxing and comfortable for most situations.
If you’ll be using the Lite or Cross in stroller mode with an infant, you’ll need the Thule Chariot Infant Sling. In both trailers the sling sits above the seat in a perfectly reclined position for sleeping babies. Because it sits ABOVE the seat, whether or not your trailer reclines does not affect the angle of the sling.
Suspension absolutely smooths out big bumps in the road, whether paved or mild singletrack… or just uneven sidewalk! We’d deem it pretty necessary for families who will regularly be adventuring over dirt or gravel, or on bumpy streets like cobblestones.
The Thule Chariot Lite features suspension, but it cannot be adjusted for heavier or lighter loads like the more expensive Cross. Does this matter?
The Cross was able to absorb more of the jostling, although the Lite still did a good job. Should this be a determining factor for most families? Probably not, but completely dependent on how you will be using your Thule Chariot
Most high-end bike trailers have pads to provide cushioning to the child’s back. The Thule Chariot Lite does not have padding on the back of the seat. The Cross’ back padding is incorporated into the seat back.
While our little testers never complained about this, it IS a difference, so we wanted to point it out
The Thule Chariot Lite’s seat bottom is thickly padded. The padding is integrated into the trailer, and cannot be removed like the Cross’ seat bottom padding.
From a child comfort standpoint, there’s really no difference between the two. But from a keeping-your-trailer-clean difference, this could be a pretty important point.
Spills are going to happen. When using the Cross, I’ve been able to remove the bottom seat and put it in the washer. This wouldn’t be an option with the Lite. If you see this potentially happening to you in the future, the Cross might be a better bet. Alternatively, you get Thule’s removable pads upgrade which are removable for washing.
The top panel of the Thule Chariot Lite is solid fabric, while the Cross has a mesh ventilation and viewing window. If you’re primarily going to be using the Lite as a trailer or ski stroller, this won’t matter.
But, if you’ll be using the Lite as a stroller or jogger frequently, a solid top is a disadvantage. When pushing the trailer/stroller from behind, you can’t see your child inside unless you stop and tip the stroller waaaaay back, or walk around to the side or front.
Storage is another feature that will completely depend on how you plan on using your trailer/stroller.
The entire rear portion of the Lite is covered by a large storage pocket. Because the pocket is directly attached to the back of the trailer, it’s usually better to store softer or less bulky items that won’t end up jabbing your child in the back.
The Cross’ storage consists of a smaller pocket that extends only half-way down the back of the trailer. This makes the pocket much more shallow, and great for small items like phones or snacks.
It also has a detached rear storage trunk for storing larger items. Because the trunk isn’t connected to the back of the trailer, anything you put in there won’t poke your child in the back.
The Lite is a few pounds lighter than the Cross, but I didn’t really feel the difference.
Reviewer: Carrie Wren
Videography & Production: Fressia Eames
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