Chicco Cortina Stroller: A Full-size Stroller for Americans with Italian Style

The Chicco Cortina Stroller ($160-170) is a really full-featured, functional stroller that fits the bill for many reasons.

It has the comfy seat and well-designed toddler tray for the passenger and nice handle, cup holders and storage for the parents.

Nice price, too, considering how expensive strollers can be these days!

Assembly and Fold
The Cortina stroller was easy to assemble. It took 3-year-old Finn and me about 15 minutes to get it rolling. (I was impressed that he was actually helpful!) The fold on the Chicco strollers is different than most strollers but works well. There’s a big handle in the middle of the parent tray. Give it a tug and the stroller folds easily, locks automatically and stands on its own. I really like strollers that stand when folded. It makes it easier to lift into the car and helps keep it out of the muck on rainy days. The fold isn’t especially compact, something to consider if you have to fit it into small car trunk or closet.

Ride and Maneuverability
The hard plastic wheels on this stroller aren’t ideal for off-roading, but the suspension system gives it a nice, smooth ride. Even with my preschooler wiggling in the seat, I was able to steer it easily on the sidewalk. There’s a bit of wheel noise but I only noticed it because I was specifically listening for it. It wouldn’t detract from a quiet stroll. The adjustable handle is terrific for tall or short parents.

Seat and Recline
The seat is nice and wide and well padded. It reclines to flat or sits vertical and clicks into several positions in between. One hand releases the recline mechanism in the seat back. The toddler tray has a liner that pops out for cleaning. Smart!

Storage
The basket is enormous and easily accessible. It’s totally useful and practical. The parent tray has compartments for keys and a drink and the toddler tray has a removable liner that makes it a breeze to clean.

Sun Protection
The sun shield isn’t very big but it separates from the handle and pulls down in front of the baby. I found this feature very useful and wish more strollers had it.

Pros: The Cortina has a lot of well-thought-out storage compartments and a sun shade that clicks down in front of the baby. It stands when folded and has a removable liner for the toddler tray.

Cons: Hard, plastic tires don’t make the smoothest ride in the world, but I really can’t complain. The stroller is bulky when folded.

Final Verdict: The Cortina Stroller is a good buy, particularly when purchased as a travel system with the really full-featured stroller and functional car seat.

– Kristen

Comments

Mel on June 25th, 2009

I have this stroller. Overall I like it however when you use it with the infant carseat the basket is not easily accessible and pretty much worthless. I end up hanging my diaper bag off the handle.

laura on June 25th, 2009

It’s bulky and ugly honestly

dlock on June 25th, 2009

I love this stroller I think the price is right and has a lot of great features. But, I don’t like the look of travel systems anymore. I personally would buy this for grandparents house, since its not too expensive. I really am leaning toward the bugaboo frog, the chicco car seat is something that I plan on buying.

Gina on June 25th, 2009

I have this stroller. I agree with the review….I wish the leg rest adjusted upward(flat) for naps.

Stephanie on June 25th, 2009

Gina, the leg part does adjust upward….mine has been in that position permanently for some reason since #2 started using the stroller. It goes up, flat, and down. That reminds me I wanted to flip it down since the baby is older!

Lia on June 25th, 2009

I had this stroller, pushes like a dream (I found the ride smooth) but it was too big and bulky for our lifestyle.

Elisabeth on June 25th, 2009

I had been a graco fan for years. When it came time to replace our graco we’d thought about its metrolite and Quattro tour models. then we were introduced to Chicco Cortina (ours is the discovery pattern) and fell in love immediately.

Although the Metrolite has a somewhat the same handle the rubber comfort grips and comfortable padded handle is awesome. As for bulky I’d have to disagree. Its lighter than most strollers we tried and fits nicely in our trunk and doesn’t take up all the room in our second car which is an SUV.

I just wish Chicco would make a Twin version of this stroller. While they make other twin strollers we’d like to see a Cortina twin stroller that can fit two car seats.

CBB, please review Chicco’s Playard it blows all the other’s out of the water! The mattress isn’t hard as a board, and it can be washed unlike all of its counter parts! It has alot of other features like a remote for the nightlight and music and sounds, and mattress that can be used as a play gym on the floor.

Vanessa Green on June 27th, 2009

We have this stroller and car seat and love them both. Extremely sturdy which is why they are both so heavy but I’ll take it. The ride is smooth and it is good for all terrain. I took it to the strawberry patch and it took every bump!