Maclaren Quest Arc Stroller Review

For 2019 Maclaren has completely redesigned its Quest model to compete with other lightweight models on the market.

While it still has that long umbrella fold the new Quest Arc 2019 model sports a single handlebar instead of a double (like on most other umbrella strollers) and comes in beautiful new colors.

As you probably know Maclaren Quest is one of my favorite models in the umbrella category aside from the UPPAbaby G-Luxe. It’s stylish and full of great features like a huge canopy, adjustable leg rest, adjustable handlebar, good-sized basket, all-wheel suspension, and additional storage.

Although there is no travel system option, the one-hand recline goes all the way down to the flat position suitable for a newborn. The roomy seat can accommodate a child up to 55 lbs. The memory foam footrest together with the hidden protective mesh, creates a newborn-safe cocoon-like environment perfect for long naps.

I’ve tested a lot of umbrella strollers and Maclarens are above all other umbrella strollers when it comes to maneuverability and terrain handling. Thanks to the single handlebar now you can easily steer it with only one hand.

The aircraft’s aluminum grade frame keeps the weight down while still providing a very sturdy feel. This beauty comes in three colors and retails for around $345. It comes with a rain cover and a run-away strap.

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CANOPY

This is one of the best canopies I’ve seen on an umbrella stroller. The two large waterproof UPF 50+ panels and a sunvisor provide plenty of coverage. Plus, it has a third zipped-in panel with two mesh windows on the sides that you can use for even more coverage.

Your little passenger will be fully protected from the sun. There is also a large peekaboo window on top with a magnetic closure (no noisy Velcro). The location of the peekaboo window is much more convenient than on the previous model. Love it!

HANDLEBAR

Yes, it’s one handlebar! For years Quest had two non-adjustable handlebars, but now they have a single adjustable handlebar that goes from 42″ to 44″ from the ground. You can easily have your coffee in one hand and push it with the other. Definitely a plus.

SEAT

The roomy seat has four recline positions including a flat one suitable for a newborn. It can accommodate a child from birth and up to 55 lbs. I was happy to see a lever recline system that requires only one hand instead of the annoying strap system like on most umbrella models. In case you are wondering, the seat is not very upright in the most upright position.

The seat is 13″ wide with 18″ seat back and a measurement of 27″ from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy. This is one of the tallest canopies on the market! Even a tall toddler will fit without any problems. The seat fabric is removable and machine washable.

Another cool feature of the seat is a newborn safety foot barrier which is hidden underneath the adjustable leg rest. It attaches to the both sides of the frame and prevents your newborn baby from sliding out.

The previous Quest model also had the foot net but it also had so called head barrier that would prevent the baby from sliding out at the top of the seat.

The foot rest is adjustable with two positions: up and down. Smaller babies will be able to stretch their little legs and take a comfortable nap.

It has very nice thick adjustable non-padded 5-point harness with a center release buckle. To unlock the buckle you need to push it in the front and the back at the same time which is hard to do for a toddler but very easy for a parent. The straps are thick and durable (most umbrella models have thin straps).

STORAGE

There is a small storage pocket in the back of the seat that you can use for small essentials.

BASKET

It’s a decent size basket that can fit your medium bag. I wouldn’t say it’s ‘oversized’ like Maclaren does on their site, but I guess it depends what you comparing it to. Umbrella strollers are known for their crappy baskets, so this one is not that bad. It’s still hard to access from the back because of the cross bar.

BRAKE

The brake stayed the same. It has foot operated linked parking brakes that are not flip-flop friendly.

WHEELS

It rolls on 6″ hard rubber wheels that are double in the back and single in the front. The front wheels are swivel, but can be locked straight. While the wheels are not large, the maneuverability is AMAZING! It can easily tackle busy streets, uneven pavement, playground mulch and grass. The all-wheel suspension definitely helps to smooth out the bumps.

FOLD/UNFOLD

Despite having a single handle bar it still has the same umbrella fold. It is a one-hand one-foot sort of fold that has three steps. They do advertise it as an one-hand fold, but you probably wouldn’t do it with just one hand because to engage the automatic lock you have to bend all the way down to the ground which will be difficult with a child in your hands.

The folded dimensions are 41.3″ x 9.4″ x 11″. And because it weighs only 14 lbs you can easily throw it on your shoulder. Btw, there is a carry handle and a shoulder strap for easy transportation. This model is only slightly heavier than the previous Quest.

TRAVEL SYSTEM

There is no travel system option on this one.

INCLUDED ITEMS

Comes with a rain cover and a run-away strap. Both items are useless in my opinion. I would like to see a cup holder instead.

Cons

High price. Almost $350 is a lot of an umbrella stroller. The good news is that this one should last you for years an multiple kids. I always say, you get what you paid for.
No travel system option. The competition is tough these days and many other umbrella models have a travel system option. I guess they decided not to bother with it because most parents buy umbrella model after 6 month (that’s when you are already fed up with carrying around that huge travel system stroller and want to downsize to something lighter)

Video Review

Here is a great video overview.

Specs

Stroller weight: 14 lbs
Weight limit: 55 lbs
Folded dimensions: 41.3″ x 9.4″ x 11″
Handle bar height: 42″
Seat to canopy height: 27″
Wheels: 6″
Overall length: 39.4″
Overall width: 18.9″

Warranty

Maclaren provides LIFETIME warranty from the original date of purchase and you have to be the original owner.

Available colors

This stroller is available in three color combinations: railroad stripe, charcoal denim, and black.

Where to buy it

You can get Maclaren Quest Arc 2019 in three beautiful colors for around $345. It comes with a rain cover and a run-away strap.