Skip to Content

Chicco Cortina CX Travel System Review

Chicco Cortina CX Travel System Review
Latest posts by Keith Lindner (see all)

As parents, we tend to go with the most affordable option when it comes to buying baby products. Not surprisingly so considering the number of items we are told we “need” to have in order to successfully raise a baby!

This mindset often results in parents purchasing a poor quality stroller/travel system that lasts only about a year (if you are lucky) and that will leave you wondering whether you’ve just induced “Shaken baby syndrome” when using your stroller on rough terrain.

I myself almost fell into that very same trap, hoping to save a few bucks and I thank my mother every single day that she insisted we rather purchase a good quality travel system.

We bought our Chicco travel system when our first child was born and we’re still using it for the second one! Now before we begin discussing the Chicco Cortina CX Travel System know that this is NOT a small, lightweight stroller.

It is large and bulky but if you are looking for a travel system that is sturdy, durable and excellent quality, then you should definitely consider the Chicco Cortina CX Travel System.

Replacement Pick
Cortina Travel System Discontinued

The Cortina travel system has been discontinued and REPLACED with a much better line called Chicco Bravo. Improvements include better balance, wheels, and lighter carrying weight.

Shop Now at Chicco
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The Chicco Cortina CX Stroller

Chicco Cortina CX Stroller

Assembling the Chicco Cortina CX

Assembling the Chicco Cortina CX was relatively easy and shouldn’t take you more than 40 minutes. I know that 40 minutes may seem like forever with a little one on the way but remember that this isn’t your average lightweight stroller and once assembled; you will be pleased to find that the end result is a safe, sturdy stroller that will immediately gain your trust.

The instructions for assembly are clear, concise, and easy to understand so if you are used to putting things together, it will probably take much less time.

Smooth ride

If you are looking for a smooth ride that handles well on rough terrain, then the Chicco Cortina CX stroller is your perfect match. The stroller has Front-wheel suspension and the wheels also swivel.

The stroller has an independent toe-tap locking brake system. The wheels are made from rubber which also aids in a smoother ride on rough terrain.

Chicco Cortina CX Comfort

The Chicco Cortina CX stroller may be bulky in size but it sure rewards parents by providing comfort for both baby and parents during all the different phases.

The stroller boasts having 8 different reclining positions with an adjustable backrest to ensure that your baby is always comfortable. The stroller seat is able to fully recline should your baby wish to take a nap and when he or she is awake, the seat can be adjusted so that they can explore the great wide world as they see fit.

Chicco is also proud of their innovative Memory Recline function – a function that allows the position of the backrest to remain the same even when you are folding or unfolding the stroller.

If you are traveling without the KeyFit Car Seat as a complete system, you can even convert the seat into a little “bassinet” for your baby by simply reclining the seat and popping up the footrest.

The stroller has nice, sturdy sides that will keep your little one snug, safe and secure while he or she naps. During the first month, our daughter took several naps in the bassinet simply because the camping cot felt too big for such a tiny little baby.

Chicco Cortina CX Durability

The Chicco Cortina CX stroller is designed to last from infancy to toddlerhood and considering the quality of material used to put together this travel system, you should have no problem using it for a second or third child. The weight limit on this stroller is 50lbs. While the car seat is 30lbs. Remember that there is an expiry date on car seats.

The manufacturers made use of a strong, durable, high-quality material that is easy to clean by simply using a wet cloth. Unfortunately, the black and gray do tend to show dirt quite quickly but due to the fact that it is easy to clean, I’m not complaining!

How Does the Chicco Cortina CX Fold?

chicco cortina folding

The Chicco Cortina CX Stroller folds using one hand only and once folded, the stroller can stand on its own. Although it folds using one hand, I did have some difficulty at times folding the stroller myself due to the weight and size of the stroller.

I also found that even though it fits easily into the back of most cars, it takes up a lot of space leaving little room for shopping bags (unless you don’t mind putting your bags on the stroller). That being said, I knew we were purchasing a bulky but durable stroller that would last us years. The stroller alone weighs in at about 20 lbs. but despite its size, it still remains easy to maneuver.

Small to Tall

I hear many tall parents complain about finding a stroller that is comfortable for their height but that can also be used by their partner that might not be so tall.

The Chicco Cortina CX Stroller has an ergonomic push-handled with three height positions to suit the needs of everyone taking care of your precious little bundle of joy. Being rather tall ourselves, we found this to be a great attribute.

The Extras

The Chicco Cortina CX stroller comes with a parent tray with space for one cup and a little storage compartment that is covered. While the cup holder is big enough, not much can fit into the storage compartment. It is however nice to store your keys in since it is covered.

The child tray, also included, has two cup holders and a little space in between. The tray can be removed, is easy to clean, and is dishwasher-safe.

The stroller has a large, adjustable canopy that provides ample protection, no matter which direction the sun is shining from. There’s also a peek-a-boo window, covered with plastic to ensure that your baby doesn’t get wet if it starts to rain.

The storage basket at the bottom of the stroller is large and can easily fit a regular size diaper bag. One does struggle to insert/remove items when the chair is fully reclined (which is must be when using the car seat as a complete travel system within the stroller) but on a positive note, items can be removed/inserted from the front as well. The stroller has a 5-point harness system to keep your little one safe intact once they start to move around.

The KeyFit 30 Infant Car seat

chicco cortina keyfit seat

The Chicco Cortina CX travel system comes with the KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat (car seat base included). The seat can be utilized as a car seat or incorporated into the stroller during the first few months, creating a safe and convenient travel system.

Weight restrictions

The car seat can accommodate babies from 4 lbs. to 30 lbs. and also includes an infant insert, thickly padded to provide extra support for the first month or so. The infant insert is designed for babies 4 lbs. to 11 lbs. and is easy to remove for cleaning purposes.

Safety features

The KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat has a reliable, adjustable 5-point harness. Once all the anchors are in the correct position at the back, it is fairly easy to adjust the harness with Chicco’s one-pull design.

The seat itself is also thickly padded and manufactured from energy-absorbing foam, providing as much protection as possible from any impact. The base contains a Ride Right bubble indicator on both sides, ensuring that the seat is installed correctly and that it will provide a comfortable ride for your baby.

The Recline Sure spring-loaded leveling system ensures that the base and seat is level while the Super Cinch latch tightener provides you with peace of mind that the chair is securely installed.

Comfort

The KeyFit 30 Infant Car seat is a rear-facing car seat. The thick padding in the seat allows for a nice, soft ride. Due to all the padding, it does get a little hot in the seat during summer time though but we managed this with temperature control in the car.

The material is of excellent quality and easy to wipe clean with a wet cloth. Unfortunately, the seat itself is already on the heavy side and carrying your baby in the seat for long distances can become a little tricky. The seat works perfectly in the stroller though.

The transition

The transition of the KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat between the base installed in the car and the stroller is effortless.

The base of the car seat remains within the vehicle and is easy to install. The car seat easily clicks into the base and can just as easily be removed using a latch.

The seat also clicks into the stroller, giving you peace of mind that your baby is secure in the stroller. The car seat faces backward while in the stroller (travel system) so you can keep an eye on your little one the whole time.

Recap

To recap, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Chicco Cortina CX travel system:

Pros of the Chicco Cortina CX

cortina stroller

  • Easy to assemble
  • Swivel wheels with front-wheel suspension
  • Independent toe-tap brakes
  • 8 different reclining positions, including fully reclined
  • Memory Recline function
  • Compatible with all KeyFit infant car seats
  • Travel system designed for babies 4 lbs. to 50 lbs. (Please read stroller and car seat weight specifications individually)
  • Good quality, strong, sturdy and durable
  • Easy to clean
  • One-hand fold stroller
  • Stands when folded
  • Adjustable push handle
  • Parent tray
  • Child tray
  • Sufficient space in the storage basket
  • Canopy provides ample shade
  • 5-point harness system in stroller and car seat
  • Includes car seat and base
  • Infant insert for car seat
  • Recline-Sure spring-loaded leveling system (Car Seat)
  • Super Cinch latch tightener (Car Seat
  • Easy transition between car seat base and stroller

Cons of the Chicco Cortina CX

  • Stroller takes up a lot of space when folded
  • Stroller is a little heavy and bulky, as is the car seat but it does make up for it in durability and sturdiness
  • When the stroller seat is fully reclined, difficult to reach the basket
  • The car seat tends to get a little hot in summer
  • The weight of car seat is a little heavy
Replacement Pick
Cortina Travel System Discontinued

The Cortina travel system has been discontinued and REPLACED with a much better line called Chicco Bravo. Improvements include better balance, wheels, and lighter carrying weight.

Shop Now at Chicco
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Summary:

In conclusion, if you are looking for a pack-up-and-go lightweight stroller, you will hate the Chicco Cortina CX travel system.

However, if you are in the market for a good quality product that is well built and that will last you more than one child, this is most certainly the travel system for you. It is comfortable for both parent and child and one can rely on the sturdiness and quality of the travel system.

Chicco Cortina CX Alternatives

If you are looking for a travel system within the same category but you are not quite yet sold on the Chicco Cortina CX travel system, we recommend that you take a look at these alternatives:

The Eddie Bauer TR238CFM TriTrek Travel System

Eddie Bauer TR238CFM TriTrek Travel System

The Eddie Bauer TR238CFM TriTrek Travel System is an excellent alternative if you prefer a three-wheeler over the traditional four-wheel stroller.

The three-wheel design offers excellent maneuverability and the car seat base and Surefit infant car seat is included. The car seat is designed to carry an infant from 4 – 35 pounds while the stroller can hold a toddler up to 50 pounds.

The parent tray is probably an improvement to the Chicco Cortina stroller with two cup holders and a smartphone compartment that will enable you to use your smartphone in an upright position while strolling. The storage basket is also extra-large but shaped differently from that of the Chicco Cortina.

Like the Cortina CX, the stroller can stand on its own when folded and the infant car seat is easy to transfer between the stroller and the car seat base. The Eddie Bauer TR238CFM is also a little less expensive than the Chicco Cortina CX travel system.

Safety 1st Smooth Ride travel System

Safety 1st Smooth Ride travel System

If you are looking for something a little smaller and less expensive than the Chicco Cortina CX travel system, we recommend that you take a look at the Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System. The travel system includes the stroller, car seat base, and the onBoard 35 Infant car seat and can accommodate babies from 4 – 35 pounds in the car seat and 4 – 50 pounds in the stroller.

The stroller only weighs 32 pounds compared to the 47 pounds that the Chicco Cortina CX stroller weighs and yet it is still surprisingly sturdy. The transition from the car seat base to the stroller is effortless and it folds quite nicely, leaving a little more space in the back of the car than the Chicco.

Truth be told, one can certainly detect a difference in the quality of materials used once you compare the two strollers with one another. While the Chicco appears to be manufactured from stronger materials, the Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System is still a strong, reliable alternative at almost half the cost.

<p

/p>

Evenflo Vive Travel System

Evenflo Vive Travel System

The Evenflo Vive Travel System compares well to the Chicco Cortina CX Travel system. Both systems come with a stroller, car seat base, an infant car seat. The Evenflo Vive stroller has multiple reclining positions and a lovely storage basket at the bottom to fit all your belongings.

It also comes with a toddler and parent tray and a harness to keep your baby safe and secure. While the Evenflo stroller only weighs 29.8 pounds, the Chicco Cortina CX seems to be sturdier.

The Evenflo Vive stroller has an Ultra-slim 16-inch fold which takes up very little space considering that it falls outside of the “get up and go” category. There have been some complaints regarding the click system on the Evenflo Vive with some owners saying that it doesn’t provide a snug fit and others complaining that there is no audible “click”.

<p

Evenflo Vive Travel System with Embrace Infant Car Seat
Check Price
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
/p>
  Chicco Cortina CX Travel System Eddie Bauer TR238CFM TriTrek Travel System Safety 1st Smooth Travel System Evenflo Vive Travel System
         
Stroller, infant seat and car seat base included? YES YES YES YES
Weight limit:        
Infant seat 4 – 30 pounds 4 – 35 pounds 4 – 35 pounds 4 – 35 pounds
Stroller 50 pounds 50 pounds 50 pounds 50 pounds
Item weight: 47 pounds 42 pounds 32 pounds 29.8 pounds
Difference between Chicco Cortina and other systems:   3 Wheel stroller, extra-large storage basket Product is smaller, weighs less. Quality of the materials used not as strong Product is lighter but concerns about clicking system
         

Further Reading

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *