Maclaren Techno XLR Stroller Review

I don't know about you, but many of the big bulky travel systems out there are simply too large. I can't tell you how many parents I know who ditch their big stroller for a lightweight once their baby outgrows the car seat.

In the past, parents who have wanted an umbrella stroller have always had to forgo the travel system option for several reasons. First, umbrella strollers are generally too narrowly built for a car seat to fit inside the seat. Then most umbrella models are so feather light that fitting a top-heavy car seat would topple the stroller or leave it dangerously unsteady. Lastly, most umbrella strollers don't have a reclining seat that goes back far enough to take a car seat. Some don't recline at all.

Enter the Maclaren Techno XLR. This amazing stroller has the components needed to safely and securely hold a car seat, turning that lightweight stroller into a full-featured travel system. The Techno XLR is the crème de la crème in all the Maclaren series and one of the best appointed models in the umbrella stroller category.

Maclaren Techno XT vs Techno XLR

The Maclaren Techno XT and Techno XLR are very similar. They are basically the same stroller with only two differences between the them. The Techno XLR has a wider seat to accommodate the car seat and the XLR weighs 2 more pounds than Techno XT.

As you read this, think about what you really need in an umbrella stroller. All Maclaren models are similar but for a few extra features added on as you go up in price. Determine which features are worth paying extra for and which features you can live without.

By the time you finish this review, you'll have a solid understanding of what the Maclaren Techno XLR can offer you. First let's start with all these wonderful features.

Techno XLR Features:

• Accommodates most car seat brands, adapter included
• Lightweight with carrying handle
• Four-position reclining seat
• Seat extension for smaller babies
• Reflective accents for night time safety
• One-hand collapse and fold
• Storage basket under seat
• Storage pockets on back of seat
• Rain covering included
• Removable infant head hugger and additional reversible seat liner included
• Height adjustable handles
• Lockable front swivel wheels with suspension
• Adjustable 5-point safety harness with childproof release
• Foot operated parking brakes
• Removable washable seat pad
• Sun visor with UV protection and peek-a-boo window
• Height adjustable/removable sun canopy with ventilated sides

Sturdy and travel system ready

Because of the extra heft in the XLR, the maximum weight your child can be to ride is an impressive 64 pounds; more than double than most umbrella strollers in its class and 10 pounds more than the other Maclaren models. The extra few pounds and wider seat allows this Maclaren stroller to hold even the biggest kids comfortably. This stroller is also more stable to hold your baby's car seat, which nearly all umbrella strollers cannot accommodate.

Yep, that's right, this umbrella stroller can take an infant car seat. Not only that, but what I like about the Maclaren Techno XLR is that the car seat adapter is included with your purchase! Even better news is that this Maclaren stroller can accommodate most major brands, including Baby Trend, Britax, Graco and Peg Perego.

Just install the bar, place your car seat in, and secure it with the strap. Simple, quick and safe.

More about the seat

When baby isn't in the car seat, he or she can still recline in comfort with the 4-position recline feature. I absolutely love the recline on this stroller because it's done with a a one-handed lever; lay your baby back without disturbing him or her, then gently push the seat back upright just as easily.

Do you have a little escape artist on your hands? Then you will love the padded 5-point harness on Maclaren strollers. The heavy-duty buckle on this harness is no cheap piece of plastic; it is a serious piece of work that won't break or wear out over time. And here's the highlight - the buckle is childproof! To release the straps you must press on both the outside and inside of the circular buckle, and you have to press quite firmly.

A seat extender supports baby's legs so your little one can fully lay down. Simply pull out the individual extenders with your finger on either side of the seat.

Now here's one of the features that bumps this stroller up into the luxury category. The Maclaren Techno XLR comes with an additional quilted seat liner AND a removable head hugger support for your infant. The seat liner is the same color as your stroller on one side and the other side has soft microfiber. Best of all, it is washable and adds extra padding to the seat for a super cushy ride. I like that it protects the stroller seat, because you can always replace the liner with other patterns and designs whenever you wish. As a matter of fact, choose from 40 different Maclaren seat liners to change and customize your Techno XLR's look. They're a lot of fun!

Tell me about the sun canopy

While many umbrella strollers have insufficient sun canopies, you will not be dissapointed with the hood on the Maclaren Techno XLR. I absolutely love this canopy because it is enormous AND multifunctional! Let's take a closer look.

First off, the canopy has a clear UV sun visor tucked in the underside that you can pop out for additional protection. Then at the back of the canopy, you can unzip an additional panel bringing the canopy even farther down for complete sun blockage.

To keep an eye on your little passenger, the Maclaren Techno XLR has a clear viewing window at the top of the canopy, also with UV protection.

For additional protection in the evenings or early morning walks, reflective accents on the sides of the hood provide extra safety so that drivers can see you more clearly.

How about steering & handling?

Parents rave about the durability of this stroller; the smooth ride on the 6 ½-inch hard plastic wheels and dime-turn maneuverability make this stroller a pleasure to take on long walks. The all-wheel suspension absorbs some of those bumps along your way. Lock the front wheels straight for grass or mulch at the park, however keep in mind that this stroller was made for smooth surfaces.

The brakes are linked so that stepping on one pedal will engage the brakes over both rear wheels. Lift up the lever to disengage. How easy is that?

Folding & storage

When you are ready to fold your Techno XLR, make sure the canopy is folded back and that the storage basket is empty.

While the Maclaren Techno XLR can be a little tricky to fold the first time, many moms say that after a few times doing it, folding became a snap. Like all Maclaren strollers, folding is a two-step process. Lift up on the red lever between the wheels, step down on the right side lever, then it folds forward and down nice and compact.

Once your stroller is folded down, an automatic latch holds your frame in place. Transport it with ease with a carrying handle on left side of the frame. Nice and neat!

Amenities for parents

Tall parents love the ergonomically-shaped, height adjustable handles on the Maclaren Techno XLR. Mom and Dad don't have to stoop down, as they do with other strollers the same size and they don't kick the back of the stroller while walking. If you need additional height, the handles telescope up to give you an additional inch of length. From the ground, the height to the handle is 42-43 inches.

Umbrella strollers don't have large storage baskets and the Maclaren Techno XLR is no exception. The basket underneath the seat is large enough to carry the extras you need to take with you on your outing, but you're not going to fit a huge diaper bag and your purse in there. Do keep in mind that once the seat is fully reclined, you won't have access to the storage basket, which is normal on this kind of stroller.

More storage can be found on the back of the canopy: a mesh pocket and a pocket with a velcro closure. Just the right size for your keys and cell phone!

What about accessories?

A rain cover is included and can be kept in one of the storage pockets on the back of the canopy for your convenience.

Many parents feel that they simply need a bit more storage space and so they add the Maclaren Universal Organizer to the back of the handles. This organizer has a pretty big net at the bottom to hold all kinds of toys or extra clothes, burp cloths, etc. The organizer has two cupholders as well, because we all want to have our drinks with us! Another alternative that has very good reviews is the J.L. Childress Cups 'N Cargo Stroller Organizer; it costs a bit less, but is rated better, so check that out before you decide.

Another accessory parents like to get is for their trip. Say you need to gate-check your stroller at the airport. Why leave damaging it to chance? Buy the Maclaren Stroller Travel Bag to ensure your investment arrives safely. You don't want your vacation ruined if your stroller arrives damaged. It's gotten 5-star reviews, so why not?

In case you missed it earlier, when I was telling you about the seat, you can get dozens of different Maclaren seat liners to give extra padding, protect the seat and give that splash of color that makes your Maclaren Techno XLR uniquely yours. These are just fabulous? Which one is your favorite?

How much should you pay for the Maclaren Techno XLR stroller?

For the latest models and colors, the suggested retail price is about $350. Most online retailers are charging about the same price, but if you buy from Amazon, you're buying from a trusted source, plus you get free shipping!

However, if you're looking to get this year's latest colors, then you'll want to check either Baby Earth or Comfort First. Sometimes each of these sites will have sales, so be sure to check for that when you visit either merchant.

See this wonderful demo video of the new 2012 XLR:

What others are saying

The Maclaren Techno XLR is getting mixed reviews on sites like Amazon, but rave reviews on Diapers.com and Baby Earth.

The Techno XLR receives the most positive feedback for its light weight and how comfortable it is for taller parents:
A customer from Houston, Texas, who gave the XLR 5 stars revealed that it is the perfect stroller for taller parents and that it is relatively compact.
A Boston reviewer commented on the adjustable handles which she said are useful for her 6'3" husband.

The recline feature is an obvious winner with this stroller and reviewers feel it is sufficient for napping babies. The seat extender is appreciated, too, as a necessary component for a full recline.

Another 5-star review mentions how naps and diaper changes are nice with the full recline. She just slides a changing pad under the baby for the diaper change which is far better than using public changing tables.
Steve from Chicago loves the flat seat recline saying it is perfect for his child to nap when the family is out.

This stroller is a popular choice for traveling families going to theme parks where they have to get in and out of shuttles often, and also for families taking an airplane and don't want to gate-check their stroller. Urban-dwelling parents taking public transportation will also find the Maclaren Techno XLR a clear choice.

A couple of parents have commented on the trendy and stylish color combinations and the contemporary style of the Maclaren Techno XLR. They also like the thick padding on the seat and feel their children are very comfortable. Some kids sleep for hours at a time in the XLR.

Disadvantages

Some petite mothers remarked that the handles on this stroller came up to their chest! So while this is a great stroller for average-height and tall parents, petite adults may find this stroller a challenge to push.

Because this is the larger Maclaren models, there were some complaints of the size and heaviness of the Maclaren Techno XLR; some parents recommend the smaller Maclaren models.

Having access to the storage basket when the seat is reclined is sometimes difficult.

There have been a couple of complaints that the car seat adapters are hard to put on and you have to take them off to fold the stroller.

Where can I buy this for the best price?

I have constantly seen the best price for the Maclaren Techno XLR on Amazon. Some of the color choices are sold by third-party sellers and they vary in price, so if you have a favorite color, don't wait because their stock is often limited and some of these vendors may not offer free shipping. These deals are also for 2011 models, usually.

If you'd rather get the current model year, the price is about the same across the board. I still recommend Baby Earth and Comfort First. And don't forget to check for sales! Hey, why wait any longer?

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Related Articles:

Umbrella strollers: This type of stroller is different than lightweight strollers, generally with fewer features, lighter weight and vertical fold with separate handles. You're also going to want to see the five best umbrella stroller reviews.

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