Love the wagon but one major flaw

Love the wagon but one major flaw

Please believe me when I say I’ve been researching wagons for YEARS and had analysis paralysis, overwhelmed with choices and second guessing my first choice (which was always the Larktale Caravan). I’m so happy I waited for the 2023 Caravan V3! There are some great perks to it but there is a major flaw.

pros:

• all black with leatherette brown handle is very chic!
• basket can be moved to the front or back
• very roomy – two kids can fit side by side if needed
• seats recline without losing any space in the footwell
• great warranty (though I haven’t needed to use it)
• stretchy pockets next to each seat (4 total, 2 on each side) that can comfortably fit a child’s water bottle
• comes with parent console
• wheels are durable and smooth
• has a pull bar

cons:

• the footwell cover unzips completely (this is new with the 2023 V3). While nice it can be removed, it is SO DIFFICULT to get the cover in place to zip and close. Not just that, sometimes the zipper gets stuck and does that thing where it unzips from both sides… the zipper is not good. I have no idea why they made this change, but I’m disappointed and would definitely prefer the previous versions where it folds into the footwell or back onto the seat. My work around is to not zip both sides because the cover will rest on the bar of the footwell. This isn’t perfect, and no one can sit on the footwell when it’s like this, but for my baby to nap it’s fine.
• The canopies obstruct your view of your baby or child inside. I knew this going in – it was one of the things holding me back from buying the caravan. I much prefer the canopies on the coupe where they lay flat when not in use. I find the way the canopies stick straight up when not in use to be very unattractive. They do make a wonderfold style sun topper for the caravan v3, but at the time I’m writing this review, it’s not out yet. My personal favorite canopy is that of the Keenz or Jeep (boxy with drop down shades that tuck into the canopy when not in use). Hopefully they will make something like that in the future.

Overall, it’s a great wagon, and fits nicely in my 2005 Toyota Highlander trunk with extra room for groceries or other items! You can tell the wagon is made with high quality materials, no flimsy or cheap feeling materials.