UPPAbaby Cruz vs. Vista, Reviewed by Real Parents

In a nutshell:

Both the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and Vista V2 Strollers are great for infants and toddlers alike—plus, they provide plenty of storage space, quick folding and easy maneuverability. However, the Cruz V2 stands out for its more compact design, while the Vista V2 can accommodate up to three kiddos and has slightly larger wheels for a smoother ride.

UPPAbaby is beloved by new and seasoned parents alike—and for good reason. The brand is known for a variety of top-tier baby gear, specializing in car seats and strollers. While scrolling online (or even strolling through your neighborhood), you’ve probably come across the best-selling UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and Vista V2 Strollers more often than not. But when two strollers are of comparable quality, how do you decide which is the right one for your needs?

From size and storage space to versatility and newborn- and toddler-friendly details, there’s a lot to compare. Luckily, we’ve done the bulk of the research for you and received input from parents who’ve tested these strollers out for themselves. This way, you won’t have to spend hours scrolling through forums. Read on to discover the pros and cons of each stroller.

Versatility

The Cruz V2 is a single, full-size stroller, suitable for infants from the 3-month mark up until baby reaches 50 pounds. The Vista V2 is a somewhat more expensive model, but that extra cost means extra options—the included bassinet is suitable from birth, and its single-to-double design accommodates growing families with attachable extra seating. This set of wheels can be used as a single, double or even a sit-and-stand stroller. “For all of the ways that the [Vista V2] can be used, it’s worth the expensive price,” commented RaLicia, one of our product testers. “Not only that, it’s made with care and nice material that could last a few years and a few children.”

If you only need a stroller for one child, the Cruz V2 and the Vista V2 are both convertible and are complete with reversible seating that can seamlessly transition forward, backward and even upright. Our product tester Ivy handled the Cruz V2, and told us, “I know we’ll get years out of this stroller! We’ve used it daily for three months now and it looks unused.” What’s more, the Cruz and Vista can be used as travel system strollers—right out of the box, both strollers are compatible with the UPPABbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat, and available car seat adapters let you attach several other car seat brands. “The car seat was easy to click into the frame. I just had to hold the correct button to release it from the frame,” commented RaLicia.

Stroller Size

If you look at the two strollers side-by-side, you’ll probably notice that one is larger than the other. Let’s get into the technical details: The Cruz V2 measures 37.5" x 22.8" x 40" when unfolded and 16.5" x 22.8" x 33" when collapsed. By comparison, the Vista V2 is 36" x 25.7" x 39.5" when open, and folds up to 17.3" x 25.7" x 33.3". Moreover, the Cruz V2 weighs a total of 25.5 pounds, while at 27 pounds, the Vista V2 is a bit heavier.

In short, the Vista V2 is bigger than the Cruz V2. And while a couple of pounds and a few inches on either side may not seem like much, it’s still worth considering. For example, if you’re regularly in and out of the car and you have a smaller vehicle, you’ll want to ensure that your preferred stroller can fit in your trunk with ease. RaLicia spoke to this, saying that when folded, the Vista was “a hassle to carry and store in the back of the car.” The same extra features that give the Vista V2 a measure of flexibility also result in a bigger stroller. The Cruz V2’s smaller size may be better suited for parents who live in cities, often use public transportation and navigate crowds or just want a more streamlined set of wheels.

Despite their size differences, the Cruz V2 and the Vista V2 both feature spacious under-carriage baskets. If you use your stroller as a second (much larger) purse or diaper bag, either model will have you covered. While earlier versions of the Cruz had smaller baskets, in their current iterations both strollers are equipped with an extra-large, easy-access basket that holds up to 30 pounds. As you stroll, you’ll also appreciate the wide opening, which makes it easier to reach your and baby’s belongings. RaLicia agreed, telling us: “The basket fit all of my belongings and my other children’s belongings perfectly. Very spacious and sturdy! I did place a few glass water bottles and a diaper inside and it helped up perfectly with more space.” Ivy echoed this in her review of the Cruz V2, saying: “The basket is absolutely huge and fits so much, including an over-packed diaper bag from a new mom who thinks she needs too much stuff.”

Pushing and Steering

When comparing the specs of the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and Vista V2 strollers, you’ll notice that one of the main differences is the size of the tires. The Cruz V2 has seven-inch front tires and 10-inch rear tires, while the Vista V2’s tires are eight inches and 11.5 inches, respectively. While the Vista’s larger tires will allow it to handle a wider range of terrains, both are equipped with all-wheel, dual-action suspension and softer wheels. As a result, the springs in each tire work independently, creating a seamless riding experience for baby.

Ivy commented on this in her review of the Cruz V2, telling us: “it’s clear the suspension is high-quality because of how easy it was to push along the bumpy hard ground; it rocked baby to sleep instead of jostling him around!” RaLicia was a big fan of the Vista V2’s maneuverability as well. “The suspension was better than expected,” she told us. When the Vista V2 was used as a double stroller, she noted it was slightly trickier to maneuver—although that’s to be expected when you’re pushing two kids instead of one. “In double format, it was a lot heavier to stroll around because I did have a 40-pound toddler in with a 15-pound infant. However, the wheels still kept on course and didn’t cause any issues when strolling through the doors of stores or in an elevator,” she explained.

Features and Attachments

If you’re the parent of a newborn, you’ll want a stroller that’s supportive, sturdy and comfortable for your little love. The Cruz V2 and the Vista V2 strollers are both compatible with the UPPAbaby bassinet attachment—however, as mentioned above, the bassinet attachment is included with the Vista V2, while it’ll need to be purchased separately if you go with the Cruz V2. And since neither of the strollers have seats with lie-flat recline, the bassinet attachment is essential for infants under six months old. “The bassinet is cushy,” RaLicia told us, “and deep enough for a day nap.”

The Cruz V2 and the Vista V2 both come with a full-size, reversible toddler seat. Plus, both strollers can be folded in one step, which is great for those times when your tot doesn’t want to sit in their stroller anymore and you may end up carrying it. Older toddlers and little kids will also appreciate the UPPAbaby PiggyBack, a ride-along board attachment that’s compatible with both models. It quickly snaps on and off and can be lifted out of the way when not in use.

On each stroller, you can slide the canopy up the frame, creating additional headroom for taller toddlers. The size of the seat has also been increased on both models, offering even more space than the original Vista and Cruz. However, if you’re using the Vista V2 for two children, you’ll most likely be using the UPPAbaby Rumble Seat for the lower position. Keep in mind that this add-on is slightly smaller than the included toddler seat and has a weight capacity of 35 pounds.

Final Verdict

All in all, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and Vista V2 strollers are luxe, high-quality designs. Both offer similar features—such as car seat compatibility, ample storage space and a one-step fold—to make outings with your little one (or ones) a breeze. When it comes down to it, the main differences between the two are their size and their versatility. With its bigger wheels, larger body and single-to-double conversion, the Vista V2 may be better suited to rural or country life, or to larger families taking day trips in off-road environments. Meanwhile the Cruz V2, with its lighter, more compact frame is particularly good for parents on the go with one kiddo in a city or suburb.

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

About the writer:

Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor at The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. O’Regan-Reidy has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, travel strollers and everything in between. With over a four-year career in digital media, O’Regan-Reidy has written dozens of articles about baby gear, and aims to create engaging, helpful content that informs new and seasoned parents.

Plus, more from The Bump:

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The 9 Best Infant Car Seats, Based on Parent Testing

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