When it comes to baby gear, one of the most well-known brands is UPPAbaby! They sell two high-end stroller options, the Cruz and the Vista. Both of these strollers offer grow-with-me functionality with a simple metal frame that supports a bassinet or toddler seat.
Many families choose an UPPAbaby stroller because they want something reliable, easy to use, and want something that they can use from infancy to school age. When it really comes down to the UPPAbaby Cruz vs Vista, though, how do they compare?
Overviews of the Uppababy Strollers
Cruz
The Uppababy Cruz V2 is the brand’s standard toddler stroller. This stroller is priced at around $699 and is for children from 3 months old to 50 pounds. The Cruz weighs 25.5 lbs with the frame (19 lbs) and the seat (6.5 lbs).
When you purchase the Cruz the following is included: toddler seat with bumper bar, frame and wheels, toddler seat bug shield, and a toddler seat rain shield.
Vista
The Uppababy Vista V2 is the brand’s grow-with-me stroller, which includes both the bassinet and the toddler seat. This stroller is priced at around $1,099 and is for children from birth to 20 pounds with the bassinet seat, and 3 months old to 50 pounds with the toddler seat.
The stroller itself weighs 27 lbs with the frame (20 lbs) and the seat (7 lbs), or the bassinet (8.8 lbs).
When you purchase the Vista the following is included: toddler seat with bumper bar, bassinet, frame and wheels, toddler seat bug shield, toddler seat rain shield, bassinet bug shield, and a bassinet storage bag.
Uppababy Cruz vs Vista: Seating differences
Cruz
Ultimately, this stroller can seat one child. This is the main difference between these two options.
At most this stroller can seat two, with one standing at the back. However, it will typically carry one child, either with the given toddler seat, or with additional attachments for a bassinet, infant seat, or car seat.
Vista
The Vista model is designed to carry one child from birth to 50 lbs. However, it can also carry two or even three children with the right accessories. The Vista can easily transform into a double stroller, which is the feature that really sets it apart.
With the toddler seat and the additional Rumble Seat accessory, the frame of the Vista can support two toddlers. You can have both children forward-facing or with one rearing facing. In a similar configuration, the addition of a SnugSeat will give you the ability to use a forward-facing toddler seat and a rear-facing infant seat on the same frame. The frame does support two toddler seats or two infant seats at the same time.
To add a third child rider you’ll need the PiggyBack ride along board which gives a standing rider space at the rear. This attaches to the rear axle and allows a child to stand below the handlebar. If you really need a stroller for three, I’d recommend checking out our Triple Stroller article!
Winner: Uppababy Vista
Uppababy Cruz vs Vista: Handlebars and Brakes
Both the Uppababy Cruz and the Uppababy Vista have a telescoping leather handlebar that is easy to adjust for any adult height. The solid handlebar makes it easy to push with one or two hands and is easy to hold while adjusting the seat or using the foot brake.
This is a very minimal handlebar with no tray, storage, or cupholders. A Carry-all Parent Organizer can be purchased from Uppababy for simple removable storage. Handlebar covers are also available from Uppababy for added customization.
The brake system for the Cruz and the Vista is the same. There are both front wheel and rear wheel locks. The front-wheel locks are controlled with a push-button lock, the user presses the button with a finger to lock the swivel wheels into place. This keeps the front wheels in line with the frame for more stability on rough terrain, but it can make it more difficult to make tighter turns.
The rear wheels have color-coded, single-action style brakes which are very easy to use. The simple on/off function can be controlled with the tap of a foot, even barefoot. Users have found that these are easy to use no matter the circumstances.
Winner: Tie
Uppababy Cruz vs Vista: Steering and Wheels
Both the Cruz and the Vista have shock-absorbing, all-wheel suspension. This makes for smooth steering and a smooth ride over a range of terrains. The front swivel wheels make it easy to steer and navigate obstacles, from shopping to crowds. It is also great when traveling with your little ones. The Uppababy Vista is just slightly better in this category because of its larger wheels.
The front and rear wheels have visual lock indicators to make it easy to locate the feature and apply them quickly. Remember that more weight can make it more difficult to steer these strollers, especially on uneven surfaces.
Winner: Vista
Uppababy Cruz vs Vista: Folding and Travel
One of the coolest Vista and Cruz features is the one-step fold. These models allow you to use one hand to collapse the stroller. They also stand on their own when folded for easy access and storage.
This makes it easy to close the stroller while holding a child, and keeps the stroller in one place while securing the child in the car before storing the cargo in the trunk. The Cruz folds up a little more compact than the Vista but both are very convenient.
Some trunk spaces may not be large enough to accommodate the stroller with the seat and the wheels. The toddler seat or bassinet can be removed for easier storage, though.
Winner: Uppababy Cruz
Vista vs Cruz: Car Seat Compatibility
Uppababy strollers are compatible with a range of car seats through the use of their adapter accessories. There is an Uppababy branded car seat, the Uppababy MESA Infant Car Seat, that functions with their strollers without an adapter.
The car seat adapter accessories include one for the Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex seats, and another for the Chicco car seat line.
Winner: Tie
Here’s What Other Moms Think
Uppababy Cruz
Consumers find this is a great first-time parent stroller. The Cruz is a bit pricey but definitely delivers in function and overall performance. It’s a great first-time parent stroller because you can add the infant features if needed, or save the stroller to use once you’ve mastered your parenting skills.
It’s easy to use, looks great, and provides everything a family needs in one stroller.
Uppababy Vista
Consumers really enjoy this stroller. They give it high marks in all categories and appreciate the grow-with-me functionality. The storage basket is also large enough to handle the gear for most families.
The price point is high, making this stroller a luxury item. However, it seems to pay off in terms of delivery of functionality, simplicity, and durability.
Summing Up the Pros and Cons
Uppababy Cruz
The Cruz stroller features include how functional the stroller is right out of the box. This stroller delivers all the necessities with the option to customize and add whatever a family may need. It’s a great functional stroller.
The cons include the price point and the fact that it needs additional accessories to be used at birth. It’s a good middle ground as it can be adapted to your needs but doesn’t provide extra if you aren’t interested in a bassinet or seating for multiple children.
Uppababy Vista
The pros include the fact that this stroller delivers for one child from infancy through toddlerhood. Plus, it can be customized for carrying two or three children. The stroller delivers everything the Cruz provides and goes beyond with the bassinet and bassinet cover straight from the box.
The cons include the price point, which can be steep for some families. This cost should be weighed against the ability to use the stroller with multiple children as the family grows, and that it does include everything for one child from the start.
Overall Winner: Uppababy Vista
It was close, but in my book the Uppababy Vista beats out the Cruz. The only exception to this is if you are on the go and frequently traveling, in which case, the Cruz might be a better option.
What will you choose when it comes to the Uppababy Cruz vs Vista?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UPPAbaby Cruz better than Vista?
If you are on the go, the Cruz might be a better option, but overall we believe the Vista is a slightly better option.
Can UPPAbaby Cruz convert to a double?
The UPPAbaby Cruz is a single stroller and it does not convert to a double. You can add the Piggyback ride-along board for an older child to stand on the back, though.
Does the UPPAbaby Vista bassinet fit in the Cruz?
Yes, the UPPAbaby Vista bassinet will fit in the Cruz if it is a 2015 model or newer.
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Pin for Later: Uppababy Cruz vs Vista- Which one is Best for You!
