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So you are considering UPPAbaby for your stroller purchase?
It’s a great choice.
I was in your very shoes, researching every different kind of stroller before trying to decide between the UPPAbaby Vista or Cruz.
Today I am here to compare the two in depth! Stick around as we dive deep into features, pro’s & cons, uses, price differences, & more.
As for me? I landed on the UPPAbaby Cruz for it’s smaller footprint and lighter weight (hello second floor city living).
P.S. – In case you were wondering, UPPAbaby didn’t give me a stroller to write this, I purchased it (on Amazon) long before I started blogging.
Contents
What is the difference: UPPAbaby Vista vs Cruz?
Apart from the prices, there are actually plenty of differences between the two. Let’s summarize the big ones:
| Feature | Cruz | Vista |
| Number of seats possible | 1 seat | 2 seats |
| Includes bassinet | No | Yes |
| Max children transported with accessories | 2 | 3 |
| Width | 22.5″ | 25.7″ |
| Weight | 25.5 lbs | 27 lbs |
| Folded dimensions | 17.3×25.7×33.3″ | 16.5×22.8×33.3″ |
The biggest consideration is often the number of children you would ideally like to push with these strollers. With the Vista you can have 2 seats (or 1 seat and a bassinet or 2 car seats etc) and one piggyback board for a total of 3 children. With the vista you only have 1 seat/bassinet/carseat and you can add the same piggyback board for a total of 2 children.
While the Vista does include the bassinet, know that you can buy the Cruz plus the standalone bassinet for less than the cost of the Vista (at the time of writing). That should not be the swaying decision.
The Vista is the more practical choice if you plan on having children close together, and definitely if you are expecting twins!
What do you get when you purchase the UPPAbaby Cruz?
One of the best things about the UPPAbaby Cruz (or Vista) is the “extras” that are included. The extendable sunshade is amazing and something we use every day. Also, since my hubby is a giant, the extendable handlebar was a non-negotiable if he was ever going to push the stroller.
Items included with your UPPAbaby Cruz purchase:
- extendable UPF 50+ canopy with mesh panels to sneak a peak inside
- extendable handlebar
- extra large basket underneath for carrying your diaper bag, toys, groceries or other goodies.
- bumper bar, which provides an added layer of security
- toddler seat bug shield
- toddler seat rain shield
This stroller truly was designed with the parents in mind. Having bug & rain shields has been super practical for our four season climate. The extra large basket underneath is a game changer too, it’s big enough to even carry home all my groceries!
UPPAbaby Cruz in depth
Let’s get to the features of the UPPAbaby Cruz, shall we?
- full-size, reversible toddler seat
- five-point harness
- extendable UPF 50+ canopy with mesh panels
- one handed, multi position (5) recline
- adjustable handlebar
- undercarriage basket that holds up to 30lbs
- all-wheel suspension
- no adapters needed for the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat to click right in
- 100% full-grain leather accents
- One-step fold & stands alone folded
- suitable for 3 months to 50 pounds (can buy separate accessories for the newborn stage and use the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat)
Pro’s of the UPPAbaby Cruz
In my opinion, the features are all pro’s for this product. It’s a truly functional and beautiful stroller made to last.
This stroller glides like a dream. It’s smooth and my daughter is very comfortable being pushed around in it. We do have a small travel stroller (the GB Pockit), and while convenient for its tiny size and light weight (9.5lbs) for airline travel (literally folds up and fits anywhere), it does not provide the same comfort and ease of pushing as our UPPAbaby Cruz.
It’s easy to adjust the straps on the Cruz as you don’t need to rethread anything.
The reversible seat is super easy to flip around and convenient for when you want to keep a closer eye on your younger baby/toddler… or keep them away from prying strangers!
The UPPAbaby Mesa car seat snaps in with no adapters required. It’s super easy and you can hear the click. There are adapters available for purchase should you choose another car seat.
You can see the quality of the materials used. We are almost 18 months in as I write this and the stroller looks brand new. We use it almost every single day and it’s been through four seasons of Chicago city living.
Con’s of the UPPAbaby Cruz
You need two hands to fold it, meaning you can’t collapse it and hold your baby/toddler at the same time.
It’s heavy. There’s no denying it’s on the heavy side. This wouldn’t bother me at all if not for second floor walk up living, but it is challenging to carry the stroller and a wiggly toddler.
It’s on the expensive side. That being said, you can feel the quality. Also, it’s a product you are going to use for YEARS, unlike spending hundreds of dollars on a baby swing they will use for months and may not even end up liking…
It’s on the large side and if you travel a lot you may need a second smaller stroller for those trips.
Video demonstrations
If you are interested in watching videos on this amazing stroller, click here. You can see just how easy it is to fold and unfold, set up the stroller and how you can use it effectively from birth.
What do you get when you purchase the UPPAbaby Vista?
You get all the same items as the Cruz plus the bassinet is included! This is handy because it clicks in and out, meaning you can also use the bassinet in your house. That’s a multi-functional win!
What’s included:
- extendable UPF 50+ canopy with mesh panels to sneak a peak inside
- extendable handlebar
- extra large basket underneath for carrying your diaper bag, toys, groceries or other goodies.
- bumper bar, which provides an added layer of security
- toddler seat bug shield
- toddler seat rain shield
- bassinet
- bassinet bug shield
- bassinet storage bag
It’s really handy to have the bug and rain shields. Plus the under storage basket is huge and you can fold the shields up into the little pockets so you’ll never be unprepared!
UPPAbaby Vista in depth
Yesss your still with me. Let’s get to the features of the Vista!
- full-size, reversible toddler seat
- bassinet with extendable UPF 50+ sunshade & zip out, easy to wash panels
- five-point harness
- extendable UPF 50+ canopy with mesh panels
- one handed, multi position (6) recline (1 more than the Cruz!)
- adjustable handlebar
- undercarriage basket that holds up to 30lbs
- all-wheel suspension
- no adapters needed for the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat to click right in
- 100% full-grain leather accents
- One-step fold & stands alone folded
- suitable for 3 months to 50 pounds (can buy separate accessories for the newborn stage and use the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat)
Pros of the UPPAbaby Vista
Alright, so definitely all the same pro’s of the Cruz, plus an included bassinet you can use inside your home too AND the ability to make it a double stroller. With the rumble seat and piggyback accessories you can actually transport 3 children with the UPPAbaby vista!
Cons of the UPPAbaby Vista
If the Cruz is heavy… the Vista is heavier! That being said, this is MUCH less of an issue if you have a garage you can keep the stroller in and aren’t lugging it up and down flights of stairs.
If the Cruz is expensive… the Vista is more expensive! But you get more for your money too.
Lastly, just like the Cruz, you may end up needed a lighter more compact stroller if you do a lot of traveling.
Video demonstrations
Click here to watch some short YouTube videos on the UPPAbaby Vista and accessories.
Additional UPPAbaby products and accessories to consider
UPPAbaby Mesa Car Seat
UPPAbaby Mesa Merino Wool Car Seat
Rumble Seat
Separate Bassinet (for Cruz)
Piggyback board for Vista
Piggyback board for Cruz
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Uppababy Cruz convert to a double?
The UPPAbaby Cruz does not support 2 child seats. You can attach this piggyback board to transport an older child.
Does the bassinet come with the UPPAbaby Cruz?
The UPPAbaby Cruz does not come with the bassinet included, but you can find combination packages.
Are UPPAbaby strollers worth it?
In my opinion the UPPAbaby strollers are totally worth their price tag. The quality is extremely evident and designed to last.
What car seats are compatible with the UPPAbaby strollers?
UPPAbaby makes car seat adaptors for Maxi-cosi, Nuna, Cybex, BeSafe. For more details on specific models visit the UPPAbaby website here.
Should I get the UPPAbaby Vista or Cruz?
If you have or plan to have multiple children close together in age, you should consider the UPPAbaby Vista over the Cruz since it converts to a double and will save you from ever needing another stroller.
If you live in an urban walk up or won’t be having kids close together, you should consider the UPPAbaby Cruz because its smaller and lighter (and cheaper!).
I wouldn’t let the bassinet alone sway you. At the time of writing this you can buy the UPPAbaby Cruz and the separate bassinet for less than the cost of the UPPAbaby Vista.
Feel free to drop any questions or comments below. Happy shopping!
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