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Even if you have a tried-and-true travel system, a lightweight stroller is always a worthy addition to your collection of baby gear. Strollers like the Nuna TRVL and Nuna TRIV—both weigh less than 20 pounds—are prime for travel, plus make a huge difference if lifting a lot of weight is an issue, like if you’re pregnant with a second child or live in a walk-up apartment building.
But, as you probably already know, a stroller is a big investment and choosing the right one is a big decision. To help take the weight of such a big decision off of your shoulders, our gear experts tested, reviewed and compared the Nuna Triv vs TRVL. Here’s what they had to say.
Main Differences Between the Nuna TRVL and TRIV
The Nuna TRIV and the Nuna TRVL are so similar that, at first glance, you may mistake the two. But there are inherent—and important—distinctions. The main difference between the Nuna TRIV and the Nuna TRVL is that the TRIV is better suited for everyday use, thanks to features like a reversible seat and bassinet compatibility, while the Nuna TRIV is more of a true travel stroller because it’s lighter and folds effortlessly.
Nuna TRVL: Pros and Cons
- Retail Price: $500
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $359
- Avg. Seller Payout: $269
- Age Range/Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds or 45 inches
- Dimensions (unfolded): 32.5 x 20.25 x 44 inches
- Stroller Weight: 13.6 pounds
For most families, a quality everyday stroller like the TRVL is one of the most important pieces of baby gear, but don’t underestimate the importance of weight. If you’re pregnant with your second child, a 23-pound stroller will be too much to lift into the trunk—especially towards the end of the pregnancy. Not to mention, if you live in a walk-up apartment building or take frequent trips, you’ll appreciate a lighter stroller.
As its name might suggest, the Nuna TRVL is the perfect solution. It may look just like the TRIV, but it’s much lighter—just 13.6 pounds, which is a 5.8 pound difference. Still, the TRVL accommodates the brand’s Nuna Pipa infant car seats without the need for adapters.
The ride is just as smooth, too. The lightweight stroller has progressive front and rear-wheel suspension technology, plus one-handed steering for improved maneuverability. Other high quality features, like a water-repellent UPF 50+ canopy, multi-position recline and an adjustable luxe leatherette handlebar (great for taller parents), lend comfort to the parent pushing and the little one along for the ride.
Of course, your little one will be just as safe in this less expensive, lighter TRVL. The seat features a quick-release, five-point no-rethread harness for easy adjustments.
Best for: Families who need a lightweight travel companion for occasional use, like during vacations or city errands
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight
- One hand, one motion fold
- Less expensive
- Decent-sized, easy-to-access storage basket underneath
- Compatible with Nuna Pipa infant car seats, no adapters needed
Cons
- Seat is not reversible
- Does not accommodate a bassinet
- Seat fabric isn’t as luxe as the merino wool on the TRIV
Nuna TRIV: Pros and Cons
- Retail Price: $599.95
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price Range: $399
- Avg. Seller Payout: $300
- Age Range/Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds or 45 inches
- Dimensions (unfolded): 30.5 x 20 x 42 inches
- Stroller Weight: 19.4 lbs
The Nuna TRIV is essentially a lighter version of the brand’s most popular everyday option, the Nuna Mixx. Though it’s just above 19 pounds, the Nuna Triv has many of the same features and is designed to be used from birth through toddlerhood.
You may not be able to fit multiple seats for more than one child onto the frame of this stroller, but it does accommodate any of the Nuna Pipa car seats and the Nuna TRIV bassinet. Later, when baby can sit on their own, they’ll be super comfortable in the merino wool seat that comes with the stroller. It’s the perfect “Goldilocks” fabric—it will keep your little one warm in the winter, but won’t leave them sweating in the summer. (It’s naturally moisture-wicking.)
The stroller seat is also reversible, so you can face your little one towards you or towards the world around them. It also has three recline positions, including one that’s nearly flat for naps on the go.
There’s plenty for parents to love, too. The lightweight stroller has an all-wheel suspension system, swivel-lock front wheels and large rear wheels for a smooth ride and improved maneuverability. Translation: You’ll have no trouble taking bumps in the sidewalk, curbs and even winter weather in stride. And when it’s time to stop to play? The one-touch brake system and one-handed fold are especially convenient. The stroller even stands up on its wheels, so you can tuck it into a closet when not in use—can you tell we love this stroller?
And because we know style is undeniably a factor, it’s worth noting the Nuna TRIV has enviable details like a luxe leatherette accented push bar and removable arm bar, plus nice-to-haves like an easy access zippered pocket and oversized storage basket.
Best for: Families who need a lightweight everyday travel system, like city dwellers or frequent travelers
Pros
- Compatible with Nuna infant car seats and bassinet
- Reversible seats
- Smaller footprint
- Stands upright for easy storage
Cons
- Slightly heavier
- A little harder to fold
- More expensive
Nuna TRVL vs. TRIV: Comparison Chart
Nuna TRVL | Nuna TRIV | |
Retail Price | $500 | $599.95 |
Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price | $359 | $399 |
Stroller Weight | 13.6 lbs | 19.4 lbs |
Dimensions (folded) | 24 x 20.25 x 11 in | 25.3 x 21 x 17.5 in |
Dimensions (not folded) | 32.5 x 20.25 x 44 in | 30.5 x 20 x 42 in |
Recommended Age/Weight | Birth to 50 lbs or 45 inches | Birth to 50 lbs or 45 inches |
Fold | One-handed, one-motion fold | One-handed, two-step fold |
Car Seat Compatibility | Nuna PIPA Infant Car Seats, No adapters | Nuna PIPA Infant Car Seats, Ring adapter |
Colors | 7 | 2 |
Price Comparison
The Nuna TRVL is the less expensive stroller by about $100. For the most part, this is because the TRVL is slightly less flexible. It doesn’t accommodate a bassinet, plus the seat is not reversible. Also, the fabric is not quite as luxe.
Winner: Nuna TRVL
Weight Comparison
The Nuna TRVL is the lighter stroller—it weighs just 13.6 pounds, while the Nuna TRIV weighs 19.4 pounds.
Winner: Nuna TRVL
Size Comparison
The Nuna TRIV and TRVL are very comparable size-wise, however, the TRIV is ever-so-slightly smaller. The TRIV measures 30.5 x 20 x 42 inches, while the TRVL measures 32.5 x 20.25 x 44 inches.
Winner: Nuna TRIV
Age/Weight Range Comparison
Both the Nuna TRIV and TRVL have the same specs regarding age and weight limit. Both stroller seats can be used from 6 months through 45 inches in height or 50 pounds (whichever comes first). With the infant seat or bassinet (TRIV only), both strollers can be used from birth.
Winner: Tie
Wheel Comparison
Both the Nuna TRIV and the TRVL have high-quality EVA foam wheels, complete with all-wheel suspension, front swivel wheel locks and a one-touch brake.
Winner: Tie
Seating Size & Configurations
Both models have seats with multi-position recline (the TRIV has three; the TRVL is flexible based on how you adjust the strap), but the TRIV ultimately wins out because the seat is a bit wider and you can reverse It. This means you can position your little one facing you or facing out toward the rest of the world.
Winner: Nuna TRIV
Travel Comparison
Both strollers are relatively lightweight and suitable for travel, but as the name suggests, the Nuna TRVL is better suited for jet-setting, namely because the TRVL is lighter (just 13.6 pounds).
Just note: Most airlines will make you gate check your stroller, which means you can use it to navigate the airport—even through security—but you’ll have to pass it off when it’s time to board the plane. Because of this, it’s helpful to have a travel bag (included with the TRVL) in an effort to protect the stroller from any potential damage in the cargo hold.
Winner: Nuna TRVL
Accessories Available
Nuna sells limited accessories for both the TRIV and the TRVL. You can purchase a cup holder for either model. Additionally, you can buy a rain cover for the TRVL, which also comes with a travel bag.
Winner: Nuna TRVL
Available Colors
The Nuna TRVL comes in seven colors ranging from solids like black to a patterned brushstroke dot. The TRIV, on the other hand, only comes in two shades: black and hazelwood.
Winner: Nuna TRVL
Seller Payout Comparison
The Nuna TRIV and TRVL both hold their value relatively well, but because the TRIV is more of a complete travel system for everyday use, it has a slightly better resale value and, thus, seller payout. You can expect to make about $300 selling a TRIV in good condition and approximately $260 selling a TRVL in good condition. The more your stroller is worth, the higher your payout will be.
Winner: Nuna TRIV
Car Seat Compatibility
Both the Nuna TRIV and TRVL are compatible with the brand’s Nuna Pipa car seats. The TRVL does not require adapters, but the TRIV requires an included ring adapter. The TRIV is also compatible with the brand’s bassinet.
Winner: Tie
How to Fold
Both strollers boast a one-handed fold for parental convenience. The difference is how many steps it takes—the TRVL folds swiftly in one motion, while the TRIV requires two quick steps.
Winner: Nuna TRVL
Nuna TRIV vs. Nuna TRVL: Which Is Better For You?
The Nuna TRIV and the Nuna TRVL are very similar lightweight strollers. The main difference is that the TRIV functions as more of an everyday travel system, since it’s compatible with both a bassinet and an infant car seat, plus has a reversible seat. The downside? It’s about 6 pounds heavier.
The Nuna TRVL—the lighter of the two—is better suited for occasional use. Since it’s exceptionally lightweight and has a one-step one-handed fold, it’s easy to take in and out of the car on a whim if you’re on a series of errands. Plus, it makes air travel or a destination like Disney World more manageable.
So which one is right for your family? Choose the Nuna TRIV if you want a high-quality stroller you can rely on day in and day out right from birth. But if you want to save a little bit of money, the Nuna TRVL is a fantastic option for families who would rather trade all the bells and whistles, like the ability to attach a bassinet, for conveniences like an incredibly swift one-handed fold.
Want to compare more Nuna strollers and products? Check out our comparison of the Nuna TAVO Next vs. MIXX Next lightweight strollers or our review of the Nuna RAVA vs. Nuna EXEC infant car seats.
FAQ
Which Stroller is Better For Airplane Travel?
Both strollers are suitable for airplane travel, but the Nuna TRVL is slightly more compact and significantly lighter, giving it the edge. Plus, the TRVL folds more efficiently with one hand. It also comes with a travel bag, should you need to check your stroller.
Can the Nuna TRIV and TRVL Be Used With Newborns?
Both the Nuna TRIV and TRVL can be used with newborns with one big caveat: You’ll need a compatible infant car seat (or bassinet for the TRIV). Without these attachments, you’ll have to wait until your kiddo is about six months—when they can sit on their own.
Can You Use the Nuna TRIV and TRVL Every Day?
Either stroller is perfectly fine for everyday use, but before landing on one over the other, think about your lifestyle. Are you always in and out of the car? You might prefer the TRVL, since it’s the lighter of the two and folds so efficiently. Or, do you want a few extras, like the flexibility of using a bassinet and the super breathable merino wool seats? If so, opt for the TRIV.
Both the Nuna TRIV and TRVL are fantastic lightweight strollers—you really can’t go wrong. But there are subtle differences that make the TRIV a bit more appealing for everyday use and the TRVL more suitable for city dwellers on errands or avid travelers.