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We’ve been there: buying a stroller that has the right features for your family’s specific needs feels like a major undertaking. Every stroller has unique configurations, maneuverability, weight and size limits, storage, safety and design features. These can result in some pretty different price points, even for models that look similar.
Case in point: UPPAbaby Cruz v2 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V2. The Cruz has a meaningfully lower price point than the Vista, and can work well for you depending on your needs and family size. (We won’t bury the lede: the Cruz is only a meaningful option if you have one little one, or if your older child is able to stand on a riding board (which UPPAbaby calls a PiggyBack). The Cruz doesn’t allow for a second seat, which UPPAbaby calls a RumbleSeat.)
But there’s also a reason the Vista v2 is on every street corner and day care parking lot: not only does it have a flexible configuration transitioning from single to double stroller, but has outstanding maneuverability and stability at the same time. This is a sturdy stroller that doesn’t feel bulky - a rare find!
The following is our deep dive into UPPAbaby’s two most popular models right now: the UPPAbaby vista v2 and the UPPAbaby Cruz v2. These strollers are similar in design and reliability but differ in size, functionality and adaptability.
Main Differences Between the UPPAbaby Vista and Cruz
The main difference between the UPPAbaby Vista v2 stroller and the Cruz v2 stroller is its ability to grow through a range of configurations. The UPPAbaby Vista v2 will grow with your family, as it’s able to convert from a single stroller to a double stroller. The Cruz, on the other hand, is only a single stroller unless you purchase the PiggyBack riding board for an older child to ride on.
Whether or not the size of your stroller matters really boils down to what you’re looking for. Some parents like that the Vista is bigger—it has bigger wheels, a bigger basket and comes with a bassinet. This, however, also means it’s bulkier which may not be appealing for those in a tiny apartment in the city. It’s for this same reason that some like the Cruz, which is smaller and comes at a lower price point.
Speaking of price, those who opt for the Vista can expect to shell out about $500 more than those who go for the Cruz. The Vista’s price point is about $1,100, while the Cruz is around $700 at retail (unless, of course, you shop open box with us). If you’re looking for a double stroller similar to the Vista but at a Cruz price point, you may want to read (or watch) our comparison stroller review with the Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller.
UPPAbaby Vista V2: Pros and Cons
The UPPAbaby Vista is a hugely popular stroller. The reasons for the interest? The Vista is sturdy, reliable and will grow with your family. This stroller can convert into a double stroller for siblings close in age or twins. A potential downside of its sturdiness is the weight: the UPPABaby Vista v2 is almost 30 pounds.
Best for: Both urban and suburban families who are looking for an adaptable stroller with many different features.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of the Vista.
Pros
Grows with your family—it can accommodate two children- Comes with two bassinets, two cars seats, two stroller seats or a combination of the three
- The canopy slides upward and adjusts so growing children can comfortably fit
- Adjustable footrest
Easy car seat adaptability
- UPPAbaby Mesa Car Seat compatible with no adapters needed
- Can accommodate other infant car seats if you purchase adapters
Cons
- Weighs 28.5 pounds, so it can be heavy to carry
- Stadium seating between two seats reduces some maneuverability
- More expensive than the Cruz
What Our Team Thinks: “When a brand continues to improve upon the first stroller they launched over a decade ago, you know it's a winner!”
UPPAbaby Cruz V2: Pros and Cons
The UPPAbaby Cruz has many of the same benefits as the Vista, just without the ability to seamlessly grow with your family. The Cruz can only accommodate one child unless you purchase the UPPAbaby Piggyback ride-along board. It still has the same benefits as the Vista: it’s sturdy, reliable and has ample storage.
Best for: Urban families that have outgrown their first stroller or who are frequently on the go.
Pros
Compact and Maneuverable:
- Can fold compactly
- Kiddo can sit parent or forward-facing
Easy car seat adaptability
- UPPAbaby Mesa Car Seat compatible with no adapters needed.
- Can accommodate other infant car seats if you purchase adapters
Less expensive than the Vista
Cons
- Doesn’t have a second seat
- Bassinet must be purchased separately
- Mid-size stroller (not light-weight), unlike the first edition of the Cruz
What Our Team Thinks: “Great option for a long-lasting, substantially built stroller with all the features of full-size strollers on market.”
UPPAbaby Vista V2 vs. Cruz V2: Stroller Comparison Chart
| UPPAbaby Vista V2 | UPPAbaby Cruz V2 | |
| Retail Price | $1,099.99 | $699.99 |
| Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price | $740 | $514 |
| Weight | 28.6 pounds | 25.5 pounds |
| Dimensions (folded) | 36" L x 25.7" W x 39.5" H | 37.5" L x 22.8" W x 40" H |
| Age/Weight Requirements | 0-4 years (or 50 lbs) with bassinet | 3 months-4 years (or 50 lbs) |
| Recline Positions | 6 | 5 |
| Wheels | 8" front, 11" rear | 6.5" front, 7.5" rear |
| Seating Configurations | Second-seat option, bassinet and Mesa car seat compatible | No second-seat option, bassinet and Mesa car seat compatible |
| Accessories | Storage basket, rain cover, bug shield, bassinet | Storage basket, rain cover, bug shield |
| Available Colors | 8 | 6 |
| Avg. Seller Earnings | $630 | $500 |
There are a lot of similarities between the Cruz and the Vista—they are similar weights and each is folded the same way. The main differences between the strollers are the price and size.
Price
The UPPAbaby Vista is more expensive than the Cruz. But for parents that have two children that are similar ages, this double stroller could be more cost-effective than purchasing two strollers. If you’ve just got one kid, however, the Cruz is still a reliable stroller that isn’t so expensive. Either way, you can buy either stroller from us and get an average of 50% off traditional retail.
Winner: UPPAbaby Cruz
Weight
The UPPAbaby Vista clocks in at about three pounds heavier than the Cruz (the Vista weighs 28.6 pounds and the Cruz weighs 25.5). So while the Vista may have more room, that also means it’s heavier if you have to carry it up the stairs.
Winner: UPPAbaby Cruz
Dimensions
The UPPAbaby Vista is wider than the Cruz, so if you live in an urban setting with densely-packed sidewalks the Cruz might be your better bet. However, the Vista has a larger storage basket which works for shopping trips.
Winner: UPPAbaby Cruz
Age and Weight Requirements
Because the UPPAbaby Vista comes with a bassinet, you can use it for newborn babies. If you want to use the Cruz with a newborn, you’ll have to purchase the bassinet separately. However, if you don’t use the bassinet, both the UPPAbaby Vista and the UPPAbaby Cruz have a weight limit of 50 pounds and are recommended for children from three months to 50 pounds.
Both strollers have the same weight and height requirement. But a key perk of both strollers: the toddler seat for both the UPPAbaby Vista and the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller is larger than most other stroller models making it roomy if you have a taller or older child. The UPPAbaby Vista has a second seat called the Rumble seat that is smaller than the upper toddler seat. The Rumble seat can hold 35 pounds while the toddler seat can hold 50 pounds.
Winner: UPPAbaby Vista
How to Fold Comparison
The Vista and Cruz fold in the same way. To fold both strollers, you’ll:
- Activate the brakes
- Extend the handlebars to the highest position
- Adjust the seat to the second-most upright position
- Pull the release triggers
- Rotate the lever to the ground
The only difference is that if you have the second seat in the Vista, you need to make sure it’s forward-facing, which adds one extra step.
Winner: UPPAbaby Cruz
Wheel Comparison
Both the Vista and the Cruz have large wheels that make for a smoother ride. The Vista, however, has slightly larger wheels that make for an even smoother ride than the Cruz.
Winner: UPPAbaby Vista
Seating Configurations
The Cruz doesn’t accommodate a second seat the way the Vista does, so the Vista inherently has more flexibility and capability. Both strollers, however, are capable with the Mesa Infant car seat.
Winner: UPPAbaby Vista
Accessories Available
Both strollers come with a bug and rain shield to keep your little one dry and free from pesky bites. The Vista comes with a bassinet on purchase, which is an additional cost for the Cruz. Neither stroller comes with a cup holder, that is sold separately. Both models utilize the same Uppababy Vista and Cruz travel storage bag, and the UPPAbaby Infant Snugseat works with both models, designed for infant comfort while strolling..
Winner: UPPAbaby Vista
Colors Available
The Vista and Cruz come in similar colorways, ranging from hues of blue to gray, pink and green. The Vista, however, has two different shades, called Jake and Declan. Jake is a charcoal shade and Declan is oat-colored.
Winner: UPPAbaby Vista
Resale Value
Both strollers have great resale value. At GoodBuy Gear, the more your item is worth, the more your payout will be. At time of publishing this article, you'll get about $350 for the Cruz and $650 for the Vista. You can calculate your estimated payout anytime using our payout estimator.
Winner: Both the Vista and the Cruz
Car Seat Compatibility Comparison
First, read out ultimate guide on stroller compatibility with popular car seat models. For UPPAbaby Vista v2 and UPPAbaby Cruz v2 specifically, read on below.
Both strollers are compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat. You can attach the car seat directly to the stroller’s frame and release it by pushing a button.
Car Seats Compatible with UPPAbaby Vista V2
If you purchase car seat adapters, the Vista v2 is then compatible with other seats, including:
- UPPAbaby MESA car seat
- Chicco KeyFit and KeyFit30
- Clek Liing
- Cybex Aton series (not Cloud Q)
- Maxi-Cosi Mico series, Citi, Cabrio and CabrioFix
- Nuna PIPA series
- Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 and Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido
Car Seats Compatible with UPPAbaby Cruz V2
The cat seats compatible with the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 are:
- UPPAbaby MESA
- Chicco KeyFit and KeyFit30
- Clek Liing
- Cybex Aton series (not Cloud Q)
- Maxi-Cosi Mico series, Citi, Cabrio and CabrioFix
- Nuna PIPA series
- Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 and Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido
UPPAbaby Vista vs. Cruz: How to Choose
Like every parenting decision, whether the UPPAbaby Cruz vs. Vista is right for your family really boils down to what your needs are. If you have multiple children around the same age, the UPPAbaby Vista might be a good investment for your family.
If you want something that’s high-end and reliable without breaking the bank, the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller fits the bill. The Vista is also a heavier stroller, so you might want to go with the Cruz if you’ll be carrying the stroller up stairs often.
Lifestyle also plays a role. Urban families that are more frequently traversing busy streets and carrying the folded stroller up and down stairs might look to the Cruz, with its lighter weight and one-step fold. On the other hand, the Vista works for both urban and suburban families who may be traveling over rougher terrain or need more configurations.
More UPPAbaby Reviews to Read or Watch
More UPPAbaby Stroller Reviews
UPPAbaby VISTA V2 vs. Nuna MIXX Next: Which Is Better? Watch here
UPPAbaby VISTA V2 vs. Mockingbird: Stroller Comparison & Buying Guide . Watch here.
UPPAbaby Ridge vs. BOB: Jogging Stroller Comparison
UPPAbaby MINU Review: Watch here
More UPPAbaby Car Seat Reviews
Nuna PIPA Lite vs. UPPAbaby MESA V2: Infant Car Seat Comparison. Watch here
FAQ
Is the UPPAbaby Vista bigger than the Cruz?
Even as a single stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista is larger and heavier than the Cruz. While the Cruz prioritizes maneuverability, the Vista prioritizes a smooth ride. The UPPAbaby Vista clocks in at about three pounds heavier than the Cruz (the Vista weighs 28.6 pounds and the Cruz weighs 25.5). So while the Vista may have more room, that also means it’s heavier if you have to carry it up the stairs.
Can the UPPAbaby Cruz be a double stroller?
No, the UPPAbaby Cruz is not designed to be compatible with the UPPAbaby Rumbleseat (UPPAbaby’s version of a second seat), but in a pinch you can purchase an UPPAbaby Piggyback riding board for an older child to ride on.
Are The UPPAbaby Vista and Cruz Interchangeable?
The UPPAbaby Vista and Cruz are similar but not interchangeable—especially not if you need two seats. The UPPAbaby Vista is the only one of the two strollers that is compatible with a second seat, and can thus become either a single stroller or a double stroller.
How Long Can You Use the UPPAbaby Cruz?
You can use the UPPAbaby Cruz from three months until your child is 50 pounds or about four years. You can use the Cruz from birth if you purchase the bassinet accessory, which isn’t included with the Cruz like it is with the Vista.
Can the UPPAbaby Cruz and Vista Be Used For a Newborn?
The UPPAbaby Vista comes with a bassinet, so it can always be used for a newborn. The Cruz can also be used for a newborn if you purchase the bassinet, which is compatible with the stroller but sold separately.
Is the UPPAbaby Cruz or Vista Better?
Neither stroller is “better,” because each one has unique features and accessories that work for different families. The best stroller for you will depend on your family and lifestyle. If you need two seats, the Vista may be better for you; if you don’t, the Cruz might be.
The Bottom Line
Purchasing a stroller is a big decision. UPPAbaby has the glowing reputation that it does because of the high-end, reliable strollers they make. But with a high-end stroller usually comes a high price tag — especially when the stroller costs the same as a one-bedroom apartment.
Our mission at GoodBuy Gear is to give every family access to the best quality baby gear without the high price point. Shop UPPAbaby and other high-end strollers, travel systems, car seats, bassinets, joggers and more - all at an average of 50% off traditional retail—your baby (and wallet) will thank you.
