Editor’s Note
The UPPAbaby Cruz has been discontinued and UPPAbaby has released the Cruz V2. The Cruz V2 measures smaller than the Cruz at 16.5″ L x 22.8″ W x 33″ and weighs more than the Cruz at 25.5 lbs. This stroller can be adapted to a travel system with the MESA infant car seat, which directly attaches to the stroller without any needed adaptors. The Cruz V2 has multiple recline, a large storage basket, a single-step fold, shock-absorbing, all-wheel suspension, and a canopy with 50+ UV protection. Like the Cruz, the newer model also has other accessories available for purchase, such as a bassinet and an Infant SnugSeat. You can read more about the Cruz V2 here.
The UPPAbaby VISTA Stroller is still available. However, the VISTA V2 is their updated model. Both strollers have the same dimensions of 36 x 25.7 x 39.5,” yet the Vista 2 is more lightweight at 27 lbs versus the 35 lb Vista. Both strollers can be made into a traveling system with a MESA infant car seat, and no adaptors are needed to use the car seat. Both the Vista and Vista 2 can accommodate up to 3 children and 50 lbs. You can read our full review of the VISTA V2 here.
UPPAbaby created two fabulous strollers: the Cruz and the Vista, both with different functions and purposes. Many of the features, like the frames and the seats, are nearly identical. Other aspects of the two strollers differ by function.
To help you decide between the two, you need to know those differences:
- The Vista is made with larger families in mind, while the Cruz is made for a single baby or toddler.
- The Vista also includes a bassinet that is safe for overnight sleeping, whereas the Cruz has no bassinet.
- Finally, the UPPAbaby Vista is larger and heavier than it’s single friend the UPPAbaby Cruz.
That being said, the UPPAbaby Vista is the better of the two.
Let’s take a closer look at the two strollers.
VISTA
CRUZ
What are the Uppababy Cruz and Vista Differences?
Price
The first difference between the Uppababy Cruz and the Vista is the price and it’s a big difference. The Vista is a couple of hundred dollars more to accommodate the added advantages that come with the stroller, the largest being the bassinet. If you do not need to add another child to your stroller than the Cruz will save you enough money to stock up on diapers, wipes, toys, tiny baby shoes, and a whole lot of pizza for the days you are too tired to cook.
Seating Options
The champion of seating is the Vista by a landslide. Pop two babies into this stroller for larger or growing families. If you want to add a toddler too then grab a UPPAbaby VISTA PiggyBack Ride-Along Board.
Even better, the Vista can be used in multiple ways to accommodate each families needs. The problem is, this expensive stroller becomes even more expensive when you add another child because you will need an adapter and a rumble seat. But the advantage is you can even add an Uppababy Mesa Car Seat if you would prefer to hold off using the toddler seat until your child is older. Otherwise, the options are endless with the mixture of car seats, rumble seats, or bassinets.
Tires and Wheels
Another major difference between the Vista and the Cruz is the tires. The Vista has larger 8″ polyurethane front tires and 11.5″ back wheels with all-wheel suspension for an edge in maneuverability. The Cruz has smaller 6.4″ polyurethane front tires and 8.5″ back wheels and only front-wheel suspension, which means your baby will feel more bumps while riding as a passenger in the stroller. Also, because of the better suspension, the Vista will do much better on rougher terrain. Finally, the advantage to the Cruz with the smaller tires is a lighter stroller. No mama wants to wrestle with both a heavy car seat and a stroller.
Size and Weight
Size matters with strollers. First, you need to shove that stroller in the hall closet if you don’t have a garage or at least put it someplace inconspicuous. Second, smaller usually means easier to maneuver, especially around the aisles of your favorite store or in small parks in the city.
Stroller Dimensions:
Vista – 36″L x 25.7″W x 39.5″H
Cruz – 37″L x 22.3″W x 40.5″H
Folded Dimensions
Vista – 17.3″L x 25.7″W x 33″H
Cruz – 17″L x 22.3″W x 36″H
As you can see, the Cruz is definitely more compact than it’s brother. As you would expect, the Vista is also heavier than the Cruz.
Vista – 26.6 pounds
Cruz – 21.5 pounds
While both strollers offer large storage baskets, the Vista’s basket is a bit bigger than the Cruz’s basket. Both should easily hold the diaper bag and some shopping bags, but the Vista’s basket can even hold a shoebox from a new pair of boots. Just a suggestion.
Vista basket – 30 lb limit
Cruz basket – 25 lb limit
Finally, both car seats can accommodate a baby or toddler up to 50 lbs per seat. The bassinet holds up to 30 lbs.
What is the Same About the Uppababy Cruz and the Vista?
Foldability
Both strollers offer similar folding ability. Even better, both stand unsupported in the folded mode. With the Vista, the second seat needs to be removed for folding. For both, lock the wheels, pull up the handlebar, and then on the two side triggers. The footrest folds down too. To unfold push in the side trigger and pull up on the handlebars. Unfortunately, if you have the bassinet, it will not fold down and will take up extra storage space.
Car Seat Compatibility
If you use the Uppababy Mesa car seat you will not require an adapter but both car seats can adapt to hold other car seats including the Chicco KeyFit and KeyFit30, Several seats by Maxi-Cosi, Peg-Perego, Pippa, and Cybex. For all of these, you will need an adapter to turn it into one of the Best Baby Travel Systems.
Seat Function and Safety
Both strollers can switch the seat from forward facing to parent facing for use with an infant and then with a toddler. Both car seats also recline to a full 180 degrees and anywhere in between all with one hand. The canopy protects against UV ray’s up to UPF 50 and telescopes down for easy sun protection. Even better, an inner grey sunshade pulls down for even more protection from the sun. Also, the canopies offer a peek-a-boo window so mom can sneak a peek without making eye contact. Finally, both offer a 5-point adjustable harness with padded shoulder straps.
Handlebars and Brakes
The handlebars with both strollers are adjustable to short mama size or tall mama size. A few of the colors of handlebars even come with full-grain leather covers for comfort and durability. Both strollers also have back foot brakes for easy stopping and going. For added comfort, you can add a parent organizer for storing your key and latte.
Colors
Both of the Uppababy Strollers come in a selection of nine different colors. Mind you, the colors are for the canopy and the back of the seat. The front of the seat is still black as is the basket for all of the seats no matter what color you choose. Either way, fun colors on a stroller make them easier to find in a crowd. Although, some of the colors – the white especially – will get dirtier faster. Keep baby wipes handy for a quick wipe down.
Jake – Black
Denny – Red
Emmett – Green
Jordan – Gray
Gregory – Sky Blue
Henry – Slate Blue
Loic – White
Taylor – Dark Blue
Sabrina – Pink
FAQ’s
Can you put a rumble seat on the UPPAbaby Cruz?
No, you cannot add a rumble seat to the Cruz, but you can add a PiggyBack Ride-Along Board.
What’s included with the UPPAbaby Vista?
According to UPPAbaby support online, your purchase pays for:
- frame, basket, and wheels
- bumper bar
- bassinet with bug shield and storage bag
- toddler seat with bug shield and rain shield
Is UPPAbaby bassinet safe for sleeping?
Yes, even for overnight sleeping, the UPPAbaby bassinet seems to be a safe option.
Does the UPPAbaby Vista bassinet fit in the Cruz?
Yes, the newer model bassinets are compatible with the Cruz.
Do I need the UPPAbaby travel bag?
The point of the bag is to protect your stroller during air travel. The TravelSafe protection insurance included with the purchase of your bag is good only while your stroller is still under warranty (2 years from the purchase of stroller, regardless of the date of purchase of bag).
A majority of reviewers of the bag love it, citing a good, though tight, fit and remedy for damage in flight (as long as the stroller is under warranty). However, a fair number are quite unhappy with the bag, either because the fit is too tight, the bag tears easily, or they purchased it after the stroller and do not receive the damage coverage they thought they had purchased with the bag.
Some of these unhappy buyers recommend that you instead buy a less expensive, lighter stroller for air travel.
Can either of the UPPAbaby strollers serve as a jogging stroller?
Neither the UPPAbaby Cruz nor UPPAbaby Vista is a jogging stroller. The Cruz, with its standard-sized wheels, is not suitable for jogging. The UPPAbaby Vista, while also not a jogging stroller, does have larger wheels. There is some disagreement as to whether it should be used for jogging, but if you do choose to try some light jogging with your Vista, be sure to lock the front wheels and jog only on a smooth, paved surface.
Our Recommendation
The Vista is by far the more versatile stroller of the two. This is not to say the Cruz is without merit because this stroller is better for smaller spaces and smaller families with no plans to upgrade to more children in the near future. The Vista can do everything the Cruz can but with a larger price tag while the Cruz allows you to buy only what you need.
Overall, the better option depends on each family’s needs. Either way, you will love the reversible seats and the standing fold. Finally, the better tire suspension may be enough reason for any mom to choose the Vista over the Cruz.
