UPPAbaby and Joovy are two of the most popular high-end stroller brands currently on the market. In this guide, we compare two comparable strollers from both manufacturers to enable you to see which model would best suit your requirements.
Why Trust Us?
Because my full-time job is being mom to 2 precious daughters, and I know a thing or two about strollers. Besides personal experience, I get feedback from other moms who use these strollers every day and put all that research into our unbiased stroller buying guides
- Kyli
First, let’s introduce these two premier stroller manufacturers.
Table of Contents
Joovy: Built for your family, designed for your everyday life
Dallas-based Joovy is a relatively new player in the stroller market. Joovy makes a wide range of kid’s products, including play yards, bike trailer strollers, high chairs, toys, and traditional strollers.
The team behind Joovy are all family folk with kids of their own, so it’s little wonder that they make their productswith practicality and convenience in mind. Also, every stroller Joovy makes is sturdily constructed and should last you through your first two children and beyond!
UPPAbaby: Stylish, practical, and great fun to use
U.S. company, UPPAbaby has been producing high-end kids gear since the 1980s. Their strollers sit at the higher end of the price point but they are built to last, so you can be confident that you’ll get many years of trouble-free use from your purchase.
UPPAbaby has a well-established reputation for designing products that are easy to use, practical, and packed with features. The company regularly updates its popular lightweight stroller models to keep up to date with technological developments elsewhere in the industry.
In the first part of this article, we introduce the UPPAbaby G-Luxe and the Joovy Groove Ultralight, then put these two umbrella strollers together, head-to-head. Next, we compare and contrast the Joovy Qool and the UPPAbaby Vista, two very popular convertible strollers aimed at families with two children.
Joovy Groove Ultralight vs UPPAbaby G-Luxe Overview
Joovy Groove Ultralight
- Your child can nap from newborn to 55 lbs. in a near-flat recline
- Technical Specs : Open dimensions: 32 L x 19.75 W x 42.50 H , Folded dimensions: 43.75 L x 14 W x 10 H (all dimensions are in inches )
- 2 cup holders and zippered storage pocket. The maximum height of a child the product is designed to carry is 44 inches
Joovy’s Groove Ultralight premium umbrella stroller is perfect for the urban family.
This stroller is built for a fast-paced city lifestyle where space is at a premium and convenience is everything. The Groove Ultralight weighs a mere 12.78 pounds, a full five pounds lighter than its predecessor.
Comfort, modern style, and ease of use are to the fore with this stroller’s design. There’s a multi-position reclining seat, a vast underseat storage basket, and Joovy’s signature oversized canopy.
To see the Joovy Groove Ultralight, check out this video:
What we like:
- Lots of storage
- Smooth ride thanks to the four-wheel suspension
- Multi-position reclining seat
- Huge canopy
What we don’t like:
- The Velcro closure to the peek-a-boo window is noisy
- Mesh would be nicer than plastic in the peek-a-boo window
- The seat recline mechanism is awkward and fiddly
UPPAbaby G-Luxe
- Suitable for children from 3 months to 55 pounds
- One-handed actuated recline and adjustable footrest
- Large stretch knit canopy with extendable UPF 50+ sunshade for great sun and wind protection
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe is one of the brand’s lightweight umbrella strollers. The G-Luxe is one of the most full-featured umbrella strollers out there and has undergone many notable upgrades in its latest incarnation.
Brand new wheels, an upgraded seat recline, higher weight capacity, totally revamped five-point harness and footrest make the G-Luxe even more luxe than it was before!
You can see a video of the UPPAbaby G-Luxe at this link:
What we like:
- Generous canopy
- Four-wheel suspension
- Easy, one-handed push
- Generous storage basket
What we don’t like:
- No peek-a-boo window
- Not suitable for a newborn
Joovy Groove Ultralight vs. UPPAbaby G-Luxe: Features that matter
Canopy
Joovy has excelled in fitting the Groove Ultralight with an enormous canopy that comes complete with two large UPF 50+ panels, providing your child with full protection from the sun. Unfortunately, the closures on the peek-a-boo window are made of noisy Velcro, rather than silent magnets. Also, the peek-a-boo window is made from solid plastic, but a mesh window would allow for better ventilation.
The G-Luxe also has a massive canopy that includes three UPF 50+ panels and a pop-out sun visor that extends to cover your child down to their knees. There’s no peek-a-boo window, which is a shame, but you can lift the back of the canopy to check on your child when the seat is reclined.
Handlebars
The Groove Ultralight has very tall handlebars that are ideal for tall parents and also leave lots of leg room for a long stride.
The G-Luxe has two ergonomic handlebars that are also pretty tall. If you want to hang your shopping or diaper bag from the handles, you must use proper stroller hooks that you can buy separately.
Neither of these strollers has adjustable handlebars.
Seat
The Groove Ultralight’s seat is very roomy at 14 inches wide with an 18-inch seat back and a measurement of 27 inches from the seat back to the top of the canopy. That’s perfect for tall toddlers or for days when your child is bundled up in a thick coat during the winter months. Like the G-Luxe, the Groove Ultralight has a seating capacity of a generous 55 pounds.
The Groove Ultralight’s seat reclines to an almost flat position, so you can use the stroller for a newborn, although the manufacturer recommends that you use an infant insert for extra support. Unfortunately, the seat incline is strap-operated, which is fiddly and would be a struggle with a heavier child onboard.
The G-Luxe has a well-padded, comfy seat that comes up slightly smaller than the Groove Ultralight’s at 13 inches wide. However, the seat back measurements are the same, making the seat ideal for a tall toddler. The seat fabric on the G-Luxe is thick, and it’s also stain and water-resistant. If necessary, you can remove the whole seat and wash it in your machine.
The G-Luxe seat has a very easily adjustable, three-position recline feature that’s much more user-friendly than that of the Groove Ultralight. However, unlike the Groove Ultralight, the seat doesn’t recline completely flat, so can only be used for infants who are strong enough to hold their heads up independently.
Leg rest
Both the G-Luxe and the Groove Ultralight have an adjustable leg rest to provide a toddler with extra comfort.
Travel system compatibility
The Groove Ultralight does not have travel system capabilities.
Safety features
Joovy have included a mesh boot hidden under the seat that you can use to prevent a smaller child from sliding out of the seat. The seat has an adjustable five-point harness. The harness is not padded, and the buckle doesn’t take much strength to open it so that an older child could undo it.
The G-Luxe has a five-point adjustable harness with padded shoulder straps that are lacking on the Joovy. Unfortunately, the center release button is very easy to open, which could be a problem if you have an older, curious toddler.
Storage
The Groove Ultralight is not short of storage space! In addition to the decent-sized underseat basket, there are two small mesh pockets inside of the seat that will take your child’s sippy cup, snacks, or toys. Also, there’s a zippered pocket in the rear of the canopy for small essential items. Unfortunately, the basket is awkward to access once the seat is fully reclined.
The G-Luxe has a basket that will handle up to ten pounds. The basket is much easier to access than that of the Groove Ultralight.
Wheels
The Groove Ultralight has four solid rubber wheels of six inches in diameter. The swivel front wheels can be locked straight for easier steering across uneven surfaces, and the all-wheel suspension system gives a smooth ride.
The G-Luxe also has four hard rubber wheels. The front wheels are singles, measuring 5.5 inches in diameter, while the rear wheels are double and slightly larger. Like the Groove Ultralight, you can lock the front swivel wheels for better stability, and the stroller’s four-wheel suspension system assures you of an easy push and a smooth ride over uneven terrain.
Brakes
Each rear wheel on both the Groove Ultralight and the G-Luxe has a flip-flop-friendly foot parking brake, which you need to unlock individually.
The fold
The Groove Ultralight has the usual compact umbrella fold. There are an auto-lock and a standing fold too. The folded dimensions of 40 x 11 x 12.5 inches mean that the compact package should fit into any trunk.
The G-Luxe has a two-handed fold that’s easy and quick to achieve via two finger-operated triggers either side of the frame. There’s also an auto-lock and freestanding fold.
Cup holder
The Groove Ultralight has a cup holder on the side of the frame and a mesh bottle holder on the reverse of the canopy.
The G-Luxe has a cup/bottle holder fitted to the side of the stroller frame. You can even slide the holder down so that your child can use it.
Colors
The latest edition of the Groove Ultralight is available in four smart colors: black, red, charcoal, and turquoise, all of which come with a dark gray frame.
Released in 2018, the latest version of the UPPAbaby G-Luxe is available in three colors: Jake, Jordan, and Aidan.
Joovy Qool vs UPPAbaby Vista Overview
Joovy Qool
- Highly customizable and converts from a single stroller to a double or triple.
- Extra-large UPF 50 sun protection expandable canopy with a large mesh peek-a-boo window
- 4 configurations out of the box with a reversible seat and seat positons higher or lower on the frame.
The Joovy Qool is Joovy’s first luxury convertible stroller. High-tech four-wheel suspension helps give your child a smooth ride, and although the sealed-bearing wheels are not designed for all-terrain use, they will handle grass, gravel, and mulch without a problem. You can push the Qool with one hand too.
Joovy has added to the luxe feel of the Qool by covering the handlebar and bumper bar with color coordinated stitched leather.
The Qool can accommodate a child from three months up to a weight of 55 pounds, and the stroller can be used for a newborn if you buy a car seat adapter to create a travel system. A double version of the Qool is also available.
To see a video of the Joovy Qool, check out this link:
What we like:
- Comfy, roomy seat
- Super-smooth ride
- Easy push
- Can convert to a travel system
What we don’t like:
- Not suitable for newborns unless converted to a travel system with a car seat adapter
- No cup holder included
- Lack of storage
- Too bulky to fit in most car trunks unless you remove the seat and wheels from the stroller first
UPPAbaby Vista
- Includes bassinet, full size front or rear facing toddler seat with multi-position recline, toddler seat rain and bug shields, and bassinet bug shield and storage bag
- Compatible with MESA Infant Car Seat - direct attachment, no adapters necessary; Compatible with select Chicco and Maxi-Cosi infant car seats when using adaptors (car seats and adaptors sold...
- Longer bassinet mattress pad with ventilation for added breathability
UPPAbaby’s Vista is a best-selling, convertible stroller that comes complete with a bassinet for a newborn and a toddler seat. Also, the Vista can be configured to carry one, two, or even three children, which is great news if you’re planning on growing your family.
You can convert the Vista into a double tandem stroller by adding the RumblerSeat that also reclines and reverses! The main seat has a capacity of 50 pounds and the second seat will take 35 pounds. If you have a baby, convert the stroller into a pram by replacing the seat with the matching bassinet that’s included with the package. If you buy an infant car seat, you can convert the stroller into a travel system too.
The Vista is a luxury product that’s jam-packed with all the practical, convenient features you need in a workhorse stroller.
To see the UPPAbaby Vista in action, click below.
What we like:
- Lovely, big canopy
- Reversible seat option
- Super-convertible with many different seating configurations
- Generously proportioned bassinet that comes with the stroller
- Optional Extra RumblerSeat
What we don’t like:
- Bulky once folded
- Expensive stroller, especially if you add the Mesa car seat and rumble seat
Joovy Qool vs. UPPAbaby vista: Features that matter
Canopy
The Qool has a huge, oversized canopy with a large peek-a-boo window. The canopy provides excellent cover from the sun, but the Velcro closures are noisy and would disturb a napping child.
The Vista has a massive canopy, including a super-size SPF 50+ pop-out sun visor that reaches right down to the bumper bar for great sun protection. Also, you can adjust the canopy by sliding it up and down the frame. The large peek-a-boo window is made from dark mesh and has a magnetic closure, rather than the noisy Velcro of the Qool.
Handlebar
The Qool’s luxurious, leather-covered handlebar is adjustable so that the height can be altered to suit tall and short parents. The canopy is not very high, which could be a problem if you have a tall toddler.
The Vista also has an easily adjustable handlebar, but it’s covered with rubber, rather than leather. However, because the Vista has a standing fold, the handlebar will frequently come into contact with the ground, so an easy to clean covering may be more practical than a luxury leather one.
Seat
The Qool has a reversible seat that’s 13 inches wide with a 20-inch seat back, measuring 22 inches from the bottom of the seat to the top of the canopy. The seat has a multiple recline option but it doesn’t include a flat position so isn’t suitable for newborns. The seat is easily reversible via two buttons on both sides of the seat.
The Qool’s seat is well-padded and soft, and it can be removed for washing. The insert is a different color from the seat itself but matches the canopy for a stylish, sporty look.
The Vista’s seat is generously proportioned and measures 12 inches wide, 19.5 inches from the seat back to the canopy top. Also, you can extend the canopy by two inches by sliding it up the frame. The seat is reversible, but you do have to remove your child first.
Like the Qool, the Vista has a one-hand, five-position recline and is suitable for an infant of three months up to a toddler weighing 50 pounds. Unfortunately, the seat is molded in one piece, meaning that your child will always be in a sitting position.
The Vista offers a really cool travel option for kids who are too old for a stroller. The PiggyBoard attaches to the back of the stroller and will carry a child up to 55 pounds in weight. When not in use, the PiggyBoard folds up out of the way.
Comfort and safety features
The Qool has a breakaway, five-point harness with a buckle that’s tricky to undo, preventing your child from escaping.
The Qool has a leather-covered bumper bar that’s removable and swings away for easy access. The Vista’s bumper bar is designed in the same way, but the cover is made of rubber for easy cleaning. The Qool and the Vista both have a multi-position adjustable leg rest that allows you to create a bed-like environment for a baby. Both strollers have a footrest for older children.
The Vista also has a five-point harness with a center release. The button is straightforward to unlock, which could be a problem if you have a bright toddler.
With the Vista, you get a bug net and a rain cover, which aren’t included with the Qool.
Storage
The Qool has a medium-sized storage basket that you can even access with the seat fully reclined. Although the basket will take a large diaper bag, there’s no room for shopping or coats.
The Vista’s easy-access storage basket is more generous than that of the Qool with a capacity of up to 30 pounds! You can fit two large diaper bags in the basket, as well as some grocery shopping. However, if you install the RumblerSeat in the back of the stroller, the basket space is dramatically reduced.
Wheels, suspension, and brakes
The Qool has four hard, rubber wheels that measure 9.5 inches in the rear and 7 inches in front. The front wheels swivel, but you can lock them too for easier pushing over rougher terrain.
The high-tech all-wheel suspension system ensures that the Qool glides easily over curbs, rough ground, and uneven sidewalks. The Qool’s flip-flop-friendly one-step pedal brake is easily accessible between the rear wheels.
The Vista’s wheels are also made of foam-filled rubber but are slightly larger than the Qool’s, measuring 11 inches in the back and eight inches in front. The foam ensures you’ll never get a flat tire, and the cushioned ride you get is like floating on air. Also, UPPAbaby has added independent shock-absorbing rear and front wheel suspension to the Vista for an even smoother ride.
The Vista’s one-step pedal brake is fixed to the right wheel and is flip-flop-friendly.
The fold
The Qool can be folded with the seat facing backward or forward, although the most compact fold is achieved with the seat removed. The stroller is somewhat bulky when folded, but the wheels and seat are removable to create a more compact package.
The Vista’s one-step fold is similar to that of the UPPAbaby’s Cruz stroller. You can fold the Vista with or without the seat. Like the Qool, the Vista is pretty bulky when folded unless you remove the seat and rear wheels first.
Travel system
The Qool can be converted into a travel system by using a car seat adapter. Joovy adapters are compatible with the following infant car seats:
- BOB B-Safe
- Britax B-Safe
- Chicco KeyFit 30
- Cybex Aton/Cybex Aton 2/Cybex Aton Q
- Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35/ Click Connect 40
- Maxi-Cosi Mico/Mico AP/Prezi
You can transform the Vista into a travel system by using the UPPAbaby Mesa, Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, and Graco Classic car seats. However, you will need to buy a separate adapter for non-UPPAbaby brands.
Colors
The Qool comes in an impressive range of gorgeous colors, including black, blue, avocado, apple, charcoal, hot pink, vanilla, spice, jade, and purple. You can choose to have the frame in silver or graphite gray.
The Vista also has a great range of ten colors to choose from.
Wrapping it up
Both Joovy and UPPAbaby are well-regarded manufacturers of children’s gear, and you won’t go wrong, whichever brand you choose.
The UPPAbaby G-Luxe and the Joovy Groove Ultralight are both high-quality umbrella strollers that deliver on features and portability. However, the Ultralight is not suitable for use with a newborn, and there’s no peek-a-boo, which could be important to you if you like to keep an eye on your child while you’re out and about.
The UPPAbaby Vista and the Joovy Qool are both at the top end of the convertible stroller market. Both are well-made, sturdy, and offer a plethora of seating configurations for the growing family. However, the Vista has a bigger storage basket, which could be a deal breaker for you if you want a stroller you can use for picking up your groceries and running everyday errands.
