UPPAbaby Cruz vs Cruz V2: Stroller Comparison Guide

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Any new parent shopping for their first stroller will quickly discover that UPPAbaby is one of the most popular stroller brands for young families.

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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

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Its streamlined, full-size single stroller, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2, is one of the most popular choices.

In this UPPAbaby Cruz vs Cruz V2 guide, we’ll introduce the Cruz stroller and discuss the functional differences between the original Cruz and the updated Cruz V2.

UPPAbaby Cruz V2

Table of Contents

UPPAbaby: Luxury Everyday Strollers

The UPPAbaby brand prides itself on making baby products that are sleek, sophisticated, and easy to use. High-end and premium fabrics are used and the gear comes in modern colors with genuine leather details.

Excellent customer service and a three-year extended warranty on all strollers further set it apart from other stroller brands.

UPPAbaby has been a leader in the stroller industry since its entrance into the stroller scene in 2006. First came the Vista stroller, a convertible single-to-double luxury stroller that comes with a compatible infant bassinet and accommodates an infant car seat as well.

The Vista stroller caught traction almost immediately, and the brand quickly became successful, its gear being used by everyday parents and celebrities alike.

In 2011, the brand debuted the Cruz, a streamlined, less expensive, lighter weight alternative to the Vista.

The major differences between the Cruz and the Vista are that the Cruz cannot convert to a double stroller and does not come with an infant bassinet.

The Cruz has many of the same high-quality features that parents love about their Vista strollers, and it’s a popular choice for parents who don’t need a double or twin stroller.

The UPPAbaby Cruz: Notable Features

Before diving into the differences between the original Cruz stroller and the Cruz V2 model, let’s discuss key features that parents love about their Cruz.

Purchase of the Cruz stroller includes the stroller frame, wheels, toddler seat, bug shield, and rain shield.

As is, the Cruz accommodates children from 3 months to 50 pounds, or parents can purchase an infant snug seat insert or infant bassinet to support use from birth.

The Cruz is also compatible with infant car seats by Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex, with the purchase of adapters, or with the UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seat, without the need for adapters.

The Cruz toddler seat is reversible with a one-handed recline and adjustable footrest, so your child can sit completely upright or lay back and snooze. Parents appreciate the UPF 50+ sun canopy—which extends upward as children grow taller—to provide sun protection for passengers and create a shady spot for naps. 

UPPAbaby Cruz one-handed recline

The Cruz’s handlebar also telescopes to multiple lengths depending on parent height. Its leather cover gives the stroller a chic look and provides parents with a good grip on their precious cargo.

The Cruz has a roomy under-seat basket with 30 pounds of storage capacity—that’s a lot! Parents can fit groceries, shopping bags, or a loaded diaper bag and snacks for busy days out.

The stroller is compatible with clutch accessories like a cup holder, snack tray, and a piggyback ride-along board to transport a second child.

The Cruz utilizes UPPAbaby’s advanced front and rear suspension system for an ultra-comfortable ride. When finished using the stroller, it folds down in one simple step with or without the seat and stands when folded for easy storage.

There are currently eight beautiful colorways available, and UPPAbaby will send free fabric swatches to interested customers.

To see how the Cruz stroller operates in everyday settings, see UPPAbaby’s helpful overview video

What’s New for the Cruz V2?

UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller/Full-Featured Stroller with Travel System Capabilities/Toddler Seat, Bumper Bar, Bug Shield, Rain Shield Included/Alice (Dusty Pink/Silver Frame/Saddle Leather)
  • INCLUDED TODDLER SEAT: The full size, reversible Toddler Seat allows your growing child to ride forwards, backwards, completely upright, reclined, and anywhere in between.
  • ONE-HANDED RECLINE: The multi-position recline on the Toddler Seat allows your child to lie comfortably for naps or sit upright to take in the sights, offering the flexibility your busy...
  • EXTENDABLE, UPF 50+ CANOPY: The zip-out canopy on the Toddler Seat extends for additional sun protection, plush the mesh panels make it easy to peek in while adding airflow.

In 2020, UPPAbaby made some major changes to the Cruz stroller with the debut of its newest version, the Cruz V2. Improvements in the stroller range from added convenience features to altered size and weight. 

First, UPPAbaby improved the dual-action suspension system. With the Cruz V2, when parents push down on the stroller, they’ll actually feel it bounce back toward them. This high-quality shock absorption makes a difference when pushing your toddler on long strollers or on bumpy terrain, and becomes even more important as your child grows older and becomes heavier.

UPPAbaby Cruz V2 dual-action suspension system

Larger and softer front and rear wheels also contribute to the Cruz V2’s improved maneuverability. However, larger wheels mean more bulk, and the Cruz V2 weighs in at 25.5 pounds, which is four pounds heavier than the 2019 Cruz.

Despite the increased poundage, the Cruz V2 collapses down to 16.5” by 22.8” by 33”, which is 4 inches shorter than the folded dimensions of the previous version. 

UPPAbaby Cruz 2 folded

When comparing the Cruz and the Cruz V2 side by side, there is a visible difference in the dimensions of the toddler seat. The Cruz V2’s toddler seat accommodates taller children, thanks to a higher seat back, deeper footrest, and longer leg rest.

UPPAbaby also upgraded to a five-point, no-rethread harness, so that as your little one does grow taller, there’s no need to remove and reinsert the straps to make adjustments.

UPPAbaby made multiple improvements to the sun canopy on the Cruz V2. The V2 canopy zips out to create fuller coverage, whereas the previous model had a shiny silver sun-shade that unfolded from under the hood to provide an extension. The brand also added an extra mesh panel to increase airflow and create more ventilation for hot days.

UPPAbaby sun canopy

When not making major upgrades to the stroller frame and features, as UPPAbaby did in 2020 with the Cruz V2, yearly changes typically include the addition of new colors, the discontinuation of old ones, and changes in stroller cost.

While the original Cruz is no longer available for purchase from large retailers (buyers can locate used models online), shoppers can usually find the stroller in discontinued fabrics for a significant discount.

The cost of the Cruz has slowly increased since its inception in 2011. When transitioning from the Cruz to the Cruz V2, the starting cost increased from about $550 to $650, and the current starting price for the Cruz V2 is roughly $700 for all new fabrics. 

Summing It Up: Cruz vs Cruz V2

If you’re looking for a premium stroller with great maneuverability, a sophisticated look, and luxury features, but don’t need a double or twin stroller, you can’t go wrong with the UPPAbaby Cruz.

The primary differences between the Cruz V2 and the Cruz are: increased airflow and sun coverage with the extendable canopy, improved maneuverability for an extra smooth ride, and adaptations that better fit taller children.

Parents needing a stroller that can convert from single to double should take a look at the UPPAbaby Vista, which has many similar features to the Cruz with the added option of purchasing a second seat.

If you’re looking for something more lightweight for travel and everyday errands, the UPPAbaby Minu stroller also offers luxury features with superior portability. 

To learn more about the Cruz and UPPAbaby’s other stroller models, and to see how they match up against each other, read our reviews on the UPPAbaby Cruz, UPPAbaby Minu vs Cruz, and the Best UPPAbaby Strollers.

Can’t decide if UPPAbaby strollers are worth the investment? Check out our guide Is UPPAbaby Worth It, or see how UPPAbaby strollers match up against more budget-friendly options in our article on the Best Convertible Strollers.

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Christy Rivard

Christy Rivard

Originally from Philadelphia, Christy lives outside Boston with her husband and her toddler son. She loves all things outdoors: running, hiking, camping, swimming, skiing, riding her bike, and chasing after her two-year-old. Her current strollers are the UppaBaby Minu, UppaBaby Vista, Thule Urban Glide 2, and Thule Coaster XT Bike Trailer.