If you’re looking for a stroller that can grow with your little one from birth to young childhood, the Nuna MIXX Next and the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 are fantastic options.
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
In this UPPAbaby Cruz V2 vs Nuna MIXX Next guide, we’ll parse out the differences between these two similar strollers, and help you decide which is right for your family.
Table of Contents
UPPAbaby and Nuna
UPPAbaby and Nuna are popular and well-regarded brands in the stroller industry.
Massachusetts-based UPPAbaby has been producing high-quality strollers since 2006. They pride themselves on functional, easy-to-use products that fit seamlessly into your busy parenting lifestyle. They make stylish strollers that are sophisticated with a modern aesthetic.
Nuna is a Dutch stroller manufacturer that uses clean lines and streamlined designs in their strollers and baby products. Like UPPAbaby, they create high-quality and reliable strollers loved by families for their intuitive and practical features.
Both brands sit at the higher end of the cost spectrum, but their products are reasonably priced when compared to the full span of strollers on the market.
UPPAbaby sells seven different strollers, a pack-and-play, and several car seat models. Nuna sells a comprehensive fleet of strollers as well as a broader range of gear like car seats, pack-and-plays, baby carriers, baby seats, and high chairs.
The Cruz V2 and the MIXX Next are single, full-sized, luxury strollers. They are both versatile strollers that can hold a toddler seat, an infant car seat, and an infant bassinet. While they aren’t in the lightweight category, they are both more streamlined than single-to-double strollers, and they’re light enough that loading them into the car doesn’t feel like an impossible task.
The most recent versions of these two strollers, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and the Nuna MIXX Next, are compared in detail in this guide. To get a visual overview of how they operate in everyday settings, check out these helpful videos by UPPAbaby and Nuna.
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 and Nuna MIXX Next
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each stroller. Since these two models are so similar, we’ll start by listing the advantages that apply to both strollers before breaking them down separately.
UPPAbaby Cruz vs Nuna MIXX Pros
- Stands when folded for easy storage.
- Comes in nine beautiful high-end fabrics.
- One-handed recline and calf support.
- Large sun canopy with mesh ventilation and peekaboo window.
- Advanced four-wheel suspension that creates a smooth ride on bumpy roads.
- Supports children up to 50 pounds.
- Five-point, no-rethread harness.
- Four convenient configurations: toddler seat front-facing, toddler seat parent-facing, infant car seat, and infant bassinet (sold separately).
- Height-adjustable push bar makes walks comfortable for you at varying height points.
- Convenient accessories available for purchase, including a cup holder, toddler snack tray, travel bag, and infant bassinet.
UPPAbaby Cruz V2
- Suitable for children from 3 months to 50 pounds
- Dual action rear suspension (patent-pending) is designed with two varying springs that respond in unison to soften the ride no matter the child's weight
- Smaller folded size makes it easier to carry, tuck away or take up less trunk space
Pros
- Costs about $100 less than the Nuna MIXX Next.
- Piggyback ride-along board can transport two children simultaneously.
- Almost three pounds lighter than the Nuna MIXX Next.
- Huge under-seat storage basket that holds an impressive 30 pounds of cargo.
- Toddler seat rain shield and bug shield are included with purchase.
- Compatible with many car seats in addition to the UPPAbaby car seat.
- No adapters are needed for the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat.
- Sun canopy extends upward for added height as your child grows.
Cons
- Sun canopy is not water resistant.
- Smaller rear wheels compared to the MIXX Next which causes decreased maneuverability.
- The toddler seat needs to be forward-facing to fold the stroller.
- Harness is not magnetized for easy buckling.
- The stroller is almost five inches longer than the MIXX Next when folded.
Nuna MIXX Next
Pros
- Seat-back zips out to reveal breathable mesh for warm days.
- Sun canopy is water resistant.
- Stroller seat can be used from birth thanks to the true-flat recline.
- Larger rear wheels than the Cruz V2, which creates improved maneuverability.
- Magnetic harness buckle makes securing your child a breeze.
- Almost five inches shorter than the Cruz V2 when folded.
Cons
- Costs about $100 more than the UPPAbaby Cruz V2.
- No piggyback board available for expansion.
- Under-seat storage basket only supports 10 pounds of cargo.
- Heavier than the UPPAbaby Cruz V2, which makes carrying the stroller more difficult.
- Sun canopy does not provide an expandable headroom.
- Only compatible with infant car seats made by Nuna.
- Adapters needed to use the stroller with all car seats including the Nuna Pipa infant car seat.
Features that Matter
Let’s take a closer look at how the Cruz V2 and MIXX Next match up against each other in the areas you care about when purchasing a stroller.
Cost
The Cruz V2 and MIXX Next are close in cost, but the Cruz V2 is slightly less expensive.
The Cruz V2 has a starting cost of around $700, except for one discontinued color (Emmett green mélange), which can currently be purchased on sale. The MIXX Next starts at about $800, with more complex colors costing a bit more.
The price of both strollers rises when factoring in from-birth options like the infant bassinet. The UPPAbaby bassinet costs about $200, while the Nuna bassinet costs about $250.
The prices of both strollers tend to change each year as the strollers are updated, fabrics are discontinued, and new color options are introduced.
What’s Included
In addition to the stroller frame, wheels, and toddler seat, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 comes with a toddler seat rain shield and toddler seat bug shield.
The Nuna MIXX Next does not come with a rain or bug cover but does include a ring adapter to accommodate Nuna brand car seats. Neither stroller comes with an infant bassinet.
Configurations
These two strollers are similar in the number and style of their configurations. Both can be used with the toddler seat facing you or facing forward.
You can alternatively attach an infant car seat or bassinet, sold separately, in place of the toddler seat.
Neither stroller accommodates two seated children, but the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller does have the option of purchasing a piggyback ride-along board for an older sibling who might want to stand and hitch a ride.
Age Range
As is, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 can transport your little one from 3 months of age up to 50 pounds. With the purchase of an infant insert for the toddler seat, the infant bassinet, or a compatible infant car seat, the Cruz V2 can be used from birth.
The Nuna MIXX Next has an impressive true flat recline that accommodates babies from day one. Similar to the Cruz, the seat holds children up to 50 pounds and can be swapped out for an infant bassinet or car seat.
Car Seat Compatibility
The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 gets a leg up on the Nuna MIXX Next by accommodating several car seat brands. You can use the Cruz V2 with a UPPAbaby infant car seat without needing to attach any adapters. With the purchase of adapters, you can also use car seats by Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex.
In contrast, the Nuna MIXX Next stroller only supports the use of Nuna brand car seats. When switching from a toddler to a car seat, you need to use Nuna’s adapters, which are included with the stroller purchase.
Bassinet
UPPAbaby and Nuna both make separately available infant bassinets compatible with these two strollers. The bassinets are specific to strollers made by that brand, so you cannot use the UPPAbaby bassinet on Nuna strollers or the Nuna bassinet on UPPAbaby strollers.
A bassinet makes a stroller usable from day one of life and provides your baby with a comfortable spot to lay flat.
Both brands state that their bassinets are safe for overnight sleeping, making them versatile purchases that can be used for naps on the go or in the house.
The UPPAbaby bassinet has a compatible stand that can be used to provide a resting spot for nighttime. It doubles as a laundry hamper stand once the newborn days have passed.
Nuna also sells a stand for their infant bassinet. When not paired with the bassinet, the stand can be used to hold the stroller’s toddler seat for a portable high chair.
Each bassinet provides full sun coverage for your baby, The UPPAbaby bassinet utilizes a pop-out sun cover and the Nuna bassinet has a magnetic sunshade to keep your baby safe from harmful UV rays.
The Nuna bassinet is four inches longer than the UPPAbaby bassinet, measuring 35” long compared to 31”, respectively.
Nuna advises that their bassinet can be used until your baby is 17 pounds or 27” long. The UPPAbaby bassinet is suitable for babies until 20 pounds or until they can push up on their hands and knees.
Harness
Both the Nuna MIXX Next and the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 have a secure five-point harness system to keep your child safe when strolling. Both strollers use no-rethread technology, which will help avoid having to redo the entire harness as your child grows.
The MIXX Next has a unique magnetic buckle that makes securing your child a cinch, and it’s easier to fasten than the Cruz V2 harness.
Adjustable Features
Both strollers have abundant features that adjust and grow to help make you and your child comfortable.
The Cruz V2 and MIXX have height-adjustable handlebars with multiple height options. This might seem like a minor feature, but it’s a lifesaver for preventing taller parents from having to stoop down while pushing the stroller.
Both strollers have a one-handed recline to make it easy for your kids to sit up and see the sites or lay back and snooze. They also both have adjustable calf support and footrests.
The MIXX Next is unique because it has a true-flat recline suitable for newborns, which the Cruz V2 does not.
Finally, the MIXX Next seat adapts to the weather. Leaving the full-thickness fabric on keeps your child cozy in cold weather. When it heats up outside, simply unzip the seat fabric to reveal a breathable mesh seat back.
Folding Mechanism
A one-step folding mechanism makes collapsing both strollers a breeze. In addition, both strollers can stand when folded for easy storage.
The Nuna MIXX Next can fold with the toddler seat facing in either direction, whereas the Cruz V2 needs the toddler seat to be forward-facing for a truly compact fold.
When folded, the Nuna MIXX Next can be dragged behind you like a suitcase. The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 can be carried by the toddler bumper bar, which faces outward in its folded position.
Portability
Although the MIXX Next folds down to a smaller size, it is several pounds heavier than the Cruz V2.
The dimensions of both strollers when folded are as follows:
Cruz V2: 16.5” by 22.8” by 33”
Mixx Next: 19” by 23.6” by 27.5”
Without the arm bar and insert, the MIXX Next weighs 28.3 pounds. With the bumper bar and full seat included, the Cruz V2 weighs almost three pounds less at 25.5 pounds.
Neither stroller is lightweight, but these few pounds difference do make it easier to lift the Cruz V2 over curbs or into the trunk of the car. When packed in the car, the Nuna MIXX Next will take up less space and leave more room for other items.
Aesthetics
Both the Nuna MIXX Next and the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 come in eight beautiful colors with thick, high-quality fabrics. The MIXX Next has a carbon black frame and wheels, while the Cruz V2 comes in either a silver or carbon black frame.
The MIXX Next has leatherette accents on the stroller’s arm bar and push bar, elements that feature full-grain leather on the Cruz V2.
Sun Canopy
Nuna and UPPAbaby have constructed these strollers to provide ample sun coverage for your little ones on long strolls.
Nuna’s sun canopy is water resistant with a flip-out eyeshade.
UPPAbaby’s sun canopy is not water resistant, but it does extend upward for added head space as your child grows in height.
Both sun canopies have mesh ventilation and a convenient peekaboo window to check on your tiny passenger on the go.
Storage Capacity
Both strollers have roomy storage baskets under the seats, but this is one category where the Cruz V2 comes out on top. UPPAbaby is known for having extra-large storage areas, and the Cruz V2 does not disappoint.
The basket under the seat in the Cruz V2 can accommodate a whopping 30 pounds of cargo. It’s large enough to fit a loaded diaper bag and a piece of luggage or a few shopping bags. It’s the ultimate tool for being prepared for anything on the go.
The owner’s manual for the Nuna MIXX Next advises that parents load no more than 10 pounds into the storage basket.
One advantage of the MIXX Next over the Cruz V2 is a small seat-back pocket, which is a convenient spot for you to keep your phone, sunglasses, or a toddler snack close by.
Maneuverability
UPPAbaby and Nuna both implement premium suspension technology on all four wheels of their strollers. Both strollers provide an impressively smooth ride for your baby, even on varied terrains like gravel or uneven sidewalks.
The larger wheels on the Nuna MIXX Next provide slightly better maneuverability overall when compared to the UPPAbaby Cruz V2. The front and rear wheels of the MIXX Next are 7.5” and 11” in diameter, respectively, compared to 7” and 10” for the Cruz V2.
Accessories
As mentioned above, both strollers have the option of purchasing an accompanying bassinet. They also both have a removable cup holder and child snack tray available for purchase.
Nuna and UPPAbaby sell travel bags for their strollers with protection for damages incurred during air travel.
The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 also has the option of buying a piggyback ride-along board. This means that the Cruz V2 can carry an impressive two passengers if one is standing. There is no piggyback board available for the MIXX Next.
Final Thoughts
The major advantages of the UPPAbaby Cruz V2, other than saving $100 in cost, include its lighter weight, increased storage space, compatibility with a piggyback ride-along board, and compatibility with a large variety of car seat brands.
The Cruz V2 requires no adapters when using a UPPAbaby infant car seat, whereas the MIXX Next requires adapters for all seats and is only compatible with those by Nuna.
The advantages of the Nuna MIXX Next include a from-birth stroller seat, a no-fuss magnetic harness buckle, a zip-out mesh seat-back for warm days, and a more compact fold.
The price difference along with some clutch features might give the Cruz V2 an edge over the MIXX Next, but you can’t go wrong with either if you’re looking for a reliable, full-size, single luxury stroller.
To learn more about each of these strollers individually, check out our in-depth UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller Review and Nuna MIXX Next Stroller Review. To read up on UPPAbaby and Nuna, see our articles on the Best UPPAbaby Strollers or the Best Nuna Stroller for the Money, or our UPPAbaby vs Nuna guide.
Looking to compare the Cruz V2 and the MIXX Next against other similar strollers, including some more budget-friendly ones? See our post on the Best Convertible Strollers for more options
