UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller Review

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The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is a lightweight reversing seat (convertible) stroller designed with both parents and babies in mind; it is an engineered system that offers maximum flexibility from birth through the toddler years as your baby continues to grow.

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

The Cruz V2 is lighter in weight than the Vista and is the solution for on-the-go parents who want a full-sized stroller’s features and style in a more compact size.  This product falls between the lighter G-Luxe and the more premium Vista in both weight and quality.

Let’s explore more of these features and discover all the Cruz V2 can do.  We’ll go over new updated features for the UPPAbaby Cruz V2.  Then we’ll get into what Cruz V2 owners have to say about it.  You’ll be crazy for this luxury lightweight reversing seat stroller by the time you finish this review!

Table of Contents

UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Features:

  • Single stroller
  • Compatible with most car seat brands, with seat adapters
  • MESA Infant Car Seat attaches directly to the stroller without seat adapters
  • Lightweight aircraft aluminum alloy chassis
  • Tires with PolyUrethane, mimicking air-filled tires and is lighter than previous models
  • Canopy height adjustable
  • Adjustable leg rest
  • Rain shield and bug net included
  • 50-pound weight capacity
  • Suitable from birth with Bassinet or Infant SnugSeat accessories
  • Full-size reversible Toddler Seat
  • Five-point, no-rethread safety harness
  • Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection, zip-out fabric, and mesh panels
  • Vented peekaboo window
  • One-handed, multi-position recline
  • Adjustable handlebar to accommodate taller parents
  • Extra-large storage space with an easy-access basket with 30 lbs weight limit
  • All-wheel suspension
  • Front-wheel locks with visual indicators
  • One-step fold
  • Stands when folded

New UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller: 2022 updates & improvement

  • New color options
  • Real leather finish handlebar and wipeable bumper bar
  • New sun canopy material makes it less wrinkly
  • Slightly lighter in weight (19 lb frame + 6.5 lb seat)
  • Adjustable height canopy stays in place better
  • The auto-locking device that secures the frame has an improved design
  • Larger wheel size
  • Better suspension

Difference Between the Cruz V2 and Vista

  • It does not have the premium fabric that the Vista has.
  • Unfolded Cruz V2 width: 22.8″; Vista V2 width: 25.7″
  • It cannot convert to a double stroller.
  • It has a straight-across rear axel that you may kick if you have a long stride while the Vista’s rear axle is arched.
  • It has a single brake pedal in the middle of the rear axle to step down and flip-up, while brakes are on the sides of Vista, and you step down to engage, step down again to disengage.
  • It costs much less than the Vista because it does not come with a bassinet, it does not convert to a double, and is not as feature-rich out of the box.

UPPAbaby Cruz V2

The all-new CRUZ V2 Stroller by UPPAbaby delivers a greater level of strolling performance and functionality while maintaining its sleekness. A bigger toddler seat offers increased back height, bigger leg rest, and a deeper footrest.

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Let’s talk about the seat.

The UPPAbaby Cruz V2’s reversible seat unit suits babies three months of age and children weighing up to 50 pounds.  The seat is one piece, so the footrest goes up when you recline it, maintaining the V shape.  However, the Infant Snugseat Insert has a wedge and head support that you may use for your newborn baby in the fully reclined position.

The seat is 12 inches wide with a 20-inch seatback, allowing lots of room to accommodate a kiddo’s growth spurt.  For some moms, a firm, supportive seat is essential, and the molded bucket-style seat on the Cruz is a must-have for any child who might have reflux…because if they do, you can’t possibly pack enough changes of baby clothes, right?

A one-handed lever adjustment easily props Baby completely upright or reclines to the position just right for napping.  The five-point padded safety harness is easily adjustable.  I do like that the footrest is adjustable, as well, to adapt to the longer-legged toddlers or the stubby-like-her-momma (sorry, kid!) girls smoothly, which gives leg/foot support even when reclining.

Reversing the seat is relatively easy with the push of a few buttons.  It removes off with a snap, and then you can turn it around and click back into place!  Back on, easy-peasy!  The seat reclines in either position, but you will need to have the seat forward-facing to fold the stroller.

Additionally, you can use your car seat right on your chassis with the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat; no adapter necessary.  Or, if you have another major compatible car seat brand, UPPAbaby has adapters for purchase.  There are adapters for Chicco, Cybex, Nuna, and Maxi Cosi car seats.  Voila!  You have a travel system with just a snap and go.

How’s the steering & performance?

UPPAbaby Cruz wheels
Photo Credit: Kelly Hernandez-Los Angeles, CA

This stroller frame is built with a welded and formed aluminum alloy frame, which is what’s used to build aircraft, resulting in a durable yet more lightweight stroller than other options.  It feels sturdy when pushed and maneuvers smoothly.  

Some moms complained of a rumbling when using the older models of the Cruz.  Danielle B. from Essex, Vermont, said that she’s found that older Cruz models don’t have the suspension that the new Cruz V2 has.  “I wouldn’t pay more than $100 for an old version…” she said.  This seems to be noted by several moms on any version prior to the new Cruz V2.

The V2 wheels are slightly larger than the previous model but still made of the same PolyUrethane sparing you the risk of flat.  However, as smooth as the ride is, a few users didn’t recommend it for the snow or other rough-terrain outings.  The Cruz V2 is definitely a city stroller.

Brakes are a one-step process in the middle of the rear axle.  Simply push down once to engage and either push the front edge of the pedal forward or use your foot to lift the pedal to disengage.  To set the swivel wheels into the locking system, simply slide the button down that’s at the top of the front wheel.  Locked front wheels provide better stability going over sand or other rougher terrain.  Slide button back down for swivel wheels again.

How about the sun canopy?

I love the sun canopy!  All UPPAbaby strollers have HUGE 50-SPF sun canopies, giving excellent coverage.  I also like the large mesh peek-a-boo window at the top because it allows air circulation, keeping your child cooler in hot weather.

The flap covering the mesh window is a magnetic closure, meaning you can peek in on your sleeping bundle without the ripping sound of Velcro.  The new canopy material is more wrinkle-resistant, as well, leaving your stroller more photo-ready.

The canopy’s height adjustability is also a huge plus, providing comfort no matter how tall your child is and still furnishing optimal sun protection.  This brings the seatback to canopy range from 22″-24″.

How does the Cruz fold?

The UPPAbaby Cruz has a one-step compact fold process, but before starting, you have to make sure the seat is forward-facing and in the most upright position. You could also simply remove the seat and fold the frame only.

Just press the release triggers on either side of the frame, and the body folds down.  You can then optionally fold down the footrest.  The only downside to this would be the need for two hands to simultaneously press each release, which isn’t as easy when holding the baby you just took out of the stroller.  However, I’ve found this isn’t a model-specific gripe but an issue with most strollers.  

Once folded, the Cruz stands alone, and it also has a rubberized carry grip for easy transport.  Nice! 

Some parents find that the stroller can be a little bulky once folded and may take up a bit too much room in the trunk of your car.

This video shows you exactly how it all works:

Accessorize me!

Who doesn’t like all the goodies that come with your stroller?  In addition to that great UV protective visor, this UPPAbaby stroller also comes with a convenient weather shield to keep Baby dry and a mesh bug shield to keep Baby safe.  Accessories like these come in quite handy with unpredictable weather, and I like how these two shields wrap around the front for complete coverage and protection.

UPPAbaby Cruz v2
Photo Credit: Kelly Hernandez-Los Angeles, CA

I don’t know about you, but I love the Cruz so much, but I’d still want a bassinet.  Well, guess what?  Now you can purchase a bassinet separately.  Just look at the photo – it looks fantastic on the Cruz frame, so elegant.  The picture shows the bassinet with the protective visor and ridealong board.

Have an older child?  Although the Vista has a double-stroller option, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 can become two-child friendly with the additional Piggyback Ride-Along Board that your oldest child can ride along on.  This is great for when you need to walk quickly, and your big kid can just hop on board for the ride.

Love the look but wish it had a snack tray?  Parents recommend this snack tray because it has a cup holder and an indentation for snacks, but it sits a bit high and would be best for babies over nine months old; otherwise, the child has to reach.  It still gets pretty high reviews, though, as the pivots make in-and-outs easy.

If you’re taking a trip and cannot bear the thought of leaving your Cruz behind (who would!), then safely transport it in the UPPAbaby Cruz Travelsafe Travelbag.  The bag is made of durable nylon and has exposed wheels for easy transport and a luggage tag spot on the front.  It’s is also part of the TravelSafe program, which is like insurance because UPPAbaby guarantees your Cruz during air travel!  Register your stroller and travel bag online before your departure.  What peace of mind that brings.

What do parents get out of it?

Tall parents, you’re going to love this!  The UPPAbaby Cruz comes with a one-button telescopic handle with three height adjustments.  No more slouching when pushing the stroller.  Yay!  Parents who are average height and shorter will find this stroller quite comfortable to drive, as well, with the lowest setting sitting at 40 inches.

The UPPAbaby Cruz has an enormous easy-access storage basket beneath the seat, with a 30-lb carrying capacity: a favorite feature among parents.

What others are saying

“My favorite thing is the large storage basket, [and my] least favorite is how “heavy” it is…it takes up a lot of space in my trunk. I absolutely love the extended handlebar because I’m 5’10” so it makes pushing easier.  [However] It’s heavy, and I’m probably going to get the Minu in place of the Cruz V2.”– Kelly Hernandez from Los Angeles, CA

UPPAbaby Cruz reviews give this stroller system pretty high ratings across the board for the rear-facing seat, ample storage basket, and fantastic sun canopy.  The Cruz V2 has five-star reviews from both Amazon and Buy Buy Baby.

Most parents recommend the Cruz for the slim width and compact folded size.  Most comments in the reviews mention the easy fold and unfold.

The storage is a huge selling point, and nearly every review out there mentions the fantastic canopy and how well it covers and protects from the sun, as well.

Jaclyn B. from Chicago, Illinois (about the add-on Piggyback-board)–“[The Piggyback Board] is nice for quick on and offs, like when I need to get [my toddler] and the baby into a store for a quick errand.  I think walking with it is awkward though because I have to stand [farther] away with my arms awkwardly around my son. […] It does fold in really easily and can stay on when in the trunk.  I’m glad I found it on the marketplace, as I’m not sure I would have paid full price.”

Disadvantages

There are not many cons to this stroller that the updated version hasn’t addressed.  One complaint is the lack of a cupholder or organizer for you; however, both are available as additional attachments.  I really dig this optional changing backpack that would fit any UPPAbaby stroller system.

The fact that so many of these features are additional purchases is maybe the biggest complaint, overall, but comparatively, there aren’t many other criticisms to be found.

The price point for the UPPAbaby stroller line may be higher than some other manufacturers’, but many will say that “you get what you pay for” and are not unhappy with their purchases.  I’ve actually come across several moms who have sold their UPPAbaby strollers, only to rebuy them later on after struggling with lesser-quality alternatives.  Some Buy/Sell groups on Facebook may provide cheaper routes for purchasing one of these more luxe baby-traveling tools.

UPPAbaby Cruz V2

The all-new CRUZ V2 Stroller by UPPAbaby delivers a greater level of strolling performance and functionality while maintaining its sleekness. A bigger toddler seat offers increased back height, bigger leg rest, and a deeper footrest.

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How it stacks up

Cruz V2 owners seem to universally agree that the smooth ride, versatile seat adjustments,  adjustable handle height, the sun canopy, and all of the optional add-ons make this model worth the price and a favorite among parents.  The Vista V2 may be better for a true double-stroller or more frequent traveling.  For more feature-heavy strollers with more elements built into the cost, check out our comparison of other brands of complete travel systems.

UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller Review: A Convertible Design
UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller Review 1

Find out more on why parents love the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller in our full review where we go over all the details!

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.9

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Kyli Gray

Kyli Gray

Our chief stroller researcher and reviewer is Kyli G. Kyli lives in the Midwest with her high-school sweetheart turned husband, their two young, feral daughters, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback pup, Sadie. When she isn’t herding her most beloved children or writing/editing for Stroller-Envy, she can be found in her kitchen trying new recipes, hiking, defending the Oxford Comma, or reading cheesy historical romance novels that never fail to make her cry (even though she has re-read them ’till the binding is separating).