With so many strollers to choose from, it can be a mammoth task to pick out the differences between them. Even more-so when the two options are made by the same, high-rep company! In this article we look at the two popular Uppababy strollers: VISTA vs CRUZ!
About the Company
Uppababy is an American company that makes high-quality car seats and strollers to fit the need of every parent in style. For the past 30 years, Uppababy has been mastering the baby industry through the owners’ experiences of being parents themselves, as well as integrating their experiences in invention and business. Their products meet the industry standards required by the Juvenile Product Manufacturing Association (JPMA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The Uppababy VISTA Stroller Overview
Uppababy VISTA Stroller is the all-in-one stroller perfect for growing families. With the VISTA, Uppababy offers an intuitive double-stroller design that allows multiple configurations making travel with two or three children a breeze while carrying a single contraption.
Uppababy VISTA is the Flexible Option for Growing Families
The VISTA’s flexibility comes into play when parents need to accommodate more than one child. It can be configured with any combination of bassinets, car seats or stroller seats. It is also compatible with the Uppababy PiggyBack board to allow older kids to ride on the stroller.
The VISTA is the Sturdy Option
But even for use as a single stroller, the VISTA sports larger wheels and all-wheel suspension that set it apart from the competition. It also has a large storage basket that can hold up to 30 pounds of baby gear.
Unlike the CRUZ, the VISTA comes with a bassinet that is safe for overnight use. The CRUZ can use the same bassinet but is sold separately.
The Uppababy CRUZ Stroller Overview
The Uppababy CRUZ stroller is a lightweight yet sturdy single stroller that is an ideal ride no matter where the cruise is. The CRUZ has an almost identical seat and frame as the VISTA and shares other features, too, like a reversible seat and a standing fold.
Uppababy CRUZ Wins Awards for Maneuverability
This is the Uppababy product awarded by Parents Best for Baby Awards 2021 and The Bump Best of Baby Awards 2020. The streamlined design gives more without the additional weight. Strolling down bumpy streets, maneuvering crowded malls, and loading baskets can now be done with utmost ease and convenience.
The CRUZ is Best for One Child
Unlike the VISTA, the CRUZ cannot convert to a double stroller and there is no bassinet included, although you can purchase one separately for the newborn child.
Product Specifications: CRUZ vs VISTA
Weight and Dimensions
The Uppababy CRUZ stroller’s true weight – meaning it includes the canopy, wheels, and basket – for the frame is 19 lbs. while the seat of the CRUZ weighs 6.5 lbs. Dimensions for the CRUZ stroller are 16.5” L x 22.8” W x 33” H (folded dimensions with the seat), 12” L x 22.8” W x 30” H (without the seat), and 37.5” L x 22.8” W x 40” H (unfolded).
The VISTA stroller is a bit heavier and bigger. The true weight for the frame is 20 lbs. while the seat is 7 lbs., and it includes a bassinet that weighs 8.8 lbs. Dimensions for the VISTA stroller are 17.3” L x 25.7” W x 33.3” H (folded dimensions with the seat), 13” L x 25.7” W x 32” H (without the seat), and 36” L x 25.7” W x 39.5” H (unfolded), making it smaller than the CRUZ.
Age Requirement and Weight Capacity
The CRUZ stroller is suitable for babies from 3 months to 50 pounds. The VISTA bassinet is suitable from birth up to 20 lbs. or until the infant can push themselves up into a crawling position, at which point the bassinet is no longer suitable. The toddler seat, like the CRUZ stroller, is appropriate from 3 months up to 50 pounds. Both strollers are full-sized and can be added with the Infant SnugSeat accessory for additional head and neck support for the little one. The Uppababy VISTA and Uppababy CRUZ strollers are among the roomiest options on the market for taller toddlers today.
Wheels and Color
The large wheels of Uppababy VISTA stroller at 8” front and 11.5” rear gives it a slight edge in movability over the CRUZ stroller with 7” front and 10” rear wheels. However, both versions were updated in 2020. They now include polyurethane foam-filled rear tires and enhanced all-wheel suspension as well as softer foam-filled front wheels for safety of infants and convenience for parents and caregivers. Independent shocks ensure the child has a smooth and comfortable ride whether traveling down winding paths or over bumpy pavement. With dual-action suspension, front wheel locks with visual indicators, springs work individually to provide a smooth-sailing ride, a feature not seen on other options on the market.
Both Uppababy strollers offer the same color schemes: black, red, green, gray, sky blue, slate blue, white, dark blue, and pink, for the canopy and the back of the seat. Each color scheme comes with a flattering combination for the frame and leather color. The front of the seat and the basket underneath are both black, no matter the chosen color scheme. For unsure moms and dads, up to 4 complimentary swatches are shipped for free to help in making their big decision.
Uppababy VISTA vs CRUZ: Key Similarities
Car Seat Compatibility
The Uppababy MESA infant car seat attaches directly to the frame of both the VISTA and CRUZ strollers without the need for seat adapters. On both models, the MESA car seat releases from the stroller with the press of a button. When paired with the MESA infant car seat, the Uppababy CRUZ or VISTA stroller becomes a Performance Travel System that offers the ultimate portability and safety without sacrificing performance for convenience.
Both strollers are compatible with car seats from top manufacturers with the aid of seat adapters like Chicco KeyFit and KeyFit30, Clek Liing, Cybex Cloud Q and Aton series, Maxi-Cosi Mico series, Citi, Cabrio and CabrioFix, Nuna PIPA series, and Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 and Primo Viaggio 4.35 Nido.
Seat Function and Safety Harness
Both Uppababy VISTA and CRUZ strollers have reversible car seat feature that switches the seat from forward-facing to parent-facing for use with an infant and later with a toddler. They have a full-size toddler seat with a higher back, longer leg rest, and deeper footrest. The VISTA and CRUZ also offer a 5-point adjustable, no-rethread harness with padded shoulder straps.
Easy Folding
Both the Uppababy VISTA and the CRUZ offer similar folding power: simply lock the wheels, pull the handlebars, and lock the side triggers. Even better, both of them stand unsupported in the folded mode, with or without the toddler seat attached. If you are using the Uppababy VISTA with a double set-up, one of the car seats will need to be taken off before folding the stroller.
Unfolding is as simple as pushing the side trigger and pulling the handlebars upwards. Both the VISTA and CRUZ strollers feature a one-step fold in order to support the handiness and ease of use for parents and caregivers. However, if the bassinet is installed, the ease of folding is compromised as it will not fold down and will take up extra storage space.
Extra Components
The canopy of both the Uppababy VISTA and the CRUZ strollers come with zip-out fabric extender which allows additional sun protection for the infant. Its perforated peekaboo windows, or the air vent mesh panels on parallel sides, make it easier to add airflow. It is also height adjustable suited to accommodate growing children. The easy slide canopy also features UPF 50+ protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays that may harm the little one’s skin. This means that 98% of the sun’s beams are blocked and only two percent penetrates the fabric, reducing the UV radiation risk significantly.
Accent details in 100% full-grain leather are also the same for both CRUZ and VISTA strollers. The telescopic handlebars are adjustable for parent or caregiver varying heights and features a premium leather for extra grip while pushing the baby. Both options also have back foot brakes for easy stopping and going. For added comfort, an add-on parent organizer can be purchased, for storing your essentials like keys and a latte.
The basket underneath is extra-large, has a wide opening, and has a weight capacity of up to 30 lbs. for all baby-related gear. It is also easier to reach because of its easy-access structure to provide convenience to the parent or caregiver.
The Uppababy CRUZ and VISTA strollers also feature a one-hand recline. This multi-position recline allows the child to lie comfortably for naps or sit upright while travelling, offering flexibility for every stage of the child’s growth.
Uppababy VISTA vs CRUZ: Key Differences
Price
It’s no secret that baby gear is expensive, and one of the major differences between the Uppababy VISTA and CRUZ strollers is their price in the market. The VISTA stroller is around a couple hundred dollars more, to accommodate the added advantages that come with the stroller including the provision of a bassinet. The VISTA ranges from $743.99 to $969.99, which already comprise of the toddler seat and bumper bar, bassinet, stroller frame, wheels, toddler seat bug shield, toddler seat rain shield, bassinet bug shield, and bassinet storage bag. The CRUZ stroller ranges from $519.99 to $679.99 including the toddler seat, bumper bar, frame and wheels, toddler seat bug shield, and toddler seat rain shield, but without a bassinet
Bassinet
The bassinet inclusion for the Uppababy VISTA is another significant difference from the Uppababy CRUZ stroller. The package for VISTA already includes the bassinet and is not an optional component. The bassinet has a perforated mattress pad for added breathability and a zip-out, water-repellent inner liner and boot cover which are both easy to remove and clean. The canopy can be attached to the bassinet as well to provide the same UPF 50 protection against harmful UV rays. It also features a one-hand stroller release for the parents’ and caregivers’ convenience and accessibility.
The bassinet is not required with the stroller but may be helpful for allowing the baby to be laid flat which allows for open airways and better support in the head and neck compared to a slightly upright position when placed in the car seat. The infant is also more ventilated in the bassinet because it contains less, or no foam compared to the protection it needs when the infant is in the car seat. Other than the above advantages, the Uppababy bassinet is approved for overnight sleeping which is handy especially when travelling for long periods of time or for visiting friends and family. It can be paired with another add-on, the Uppababy bassinet stand, for use at the bedside during nighttime.
Configurations and Seating Options
The Uppababy CRUZ stroller has limited configurations as compared to the Uppababy VISTA stroller. The VISTA stroller can be converted to a double stroller with the addition of a second seat, or the rumble seat, to the primary seat or the toddler seat. The configurations are endless as the stroller can accommodate not only two seats but also a toddler that can ‘hitch’ or ride along by using another accessory, the Uppababy VISTA Piggyback Ride-Along Board. This pad can be attached to the front wheel, parent-facing, and locks in place to give the toddler a ride alongside their siblings seated inside.
CRUZ vs VISTA: Overall Recommendation
It’s not hard to understand why the Uppababy VISTA and the Uppababy CRUZ are two of the most popular options on sale today. Because they are made by the same great brand, the frames and seats of both strollers are almost identical and offers the same product and safety features. But the VISTA and CRUZ have a few major differences, too like the inclusion of bassinet, the ease of converting into a double stroller, and the budget the family must prepare before purchasing any one of these Uppababy creations.
If deciding between the two, the most vital question to ask is: Will the stroller grow with the family? If you are anticipating a large age gap between your children, the CRUZ is a good option for a one-child stroller, which can be adapted with the Uppababy PiggyBack ride-along board for older toddlers. The VISTA, however, can accommodate two little ones and is probably the better option to purchase if you might have two kids close together.
Overall, the Uppababy VISTA stroller is the bigger of the two, with an oversized basket, larger wheels, a bassinet, and the ability to accommodate a second, or even third, child. That is why some parents prefer the VISTA. But it is also why others prefer the CRUZ, which is lighter and narrower while priced at least $280 lower.
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