Comparison · October 2026
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3
Short answer: The biggest practical change is newborn use: the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 reclines flat for a newborn with its included infant insert, while the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 needs a bassinet, SnugSeat or infant car seat. Both have a 30 lb basket and a 50 lb seat. The V2 is a little lighter (25.5 lb vs 26.5 lb).
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3: specs side by side
| Spec | UPPAbaby Cruz V2 | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.0 — Exceptional | 9.1 — Exceptional |
| List price | $1,000 | $899.99 |
| Type | Full-size | Full-size |
| Weight | 25.5 lb frame plus toddler seat, per Lucie's List and Snugglebugz; BabyGearLab measured 25 lb | 26.5 lb frame 17 lb + toddler seat 9.5 lb, per UPPAbaby |
| Folded (L×W×H) | 16.5×22.8×33 in | 17×22.5×32.5 in |
| Open (L×W×H) | 37.5×22.8×40 in | 37.5×22.5×41.8 in |
| Max child weight | 50 lb | 50 lb |
| Basket | 30 lb | 30 lb |
| From birth | Not in the toddler seat alone; newborns need the Bassinet, the Infant SnugSeat or an infant car seat, all sold separately | Yes, the reversible seat reclines flat with the included infant insert; a bassinet is sold separately |
| Recline | Multi-position; BabyGearLab found it reclines to almost 50 degrees, not flat | 4 positions, reclines nearly flat, reversible seat |
| Fold | Two-hand fold with auto-lock; BabyGearLab says it stands only with the leg rest and handlebar at their shortest | One-step fold, stands when folded; BabyGearLab says it takes two hands |
| Wheels | Foam-filled tires with all-wheel suspension and lockable front wheels | Never-flat tires with FlexRide suspension and optional front wheel lock |
| Car seats | UPPAbaby infant seats; Chicco, Cybex, Clek, Maxi-Cosi and Nuna with adapters, per BabyGearLab | UPPAbaby Mesa and Aria attach directly; Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Chicco and Clek seats with adapters |
| Two children | Single stroller only | Single stroller only; BabyGearLab points families with more children to the Vista V3 |
| Travel | Not airline carry-on size | Not airline carry-on size |
Which is lighter, smaller and cheaper?
- Weight: The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is the lighter, at 25.5 lb, against 26.5 lb for the UPPAbaby Cruz V3.
- Folded size: Both come out the same, at 16.5×22.8×33 in (7.2 cu ft).
- Price: The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is the less expensive, at $899.99, against $1,000 for the UPPAbaby Cruz V2.
- Seat limit: Both come out the same, at 50 lb.
- Basket: Both come out the same, at 30 lb.
How do their scores compare?
The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is the higher rated, at 9.1/10, against 9.0/10 for the UPPAbaby Cruz V2. We rate every stroller on the same six weighted criteria. How we rate.
| Spec | UPPAbaby Cruz V2 | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability 20% | 9.0 | 9.2 |
| Fold & portability 20% | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Comfort & safety 20% | 8.7 | 9.2 |
| Storage & practicality 15% | 9.6 | 9.6 |
| Build & durability 15% | 9.2 | 9.3 |
| Value 10% | 9.0 | 9.1 |
| Overall | 9.0 | 9.1 |
Choose the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 if…
The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is worth it on sale or secondhand, not near its last $1,000 list price. It has been replaced by the Cruz V3. The V2 weighs 25.5 lb, holds 30 lb in the basket and has all-wheel suspension. Its seat starts at 3 months, so newborns need extra gear. Check parts and recalls first.
- Parents buying used who want a proven full-size stroller
- Families with a baby over 3 months or an infant car seat
- Anyone who needs a narrow frame and a big basket
Skip it if: You want one seat that works from birth with no extras; a used one costs close to a new Cruz V3; you plan to have two children riding at once.
Read our full UPPAbaby Cruz V2 review
Choose the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 if…
The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is worth it if you want a premium full-size stroller for one child. UPPAbaby lists it at $899.99 and 26.5 lb with the seat. It reclines flat from birth, holds a 30 lb basket and took BabyGearLab's top full-size spot. It is not a jogger, and it is not small when folded.
- First-time parents with one child and a car
- Families who want a roomy basket and a big canopy
- Parents who want a narrow full-size stroller for tight doorways
Skip it if: You plan a second child close together; you want to jog or go on rough trails; you need a stroller light enough to carry or fly with.
Read our full UPPAbaby Cruz V3 review
UPPAbaby Cruz V2 vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 FAQ
Which is lighter, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 or UPPAbaby Cruz V3?
The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is the lighter, at 25.5 lb, against 26.5 lb for the UPPAbaby Cruz V3. Weights are each maker's published figure for the frame with its main seat. A lighter stroller is easier to lift into a car or carry up stairs, which matters most if you do it every day.
Which costs less, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 or UPPAbaby Cruz V3?
The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is the less expensive, at $899.99, against $1,000 for the UPPAbaby Cruz V2. These are US list prices from each maker in October 2026. Retail prices change often, so check before you buy, and add the cost of any accessories you need, such as a bassinet or car seat adapters.
Which folds smaller, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 or UPPAbaby Cruz V3?
Both come out the same, at 16.5×22.8×33 in (7.2 cu ft). Folded sizes are each maker's figures, length by width by height. Measure your trunk or closet and compare, trying the stroller flat and on its side.
Which has the higher seat limit, the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 or UPPAbaby Cruz V3?
Both come out the same, at 50 lb. The seat limit decides how long your child can ride. Most children stop using a stroller well before they reach 50 lb, so any of these can last through the toddler years.