UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Review: The Best Full-Size Stroller for One Child?

Who is the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 for?

The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is for parents who want a premium stroller for one child, or for a second child who will ride alone while the first one walks. It is the slimmer, lighter sibling of the Vista V3. UPPAbaby lists it at $899.99, which is $100 under the Vista, and at 26.5 lb with the seat it is a pound lighter. BabyGearLab, which ranked it first of 20 full-size strollers, recommends it for families with one child who want a durable stroller that is easy to steer and who do not plan to run or go off-road often. If you may have two children in strollers at once, look at the Vista instead, because the Cruz has no second-seat option. If you want a stroller to carry on stairs every day, this is not it. It is a car-and-sidewalk stroller that does the basics very well.

How does the Cruz V3 ride and steer?

The Cruz V3 is narrow, only 22.5 in wide by UPPAbaby's spec, and reviewers at BabyGearLab said that helps it handle tight spaces, curbs and speed bumps. UPPAbaby lists never-flat tires, FlexRide suspension and an optional front wheel lock. The same reviewers found the suspension stiffer than some rivals, with more jolts over cracks and bumps, though it produced fewer wake-ups than many competitors. It can handle a short trip over grass or gravel, but it is not built for jogging or rough trails, and UPPAbaby does not recommend running with it. The Bump says the V3 keeps the handling of the V2, which owners long praised. Babylist buyers mention easy one-hand steering and a smooth ride. For sidewalks, malls and parks, that is more than enough.

• Maneuverability9.2 / 10
• WheelsNever-flat tires with FlexRide suspension and optional front wheel lock

How big is the Cruz V3 when folded?

UPPAbaby lists the Cruz V3 at 26.5 lb: 17 lb for the frame and 9.5 lb for the seat. Folded with the seat on, it measures 17 x 22.5 x 32.5 in, or 13.5 x 22.5 x 30.3 in without it. BabyGearLab measured 12,994 cubic inches of folded volume and said the fold is larger than many competitors, but locks automatically, stands on its own and folds nearly flat. The brand calls it a one-step fold, while reviewers say it takes two hands. One Babylist owner says she can fold it and load it into her car alone. It fits most trunks, but a small hatchback will be tight. It is not an airline carry-on stroller, so plan on gate-checking it if you fly.

Is the Cruz V3 comfortable and safe?

UPPAbaby says the Cruz V3 seat works from birth. The seat reclines nearly flat, with an infant insert included, so a newborn can ride without a separate bassinet. BabyGearLab counted four recline positions, a padded and adjustable footrest, and a five-point harness that adjusts without rethreading. The magnetic buckle is hard for toddlers to undo. The canopy is one of the largest in the group, with UPF 50+ fabric, a mesh peek-a-boo window and a roll-down sun shield. The seat is reversible, so the child can face you or the world. It is rated to 50 lb or 40 in. UPPAbaby lists GREENGUARD Gold certification and Baby Safety Alliance verification. A separate bassinet is sold if you prefer one.

How much storage does the Cruz V3 have?

Storage is a major selling point. UPPAbaby calls the basket large and easy to reach, and BabyGearLab lists a manufacturer limit of 30 lb, the same as the pricier Vista. Reviewers there found the basket very roomy and reachable from the front, back and sides, with a small rear pocket for small items. The lower area fits only a sippy cup, and a larger cup holder costs extra. Babylist buyers also praise the roomy basket. For a stroller this narrow, the space is generous, so a diaper bag, a jacket and a few shopping bags usually fit without a fight.

How does the Cruz V3 compare with the Vista V3?

The two UPPAbaby strollers look similar, so the difference comes down to growth and size. The Cruz V3 is $899.99, 26.5 lb and 22.5 in wide. The Vista V3 is $999.99, 27.6 lb and 25.7 in wide. Both have a 30 lb basket, a 50 lb seat limit and the same big canopy. The Vista can take a second seat, a riding board and a bassinet, so it can carry up to three children. The Cruz is a single stroller, and BabyGearLab says families with more children should consider the Vista. The Cruz also folds slightly smaller, at 17 x 22.5 x 32.5 in against 16.3 x 25.7 x 33.8 in for the Vista. If you want one child in one seat, the Cruz saves money and space. If a second child is likely, the Vista makes more sense.

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs UPPAbaby Vista V3 vs Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew

UPPAbaby Vista V3: Same look and basket, with room to add a second seat; $100 more. Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew: Larger wheels and an all-terrain look, at $1,499.

How we rated the UPPAbaby Cruz V3

Six criteria, weighted by how much they shape everyday life. Read our methodology.

1. Maneuverability 20%9.2
2. Fold & portability 20%8.3
3. Comfort & safety 20%9.2
4. Storage & practicality 15%9.6
5. Build & durability 15%9.3
6. Value 10%9.1

Weighted total9.1— Exceptional

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 full specifications

What to buy instead

• Same look and basket, with room to add a second seat; $100 more.

  UPPAbaby Vista V3

  9.1 — Exceptional. 27.6 lb, folds to 16.3×25.7×33.8 in, $999.99.

• Larger wheels and an all-terrain look, at $1,499.

  Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew

  8.8 — Excellent. 26.5 lb, folds to 17.3×23.6×35.4 in, $1,499.

• A compact one-piece fold and Nuna PIPA car seat compatibility, at $900.

  Nuna MIXX Next

  8.2 — Very good. 28.3 lb, folds to 27.5×23.6×19 in, $900.