The UPPAbaby Vista and Cruz are the two most popular full-size strollers in the United States, and they share almost everything: the frame feel, the toddler seat, the one-hand recline, the basket, and the signature fabrics. The $100 price gap buys one big difference and a handful of small ones. Here is how the UPPAbaby Vista V3 and Cruz V3 compare, and which one makes sense for your family.
Quick Verdict
Buy the Vista V3 if there is any chance of a second child within three or four years, or if you want the bassinet included. Buy the Cruz V3 if you are confident this is a one-child stroller for now, you live somewhere tight on space, or you would rather put the $100 toward a car seat. The Cruz is not a lesser stroller; it is the same stroller without the ability to become a double.
Vista V3 vs Cruz V3 at a Glance
| UPPAbaby Vista V3 | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 | $899.99 |
| Converts to double | Yes, with RumbleSeat (sold separately), plus PiggyBack board for a third | No, single only |
| Bassinet | Included | Sold separately |
| Toddler seat | Included, to 50 lb, reversible, lay flat | Included, to 50 lb, reversible, lay flat |
| Weight | About 27 lb with toddler seat | About 25 lb with toddler seat |
| Basket | Extra large, 30 lb | Large, 30 lb |
| Fold | One step, stands folded, bulkier | One step, stands folded, more compact |
| Car seat compatibility | Mesa direct attach; adapters for Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi | Mesa direct attach; adapters for Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi |
| Amazon rating | 4.6 to 4.7 stars | 4.5 stars |
The Big Difference: Single or Double
The Vista is built to grow. Its frame accepts a second seat, the RumbleSeat, in more than 30 configurations, and a PiggyBack ride-along board for a third child. A family can run bassinet plus toddler seat, two toddler seats, or infant car seat plus toddler seat on one frame. The RumbleSeat is an extra purchase of a few hundred dollars, but it is far cheaper than a second stroller.
The Cruz cannot take a second seat. It can take the PiggyBack board for a standing older child, but that is the limit. If a second child arrives, Cruz owners buy another stroller.
What Is in the Box
The Vista V3 ships with the bassinet and the toddler seat. The bassinet is approved for overnight sleep with its stand, which many families use in the early months instead of a separate bassinet. The Cruz V3 ships with the toddler seat only; the bassinet is a separate purchase, though the toddler seat lies flat enough for a newborn with the integrated foot barrier in carriage mode.
Size, Weight, and Fold
The Cruz is about two pounds lighter and noticeably more compact when folded, which matters in a small trunk, a hallway, or an apartment elevator. The Vista's fold is bigger because the frame is longer to accommodate a second seat. Both fold in one step with the seat attached and stand on their own when folded. Both have the same 30 lb basket capacity, though the Vista's basket is physically larger.
Ride, Seat, and Features
Here the two are nearly identical. Both V3 models have UPPAbaby's FlexRide all-wheel suspension, a reversible toddler seat that reclines to lay flat with one hand, an adjustable leg rest, a magnetic buckle harness that does not need rethreading, an extendable UPF 50+ canopy, and the same fabric and color options. Push and steering feel the same with one child aboard. The Vista is a little heavier to lift into a car.
Car Seat Compatibility
Both strollers accept the UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seat with no adapter, and both take Nuna, Cybex, and Maxi-Cosi infant seats with UPPAbaby's adapters. There is no difference here.
Who Should Buy the Vista V3
Families who may have two children close in age, anyone who wants the bassinet included, and parents who do not mind a larger fold. It is the more versatile stroller and holds its resale value well.
Check UPPAbaby Vista V3 Price on Amazon
Who Should Buy the Cruz V3
One-child families, city dwellers with limited storage, and anyone who wants the UPPAbaby ride for $100 less. The toddler seat alone handles a newborn in carriage mode.
Check UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Price on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vista worth $100 more than the Cruz?
Yes if you want the included bassinet, which costs more than $100 on its own for the Cruz, or if you may need a double. If neither applies, the Cruz is the better value.
Can the Cruz V3 be used from birth?
Yes. The toddler seat reclines flat with a foot barrier for carriage mode from birth, or an infant car seat can attach directly. The bassinet is optional.
Do Vista accessories fit the Cruz?
Most do: the bassinet, car seat adapters, parent organizer, cup holder, and PiggyBack board fit both. The RumbleSeat fits only the Vista.
