UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Review

UPPAbaby is an American company with a decade-plus worth of stroller savvy under their belts. They find inspiration in everyday life and work to design baby products that make life easier and fun, such as a variety of stroller styles, including umbrella strollers and strollers for two.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Use

The Cruz v is one of the easiest options in the full-size stroller review to use with features that are intuitive or work better than the competition.

Fold and Unfold

The Cruz folds with one hand and has an automatic lock. It self-stands when folded, but it lacks any kind of carry strap or handle for easy transporting. Unfolding requires two hands, but it is straightforward and quick.

Brakes

The Cruz brakes are easy to set and release with a sandal-friendly, single-action design. We didn't experience any instances of the brake releasing or failing to fully set during testing. The two-pedal design is color-coded; press red to stop and green to go, which makes it easy to tell at a glance what your status may be.

Storage

This stroller has some of the best storage in the bunch, with a giant bin that is easy to access and a new 30 lb weight limit. If errands or shopping are on your list of strolling activities, it would be wise to consider this great grocery-getter.

The basket has interior pockets for better organization and keeping smaller items, such as your baby's pacifier or teething toy close for quick access.

Sunshade

The canopy on the v2 is even more impressive than the previous Cruz, which was the best in the bunch. This canopy has a zip-open extension panel, two peek-a-boo windows, and is large enough to cover almost down to the passenger's knees. It is UPF 50+ and has mesh for additional airflow on hot days.

Harness

The 5-point harness on the v2 has been redesigned, and while the buckle is traditional UPPAbaby, the shoulder height adjustment is a smooth moving clip with infinite possibilities, so no more rethreading straps and a better fit for your baby.

Seat

The Cruz 2 has a recline button that is super easy to lower and raise. The leg rest is also adjustable and allows for more possibilities for napping comfort. We like that this seat can face out to the world or be spun around to face the parent.

The sling-style seat doesn't require much padding to be comfortable, and the adjustments, plus footrest, will keep kids cozy.

Car Seat Compatibility

The Cruz 2 is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat and utilizes the same attachment points as the toddler seat. The Mesa is a click-in connection. In our tests, this carrier is easy to install and feels stable.

You can also purchase an adapter for your Cruz so that you can choose a car seat from another brand. UPPAbaby also supports seats from Maxi-Cosi, Chicco, the Nuna Pipa, and some Cybex options. While we like the Chicco Keyfit 30 as a budget-friendly solution, the price of the Chicco and the adapter is almost equal to the price of the Mesa with no adapter necessary.

Ease of Setup

The Cruz v2 is one of the easiest options to set up, even if it lacks the quick setup guide we found with the previous version. This option took just under six minutes to assemble and had excellent protective packaging.

You might be able to put this one together without instructions as it only requires snapping on the wheels and clicking the seat and belly bar in place.

Maneuverability

The Cruz 2 has new front wheels that now match those found on the UPPAbaby Vista v2. It also sports suspension, where in the past, it relied on a wheel design to cushion the baby from the bumps in the road. While these improvements make for a nicer ride for passengers and potentially pushers, it didn't change the Cruz's maneuverability as much as we'd hoped.

For pushing and turning on the pavement, it is easier to maneuver and handle as the beefier frame and crossbar through the storage bin create a more rigid feel with less sway. We think most parents will be pleased with the hard surface handling of this stroller and its ability to twist and turn in tight spaces or crowded locations. You can push it with one hand if the surface is ideal and the path in front of you is open.

For pushing and turning off-pavement, things aren't as good, but definitely better than most of the strollers on the market. While the Cruz can't compete against the jogging-style strollers, it will get you across the greenbelt or playground without too much of a struggle. If you want to go off-road for every far or on a regular basis, then it might not be the option for you as it lacks the wheel size and features required to do that with ease. The new front wheels are an improvement, and we like the press locking mechanism that prevents the wheels from turning if they hit a rock or root in the road.

The Cruz 2 suspension is new and works better than the old design, along with the telescoping adjustable handlebar, which creates a better experience for the pusher and passenger. Parents can choose the handlebar height that is best for them, and the suspension creates less vibration and agitation transferred through to the person holding the bar. This could translate to less fatigue over time.

Weight and Folded Size

This stroller is 25 lbs, which is a 4 lb increase over the last version. While we enjoy the upgrades and new features that likely contributed to the weight gain, we can't help but feel this is a step in the wrong direction.

One of the things we liked about the Cruz was the lower weight and ability to use it as a frame stroller for infants. With the new weight and folded size of 12,469 cubic inches, it is no longer ideal as a stroller for new moms with lifting limitations. The weight is about average for the group, but less is more when it comes to pushing and lifting a stroller.

Quality

It is hard to find issues with the quality of UPPAbaby products, and this stroller is no exception.

The overall fit and finish are impressive, with attention to detail at every turn. The new model may be heavier than the older Cruz, but it comes by the weight honestly with upgraded suspension, frame design, and beefier front wheels.

The extendable sunshade is taunt and has closure-free window covers that work well and feel tailor-made. The welds on the aluminum frame are smooth and error-free. The fabric on the seats, canopy, and basket is all uniform, free from stitching errors, and feels sturdy enough to last beyond your strolling years.

Accessories

If you're looking to add conveniences to your Cruz v2, you have some options. With everything from a storage basket cover to a riding board for a second older sibling, there is much to consider and research when outfitting your Cruz:

• UPPAbaby Parent Organizer — This hanging handlebar organizer comes with cup holders and storage to help you keep items close at hand, like a smartphone or keys. If you are reluctant to buy a Cruz because it lacks a parent console, this is the accessory for you.

• UPPAbaby Snack Tray — This child's snack tray is great for older children who can reach it.

  

  It is removable and dishwasher-safe, and includes a shallow dish for snacks and a cup holder for your kid's drink. The tray will take the place of the bumper bar.

Should You Buy the UPPAbaby Cruz v2?

If you value high-quality and smooth pushing, the Cruz might be the everyday strolling companion you seek. It's a great stroller for those who expect outings to museums, the zoo, or playgrounds with your child, or you're a city dweller who will be traveling by foot to run errands with your baby in tow. You'll be thankful for the stroller's very large storage basket to hold both your diaper bag and other items you pick up while out and about, and its impressive maneuverability to twist and turn in tight spaces or crowded locations. And, for sunny days, the stroller's expansive canopy can shade your baby.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?

If you're on a tight budget, you may experience sticker shock when looking at the Cruz's price. Indeed, it's a costly option. Therefore, we suggest viewing the award-winning Thule Spring; it's an attractive alternative that's higher ranking and less money. For an extra punch, it's more compact when folded and weighs less than the Cruz, which makes a difference when traveling. Unfortunately, compared to the Cruz, the Thule Spring is slightly harder to push. But, this might be a drawback you're willing to overlook given its less expensive price tag. Another stroller we would recommend considering is the UPPAbaby Vista v2, which offers the ability to expand to accommodate multiple children. If you are expecting multiples or plan on having a large family, the Vista streamlines the stroller buying process as it's a one-stop purchase that is ready to grow with your family.

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