UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Review
Pros: Easy to use, lots of supplies fit in storage, great features, suspension, no flat tires
Cons: Heavier than old Cruz, more expensive
Manufacturer: UPPAbaby
The Skinny
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Our Analysis and Test Results
UPPAbaby is an American company with a decade plus worth of stroller savvy under their belts. They find inspiration in every day life and work to design baby products that make life easier and fun. UPPAbaby offers a variety of stroller styles and an award-winning car seat, the UPPAbaby Mesa.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Use
The Cruz v is one of the easiest options in the 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 close for quick access.
Sunshade
The canopy non 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 foot rest 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 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 u, 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 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 mush as we'd hoped.
For pushing and turning on pavement it is easier to maneuver and handle as the beefier frame and cross bar through the storage bin creates 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 competition. 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 prevent 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, this along with the telescoping adjustable handlebar create 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 issue 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.
Manufacturer Video
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. The tray will take the place of the bumper bar.
— Wendy Schmitz, and BabyGearLab Review Team