In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo Review

High-quality, full-size choice with impressive features and easy car seat attachment
gearlab tested logo
UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo Review (The car seat carrier sits deep in the frame of the Cruz v2, so it doesn't feel as top-heavy as some of the competition.)
The car seat carrier sits deep in the frame of the Cruz v2, so it doesn't feel as top-heavy as some of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $700 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   UPPAbaby
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team  ⋅  Oct 7, 2020
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 13
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat - 30% 8.0
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size - 25% 6.0
  • Quality - 10% 7.0
  • Maneuverability - 5% 7.0

Our Verdict

The UPPAbaby Cruz v2 is a stylish full-size stroller that mimics a frame stroller when used in conjunction with an infant car seat carrier. With a lighter weight and smaller folded size minus the toddler seat, this could be a suitable option for many families looking for a one and done option for their strolling lifetime with one child. The Cruz v2 comes with one of the best storage bins with a huge weight limit of 30 lbs. It also includes an adjustable handlebar and a straightforward fold. We really liked this UPPAbaby paired with the UPPAbaby Mesa infant seat and think it makes a good combination for most families. See how it measures up versus competitors in our article on the best stroller and car seat combos.
REASONS TO BUY
Lighter
Nice fold
Easy car seat attachment
Giant storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Somewhat harder to maneuver
Handle adjustment button poorly placed

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Combo
Top Pick Award
Taxi Game Changer
Best Value Award
Best Bang for the Frame Stroller Buck
 Best Value Award
Budget-friendly Full-size
Price $700 List
$699.99 at Amazon
$550 List
$550.00 at Amazon
$110 List
$109.66 at Amazon
$120 List
Check Price at Amazon
$350 List
$173.02 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
71
81
76
65
59
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Quality option for your strolling lifetime with easy car seat attachmentGood choice for urban parents with quick changes between public transport and strollingGreat frame stroller with parent console and easy carrier attachmentHard to push and turn stroller with poor car seat attachmentBudget-friendly, multi-seater with easy car seat connections for up to two infant carriers
Rating Categories UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo Doona Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Graco SnugRider Elite Evenflo Pivot Xpand...
Ease Of Attaching Car Seat (30%)
8.0
10.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
Ease Of Use (30%)
7.0
5.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Weight/Folded Size (25%)
6.0
10.0
9.0
9.0
2.0
Quality (10%)
7.0
7.0
3.0
4.0
6.0
Maneuverability (5%)
7.0
7.0
4.0
4.0
5.0
Specs UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo Doona Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Graco SnugRider Elite Evenflo Pivot Xpand...
Weight 18.8 lbs 16.8 lbs 11.7 lbs 13.3 lbs 24.3 lbs
Folded Dimensions 22.9"W x 10.8"H x 30.4"L 18"W x 16"H x 28.3"L 19.8"W x 11.5"H x 33.5"L 19.7"W x 10.3"H x 31.9"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L
Capacity Limits 30 Minimum: Birth

Maximum: 35 lbs/32"
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
Minimum: Infant - Toddler

When stroller seat is in infant mode: birth - 6 months


Maximum: 55 lbs/38"
Included Car Seat Compatibility UPPAbaby
Mesa
Doona Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Graco
all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Click-in Car Seat Adapters UPPAbaby
Mesa
Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air
Maxi-Cosi
Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP & Micro Max Plus,
Nuna
PIPA™, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r & PIPA lite rx
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q & Aton M
Doona Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Graco
all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None None
One-handed Fold Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes n/a Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 40"/43" 32.5"/39" 36"/42" 37.25"/41" 33"/44.7"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Storage Basket Size Very Large n/a Large Large Extra large
Included Accessories Rain Shield, Bug Shield Infant Car Seat and Stroller In One None None None
Setup Time 5:54 n/a 8:28 5:59 5:15

Our Analysis and Test Results

UPPAbaby is a family-owned business that specializes in gear for babies with a concentration on various styles of strollers, both single and double. They also make an award-winning infant car seat. This American headquartered company has more than a decade of experience and pulls its inspiration from family experiences.

Performance Comparison



uppababy cruz v2 combo - the car seat carrier sits deep in the frame of the cruz v2, so it...
The car seat carrier sits deep in the frame of the Cruz v2, so it doesn't feel as top-heavy as some of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Attaching Car Seat


The Cruz v2 offers car seat attachment that proved to be easy in our tests. We tested our Cruz v2 with the UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seat carrier.


The Cruz is also compatible with various seats from alternate brands like Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, and the Chicco Keyfit 30. The seats outside the UPPAbaby lineup require the purchase of an adapter. Some adapters are side attachments, while others form a loop. All of the adapters and the Mesa (sans adapter) attach to the stroller frame using the toddler seat attachment points.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the car seat adapters and the mesa car seat attach to the same side...
The car seat adapters and the Mesa car seat attach to the same side locations as the toddler seat on the Cruz v2.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This design means you'll need to remove the toddler seat/canopy combination frame to attach the carrier. The hardest part is aligning the two sides simultaneously before pushing the carrier down on the attachment points. Our car seat clicked in place smoothly without a problem. The connection doesn't feel as secure as some other product combinations, but it isn't a safety concern. The Cruz v2 is also one of only a handful of strollers where the carrier can face wither direction.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the mesa car seat carrier release button is on the top of the handle...
The Mesa car seat carrier release button is on the top of the handle which makes removal from the Cruz easier to accomplish with one hand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Removing the carrier is one of the easiest with a top release button on the carrier instead of on the back, making it a carrier you can remove with one hand.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the cruz folds surprisingly small for a full-size stroller. it is...
The Cruz folds surprisingly small for a full-size stroller. It is seen here without the toddler seat, which is how you'd use it for car seat combination.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


With the toddler seat and canopy removed, the Cruz v2 is a relatively lightweight full-size stroller with some things in common with a frame stroller.


This stroller weighs 18.8 lbs (3 lbs heavier than the old version) and measures 7,519 cubic inches when folded (smaller than the old version). It is one of the lighter options that also provide better maneuverability and ample storage.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the front wheels on the cruz v2 can be locked in place to help make...
The front wheels on the Cruz v2 can be locked in place to help make moving over uneven terrain easier.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The Cruz v2 has larger wheels than the older version and they a dense plastic covered in foam-filled rubber. It is easy enough to push on flat hard surfaces, but of course, it can't compare to the jogger competition.


This stroller is a one-handed operation if the road is smooth, but grows more challenging over the grass and gravel roads. While it can move over these terrains easily enough with the locking front wheels and new suspension, it isn't something you'd want to do for the long haul or off the beaten path on a woodland hike.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the cruz has foam-filled rubber wheels and the v2 includes larger...
The Cruz has foam-filled rubber wheels and the v2 includes larger wheels than the old version for better maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The telescoping handlebar puts taller pushers further from the stroller, which results in less opportunity for kicking while strolling. The handlebar size, cover, and shape make it easy to grip and more comfortable for longer durations.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the handlebar on the cruz v2 is adjustable with the push of a button...
The handlebar on the Cruz v2 is adjustable with the push of a button to telescope in and out.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Cruz v2 is easier to use than much of the competition despite missing some of the features parents might want.


uppababy cruz v2 combo - the cruz v2 fold initiates with the frame lock release.
The Cruz v2 fold initiates with the frame lock release.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold


The Cruz v2 has a straightforward fold that requires two hands to unlock the frame and some bending at the waist. There are two quick steps, and it locks automatically and stands on its own. It doesn't have a carry handle, but you can roll it from place to place instead of picking it up if you need to.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the cruz has two brake pedals to make it easier to see if the brakes...
The Cruz has two brake pedals to make it easier to see if the brakes are set or not.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The single-action brakes on the Cruz v2 are straightforward and foot-friendly, given the press to set and release design of two pedals, one for each action.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the storage bin on the cruz v2 is large with great access and it...
The storage bin on the Cruz v2 is large with great access and it holds up to 30 lbs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The Cruz v2 has a large storage bin and one of the largest weight capacities in the group of 30 lbs (up 5 lbs from the old Cruz). The basket has excellent access from all sides, so you can reach supplies no matter where you stand.

Sunshade


This UPPAbaby includes a giant and well-designed sunshade. However, this canopy is attached to the toddler seat frame and is not useable with the infant carrier in place.

Ease of Setup


The Cruz v2 assembles in 5:45 minutes with an average user manual and setup guide. We didn't receive a quick start guide with this UPPAbaby like we usually do, but it was still one of the easiest to set up. It comes with great protective packaging, and all you need to do is attach the wheels, seat, and belly bar.

uppababy cruz v2 combo - the cruz v2 is a high-quality option most families will love for the...
The Cruz v2 is a high-quality option most families will love for the long term.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Cruz v2 is clearly constructed with attention to detail using durable materials.


The canvas materials fit the frame well on both the canopy and toddler seat. The bin feels durable and sturdy as if it will easily hold the 30 lbs of its limit. There are few visible fasteners, and no frame flex, loose threads, or inconsistent stitching. The frame is lightweight aluminum with a sleek look. The overall fit and finish are stylish, minimalistic, and straightforward.

Manufacturer Video




Accessories


UPPAbaby offers a variety of accessories to kit out your Cruz v2.

  • The UPPAbaby Cup Holder — Many parents might consider a cup holder a must. While we feel this isn't a need to have feature, we can see how one might come in handy.
  • The UPPAbaby Parent Organizer — If keeping some convenience items close at hand is important to you, the UPPAbaby parent-organizer could be just what you need to finish your Cruz.

Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team