In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

UPPAbaby Mesa v2 Review

A hard to love seat given the lower crash test results and higher price given the higher-performing competition
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UPPAbaby Mesa v2 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $330 List
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Manufacturer:   UPPAbaby
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 20, 2023
64
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#7 of 14
  • Crash Test - 40% 5.5
  • Ease of Install - LATCH - 20% 6.8
  • Ease of Install - Belt - 10% 7.0
  • Ease of Install - w/o Base - 5% 6.3
  • Ease of Use - 15% 7.5
  • Comfort/Quality - 5% 7.0
  • Weight/Size - 5% 6.8

Our Verdict

The UPPAbaby Mesa V2 is a comfortable seat with a retractable LATCH system. It features UPPAbaby stroller compatibility and is of nicer quality than much of the competition. It has easy-to-use features and a nice canopy/handle design that works well together and is easy to install using the vehicle belt. Unfortunately, the crash test analysis for this seat isn't the best, and it is harder to install using LATCH than some of the competition and the other UPPAbaby seat we tested. Given the higher price of this seat compared to the competition and the disappointing performance results in key metrics, we don't think it is the best fit for most families, even if you love UPPAbaby in general. Check out our best infant car seat review for more options.
REASONS TO BUY
Good comfort
Canopy fits with handle
Retractable LATCH
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower crash test analysis
Disappointing indicator
LATCH release is hard to press
Editor's Note: This update to our infant car seat review was completed on October 1, 2023, including new testing of 17 seats. We did a further update to remove discontinued options on October 20, 2023.

Compare to Similar Products

 
uppababy mesa v2
This Product
UPPAbaby Mesa v2
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Crash Test Analysis Infant Car Seat
Editors' Choice Award
Best Car Seat with High Stroller Compatiblity
 Best Value Award
Best Crash Test on the Tightest Budget
Price $330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
$480 List$270 List
$229.99 at Amazon
$230 List
$209.99 at Amazon
$120 List
$119.00 at Amazon
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Bottom Line With better-performing competitors in crash testing and important metrics, this option isn't a favoriteWith impressive crash test results, this seat is a top contender for those with the right budgetGreat overall seat with high stroller compatibility and better than average results all aroundNot as comfy for little ones, but the crash test results are impressiveIf your budget is small, this seat has impressive crash test results
Rating Categories UPPAbaby Mesa v2 Clek Liing Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Graco SnugRide 35 L...
Crash Test (40%)
5.5
8.7
7.6
7.9
8.4
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
6.8
9.0
7.0
6.8
3.0
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
7.0
8.3
7.0
6.8
3.5
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
6.3
7.8
6.8
5.5
3.8
Ease of Use (15%)
7.5
5.5
8.5
8.0
5.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
7.0
6.0
7.5
5.5
3.0
Weight/Size (5%)
6.8
6.8
6.9
7.2
8.5
Specs UPPAbaby Mesa v2 Clek Liing Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Graco SnugRide 35 L...
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs
Maximum Height 32 in 32 in 32 in 30 in 32 in
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 10.5 lb 10.5 lb 10.4 lb 9.8 lb 7.6 lb
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Non-rethread Rethread Non-rethread Rethread Rethread
Belt Routing Style European European European American American
Anti-rebound Bar Anti-rebound handle position No Yes No No
Load Leg No Yes No No No
Shoulder Harness Positions 5 3 5 3 4
Crotch Strap Positions 1 1 1 1 2
Number of Recline Positions 4 7 6 5 4
Locking Handle Positions 4 3 3 3 4
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Position 4 (all the way forward) Upright Position Any position Any position Any position
Level Indicator On Base Dial, both sides Bubble, in middle Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides needle, one side
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

UPPAbaby is an American company with more than a decade of juvenile product experience. They consider real family life when creating products that are easy to use, safe, and fun. Their goals are innovative products that keep convenience and usability while remaining stylish. The company offers some of the best car seats and some of our favorite strollers.

Performance Comparison



Crash test video of the UPPAbaby Mesa V2 at the MGA facility.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Testing


The crash test analysis score for the V2 is not as impressive as the other UPPAbaby infant car seat we tested. While it is considered safe by the federal guidelines, it scored below average for the group in our “hotter” run test, which puts a little more stress on the seats than the guideline requires.

This graph shows the head sensor crash test results for the Mesa v2...
This graph shows the head sensor crash test results for the Mesa v2 compared to those of the Clek Liing, that earned one of the highest scores in the group.
This graph shows the chest sensor crash test results for the Mexa V2...
This graph shows the chest sensor crash test results for the Mexa V2 compared to one of the best-performing options in the group, the Clek Liing.

In this metric, we are looking for those seats that perform better than the average seat with the lowest possible forces indicated on their head and chest sensors in the crash test dummies. The HIC or head sensor result was significantly higher than the competition and one of the highest in the group (lower is better). The chest clip sensor results were also higher than the average. The overall crash test analysis results were below the average and lower than the other UPPAbaby infant seat. If you are looking for a potential additional margin of protection over the average seat, this is likely not the seat for you.

Pressing on each side of the Mesa V2 helps the retractable LATCH strap to tighten until the red indicator turns fully green.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation LATCH


LATCH installation for the Mesa V2 is the second-best installation method for this seat, and it managed a slightly above-average result compared to the other seats we tested. This seat has push-style LATCH connectors on a retractable, flexible strap, a dial level indicator, and an anti-rebound handle position but no load leg or traditional anti-rebound bar.

The LATCH connectors are easy to use and push right on the anchor points. The retractable strap works well and makes tightening a breeze with few issues, and it is hard to twist the straps accidentally. The lock-off is the real problem as it is more challenging to use than others because it is smaller.

uppababy mesa v2 - the mesa v2 level indicator has a limited range, and it is harder to...
The Mesa V2 level indicator has a limited range, and it is harder to read when you are installing the seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We had to use a towel in both test cars to get the right angle as the indicator had a small tolerance window that didn't seem to like the contours of the vehicle seat or the tight installation. The indicator is also harder to see than we'd like, and we worry some parents will get too frustrated to bother. Pressing on either side of the base helps finalize the tightening and creates a secure installation that barely budges when tugged on. The lack of load leg means there is less to hassle with.

Releasing is straightforward, with a pull tab to release the LATCH connectors. Once they detach, you help them retract into their storage cubbies.

The Mesa V2 recline adjustment is a center grey button that unlocks the incline foot to move up and down.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Recline Adjustment


The seat has a tight window of the acceptable angle it will allow, and there aren't many subtle variations in the four levels offered by the recline adjustment. We often fell outside the range, with the adjustment doing little more than putting us outside the range in the other direction. Adjustment is a grey button on the foot of the base that you press and then help the “foot” lower or raise into one of the four positions.

uppababy mesa v2 - the mesa v2 uses the european belt path system.
The Mesa v2 uses the European belt path system.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - Belt


Installing the Mesa V2 with the vehicle belt is the easiest installation method for this seat, which is kind of a bummer since LATCH is supposed to be foolproof and the easiest method. The Mesa V2 has a color-coded belt pathway and a built-in lock-off but no tensioner. While we love a good tensioner, some seats have a sufficient lock-off, and tightening isn't a problem. Its overall performance in this metric is better than the average for the seats we tested.

The belt lock-off on the Mesa V2 gave us some trouble when it came...
The belt lock-off on the Mesa V2 gave us some trouble when it came to keeping the vehicle belt flat to close the lock.
The Mesa v2 belt pathway is open, and the holes are easy to access.
The Mesa v2 belt pathway is open, and the holes are easy to access.

The LATCH system makes everything on this model a little crowded but still manageable. The slots are thin, but we had no problem threading the belt. The belt lock-off was smaller than most, and keeping the lap belt in place without bunching took significant effort. Pressing the lock-off down was more difficult for this reason.

uppababy mesa v2 - installation of the mesa v2 with the vehicle belt isn't difficult...
Installation of the Mesa V2 with the vehicle belt isn't difficult, but the belt is wider than the lock-off, making it more of a struggle than needed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Tightening was somewhat easier with this seat, and the angle of pull helped avoid some of the tipping we see on other models. It does have a green indicator color change when you get the base tight enough, which is a nice reassurance if you are paranoid about installation. It wasn't a lot of effort, and it feels fairly snug in both test cars but better in the small SUV.

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base


Installing the Mesa V2 without the base is the hardest method for this option, but it still managed a slightly above-average score for the group. While it could be easier, it isn't prohibitively tricky and could be used occasionally on public transportation or when traveling. It utilizes the European belt pathway that pulls the carrier in snuggly with the shoulder belt around the back of the shell, and it has color-coded indicators and a line decal on the shell for leveling.

The belt pathway for installing the Mesa V2 without the base is easy...
The belt pathway for installing the Mesa V2 without the base is easy to use and has color indicators on the connection slots.
The back of the Mesa V2 carrier has a clip for the shoulder belt...
The back of the Mesa V2 carrier has a clip for the shoulder belt portion of the vehicle belt.

The slots for the belt are nice and open, and they have color indicators even if the whole slot is not colored. You have to guide the shoulder belt around the back and into the clip, and the smaller carrier size helps with the belt placement from outside the car.

The lap portion of the vehicle belt goes across the foot portion of...
The lap portion of the vehicle belt goes across the foot portion of the Mesa v2 carrier.
Tightening the carrier on the Mesa v2 is the hardest part of...
Tightening the carrier on the Mesa v2 is the hardest part of installing the seat without the base.

Tightening is where we had some trouble as the carrier feels like it wants to slip out, and if the back path were in a slightly different location, it would probably help. It isn't the most stable in the group, but it passes the wiggle test with no problem. It was much more stable in the SUV test car, like many competitors, and we speculate this is because of the increase in padding and contouring of that car's padding. Once you get it all tightened down, you must remember to lower the handle into the anti-rebound position against the back of the vehicle seat.

Ease of Use


This UPPAbaby is one of the easier-to-use seats in the group for daily functions. While it isn't the best, it is far above average, and we think most parents will appreciate the little things that UPPAbaby offers that we didn't see in the competition or weren't done well elsewhere.

uppababy mesa v2 - the mesa v2 buckle and chest clip are somewhat more challenging than...
The Mesa V2 buckle and chest clip are somewhat more challenging than the usual seat, and the buckle gave our thumbs a bit of a workout.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Buckle


The buckle has a square flush button. It took slightly more force than most to press it enough to release the prongs. While it wasn't annoying like some, it is more of a thumb workout and could be problematic for those with hand strength or thumb issues. The inside of the metal prongs where the straps go has some metal friction to prevent the prongs from sliding down, which is helpful once your little one is in the seat. There are storage slots in the fabric you can also use to prevent this, but you might not need them since the prongs are less free-floating than most.

uppababy mesa v2 - the cover on the mesa v2 has slots to hold the buckle prongs which...
The cover on the Mesa V2 has slots to hold the buckle prongs which allows you to put your baby in the seat without putting them on top of the harness.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The chest clip includes a visual guide for placement, which we think is a nice reminder since social media pictures indicate most parents don't know where the clip goes. The release button is small, and you might need to use the tip of your thumb or finger to engage it. It was easy to push down, and the sides of the clip spread apart easily.

The release button for the Mesa v2 is easy to find and press, and we...
The release button for the Mesa v2 is easy to find and press, and we prefer it over the other UPPAbaby Max that hides under a thin piece of mesh fabric.
The harness tightening strap on the Mesa V2 is right beneath the...
The harness tightening strap on the Mesa V2 is right beneath the release button, and it moves smoothly but could be a bit longer as we almost pulled ours all the way through when fitting the harness for a bigger baby.

Harness Tightening/Loosening


Tightening and loosening work smoothly, but we wish there was a little more webbing on the strap so that getting the baby's hands in and out was more comfortable. We almost pulled all the webbing out during testing to get the straps on our model. The release button is far from the edge and somewhat more difficult to press, and we had to move little legs out of the way to use it.

To adjust the harness height on the Mesa V2 you pull the release strap and slide the head assembly up or down to the desired position.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Adjustment


The harness height adjustment on the Mesa v2 is easy peasy and non-rethread style. The entire headrest assembly slides up and down smoothly and can be done from the front of the carrier and with your baby in the seat.

uppababy mesa v2 - the harness release tab is easy to find and pull and allows you to...
The harness release tab is easy to find and pull and allows you to make adjustments with your little one in the seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We love this style of adjustment because you can make the changes as soon as you recognize a need. This could potentially impact overall safety since a properly fitted harness is required to protect babies from potential injuries.

Attaching the Mesa v2 carrier to the base and removing it is pretty straightforward, but the relatively flat base might require some shifting to get the connection.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Carrier to Base Connection


We didn't have trouble putting the carrier on the base, and there wasn't a way to accidentally do it wrong that we could find. The base is relatively flat without much to guide it into place, so you might need to shift it around a little to hear the click. Removing utilizes a release handle on the back of the carrier. The handle/lever is on the back of the carrier, fairly low on the shell. It is easy to grasp and disengage. The foot of the carrier doesn't get hung up on anything, and it is easy enough to lift with the regular handle and the release lever.

The handle on the Mesa V2 is straightforward, moves smoothly, and doesn't collide with the canopy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle


The handle on this seat is a pleasure to use, and this was not something we can say about all of them. It moves smoothly after pressing the joint release buttons and doesn't interfere with the canopy movement or placement. There is an anti-rebound position when pulled toward the foot of the carrier that feels like a nice addition.

Canopy


The canopy movement is smooth and has two possible positions. It moves as one unit and doesn't feel rickety or require each side to be moved independently like some competitors. It is a big difference. This is one of the few that does not brush the handle, and it moves on its own track. The half-circle track dedicated to the canopy is a great design and likely why it functions so well.

The Mesa V2 user manual stows under the base in a slot. It is away from messes but also inaccessible after the base is installed, which feels short-sighted if you are using the manual to guide installation or help with harness adjustments.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

LATCH and Manual Storage


A slot on the bottom of the Mesa base keeps it away from messes but means you have to uninstall the seat to access it, which feels like a mistake and a hassle to new parents with quick questions. The LATCH connectors retract into cubbies. The strap retracts independently, but you must help guide the connectors. It works really well and has a nice design. The connectors have an orange pull tab for quick retrieval.

uppababy mesa v2 - the mesa v2 earned a respectable performance score for comfort and...
The Mesa V2 earned a respectable performance score for comfort and padding.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


The Mesa V2 performs well for comfort and quality, scoring above the average for the group. However, if your goal is the best comfort and quality, the bigger brother to the V2 is your better bet with one of the highest scores in the metric.

uppababy mesa v2 - the mesa v2 has additional padding for impact absorption around the...
The Mesa V2 has additional padding for impact absorption around the headrest assembly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fabric and Padding


The fabric on this seat is all around nice and soft. Unlike some competitors with rougher material around the head and on the infant insert, this one is good overall, making it a standout in the group. This seat has a lot of padding, including a pretty thick insert that helps boost smaller babies. It feels like memory foam and is more impressive than much of the competition. It also sports relatively nice pads on the shoulder and crotch strap buckle.

uppababy mesa v2 - the canopy on the mesa v2 is a sleek-looking option that covers...
The canopy on the Mesa V2 is a sleek-looking option that covers about half of the carrier and doesn't collide with the handle at any point.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle and Canopy


The canopy and the handle don't really collide on this seat, which is nice. There is ample room with the handle up, and the canopy is open to put your arm or hand under the handle. It is a rectangle-shaped grip with soft edges; it is basically average. The canopy is larger than average, but the fabric is thin and only filters light instead of blocking it. It has two positions and works well.

Shell


The Mesa V2 outer shell is pretty smooth, easy to wipe clean, and does not have sharp edges or places for grime to hide.

uppababy mesa v2 - the carrier of the mesa v2 is about average for the group, with a...
The carrier of the Mesa v2 is about average for the group, with a BabyGearLab measured weight of 10.5 lbs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


The Mesa V2 scores just about average for the weight of the carrier, with a measured weight of 10.5 lbs. This weight is neither prohibitively heavy for carrying nor ultra-light. Depending on how often you think you'll be lugging your loved one on board, it might be a metric worthy of some consideration. There are some higher-scoring seats overall that have lower carrier weights.

uppababy mesa v2 - the mesa v2 is an okay seat but it isn't our favorite or even our...
The Mesa v2 is an okay seat but it isn't our favorite or even our favorite UPPAbaby infant seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the UPPAbaby Mesa v2


We love UPPAbaby, but the Mesa V2 is not our favorite product in their lineup. While we understand the desire to pair a UPPAbaby stroller and seat, this is not our favorite Mesa nor our favorite seat. No matter what you might be looking for, we think our lineup offers better options with more impressive overall performance.

What Other Infant Car Seats Should You Consider?


If you want a UPPAbaby seat, we prefer the UPPAbaby Mesa Max. This seat has a load leg and similar styling, but it performed better in key metrics and overall, earning an award for comfort and quality. If your goal is the best all-around seat, then the Clek Liing is our favorite seat of choice, with better crash test analysis results than the competition and impressive performance across the board. If you want a good seat that can pair with your UPPAbaby stroller (with an adapter), the highly compatible Chicco Keyfit 35 is a nice seat that performs well and pairs with several award-winning strollers UPPAbaby and otherwise. We think you'll prefer these options over the V2.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz