If you’ve read my reviews before, you know that Mike and I (Susie) are huge fans of our Bumbleride Indie Twin stroller. However, while Mike goes off reviewing every car seat under the sun, I’ve slowly been reviewing more and more great strollers we come across. Last week I had the chance to review the 2015 UPPAbaby Vista stroller after a friend picked it up. It impressed me so much that I went hunting for the 2015 UPPAbaby Cruz, and sure enough, a friend of a friend had recently bought it online. I convinced her to let me borrow it for the weekend (she got to use our Indie single stroller) and have spent the last several days taking notes on it to make this review. Read on for details!

Quick Review of the UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller

The Cruz has been out for years, and the current 2015 Cruz updates the line by adding bigger rear wheels for improved handling and comfort on bumpy terrain. That and a bumper bar are the main new changes, besides the availability of a new line of colors.

That said, there are a number of neat features in the Cruz that are worth mentioning, such as its reversible seat, which is typically not a feature you get in most strollers, the one-handed recline that’s not flat but almost, the great big canopy and pop-out sun visor, large basket, all-wheel suspension, and more. We’ll go into all of this in a moment. The weight is still steady at 22 pounds, which is on the lighter end for a reversible seat stroller.

Who is the Cruz aimed at? I’d say parents who live in urban, city-like environments. The big basket (it looks like a small shopping cart) is great for picking up groceries at the local Trader Joe’s, the 22″ wide frame means you can squeeze through narrow doorways and clothing racks without getting stuck, as well as past narrow aisles and pedestrians on crowded sidewalks. The no-flat tires and all-wheel suspension mean you feel fewer bumps and jolts while making your way through the urban jungle. It also increases your odds of keeping a sleeping child sleeping, which is huge in my books.

Above the wheels, the seat is designed to keep kids of all sizes safe and snug; the recline is deep and close to flat, and you can use it to transport a child from the day s/he leaves the hospital until the day s/he weighs 50 pounds. You can turn the Cruz into a pram for your newborn by pulling out the seat and adding the optional bassinet, or you can remove the seat and replace it with an infant seat, turning the entire setup into a travel system. The UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat Mike reviewed here works perfectly with the Cruz without needing a single adapter, and it’s an awesome car seat in its own right.

Overall, I’d rate the 2015 UPPAbaby Cruz a 5 out of 5 star stroller, especially when the larger wheels, bassinet option, travel system option, and reversibility features are considered. The main cons for the stroller include the somewhat bulky folding procedure and the lack of additional storage; as a mom, I can always use more storage. The  cheapest price I’ve yet found for the 2015 Cruz is here on Amazon, which includes free shipping, free returns, and no sales tax, depending on your state.

Buy the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Pros of the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller

Surprisingly large canopy.  The canopy is the first thing you notice about the Cruz, and it’s a good one. It provides enough coverage to keep your little ones out of the sun’s rays and also includes a pop-out SPF 50+ sun visor that you can pull out of the canopy and extend it down to the bumper bar. On top of the canopy is a mesh peekaboo window to allow you to view your baby while simultaneously improving air circulation. The closure is magnetic, which means you can sneak peeks of your little ones without worrying about waking them.

Adjustable handle bar. The handle bar on the Cruz is designed to make both taller and shorter parents feel welcome; it adjusts from a lower height of 39.5″ to a top height of 42,” which means most parents will find heights that work for them. You adjust it by pressing a button in the center of the handle bar and pulling the handle bar out or pushing it in.

Large and deep seat. The Cruz features a seat 12″ wide, 20″ in depth, and between 20″ and 22″ top to bottom, measured from the top of the canopy to the seat bottom. The canopy is adjustable in height to give you the additional 2 inches. Are there higher canopies out there? Certainly. However, this one’s not bad for what it does. The seat has a lever recline adjustable with one hand that can be set to 5 different positions.

The main seat can be used with newborns, but it does not recline completely flat, and UPPAbaby does suggest you buy an infant insert to give your baby more support. On the other hand, the seat can be angled quite upright, which is helpful when you’ve got little ones who like to see everyone and everything. The seat fabric itself is comfortable and cool against the skin. You can remove and machine-wash it easily. The seat can also be used from birth until your child weighs 50 pounds.

The seat also comes with a 5-point harness that’s adjustable and includes a center release button. I wish the button were a bit harder to push, to be honest, since I could see some clever 2-year-olds trying to open it (and succeeding).

Reversible seating! Seat reversibility is cool enough in my books to deserve a second and separate mention. There are a pair of large grey buttons on both sides of the seat that you push inward. You then pull the seat out, turn it however you want, and then reattach it. The recline modes are the same whether the seat faces forward or backward (parent mode), but it needs to face forward for the stroller to be folded.

Adjustable foot rest. There are actually a pair of foot rests: a smaller one built into the seat for babies and a larger one built into the frame for larger and older kids. The leg rest on the seat is 10″ long and may be adjusted, while the foot rest on the frame is permanent.

Generous basket. The basket in the Cruz is capable of holding a good number of groceries, diaper bags, and other baby supplies. It’s easy to access, durable, and can hold up to 25 pounds of materials.

Wheels. There are four AirGo wheels beneath the Cruz, and they’re designed to never need inflation, since they’re filled with rubber but mimic the comfort and performance of tires filled with air. The front tires are 6.5″ in diameter while the rear wheels are 8.25″ in diameter. You can swivel or lock the front wheels. The rear wheels are larger in this generation than they were in the previous Cruz, but it’s important to note that the stroller is still most comfortable on flat and even terrain. You can handle grass, playground mulch, or most sidewalks, but this definitely isn’t a jogging or even all-terrain stroller.

All wheel suspension. While the Cruz has small wheels, it also comes with suspension on all four of them to help take some of the bumps and jolts your child would otherwise experience.

Foot-activated parking brake. The parking brake is between the two rear wheels and is easy to activate and deactivate with flip flops, tennis shoes, general walking shoes, or light heels.

Bumper bar included. There is a foam molded bumper bar with the UPPAbaby insignia at the front of the stroller, and it swings in and out of the way smoothly.

Fast and easy fold. The fold is marketed as a one-step fold, but unless you’ve got the seat and canopy set up already, you’re likely to have to use at least another step and another hand. First of all, your seat needs to be upright and forward-facing. You then pull a pair of levers on the sides of the handle bar to fold the stroller. The seat may be removed before you fold it, and the stroller locks automatically. It’s still somewhat bulky after folded, which is surprising when you see how small the wheels are.

Buy the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Optional bassinet. You can add a bassinet to the Cruz if you don’t want to spend the money for the Vista, which has a bassinet included. The optional bassinet for the Cruz is the same one already in the Vista, and it’s awesome. You attach it to the frame and it weighs 8.4 pounds. You can use it from birth until your child weighs 20 pounds, and you can even use it at home as another bed for your baby due to the depth and size. It includes its own canopy with a mesh for sun protection and the same SPF 50+ sun visor present in the Cruz’s canopy. The mattress within the bassinet is soft and comfortable while everything inside is machine-washable and relatively easy to remove. Overall, I’m a big fan of bassinets and the UPPAbaby bassinet is one of the best on the market. You can buy it with free shipping here.

Optional travel system. If you want to use a dedicated infant seat and turn your Cruz into a travel system, you can do so by buying the UPPAbaby MESA infant seat and plugging it in directly without any need for an adapter. You can even reverse it on the stroller, which is awesome. You can also use a range of other infant seats like the KeyFit 30 and various Graco and Maxi-Cosi seats as long as you buy an adapter first. The travel system is also available as a package here.

Optional Piggyback Ride-Along Board. The Piggyback Ride-Along Board, or PiggyBoard, is a sideways skateboard that attaches to the back of the stroller. It works well with older kids who don’t need the stroller but who don’t always want to walk, or who get tired. It’s made out of ecologically-friendly wood and works with children who weigh up to 55 pounds. You can fold it into the stroller when you don’t want to use it, or even fold the stroller with the board attached. It also works with older Cruz models, which is a nice way to save money. You can buy it here with free shipping.

Cons of the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller

Folds up bulky. The Cruz doesn’t fold up very compactly when you need to pack it up, which isn’t a surprise when you consider the additional functionality of the reversible seat. If you’re looking for a tiny folding double, you’ll want to check out a side-by-side stroller like the Mountain Buggy Duet Double.

No additional storage spaces. This is a small quibble, but it might matter to some folks. Unlike the Vista, there just isn’t much extra storage space for the Cruz besides the generous basket beneath the stroller.

Specifications of and Warranty for the 2015 UPPAbaby Cruz stroller

The Cruz weighs 22 pounds with the seat and 16.5 pounds without it. It can be used with children from birth until 50 pounds. When folded, its dimensions with the seat are 22.5″ in width, 11″ in length, and 37″ in height. The overall length of the stroller is 37″ while the overall width is 22.25.”

There is a 2-year original owner warranty offered by UPPAbaby, and the clock starts ticking from when the stroller was purchased. You can read more about it here.

Where to buy the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller

Whenever possible, I buy my strollers, car seats, and other baby goodies on Amazon, since their prices tend to be the lowest I come across. They also sweeten the pot with free shipping and free returns, and you typically don’t pay sales tax with them unless you’re in a state that charges it.

When it comes to high-end tandem strollers, the 2015 Cruz is a good one. You can buy it here in Jake, Lindsey, Pascal, Samantha, Maya, Georgie, Maeve, and Denny. You can buy the UPPAbaby MESA infant seat here and the bassinet separately here. You can buy a package that includes the Cruz stroller and MESA infant car seat here. Canadians can buy the Cruz, car seat adapters, and a range of other accessories here.

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If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

When it comes to strollers, I’ve got to be honest: my favorite double is the Bumbleride Indie Twin, and my favorite single is the Bumbleride Indie. But there are still a number of other great strollers out there if you’ve got the money for them, and the UPPAbaby Vista stroller is certainly one of the best out there. I liked the previous version when it came out, but recently had a chance to borrow the new version when a friend bought it from Amazon the other day, and it’s pretty impressive. This is the most helpful review of the Vista stroller you’re going to read. I guarantee it.

Quick Review of the UPPAbaby Vista Stroller

First of all, the biggest change about the Vista is that now you can change it from a single stroller to a double tandem stroller when you add an additional toddler seat known as the RumbleSeat. The 2015 RumbleSeat is designed to be a fully featured seat, just like the main seat in the Vista, which I’ll go into later. Weight wise, your child in the main seat can weigh up to 50 pounds while your child in the second seat can weigh up to 35 pounds. Of course, you can also turn the Vista into a pram by installing the included matching bassinet in the main seat location. You can also make a travel system out of the Vista by buying an infant car seat, and Mike has certainly reviewed a ton of those here.

If you’re expecting twins, the Vista can handle them. It’s capable of holding two infant car seats, two bassinets, or two toddlers seats. The UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat, which Mike reviewed here, is 100% compatible with the Vista frame in order to make a travel system. Similarly, there are a range of Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, and Graco infant seats that will work with adapters. Three kids can use the Vista at the same time if you invest in a PiggyBack Ride-Along board, which is pretty handy.

Additional features that make the 2015 Vista worth considering include the updated frame now made from aluminum and magnesium, the larger basket with a 30 pound capacity, and a one-step fold that’s even easier to use than before. The biggest strikes against it are that it costs more than the excellent Baby Jogger City Select and the Phil and Teds Navigator, which it’s in close competition with. But sometimes, both in strollers and in life, you get what you pay for.

I’d rate the 2015 Vista stroller 5 out of 5 stars because it’s pretty much the best tandem stroller on the market right now. It’s definitely not a cheap stroller, but if you’re looking for a convertible stroller that you can turn into just about any seating arrangement you can imagine, this is the one you’re looking for. The cheapest price I’ve come across so far for the 2015 Vista is on Amazon here, which includes free shipping, free returns, and no sales tax, depending on your state.

Buy the UPPAbaby Vista stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Pros of the UPPAbaby Vista stroller

Well-designed canopy. Let’s start with the basics. The Vista includes a huge, well-designed canopy. Not only is it large, it’s supplemented by a pop-out sun visor with built in SPF 50+ sun protection to keep  your little ones safe from the sun’s rays. The visor extends to the bumper bar, while the canopy can be moved up and down the frame to make room for larger children.

The peekaboo window is large and has a mesh frame and a magnetic closure, which means you’re not going to wake up your sleeping baby if you decide to take a look at your precious one while on the move. The dark mesh also means you get better air circulation when the weather’s hot in the summer, since it’s all part of the canopy and not an extra layer of mesh. These kinds of details are peppered throughout the Vista.

Adjustable handlebar. Mike is much taller than I am and we appreciate it when stroller companies design handlebars that keep couples like us in mind. You can adjust the handlebar between 39.5″ and 42.5″ in height, which makes it parent-friendly. You can extend or retract it by pushing the button in the center of the handlebar and pulling up or down. The handlebar is rubber-coated instead of foam-coated, which makes it much easier to clean and more durable. The durability helps since you’re going to put the handlebar on the ground often due to the standing fold features of the Vista.

Reversible seat. The included main seat is 12″ wide and 19.5″ tall from the seat bottom to the canopy. However, because you can slide the canopy upward along the frame, you can squeeze 2 more inches of height out of it, achieving a total height of 21.5.” That said, many other strollers will give you 24″ of canopy height, putting the Vista on the smaller end. The neat thing about the seat, though, is that it’s reversible. You simply push a pair of grey buttons beside the seat, turn it around, and then click it back in. There’s an audible click to let you know it’s in place.

Single hand recline. Another high-end feature here is the 180-degree lever recline available in the Vista. There are 5 settings and the seat can be used with children from 3 months old until 50 pounds. I do wish the seat were more flexible; the way it’s designed, your child is always sitting, even while napping. However, I do like how upright it is when in the first position.

5-point harness. A safety feature I like in the Vista is the 5-point harness that’s both padded and easily adjustable. The grey center release button is easy to push, which is a blessing when you’re using it but a bit of a curse if you’ve got a little Houdini.

Buy the UPPAbaby Vista stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Included bumper bar. There are a growing number of strollers that offer included bumper bars, which makes things convenient on the parent end as we have one less thing to buy. It’s a single piece bar that you just swing out of the way to get your child in or out. The updated Vista now features a rubber cover on it to make it easier to clean.

Giant basket. The basket beneath the Vista is one of the largest I’ve ever seen in a tandem stroller, and you can store just about anything in it, including several large diaper bags and grocery bags. The weight limit is 30 pounds and it’s easy to get things into and out of the basket. Thanks to the easy access sides, you can do this even if you’ve got the main seat fully reclined. Keep in mind you’ll have much less space if you install the RumbleSeat in the rear position, but that you can get that space back if you install the Rumbleseat in the front.

Adjustable height leg rest. The leg rest is 10″ long and is adjustable in height, which helps give babies more flat surfaces for stretching their pudgy little legs. Older children can use a foot rest that’s part of the frame. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust the foot rest.

AirGo (flat-proof) wheels. I’m not a fan of carrying a bike pump around with me when using my jogging strollers, and it’s nice not to have to worry about anything like that with the Vista. There are four wheels made of a hard rubber and filled with foam on the inside instead of air. This means that flats are now a thing of the past! However, they’re just as comfortable as air-filled tires. The front tires are 8″ in diameter while the rears are 11″ in diameter. This all-terrain stroller, as a result, feels comfortable in a range of situations, including over snow, grass, gravel, or even some sand.

Four wheel suspension. The four wheel suspension definitely helps smooth out the ride; the suspension present in all wheels is independent and shock-absorbing, which is just fancy talk for smooth.

Foot-friendly parking brake. The parking brake is set behind the right wheel and it’s easy to activate with flip-flops, shoes, or boots. You might struggle a bit with heels.

Buy the UPPAbaby Vista stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Easy fold. Folding the Vista isn’t too terrible, and can be done in one step whether the main seat is or isn’t attached. The package isn’t that compact, which is inevitably due to the reversible seat functionality, but you can make it a wee bit smaller by taking off the seat and the rear wheels before folding it. When the seat is attached, the Vista is 25″ wide, 15″ long, and 32″ tall when folded, and without the seat, the height drops by an inch. I’d just leave the seat in, personally. There’s an automatic lock and you can fold it while standing.

Included matching bassinet. I love, love, love the bassinet, as it allows you to make your stroller a pram, which allows you to place your baby flat, which is the best position for a baby to travel in. The bassinet is cute and functional, weighing 8.4 pounds and designed to be used with babies from birth until they weigh 20 pounds. You can even use it when you’re at home overnight due to the flat design, which means it serves as an extra baby bed if you’re in need of one. There’s a generous canopy in the back that you can unzip to let in more air through a mesh covering. The mesh also offers sun protection, and if you want even more, you can use the included SPF 50+ sun visor. That’s pretty neat, if you ask me.

The mattress pad in the bassinet is soft and has organic materials to make it both eco-friendly and gentle on the skin. The inner liner is water-repellent, which helps keep things dry and easy to clean. You can remove both the liner and boot cover in a few seconds, and you can wash both the liner and the mattress cover in a washing machine. The bassinet also includes a storage bag and a bug net, and you can buy a rain cover separately.

Buy the UPPAbaby Vista stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Optional second seat (RumbleSeat!). This is the biggest change for the 2014 model. The RumbleSeat is a full-sized toddler seat that you can stuff onto the stroller and use to make it a double tandem stroller. you can place it either in the front or on the back. The seat is 12″ wide and between 17″ and 20″ high due to the height-adjustable canopy. There is a one-handed lever recline in the seat, and you can use it with children between 3 months and 35 pounds. The same 5-point padded adjustable harness and center release is present, and you also get the canopy with the peekaboo window and SPF 50+ sun visor. It’s important to note that you can only use the RumbleSeat on the 2015 Vista. You can buy it here separately on Amazon if you want an extra.

Optional travel system. Travel systems are an effective way of getting more value out of your stroller. You can attach the UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat, which Mike has reviewed above, to the Vista. Alternatively, if you pick up an adapter, you can also use seats from manufacturers like Chicco, Graco, and Maxi-Cosi, such as the KeyFit 30.

If you’re looking to take care of all your shopping at once, here’s a link to a stroller, bassinet and MESA infant seat package on Amazon.

8 unique seating combinations. One of the fun things about high-end tandem strollers is the variety of ways you can seat your little ones. The City Select is a great example of a stroller with a ton of options, and now so is the Vista. Examples of situations you might use the seating combinations for include using 2 infant car seats, 2 toddler seats, or even 2 bassinets. You can also add the PiggyBack board to have an older child tag along, just like the equivalent system in the Navigator. It’s important to note that there are particular combinations that will require more adapters, so keep that in mind.

Optional PiggyBoard. The PiggyBoard is a neat way to bring an older child along even when s/he’s too big to fit in the stroller. It’s somewhat like a small skateboard that you attach to the back of the Vista and off you go! Keep in mind that it only works with the 2015 iteration of the Vista. It’s made of eco-friendly wood and works with kids who weigh up to 55 pounds. It also folds nicely and neatly when you aren’t using it, and that includes when it’s attached to the Vista.

Cons of the UPPAbaby Vista stroller

On the expensive end. The biggest con to the Vista is the price. It’s not a cheap stroller, even though strollers with this much functionality never are. The bassinet combined with the seat configuration capabilities mean you’re paying for a lot of flexibility that’s just not available in most strollers out there.

Still bulky when folded. This qualm is much more minor, but it bears notice; it’s a bulky stroller when you fold it up.

Updates to the UPPAbaby Vista stroller

Aluminum / magnesium frame. The frame change is designed to add durability without adding weight.

Huge and easy access basket. You can stuff more things into the basket and get them out with less effort.

Full second seat option. The RumbleSeat means you can transport toddlers easily now with the Vista.

Easier standing fold. The fold now is pretty much the same as that in the Cruz.

Updated bassinet. The bassinet includes a boot cover and zip-out liner now.

Buy the UPPAbaby Vista stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Specifications of the UPPAbaby Vista stroller

The stroller weighs 27.5 pounds with one seat and the fame. There is a 50 pound weight limit to the main seat and a 35 pound weight limit to the RumbleSeat. The handle bar ranges between 39.5″ and 42.5″ in height, while the stroller is 26.5″ wide and 37″ long.

Warranty on the UPPAbaby Vista stroller

A 2-year warranty is included when you buy the Vista brand new. The clock starts ticking on the day you buy the stroller, and in order to claim the warranty, you need to be the original owner with proof of purchase. You can read more warranty information here.

Where to buy the UPPAbaby Vista stroller

When I get the chance, I pick up strollers and other baby things on Amazon, as they typically will have the lowest prices, free shipping and free returns, and don’t charge sales tax unless they have to. As far as high-end tandems go, I think the Vista is a sure bet. You can buy it here in Taylor, Denny, Georgie, Jake, Lindsey, Pascal, and Sunny Gold. You can buy the RumbleSeat separately here. You can buy the Vista with the RumbleSeat here. You can buy a package featuring the MESA infant car seat, bassinet, and Vista stroller here. Canadians can buy the Vista, RumbleSeat, and additional accessories here.

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If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.