UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 | Stroller Comparison

The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is getting a major update, arriving in Fall 2025. Alongside the Vista V3, it remains one of the most popular strollers on the market. Both models come from the trusted UPPAbaby brand and share a similar look, style, and frame and seat design. However, there are a few key differences to know when deciding between them.

The most important question to ask yourself is whether you want a stroller that can grow with your family. The Vista V3 is a convertible stroller that starts as a single and expands to a double when a second child comes along. The Cruz V3, on the other hand, is designed for one child. Both strollers are compatible with the UPPAbaby PiggyBack ride-along board, allowing an older sibling to stand and ride.

Overall, the Vista V3 is larger with bigger wheels and a more spacious basket. The Cruz V3 is lighter, more compact, and easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Plus the Cruz V3 comes with some new upgrades not seen on the Vista V3! 

So which one is right for your needs? Read on to learn more in this UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 comparison.

UPPAbaby Vista V3

Released in Fall 2024, the UPPAbaby Vista V3 builds on the success of the Vista V2 with thoughtful upgrades and a refreshed look. New features include an all-weather comfort seat with a removable insert, a sleek aluminum extendable handlebar with "Vista" etched into the frame, lighter-weight tires, reflective accents on the wheels and basket, improved suspension, and Greenguard Gold Certified fabrics and frame. Plus, it’s available in all-new color options.

The Vista remains one of the most versatile strollers on the market—it can be configured with two seats, two infant car seats, two bassinets, or any combination of the above. Many parents still choose it as a single stroller because of its rugged wheels, smooth all-wheel suspension, and extra-large 30 lb. capacity storage basket.

One key change for the V3: it no longer includes a bassinet. However, you can easily add one on to your stroller purchase to have a safe place for baby to ride and sleep, as it's approved for overnight use. Otherwise you can begin using your Vista V3 from birth with the car seat or infant insert OR around 3+ months in the main seat.   

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3 Weight

The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and Vista V3 are now more similar than ever in both weight and size. The Cruz V3 has gained a pound compared to the previous version, making it just half a pound lighter than the Vista. While the Vista V3 is slightly larger, that extra size comes with the ability to accommodate up to three children.. 

• Cruz V3: 26.5 pounds
• Vista V3: 27 pounds
  

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3 Dimensions

The main size difference between the Cruz and Vista has typically been the width, and the Cruz V3 gets even slimmer. The Vista’s wider frame—thanks to its larger wheels—measures 3.7 inches wider than the Cruz V3.

With the Cruz V3, UPPAbaby has made the fold even more compact than the previous version, which is a major win for families needing to fit their stroller into a smaller trunk or tighter storage space.

Dimensions

• Cruz V3: 37.5"L x 22"W x 41.8"H
  • For reference:
    • Cruz V2: 37.5"L x 22.8"W x 40"H
• Vista V3: 36"L x 25.7"W x 39.5"H

Folded Dimensions (With Seat)

• Cruz V3: 17"L x 22.5"W x 32.4"H 
  • For reference:
    • Cruz V2: 16.5"L x 22.8"W x 33"H
• Vista V3: 17.3"L x 25.7"W x 33.3"H

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3 Age Requirements and Weight Capacity

One of the biggest differences between the Cruz V3 and Vista V3 lies in when you can start using the stroller seat.

New for the Cruz V3 is a from-birth approved seat with a built-in carriage mode. The seat fully reclines and folds up into a bassinet-style position, ideal for newborns. It also includes an infant insert for added support, so your baby can ride comfortably from day one—no extra purchases needed. Lying flat on their back is ideal and preferred for babies. You can still attach the UPPAbaby Bassinet (additional purchase) or an infant car seat for those quick errands. The carriage mode can be tucked away as your child grows, and the seat accommodates a growing child up to 50 pounds.

In contrast, the Vista V3 seat is recommended from 3 months and up to 50 pounds. To use it from birth, you’ll need to add the UPPAbaby Bassinet (additional purchase), the Infant SnugSeat accessory for additional head and neck support, or an infant car seat.

The canopies of both the Cruz V3 and Vista V3 slide up on the frame to create more headroom for a growing toddler—a unique feature not seen on most strollers that can help accommodate tall kids. The Cruz V3 and Vista V3 are among the roomiest strollers on the market for taller toddlers.

For the Vista, the second seat (called the RumbleSeat) for the lower position of the double stroller is smaller than the upper seat (known as the Toddler Seat). The RumbleSeat was updated in early 2024 (the V2+), and again in November 2024 (the V3), and now has an increased weight capacity, adjustable canopy, adjustable footrest, and the same all-weather seat as the main seat. Learn more about the Vista's capabilities as a double stroller in this UPPAbaby Vista Toddler Seat vs. RumbleSeat comparison.

• Cruz V3: 50 pounds
• Vista V3: 50 pounds for the upper toddler seat,
  • 40 pounds for the lower RumbleSeat V2+ / V3 (previous model RumbleSeat was 35 pound weight limit)
    
• Bassinet: 20 pounds or until the infant can push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3 Wheels

Larger wheels gives the Vista V3 a slight edge in maneuverability over the Cruz V3.

The Vista and Cruz were both updated back in 2020 to include enhanced all-wheel suspension and softer whees. With dual-action suspension, springs work independently to provide the smoothest ride, a feature not seen on other strollers. 

Both the Vista and Cruz's suspension were updated with the V3 releases - the Vista in Fall 2024 and Cruz in Fall 2025. The new FlexRide Suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride on any terrain. Whether you’re strolling with one child or three, this enhanced suspension ensures a seamless experience for both parent and child!

• Cruz V3: 7" polyurethane tires; 10" polyurethane rear tires; new FlexRide Suspension
  
• Vista V3: 8" polyurethane tires; 11.5" polyurethane rear tires; new FlexRide Suspension
  

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3 Configurations

Both the Cruz V3 and Vista V3 offer excellent versatility. The stroller seats are removable and reversible, so your baby can face you for bonding or face forward to explore the world.

Both models are compatible with the UPPAbaby Bassinet (sold separately, and no longer included with the Vista), as well as multiple infant car seats. UPPAbaby car seats attach directly to the frame—no adapters needed! We’ll cover full car seat compatibility later in this post.

Of course, the Vista has many more configurations than the Cruz because it can be converted into a double stroller with the addition of a second seat. 

Cruz V3 Configurations: 

• Toddler Seat: facing you or the world (now newborn compatible!)
• Car Seat
• Bassinet

You can also add the PiggyBack for a second child with any of the above! 

Vista V3 Configurations: 

• One Toddler Seat: facing you or the world
• One Car Seat
• One Bassinet
• One Toddler Seat: facing you or the world / One RumbleSeat: facing you or the world
• Two Car Seats
• Two Bassinets 
• One Toddler Seat: facing you / One Car Seat
• One Car Seat / One RumbleSeat: facing you or the world 

Then you can add on the PiggyBack for a third child, and gain even more configurations! 

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3 Features

The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and UPPAbaby Vista V3 are very similar in how they look. In fact, if you didn't know that the Vista converted to a double, you may mistakingly think they are the same stroller. However, each stroller does have some unique features that the other does not have. Let's take a look at these features: 

The Cruz V3:

• From birth ready with the included infant insert, lie flat seat, and carriage mode
• Extendable integrated sunshade for added coverage
• One-hand adjustable footrest for easier adjustment and comfort

The Vista V3:

• A convertible stroller, meaning you can add a second lower seat either from the beginning for twins or later on as you expand your family
• All-Weather Comfort Seat that includes a removable insert for cooler days and converts to mesh for warmer weather

Both include these upgrades from the V2 models:

• FlexRide Suspension making it even smoother to push especially when fully loaded with up to 3 children for Vista (one on PiggyBack ride-along-board accessory) and 2 children for Cruz (one on PiggyBack ride-along-board accessory)
• Lighter weight tires and reflective accents on the wheels and basket 
• 'Quick-to-Secure Harness System,' which includes an easy magnetic buckle and a no-rethread harness for effortless securing
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring that the stroller meets rigorous standards for low chemical emissions and contributes to a healthier environment for your child
• Newer look with its extendable handlebar - it's shiny 
• Word "VISTA" outlined on the frame of the stroller 

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3 Bassinet

Previously, the Vista stroller always came bundled with the bassinet—you couldn’t buy one without the other. With the Vista V3, that’s changed. The bassinet is now sold separately, giving families more flexibility—especially helpful if you’re purchasing the stroller after your baby has outgrown the bassinet stage.

The Cruz V3 also offers more flexibility than ever. Thanks to its newborn-ready seat with built-in carriage mode, you don’t need to purchase a separate bassinet to use it from birth. The seat lies completely flat and includes an infant insert for full support from day one. However, many parents still opt for the UPPAbaby Bassinet for its added convenience—it can be used inside the home, during travel, and it’s approved for overnight sleep.

The Vista and Cruz share the same bassinet, and no adapters are needed.

The updated Bassinet V3 features:

• Cross ventilation panels for better airflow

• Dual zipper on the boot for easier access

• Enhanced vented base

• Foam-free air mesh mattress for breathability

• GREENGUARD Gold Certification

While not required, a bassinet provides a fully flat, well-ventilated sleep space, and can double as a portable crib—especially when paired with the UPPAbaby Bassinet Stand, which later converts into a laundry hamper.

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3: How to Fold

Both the Cruz V3 and Vista V3 fold similarly and stand on their own when folded to prevent the stroller from getting dirty. For the Vista, the second seat should be removed before folding. Watch the videos to see how it's done. 

UPPAbaby Cruz 

Coming soon!

UPPAbaby Vista

 

Car seats compatible with UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and UPPAbaby Vista V3

All UPPAbaby infant car seats attach directly to the frame of both the Cruz V3 and Vista V3 strollers without the need for car seat adapters. On both models, the car seat clicks onto the stroller and releases from the stroller easily and effortlessly. 

With the purchase of car seat adapters, both strollers are compatible with car seats from top manufacturers including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Peg Perego and Chicco.

Car seats compatible with UPPAbaby Cruz V3 

Car Seats Compatible with UPPAbaby Vista V3

UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3 Pros and Cons

So which stroller is better: the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 or the UPPAbaby Vista V3? Let's highlight the benefits and drawbacks of each.

UPPAbaby Cruz V3

The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is a game changer for UPPAbaby with it's newborn ready seat. It's the younger sibling of the Vista, ideal for families who only intend on using it with one child (or with an older sibling on the PiggyBack board) and prefer a bit more compact stroller for everyday use.

Benefits

• Newborn ready with carriage mode and included infant insert
• Extendable integrated sunshade for added coverage
• One-hand adjustable footrest for easier adjustment and comfort
• Weighs 0.5 pounds less and is about 3.75 inches more narrow than the Vista, making it easier to lift in and out of the car
• Costs less than the Vista
• Can still be used with a second child with the UPPAbaby PiggyBack board
• Storage basket can still hold up to 30 pounds

Drawbacks

• Can't accommodate a second seat like the Vista can
• Smaller wheels are less suitable for rough terrain compared with larger Vista wheels
  
• Does not have the all-weather seat that's seen on the Vista V3

Questions?

Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 debate, feel free to contact us at cs@strolleria.com!