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UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. UPPAbaby Minu V3 | Stroller Comparison
If you’re a parent who’s tight on living space or simply prefers to travel light, you might like the lightweight yet full-featured UPPAbaby Cruz V3—and you might like the 16-pound UPPAbaby Minu V3 even more.
For years, the Cruz has been a popular choice with parents seeking a full-size stroller that isn’t too bulky. It weighs 26.5 pounds and is easy to fold and lift, yet it’s still sizable enough to offer a reversible seat and an ample storage basket.
But the Minu is far lighter and more compact—while offering many of the same features of the Cruz, like compatibility with an infant car seat or a piggyback board for an older sibling to stand on.
While the Cruz still offers superior features and maneuverability, the Minu might win over urban parents—as well as suburban parents seeking a lighter, secondary stroller for travel and errands.
In this post, we'll compare the UPPAbaby Cruz (which was updated to the Cruz V3 in 2025) and the UPPAbaby Minu (which was updated to the Minu V3 in 2025).
UPPAbaby Cruz V3
The lightweight and easy-to-fold UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is an ideal companion for exploring the city—or anywhere else you find yourself cruising. The Cruz V3 offers plenty of features, like a lie-flat newborn compatible reversible seat, an extra-large storage basket, and a simple, standing fold.
Updated in Fall 2025, the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is UPPAbaby’s full-featured single stroller designed for parents who want premium functionality in a more compact form than the convertible UPPAbaby Vista V3. The Cruz V3 is thoughtfully designed to make everyday strolling easier from day one. Its built-in carriage mode features an integrated foot barrier, allowing newborns to ride comfortably from birth without extra attachments. When you’re on the move, Enhanced FlexRide Suspension paired with never-flat tires delivers smooth, confident handling across city sidewalks, park paths, and uneven terrain. Buckling in is quick and fuss-free thanks to the magnetic buckle and an easy, no-rethread harness that adjusts as your child grows. And when it’s time to pack up, the Cruz V3 folds down compactly using simple two-action triggers, with the footrest and bumper bar neatly tucking in for a clean, space-saving fold.
Learn more about the Cruz V3 and how it compares to the previous Cruz V2 in the video below:
UPPAbaby Minu V3
While ultra-compact and lightweight at just 16.7 pounds, the UPPAbaby Minu V2 offers high-quality features seen on much larger strollers, like all-wheel suspension and compatibility with an infant car seat.
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 is built for families who want big convenience in a compact package. Slim and IATA-compatible, it fits easily into most airplane overhead compartments, while the lightweight frame and built-in carry strap make travel feel effortless.
From day one, the Minu V3 grows with your child, transitioning seamlessly into carriage mode for newborns and offering a deep, near-flat recline for on-the-go naps or curious toddlers who want to sit up and explore. One-hand folding keeps things simple, collapsing the stroller in a single motion into a self-standing fold. Add in comfort-focused details like a three-position leg rest, a padded integrated insert, and a supportive reclining seat, and the Minu V3 delivers first-class comfort wherever your adventures take you!
UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Minu V3: Price
The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 costs a significant amount more than the Minu V3 but includes more features, such as a reversible seat with full recline and larger wheels, seat, and basket.
For current pricing, please visit their product pages:
UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Minu V3: Weight and Dimensions
The UPPAbaby Minu V3 is one of the lighter strollers on the market, especially among those that can be used from birth or with a car seat.
After being upgraded with a larger seat and larger wheels in 2020 and a lie-flat seat in 2025, the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is average in weight for a stroller. The Cruz V3 is 9.8 pounds heavier than the Minu V3.
The Minu V3 is more compact than the Cruz V3, especially when folded. The Minu will save you about 10 inches in height and 7 inches in length when stored in your trunk, compared with the Cruz V3. The Minu V3 is even compact enough to fit in overhead bins while traveling!
Stroller Weight
- Cruz V3: 26.5 pounds
- Minu V3: 16.7 pounds
Dimensions
- Cruz V3: 37.5" L x 22.5" W x 41.8" H
- Minu V3: 34.5" L x 18" W x 41" H
Folded Dimensions
- Cruz V3: 17" L x 22.5" W x 32.4" H
- Minu V3: 10" L x 18" W x 21.5" H
Weight Limit
- Cruz V3: Birth to 50 pounds
- Minu V3: Birth to 50 pounds
UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Minu V3: Configurations
Both the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and Minu V3 can be used from your newborn's first stroll until the time your child doesn't need a stroller anymore, and both strollers can accommodate a car seat. However, only the Cruz V3 can accommodate a bassinet.
Car Seat
With either the Cruz or Minu, you can create a convenient travel system by attaching an infant car seat from UPPAbaby or select other brands. The key difference is compatibility: the UPPAbaby Mesa and Aria car seats attach directly to the Cruz with no adapters required, while all car seats—including Mesa and Aria—require adapters when used with the Minu.
You’ll find full lists of compatible car seats for both the Cruz and Minu in the next section.
Bassinet and Newborn Readiness
Both the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and Minu V3 are newborn-ready. The Cruz V3 can be used from birth in carriage mode, thanks to its integrated foot barrier and included infant insert, allowing baby to lie flat and secure without needing any additional accessories. For families who prefer a traditional bassinet setup, the Cruz V3 is also compatible with the UPPAbaby Bassinet (sold separately), which offers a hard, ventilated bottom and is approved for overnight sleeping when placed on a flat surface or on the UPPAbaby Bassinet Stand.
The Minu V3 takes a more streamlined approach. It is not bassinet compatible, because its seat itself fully reclines to a lie-flat position that’s safe and supportive for newborns right out of the box. This built-in newborn readiness makes the Minu V3 a great option for families who want simplicity without extra attachments, especially for travel or everyday errands.
Toddler Seat
UPPAbaby recommends that both stroller seats be used from birth to 50 pounds.
One main difference between the two seats: The Cruz V3 seat is removable and reversible, allowing a younger child to face you and an older child to face forward. Because the Minu V3 seat consists of fabric attached to the frame, it can't be reversed—and removing it would require unfastening and reattaching the fabric to the frame.
Additionally, the Cruz V3 has a larger and more structured seat that's more comfortable for a toddler, with a canopy that slides up on the frame to create more space for a taller child.
UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Minu V3: How to Fold
The Cruz V3 offers a one-piece standing fold that keeps the stroller clean and allows for easy storage and lifting.
Step 1: Activate the brake by stepping on the brake pedal (the red one)
Step 2: Make sure the seat is facing forward (or has been removed from the frame if not)
Step 3: Lower the handlebar to its shortest setting
Step 4: Lift up on the two triggers at the right and left hand sides of the handlebar and lower it toward your feet.
For an ultra-compact fold, fold the footrest all the way back prior to folding.
The Cruz V3 automatically locks when folded and stands upright, resting on the two rear wheels and two small rubber bumpers in the middle of the handlebar.
Hinge the lock inwards and lift the handlebar up to open the stroller.
You only need one hand to fold the Minu V3. Using your thumb on one side of the handlebar button and fingers on the other, press in and down until the stroller collapses and auto-locks. To unfold the stroller, simply undo the lock and pull up on the stroller until it springs back into place.
The Minu V3 folds with car seat adapters attached, but you will need to remove the car seat before folding.
See how the Minu folds and unfolds in the video below.
Car Seats Compatible with UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and Minu V3
Both the Cruz V3 and Minu V3 are compatible with a number of infant car seats, although the Cruz offers more options and greater convenience.
With the Cruz V3, the freestanding toddler seat is easily removed and replaced with a car seat. Because the Minu's seat is a piece of fabric, not a standalone unit, the seat can only be removed by unfastening the fabric from the frame. If undoing the fabric seems like a pain, the car seat can also sit on top of the stroller seat.
Both the Cruz V3 and Minu V3 are compatible with both the UPPAbaby Mesa and Aria series infant car seats. But no adapters are needed for the Cruz V3, while adapters (sold separately) are required for the Minu V3.
The following infant car seats are compatible with the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 when used with the correct adapters:
To read more about Cruz V3 compatible car seats, click >>> here!
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The following infant car seats are compatible with the UPPAbaby Minu V3 when used with the correct adapters:
To read more about Minu V3 compatible car seats, click >>> here!
UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Minu V3: Accessories
From a cup holder for your morning coffee to a snack tray for your child, numerous accessories make the stroller even better for both parents and kids. The Cruz V3 includes a bumper bar accessory with purchase of the stroller.
The full line of UPPAbaby accessories can be used for the Cruz V3, including:
- Bassinet and bassinet stand
- Cup holder
- Carry-all organizer
- Ganoosh footmuff
- Snack tray
- PiggyBack ride-along board
- TravelSafe travel bag
- and more!
These are the accessories available for the Minu V3:
- Cup holder
- Bassinet (needs adapters to attach)
- TravelSafe travel bag
- Rain shield
- Bassinet rain shield
- Minu V3 Piggyback ride-along board
- Snack tray
UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Minu V3: Pros and Cons
So which stroller is better: the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 or Minu V3? Only you can decide which one is right for your family, but here are the benefits and drawbacks we see.
UPPABABY CRUZ V3
BENEFITS
- Reversible seat allows child to face you or face forward
- Larger wheels than Minu, allowing for superior maneuverability over curbs and uneven terrain
- Compatible with a wider range of car seats and does not require adapters to pair with the UPPAbaby Mesa or Aria
- Stroller seat is larger with better padding and a height-adjustable canopy, making it more comfortable for a larger child
- Seat is easier to recline with integrated recline button
- Large storage basket easily accommodates a diaper bag or purse
DRAWBACKS
- Weighs 9.8 pounds more than Minu and is heavier to lift and carry
- Costs significantly more than Minu
- Requires two hands to fold and unfold
- Requires more storage space than the Minu
UPPABABY MINU V3
BENEFITS
- One of the lightest and most compact strollers that can be used with a newborn
- Fits in overhead bins
- Can be paired with an infant car seat (with adapters sold separately)
- Costs much less than Cruz
- Folds and unfolds quickly with only one hand
- All-wheel suspension is unique for a small stroller
- Easy to carry with integrated carry strap or handle
- Takes up significantly less storage space, compared to Cruz and other full-size strollers
DRAWBACKS
- Small wheels are not as durable and maneuverable over uneven surfaces
- Seat is not a standalone unit that can be removed or reversed, like Cruz seat
- Storage basket is small for everyday use
- Seat is not as padded or roomy as Cruz seat
- Requires adapters to attach all car seats, including UPPAbaby Mesa or Aria
Conclusion
If you live in an area where you have a car and ample storage space, you’ll probably choose the UPPAbaby Cruz V3. The Cruz offers all of the features most parents are seeking in a stroller, such as a newborn ready seat that reverses and reclines, a roomy storage basket, and compatibility with a car seat and bassinet.
But if you live in a city or apartment—or if your main priority in a stroller is its light weight—you’ll like the Minu V3 for its one-handed fold and 16-pound weight. The Minu's ability to be used with an infant will make it a popular choice both for an everyday stroller for city families and a full-featured lightweight stroller for families who travel.
Why Trust Strolleria?
Strolleria is a family-owned and operated business, and helping families is truly in our DNA. For decades, we’ve been guiding parents through the ever-evolving world of baby gear—from nursery furniture and strollers to car seats designed for both city sidewalks and suburban streets. No two families are the same, which is why our expert recommendations are thoughtfully curated to match your unique lifestyle and parenting journey.
Because we work with parents through every stage of parenthood, we stay closely in tune with the needs of today’s modern families and the innovations shaping the industry. We believe in relationships over transactions, taking the time to listen, educate, and support you every step of the way. Strolleria has been offering honest, unbiased product reviews and comparisons for years, and our goal is simple: to provide informative, educational guidance that helps you confidently choose the perfect products for your growing family.
Still Have 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 Minu V3 debate, feel free to contact us by emailing us at cs@strolleria.com or chat with us today!
