Over the years, many parents across the planet have been impressed with the UPPAbaby CRUZ’s stunning design, lightweight construction, and maneuverability.
In this comprehensive uppababy cruz review, I will let you know every important detail you need to know about this stroller and how it has changed over the years.
Read on to find out if it will suit your needs.
- NEW! 2018 model CRUZ Stroller
- Includes full size front or rear facing toddler seat with multi-position recline
- Compatible with MESA Infant Car Seat - direct attachment, no adapters necessary
- One-step fold with or without seat attached
- Large, easy-access Basket holds up to 25lbs
The CRUZ through the years
The UPPAbaby CRUZ was first released to the market in 2016. The company released an upgrade in 2017 and in 2018. In 2019, the company did not release any new upgrade. So right now there are only three versions of the UPPAbaby CRUZ on the market – the UPPAbaby CRUZ 2016, the UPPAbaby CRUZ 2017, and the UPPAbaby CRUZ 2018. Since the company did not release an UPPAbaby CRUZ 2019 upgrade, many bloggers and commentators in the stroller industry expect an UPPAbaby CRUZ 2020 model, version, or upgrade.
As you would expect, the UPPAbaby Company has been improving the CRUZ’s features with every upgrade. For example, compared to the original model, the 2017 model has improved and upgraded tires and a better canopy design. The 2018 upgrade also featured improvements in design and product color offerings. As of now, the most advanced model of the UPPAbaby CRUZ, whose features I will be reviewing in this post is the 2018 CRUZ.
The CRUZ review
The CRUZ is a smaller, lightweight, and more compact version of the UPPAbaby VISTA. It is perfect for use from three months and it can be converted into a pram with the use of the UPPAbaby bassinet or a travel system with the use of a compatible infant car seat.
One of the things that make this stroller stand out is its toddler seat. The seat can be easily reclined to make it more comfortable for the baby using a special lever.
Other standout features include
- A trendy design
- Ease of maneuverability
- Convertibility into a travel system or a pram
- Large storage basket with a massive capacity of 25 lbs.
- NEW! 2018 model CRUZ Stroller
- Includes full size front or rear facing toddler seat with multi-position recline
- Compatible with MESA Infant Car Seat - direct attachment, no adapters necessary
- One-step fold with or without seat attached
- Large, easy-access Basket holds up to 25lbs
The CRUZ frame
This stroller comes with a fantastic steady frame. From the look and feel of the frame, you can easily tell that it is something that is going to serve you for a long time. The frame is carbon-coated. This means it does not scratch easily. So it will look new for a long time.
The CRUZ’s wheels
From the year 2017, CRUZ has featured more durable PU wheels. The stroller previously featured plastic foam-filled wheels which were not very durable. But while the new wheels are an improved version of the old ones, they are still smaller than the wheels on the VISTA. The front ones have a diameter of 6.4” while the rear ones have a diameter of 8.5”. The size of CRUZ’s front and back wheels means that the stroller is not suitable for strolling on uneven terrain or rough terrain. However, they are perfect for strolling on flat urban terrain.
The stroller moves very nicely on flat terrain and can even be pushed one-handedly. The stroller also moves nicely over gravel and grass. On slightly uneven terrain, the stroller’s front wheels can be locked to move in a straight line instead of swiveling. This can significantly improve the stability of the stroller and make it easier for you to navigate such terrain.
The CRUZ’s 6.4” front wheels and 8.5” rear wheels
The only thing you may not like about this stroller’s wheels is the fact that they are not supported by a suspension system. What this means is that apart from the wheels and foam in them, nothing else cushions the stroller against shocks and bumps.
However, considering the fact that this stroller is primarily designed for use on flat urban terrain, a suspension system is not really necessary.
The CRUZ’s brakes
The UPPAbaby CRUZ has got a foot-operated parking brake. You cannot use this brake to decelerate the stroller when moving at speed or going downhill. However, you can use it to immobilize the stroller when parked. The brake is easy to operate. You can engage it even while wearing flip flops.
The brake on the UPPAbaby CRUZ
The Toddler Seat
The toddler seat of this stroller is a very roomy seat with plenty of growing space. You can use it to accommodate your toddler until he or she reaches a height of 40” or 50 pounds. This means this stroller is useful until the baby turns 5-years-old.
The seat is quite comfortable as it features cushiony padding. It is also safe to use for babies because it comes with a five-point harness. You can adjust the harness in several ways to make it more comfortable for your baby or to make it more secure for him or her.
Another feature that makes the seat safe to use is the bumper bar in front of it. It prevents the baby from flying out of the stroller in case you stop the stroller abruptly.
The UPPAbaby CRUZ with the seat facing forward in the first picture and backward in the second picture.
Perhaps the best thing about this seat is the fact that it can be reversed. This means you can have it facing you when your baby is younger and needs to constantly see you to feel safe and secure. And then when your baby grows older and wants to see the world more, you can have the seat facing forward to give him or her the opportunity to face the world and see everything.
It is very easy to reverse the seat. In my opinion, it is a task that will barely take you ten or fifteen seconds. It is also very easy to recline the seat. You can actually do it one-handedly. I love the fact that this toddler seat can be reclined. This is because reclinable toddler seats are more comfortable for napping on-the-go. Moreover, the footrest on this stroller can also be adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting both the backrest of this toddler seat and the footrest, you can convert this stroller into a bed of sorts where your child can rest comfortably as you stroll or rest somewhere outdoors.
You only need to manipulate the seat’s reclining lever to get it to the position you want.
The multiple positions you can recline the CRUZ seat to
While the seat on this stroller can be reclined, it does not recline to a completely flat position. The deepest position is still 27.8 degrees away from the horizontal. This means it is not safe to use it to carry an infant baby, especially one whose back has not fully developed, as it can cause a back injury to him or her.
However, the recline position is perfect for older babies to nap on while on the go as mentioned a few moments ago.
- NEW! 2018 model CRUZ Stroller
- Includes full size front or rear facing toddler seat with multi-position recline
- Compatible with MESA Infant Car Seat - direct attachment, no adapters necessary
- One-step fold with or without seat attached
- Large, easy-access Basket holds up to 25lbs
Uppababy Cruz canopy
This stroller has a big canopy. The canopy also includes a sun visor. This means you have nothing to worry about strolling on sunny summer days because both the canopy and the sun visor will protect your baby from sunburns and harmful UV rays.
The thing I like the most about this canopy is the fact that its height is adjustable. Not many strollers have got canopies that you can adjust. But as I have just stated, this one has. You can increase the height as your baby grows to provide them with more room and comfort.
The CRUZ canopy be adjusted to increase or decrease its height
As I have mentioned above, this stroller provides protection against harmful UV rays. This is because the canopy has a special material that is rated SPF50+.
For many of the strollers I have used or reviewed in the past when the canopy is fully extended, it usually hinders airflow. However, this is not the case with this canopy as it still allows for proper ventilation even when fully deployed.
Moreover, unlike canopies on other strollers, this canopy is much better because it locks when you pull it to a position. Additionally, unlike other canopies, it also includes a viewing window with a magnetic closure. The viewing window allows you to monitor your baby throughout without having to stop and get to the front of the stroller. I like that this stroller’s viewing window has a magnetic closure instead of the frequently used Velcro closure. This is because the magnetic closure is silent and does not make noise when being opened; noise that could wake up the baby from sleep.
The viewing window on the CRUZ canopy
It is important to note that there is a massive difference between the fabric on the latest CRUZ models and the fabric on the older CRUZ models. The new fabric that was introduced in 2018 is much more premium quality. It can be seen on the canopy and covering the seat. I particularly like it because it has a matte/ less shiny finish.
Compatibility with infant car seats
The UPPAbaby CRUZ is compatible with many infant car seats. This means you can turn into a travel system by purchasing any compatible infant car seat. Infant car seats that are compatible with this stroller include some Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, and Chicco infant car seats. However, to use them with this stroller, you need to buy special adapters. The only infant car seat you can use with this stroller without needing to buy adapters is the MESA car seat.
With the design of this stroller, it is easy to remove or fix baby car seats on it. And the moment you properly fix a seat on it, you will have nothing to worry about as it won’t wobble or shake when strolling.
Uppababy Cruz Compatibility with bassinets
This stroller is compatible with the UPPAbaby bassinet. This means that by purchasing the UPPAbaby bassinet, you can use it to turn this stroller into an amazing pram for your newborn or infant baby. You should strongly consider getting the UPPAbaby bassinet if you want to use the CRUZ from day one as it is flat and comfy and will support your infant’s still-developing neck and back.
- Includes 2018 Cruz Stroller, 2018 Universal Bassinet, bumper bar, leather handle bar and bumper bar covers, toddler rain shield and bug shield.
- Lightweight stroller perfect for parents on the go.
The thing you will love the most about the UPPAbaby bassinet if the fact that it is vented to allow airflow and prevent overheating. Moreover, the bassinet is also among the few that are approved for overnight use. You can literally let your baby sleep in it overnight if you want as it is that safe.
The UPPAbaby bassinet on the CRUZ
The handlebar
This stroller has got an innovative adjustable handlebar that makes it convenient to push for both tall and short parents. You can adjust this stroller to any height between 40.5” and 43” from your feet or the ground. What this means is that you can set it at a height that makes it less likely to cause your wrist fatigue.
I particularly like handlebars like this one. The reason why is because since I am tall, if a handlebar is too short then pushing a stroller becomes too difficult for me as I am likely to repetitively kick into it. However, with a handlebar that is adjustable like this one, I can simply extend it outward and make it tall and more convenient for me to push.
The extendable CRUZ handlebar and its designer leather cover
From 2018, this stroller’s handlebar has been made with a premium quality leather material cover. This handlebar cover is very trendy and durable. In contrast, most handlebar covers are made of foam, which tears pretty quickly. So the leather cover on this handlebar is better than other foam covers. The cover is available in brown and black and it feels very nice.
Some 2017 CRUZ models feature leather handlebar covers. However, all 2016 models of the stroller have foam covers. So if you see a CRUZ stroller with a foam cover, just know it is either a 2016 or a 2017 model.
The Storage Space
The UPPAbaby CRUZ has got a very decent storage space. The space in the form of a massive basket underneath the toddler seat. According to UPPAbaby, the basket has a capacity of 25 pounds. This is huge and it means you can use it to store all your baby’s essentials and then some.
The large storage basket underneath the CRUZ
I think the thing I love the most about the massive storage basket underneath the CRUZ is not even its size. It is how easy it is to access it. It is very easy to put things in it or remove them regardless of the position of the toddler seat. So if you need to take anything out quickly e.g. a blanket or a rain cover, you can do so with this stroller.
Uppababy cruz Folding
This is one of the easiest to fold strollers in the world in my opinion. It takes just a couple of moments to fold it. However, while the stroller is easy to fold, the action requires the use of two hands. Nevertheless, this drawback should not dampen your enthusiasm for this stroller as the manufacturer does make up for it with automatic locking upon folding. Moreover, the manufacturer also designed the CRUZ in such a way that it stands by itself when folded. This is a pretty cool feature about this stroller that makes it a bit more convenient to handle, transport, or store when folded.
The folded UPPAbaby CRUZ standing on its own
You can fold this stroller with its toddler seat attached or without it. The fold size with the toddler seat attached is obviously slightly bigger than the fold size without the seat attached.
The fact that you can fold this stroller with its seat attached makes it great for use on public transportation. Because it means you can quickly fold it to get into a bus, a train, or a tram, and also quickly unfold it for use the moment you get to your destination.
The fact that you can also remove the toddler seat to make the fold size smaller is also perfect especially if you have a car with a small trunk. I believe the reason why is pretty self-explanatory.
The Size and Weight
This stroller weighs just 21.5 pounds and is barely 22 inches wide. What these measurements mean is that it is a stroller that is lighter, slimmer, and smaller than the UPPAbaby VISTA. This means if you are looking for something somewhat like the VISTA but lighter and easier to maneuver, you should get the CRUZ.
The size and the weight of the CRUZ have remained the same from circa 2017.
The Quality
The CRUZ stroller in the greyish Jordan color option
UPPAbaby is one of the leading manufacturers of baby carriages in the world. The company has been making superior quality baby carriages for a long time and this stroller is just another example of the good work they have been doing.
The quality of this stroller is evident in the soft and easy-to-clean fabric used to make the canopy, the seat cover, and the storage basket. It is also evident in the quality leather cover used on the handlebar.
The robustness of CRUZ’s frame is also proof of the stroller’s quality. The frame is a special aluminum alloy that is both tough and lightweight. The moment you see and touch the frame you will know for sure it is going to last for a long time.
Lastly, the versatility of this stroller also shows that it is a quality product. Very few strollers currently available on the market can beat the CRUZ in terms of versatility.
- NEW! 2018 model CRUZ Stroller
- Includes full size front or rear facing toddler seat with multi-position recline
- Compatible with MESA Infant Car Seat - direct attachment, no adapters necessary
- One-step fold with or without seat attached
- Large, easy-access Basket holds up to 25lbs
Ease of use
This stroller comes with a telescopic handlebar. This makes it convenient for tall and short parents to push as they can simply adjust it to the height that is perfect for them.
Compared to other strollers like the VISTA, this stroller is also slender and nimble. It is, therefore, easier to use to stroll crowded areas, tight store aisles, and narrow sidewalks.
However, while this stroller is great for parents of all heights and for navigating tight spaces, it is not suitable for rough or uneven terrain. This is because it has got small wheels and has got no suspension system. So strolling with it over uneven terrain will not be a pleasant experience for you or your baby.
Pros and cons
These are the main pros and cons of this stroller based on what I have seen.
Pros
- The UPPAbaby CRUZ is a premium quality stroller
- Its toddler seat is comfy and reversible
- Its toddler seat can recline deeply making it perfect napping on the go
- It comes with a massive canopy that provides good shade and protection from the sun and wind
- It comes with an adjustable handlebar meaning parents of any height can use it without straining their wrists
- It features a massive storage basket that provides tons of space
- Its storage basket can be easily accessed
- It has a slim design that is rare for convertible strollers
- It is available in many amazing colors
- Compared to the UPPAbaby VISTA, it is a lighter and cheaper stroller
Cons
- The UPPAbaby CRUZ has small wheels which cannot handle rough terrain
- It does not come with a suspension system to cushion the ride
- It can only be used from birth by purchasing either a bassinet or an infant car seat and the compatible ones are expensive
What other moms and dads think about this stroller
As it is usually the case, I checked out what opinions other moms and dads have about this stroller on Amazon. From the reviews, I could easily gather that most of them were impressed by the stroller. This is not a surprise as it is rare to see critical reviews online against UPPAbaby strollers.
According to the reviews I read, most of the moms and dads who have purchased and used this stroller like how light it is and how easy it is to navigate in crowded areas. Many parents also like the fact that the stroller can be pushed one-handedly, the fact that it can be used from birth, and the fact that the stroller has a compact fold size.
Many parents who wrote reviews for this stroller on Amazon also mentioned that they liked its huge storage basket.
The design of the UPPAbaby CRUZ was also a hit with many parents according to what I saw in the reviews.
The only things that parents were critical about were three. First, the fact that the stroller cannot be folded using one hand only. Second, the fact that most accessories that make this stroller even more functional or versatile are sold separately. Lastly, the fact that pre-2018 versions of the stroller had shaky wheels. However, with regards to this last issue, it is not really an issue as from 2018, the wheels on the UPPAbaby CRUZ have been upgraded and move much more steadily and smoothly.
UPPAbaby CRUZ Stroller Specifications
| Stroller type | The CRUZ is a convertible stroller |
| Weight | 21.5 pounds (single version) |
| Max. weight limit | 50 pounds |
| Dimensions | 37″ by 22.3″ by 40.5″ |
| Fold size | 17″ by 22.3″ by 36″ |
| Wheel size | Front wheels dia.: 6.4” Rear wheels dia.: 8.5” |
| Handlebar telescopic range | 40.5″ to 43″ above the ground |
Special Accessories Compatible with the UPPAbaby CRUZ
To make this stroller more functional and versatile, UPPAbaby made a number of accessories that you can attach or use with it. Unfortunately, most of these accessories must be bought separately. As you will find out in my descriptions of the accessories below, some of them are a must for certain situations while others are not really necessary.
Below are the UPPAbaby accessories that have to be bought separately.
| The black pouch in this image is the parent organizer. It is a pouch that you can attach to the push bar. Buy it if you want something where you can safely keep snacks, your phone, wallet, and keys within reach. Find it on Amazon here | |
| This is a child tray or snack tray. Buy it for your toddler if you need some sort of table to hold snacks and a sippy cup within the reach of your toddler. Find it on Amazon here | |
| This is a cup holder. Parents who love drinking coffee on the go really love this. The best thing about it is that it attaches to the stroller’s side and, therefore, there is very little risk of its contents spilling on the baby. Find it on Amazon here | |
| This is a travel bag where you can put in a folded UPPAbaby CRUZ stroller. It is not really an essential accessory. Unless, of course, you travel long distances frequently with your baby. Find it on Amazon here | |
| This accessory is known as a SnugSeat. UPPAbaby designed it to allow parents to safely carry their infants or newborns using the toddler seat. By attaching this properly on a fully reclined toddler seat, you can carry safely carry your baby on it because it provides support for the baby’s back, neck, and head. It is a cheaper alternative to the UPPAbaby bassinet or any of the compatible infant car seats. Find it on Amazon here | |
| This is an UPPAbaby bassinet. Buy this if you want to use your UPPAbaby CRUZ stroller to safely carry a newborn or infant kid. This is because it is flat and comfy and therefore provides the needed support to protect the still-fragile heads, necks, and backs of babies. You should also buy this bassinet if you want something to provide protection against direct wind to your baby. Find it on Amazon here |
UPPAbaby accessories that come free with the stroller frame include the stroller’s toddler seat, a bumper bar, and a bug shield.
A Comparison of the UPPAbaby CRUZ and the VISTA
In this section, I will reveal to you the similarities and differences between the UPPAbaby CRUZ and the legendary UPPAbaby VISTA. Both of these strollers are made by the same manufacturer but as you will find out, they are very different. The CRUZ is several pounds lighter compared to the VISTA. It is also narrower. This makes it nimble and perfect for strolling in urban areas and crowded places, and for utilizing public transport.
Below are some of the other differences between the UPPAbaby CRUZ and the VISTA.
| Stroller type | UPPAbaby CRUZ | UPPAbaby VISTA |
| Number of children that can be carried | Two with the use of a standing board | Three with the purchase of other accessories. |
| Weight | Single stroller version (with toddler seat): 21.5 lbs. | Single stroller version (with toddler seat): 27.5 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 22.25″ by 37″ by 39.5″ | 26.5″ by 37″ by 39.5″ |
| Fold size (without seats) | 22″ by 12″ by 37″ | 26.5″ by13.5″ by 33″ |
| Wheels | PU wheels filled with foam | Rubber wheels filled with foam (bigger than CRUZ’s wheels) |
| Suspension system | No suspension system | Brilliant suspension system |
| Storage space capacity & accessories included | 25 lbs. & and accessories include a toddler seat, a bumper bar, and a bug shield. | 30 lbs. & accessories include a toddler seat, a bumper bar, a bug shield, a bassinet, a bassinet bug shield, and a storage bag. |
- Includes bassinet, full size front or rear facing toddler seat with multi-position recline, toddler seat rain and bug shields, and bassinet bug shield and storage bag
- Compatible with MESA Infant Car Seat - direct attachment, no adapters necessary; Compatible with select Chicco and Maxi-Cosi infant car seats when using adaptors (car seats and adaptors sold separately)
- Longer bassinet mattress pad with ventilation for added breathability
- One-step fold with or without seat attached
- Extendable sun canopy with SPF 50+ visor
- This stroller is suitable for children from birth (with optional Infant SnugSeat accessory) until the child height is approximately aorund 40 inches (101 centimeter). The unfolded dimensions are 37 x 22.3 x 40.5 inches and the folded dimensions without seat are 13 x 22.3 x 36 inches
- Includes toddler seat, rain shield & bug shield-Full size front and rear facing toddler seat-180-degree recline with one hand
- Adjustable canopy with peek-a-boo window-Extendable UPF 50+ sunshade
- Bumper bar with neoprene or leather cover in select fashions-One-hand, adjustable handlebar with leather cover in select fashions
- Combines aluminum with magnesium for optimal lightweight, durable performance-Shock-absorbing front & rear suspension- One-step fold, with or without seat attached-Large, easy-access basket holds up to 30lbs.
Conclusion of the Review
The CRUZ is a brilliant stroller by all standards. It is perfect for daily use. However, in my opinion, it is only suitable for use in urban areas. This is because its wheels are better suited for flat or even urban terrains and its large storage basket is perfect for shopping. The wheels, however, are not suitable for strolling on uneven or rough terrain. So if you want a city stroller, get the UPPAbaby CRUZ but if you intend to frequently stroll on uneven or rough terrain, I suggest you look for another stroller with bigger wheels and a suspension system e.g. the UPPAbaby VISTA.
What to Consider Before Buying This Stroller
As mentioned in the conclusion above, the CRUZ is not perfect for strolling on uneven or rough terrain. So if you are going to buy it, just know that it can only handle flat urban terrains.
Why Buy This Stroller
Three reasons:
- Because the stroller is lighter and more nimble compared to the VISTA and other strollers. It is, therefore, perfect for urban parents looking for something they can use daily to navigate crowded places and tight turns.
- Because the stroller is made of premium quality materials and a very sturdy frame. It is designed to last for a very long time, which is something many parents love about it.
- Because the CRUZ has got a massive storage basket that has enough space for shopping or for packing everything you need for a day trip or an overnight trip.
- This stroller is suitable for children from birth (with optional Infant SnugSeat accessory) until the child height is approximately aorund 40 inches (101 centimeter). The unfolded dimensions are 37 x 22.3 x 40.5 inches and the folded dimensions without seat are 13 x 22.3 x 36 inches
- Includes toddler seat, rain shield & bug shield-Full size front and rear facing toddler seat-180-degree recline with one hand
- Adjustable canopy with peek-a-boo window-Extendable UPF 50+ sunshade
- Bumper bar with neoprene or leather cover in select fashions-One-hand, adjustable handlebar with leather cover in select fashions
- Combines aluminum with magnesium for optimal lightweight, durable performance-Shock-absorbing front & rear suspension- One-step fold, with or without seat attached-Large, easy-access basket holds up to 30lbs.
Thanks for reading the uppababy cruz review, let me know in the comments, if you got any questions i can help with
I’m Jessica Wills, most of my friends just call me Jess. I have 2 kids Astor who is 5, and Cody who is 3. I love writing and found a small passion in writing product reviews from a moms stand.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions, i’ll love to answer.
Last update on 2020-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API