UPPAbaby CRUZ 2019, 2018 & 2017 – New Comprehensive Review (UPDATED: March ’19)

Hundreds of parents have already fallen in love with UPPAbaby CRUZ and praise this stroller for its lightweight construction, beautiful design and ease of use.

UPPAbaby is a brand well-know for a high-quality and thoughtful design. In order to address changing needs of a modern family and to provide excellent performance, UPPAbaby updates and improves all of their strollers every few years.

In this review of UPPAbaby CRUZ I’m going to show you all features that the newest version of CRUZ has and compare it to previous models. Are you curious how this stroller has changed over the last few years? Keep reading and you’ll learn about all differences between UPPAbaby CRUZ 2019, CRUZ 2018 and CRUZ 2017.

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UPPAbaby CRUZ – From 2017 To 2019

First thing that you need to know is that UPPAbaby CRUZ 2019 is EXACTLY the same as UPPAbaby CRUZ 2018. There are no functional changes, the brand didn’t add any new colors either. This article will focus mainly on this model.

If you decide to buy it from one of the official retailers, you will receive the newest edition (2018/19). Keep in mind that UPPAbaby discontinued Denny Red and Taylor Indigo Blue for 2019, so if you want one of these colors you should hurry up because they will sold out soon.

Another important thing is that between CRUZ 2018/19 and CRUZ 2017 are only minor differences which refer mainly to stroller appearance, not functionality. More on than later.

More relevant upgrades were made in 2017 which means that all previous versions (2016 and older) differ significantly from CRUZ 2017 and all newer models.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Review

UPPAbaby CRUZ is a small brother of the VISTA stroller. It is a standard and compact stroller with regular seat suitable from 3 months. It can hold an infant car seat of UPPAbaby bassinet as well, to accommodate a newborn baby.

This brand offers a Mesa Car Seat which can be attached to the frame in the same place as the seat, without any adapters! CRUZ is also compatible with many other infant car seat brands, but you will need an adapter for them.

Great thing about CRUZ is that the passenger can face parent or the surroundings and the seat has multi-position recline. You can adjust the seat recline with one hand thanks to a convenient lever.

My rating

UPPAbaby CRUZ

• Beautiful colors and high-quality materials
• Smooth maneuverability & slim design
• Allows you to attach infant car seat or bassinet for a newborn
• Large basket gives you plenty space for your essentials
• Great choice for urban parents
• Price range: $$$$

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What is included in the set

When you purchase UPPAbaby CRUZ stroller you receive:

• Frame made of aluminum alloy
• The seat
• One rain cover and one bug shield
• Bumper bar

UPPAbaby CRUZ Frame

In 2018 UPPAbaby upgraded chassis, which now is powder-coated, instead of carbon-coated. It supposes to minimize risk of scratching on the frame.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Wheels

Since the upgrade in 2017 CRUZ has never-flat PolyUrethane tires. There are lighter and more durable than the previous wheels (CRUZ 2016 had AirGo plastic wheels filled with foam).

Wheels in this stroller are much smaller than VISTA’s. The front ones are 6.4” and the rear ones are 8.5”. These wheels are not enough to go with CRUZ for an off-road cruise, but they work fine when you stroll around the town, where the terrain is fairly even.

The stroller rolls nicely and smoothly, but for turning you will probably need to use both hands, especially on more rugged terrain. CRUZ handles grass and gravel pretty well. In addition, the front wheels can be locked for better stability and easier pushing on tougher terrain.

This stroller doesn’t have typical suspension system like many other products, but the wheels are shock-absorbing and they provide comfort ride. For many moms foam tires are convenient feature, because they don’t require inflating once in a while and you don’t have to worry about puncturing them.

Because of the wheel size and lack of suspension this stroller works better on flat terrain (like sidewalks, pavement, asphalt or flat dirt roads), but it doesn’t handle rough, dirt trails. CRUZ will bounce a bit on more bumpy terrain.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Brakes

CRUZ has a parking brake operated by foot. There is a one big red pedal in the middle of the rear axle, close to the basket. The brake is easy to set and release even while wearing sandals.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Seat

This stroller is equipped with a roomy seat which is suitable for infants from 3 months and can accommodate a passenger up to 50 pounds and 40″. The seat is very comfortable thanks to soft padding and has adjustable 5-point harness. Adjusting the shoulder height and crotch strap position is very simple.

There is also a bumper bar to protect the baby from falling out of the stroller.

This seat is reversible so the baby can ride facing parent which is useful when the baby is little, or the World which is a great option for curious toddlers. Reversing the seat is super simple, everything just clicks onto the frame. It literally takes a few seconds. And of course there is a one-hand recline and an adjustable footrest to create a cozy space for nap on-the-go.

To recline the seat we just need to squeeze a lever, so there’s no need to use both hands. It is very easy and convenient.

This is a bucket-style seat so it’s not completely flat, even when it’s fully reclined. The lowest position is 27.8 degrees from the ground and it is very comfortable for the baby to take a nap during strolling.

According to the manufacturer the main seat can be used from 3 months.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Canopy

The stroller has big extendable canopy with pop out sun visor which gives really big shade. Thanks to it you can enjoy strolls on summer days without worrying about your baby getting sunburns.

The best part of this canopy (and really RARE feature) is that you can adjust it to your baby height – you can slide it up few inches. Your baby has more room to grow and you can use the stroller for longer period even for an older child!

The canopy is equipped with SPF 50+ to protect your little passenger from harmful UV rays. When the canopy is fully open there is an extra ventilation.

What’s also important, the canopy was improved in 2017 and since then it stays in place better, because it locks when you pull it up or down.

It is also equipped with mesh peek-a-boo window that allows you to check on your passenger during the whole ride. This window has a magnetic closure which every parent loves because it doesn’t make noises like Velcro closure 🙂 Another big advantage of CRUZ.

Keep in mind that there is a significant difference between fabrics on CRUZ 2018/2019 and older models. Since 2018 the fabric on the canopy and the seat has new type of texture and it is less shiny than it was in previous version. Now it has mat finish.

Using UPPAbaby CRUZ Seat From Birth

Great thing about CRUZ is that you can use it since day one with Infant SnugSeat which is a special pillow that gives your little one perfect neck, head and body support.

The SnugSeat is to be installed inside the main seat, when it’s in fully reclined position, and it’s ready to accommodate a newborn baby. Infant SnugSeat can be used from birth until the baby is 22 lbs. It’s a perfect solution for parents who don’t want a full bassinet.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Travel System

You can also turn it into a travel system with MESA infant car seat without any adapters! Or if you get special adapters, CRUZ will work with some of the Chicco, Cybex, Nuna and Maxi-Cosi car seats as well.

Personally, I think MESA car seat is wonderful option because you can attach it without an adapter, so there’s no additional piece of gear that you have to remember about. It really makes life easier.

Removing and changing the seat is very easy and can be done without any struggle. I am very small and short person and I did not have any problems doing this. After the seat is attached to the frame it is not moving or wobbling.

This stroller can be used with MESA Car Seat. It attaches to the stroller frame in the same point as the seat and canopy (you have to take off the seat first, to attach other gear). MESA works without any adapters which is very convenient.

I love how easily everything removes from the frame and attaches onto it.

Car Seats Compatible With UPPAbaby CRUZ

CRUZ is also compatible with many other infant car seat brands, that work with an adapter: Maxi-Cosi Mico, Mico AP, Mico NXT, CabrioFix, Pebble and Pebble Plus, Nuna Pipa, Cybex Aton, Aton 2 and Aton Q, Chicco Keyfit and Keyfit 30.

Psst! If you are looking for a standard stroller that is compatible with different car seats brands, check out my ranking of the best convertible strollers in 2020.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Bassinet

On the market there is also a UPPAbaby bassinet which you can purchase separately and turn the stroller into a pram (bassinet weight limit is 20 lbs, while the height limit is 25”).

You’ll love UPPAbaby bassinet for its breathability. The base of the carrycot is vented and the mattress itself allows for nice airflow. All to prevent the baby from sweating and getting overheated. There’s one more thing you’re going to love – this bassinet is approved for overnight sleep.

Using UPPAbaby CRUZ For Two Kids

Notice that CRUZ can be turned into a stroller for two kids. On the market there is a UPPAbaby CRUZ PiggyBack, which is an additional platform where the older child can stand during a stroll.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Handlebar

The handlebar telescopes in and out making pushing convenient for shorter and taller parents. The height settings range from 40.5” to 43” from the ground.

I prefer telescoping handlebar than a rotating one, because it gives tall parents more space behind the stroller. So if you’re tall and have long legs you don’t have to worry about kicking the rear axle with your feet. With CRUZ you will be able to walk and push the stroller comfortably.

Since 2018 this stroller comes with leather handlebar and bumper bar – included in all color versions. Leather details don’t contain any chemicals.I love products designed with children and parents health and safety in mind. Besides, this leather handlebar is high-quality, looks stylish and feels really nice.

The leather cover for handlebar and bumper bar is available in black and brown.

In 2017 only some of the color versions of CRUZ included leather covers for handlebar and belly bar. In 2016 all models of CRUZ had foam cover which obviously was more prone to tearing.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Storage Space

UPPAbaby CRUZ has a large basket below the seat where you can keep your daily essentials – up to 25 pounds! I’m sure it will be enough for bag of diapers, baby clothes, wipes, snacks, drinks, your bag and big shopping bag!

This basket has very easy access from the back. And what’s important – no matter what is the position (angle) of the seat, it is very easy to use the bin.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Folding

Folding is a piece of cake and takes literally 5 seconds, however you will rather need two hands to do it quickly and without any problems. To fold the stroller you don’t have to bend all the way to the ground. CRUZ locks automatically and stands on its own. To open the stroller you will need to bend a little bit, but it’s also very easy to do in a few seconds.

You can fold it with the seat attached or without it. Dimensions of the folded stroller, without the bumper bar, are: 22.3” x 17” x 36” (W x H x L).

For public transportation I recommend not to take off the seat, it is too much of a hassle. But transporting in a car trunk may require taking off the seat to make the stroller more compact. It’s a piece of cake and takes two seconds.

Assembly is also very easy and can be done in less than 10 (or even 5!) minutes.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Size & Weight

CRUZ is 22.3” wide and weighs 21.5 lbs which means it is smaller, slimmer and lighter than VISTA. It has a much lighter frame than VISTA – it weighs about 5 lbs less. All dimensions are the same since 2017.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Quality

UPPAbaby products are top-quality and CRUZ is no exception. The material on the seat, canopy and basket is soft and can be easily cleaned with wipes or water with soap. The bottom of the basket is made of plastic so it will retain its shape and won’t drop low when loaded with 25-pound gear. 🙂

The peek-a-boo window is made of mesh which is very easy to see through.The frame is made of aluminum alloy and it weighs only 15 pounds. Every piece of the stroller attaches well and the whole buggy is very sturdy. The design is simple but stylish.

UPPAbaby CRUZ Overall Performance & Ease Of Use

I like that this stroller has adjustable handlebar therefor it is convenient to push for short and tall parents. It has very slim design which makes it perfect for narrow sidewalks, tight store aisles and small, crowded places.

However it works well only on smooth surfaces. Because of the small wheels and no suspension system, the ride is not cushioned on rough terrain and the stroller may wobble on bumps. Moreover steering usually requires using two hands.

Pros & Cons

Here is the list of the major advantages and disadvantages of UPPAbaby CRUZ (in my opinion).

What other parents think about UPPAbaby CRUZ?

I checked what other parents say about UPPAbaby CRUZ at Amazon. Parents praise CRUZ for being much lighter and easier to steer in crowded places than VISTA.

They also like the option of adding an infant car seat, one-hand pushing, light frame and compact fold. It has capacious basket under the seat which is a big advantage. Customers also say it looks gorgeous.

The main things that parents complain about are: lack of one-hand folding, accessories sold separately.

There very quite a lot of negative comments about wheels on old versions (before 2018) – which very more shaky. New model (2018/2019) has more positive opinions and parents praise its maneuverability and say it moves easily and smoothly

You can also check customer reviews on your own and see what’s the overall rating.

UPPAbaby CRUZ – Stroller Specification

Accessories For UPPAbaby CRUZ

As I mentioned briefly at the beginning, this stroller comes with a rain cover and bug shield so your baby will be protected from rain, wind and insects. Those shields are really useful if you live in area where it rains often or there are a lot of mosquitoes.

There are few useful products which can be bought separately. You can purchase child and parent tray and a cup holder. Below you can see the best accessories for UPPAbaby CRUZ.

Image	Description
	Carry-All Parent Organizer – Good-sized bag that can be easily attached to the handlebar. Thanks to it parents can keep their essentials like keys, wallet, phone and snacks within reach.
	Parent Organizer – This is a smaller version of an organizer that can be attached to the handlebar. It has only few pockets and a holder for bottles.
	Snack Tray – It is a child tray that can be installed instead of a belly bar. There is a place for some snacks and a holder for sippy cup.
	Cup holder – I really like this cup holder because it attaches to the side of the frame. This place is really nice considering baby safety. And it doesn’t cost much!
	Travel Bag – Easy-to-use bag where we can put folded CRUZ. It makes transportation and carrying more easy. If you are planning to travel with CRUZ or transport it in a car trunk this travel bag might be very useful for you.
	UPPAbaby Infant SnugSeat – It gives additional support for infant’s head, neck and back. You can add this insert to the toddler seat (in fully reclined position) to provide even more comfy and cozy place for your little baby.
	UPPAbaby Bassinet – CRUZ doesn’t include the bassinet, so if you want to turn it into a pram and use it from birth, you will need this accessory. It’s a comfy, safe and sheltered place for newborns. Breathable base and mattress prevent baby from sweating and large extendable canopy provides full shade from sun and wind.

UPPAbaby CRUZ vs UPPAbaby VISTA – What Are The Differences?

I decided to compare VISTA and CRUZ, because these strollers have many similar features, but also couple of differences. CRUZ is smaller than VISTA so it is a better option for strolling around neighborhood, taking baby to busy shops or restaurants and using public transportation. If you are deciding UPPAbaby VISTA vs CRUZ, here is the list of differences.

Before You Buy – Review Conclusion

UPPAbaby CRUZ is one of the best strollers for every day use, but rather only in the city. I find this stroller perfect for walking on urban grounds, it works great on pavement, asphalt, even gravel, and with the large basket under the seat you can go for shopping with it for weekly supplies for the whole family. 🙂

Keep in mind

Neither CRUZ 2018/2019, nor CRUZ 2017 is suitable for off-terrain strolling. Although the wheels work great on many types of surface, they don’t handle unbeaten roads.

3 Reasons Why You Will Love UPPAbaby CRUZ

If you are thinking about buying this stroller, don’t forget to check customer reviews and available discounts (click here to skip to Amazon). If UPPAbaby CRUZ doesn’t fit your needs, check other top-quality strollers this year.

All pictures belong to UPPAbaby. Source: https://uppababy.com

Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.

If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂