UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller Review

Another popular model from UPPAbaby is Cruz. While having a lot of the features of the full-size stroller, it’s lighter, has a smaller footprint, and has a more compact fold.

This model is somewhere in between a Vista and a G-Luxe. On one hand, it has a reversible roomy seat with a large canopy like the Vista model, but on the other hand, the wheels are much smaller.

The good news is that while you will definitely need to buy a lighter stroller if you have Vista, with the Cruz model it could be your ONLY stroller.

Recently, the Cruz got a lot of small updates like:

  • higher-quality fabric on a sunshade,
  • improved material of the pop-out sunvisor,
  • the sunvisor locks better in place when you bring it up and down,
  • the solid polyurethane wheels instead of hard rubber,
  • real leather option for the handlebar and bumper bar,
  • new auto lock or you can call it ‘folding clasp’ that holds the stroller together once it’s folded

For 2018 they’ve only added a real weather handle bar and bumper bar to all of the colors and added new colors. That’s it. Everything else stayed the same.

It still has a roomy seat, adjustable handlebar, huge canopy with pop-out sunvisor, included a swing-away bumper bar, adjustable leg rest, huge basket, one-hand lever recline, and intuitive easy fold.

You can convert it into a travel system by replacing the seat with an infant car seat or a pram by replacing it with a bassinet (sold separately). It works with popular car seats like UPPAbaby Mesa, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex.

It comes in seven beautiful colors and can be purchased for around $499 depending on the color. As you know I am a big fan of UPPAbaby because of its stylish and high-quality products. So, it’s not surprising that the Cruz model has made it to my ‘Top 20 Best Strollers’ list for the second year in a row.

Buy UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller »

Features

CANOPY

Just like on previous models, the canopy provides plenty of shade. The New redesigned pop-out sunvisor is made out of woven fabric that won’t wrinkle as much, but it’s still UPF 50+.

It drops down all the way to the bumper bar shielding your child from harmful UV rays. The canopy locks nicely in place when you slide it up and down to accommodate your growing child. I really like the ability to adjust the canopy up and down on the frame. Not many strollers have that option.

HANDLEBAR 

It is a telescoping handlebar that can be easily adjusted by pressing a button in the middle of the handle and pulling it out. It extends from 40″ up to 43″ from the ground. Great for shorter and taller parents. It has a real leather cover that is REACH certified meeting EU requirements for chemical testing.

To avoid tipping the stroller backward, hang your diaper bag on the frame using stroller hooks. You can also use it to hang your water bottle or shopping bags.

SEAT

The seat is 12″ wide with a 20″ seat back and a measurement of 20″ – 22″ from the bottom of the seat to the top of the canopy.  The canopy slides up and down the frame so you can get 2″ more inches to accommodate an older child.

It has a deep one-hand lever recline with 5 positions including a flat one that is suitable for newborns. I would recommend getting an infant insert for better support.

I absolutely love how upright the seat is! A lot of kids, like my daughter Sophia, hate to be reclined and want to sit upright with an unobstructed view. The seat material is easily removable and can be machine-washed! The seat can accommodate a child from birth and up to 50 lbs.

uppababy-cruz-2017-4

The seat is reversible so your child can face you or the world. All you need to do is push two buttons on both sides of the seat, swing it around, and plug it back in. It has the same recline positions in parent-facing mode, but you have to switch it back in order to fold the stroller.

HARNESS

It has an adjustable padded 5-point harness with a center release button. The button is very easy to unlock (your 2-year-old will be able to escape). The buckle is very easy to lock together and it’s NOT a puzzle piece like on many other strollers.

BUMPER BAR

INCLUDED! It’s a swing-away removable bumper bar that is covered with real leather on all the colors.

MATERIALS

I wanted to say a few words about textiles and leather accents. As I’ve mentioned above, this year all of the colors come with real leather-covered handlebar and bumper bars.

It’s 100% full-grain leather that offers far more breathability, flexibility, and durability than any faux leather on the market such as vinyl, vegan, or “protein” leather.

The leather on the handlebar is hand-sewn and given a perforated pattern for extra grip while pushing the baby. The bumper bar leather is embossed for added resiliency which makes it easy to clean.

Also, on Gregory color, you can find premium fabrics that are made out of revolutionary weaving technique blends which are soft and comfortable yet still robust. For older models, you have the option of purchasing a zip-on leather bumper bar and handlebar. They easily zip over existing bars on Vista and Cruz.

uppababy-cruz-2017-6

FOOTREST

The are two footrests: one is part of the seat for smaller babies and another one is a part of the frame for older children. The seat leg rest is 10″ high and is adjustable. The frame footrest is not adjustable.

BASKET

I LOVE this x-large basket! It is very easy to access from the back and you can load it up to  25 lbs. Your largest diaper bag will fit without a problem.

For even more storage I would recommend getting a universal stroller organizer. That way you can take not only your coffee cup, but also a LOT of stuff including keys, phone, water, wallet, snacks, diapers, toys, and more. The amount of stuff it can fit is unbelievable.

WHEELS

The Cruz rolls on four solid polyurethane wheels that mimic air-filled tires, but will never go flat. It has 6.5″ front wheels and 8.25″ rear wheels. The front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight for rougher terrain.

These are medium size wheels that can handle some mommy terrain like grass or playground mulch but don’t plan on going off-road with it.

BRAKE

The is a one-step parking brake located in between the rear wheels. It is a flip-flop-friendly pedal that is easy to lock and unlock without scratching your shoes.

FOLD/UNFOLD

It’s a two-hand two-step fold although they are saying it is a one-step fold on the website. I guess it is one step if your seat and the canopy are in the right position and are facing forward.

First, make sure the seat is facing forward and is in an upright position. Next, pull two levers located on both sides of the handlebar and fold the stroller in half. That’s it!

You can also take the seat off before folding. It does have an automatic lock and a standing fold. The Cruz is not a very compact stroller with folded dimensions of 22.3”W x 17”L x 36”H (with the seat attached).

I think that the bulkiness is the BIGGEST con of this stroller because a lot of other strollers with even bigger wheels have a much more compact fold.

TRAVEL SYSTEM 

You can convert it into a travel system by replacing the seat with an infant car seat. It works with popular car seats like UPPAbaby Mesa, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex.

BASSINET

It plugs right into the frame instead of the seat. I am absolutely in LOVE with this bassinet. I think I can write a whole review just about this bassinet. Don’t worry, I will try to contain myself.

The bassinet weighs 8.4 lbs and is designed for a baby from birth and up to 20 lbs. The cool thing about this bassinet is that it’s deep enough for you to use at home for overnight sleeping. Great extra bed for your baby!

The large canopy unzips in the back exposing a dark mesh that allows for better air flow. While keeping your baby cool and comfortable, the dark mesh also provides sun protection.

To provide your baby with even more sun protection there is a large pop-out SPF 50+ sunvisor. Just like on the seat, the sunvisor locks in place much better than before.

The perforated mattress pad and vented base allow for added breathability. The mattress inside is very soft and is made out of organic material. I really like the water-repellent inner liner that keeps the space dry and comfortable because let’s face it, these little cuties throw up and spill things all the time!

Add to it diaper disasters and you will never get it out. The trow-ups are the worst. It takes me sometimes three times to get the smell out. Oh, that smell… Moving on. The liner and boot cover is very easy to remove for cleaning.

The mattress cover and the zip-out liner are machine washable. This bassinet folds down for compact transportation. The bassinet comes with a bug net and bassinet storage bag. You can purchase a rain cover for the bassinet separately.

INFANT SNUG SEAT

If you want to use Cruz from birth but don’t want to buy the bassinet, you can get an Infat Snug Seat which goes into a fully reclined seat and can be used from birth. This insert provides extra comfort and stability for your baby’s neck and back.

Cons

-Bulky. The fold on Cruz is a little bulkier than I would like for a lightweight stroller.

-No suspension. Unlike Vista which has an all-wheel suspension, Cruz has no suspension.

Specs

Stroller weight: 21.5 lbs (frame + seat)
Weight limit: 50 lbs
Folded dimensions: 22.3”W x 17”L x 36”H (with the seat)
Handlebar height: 40.5″ – 43″
Seat to canopy height: 21″ – 23″
Rear wheels: 8.5″
Front wheels: 6.4″
Overall length: 37″
Overall width: 22.3″

Video Overview

Here is a video overview of the model.

Warranty

UPPAbaby has a 3-year warranty from the original date of purchase and you have to be the original owner.

Available colors

The UPPAbaby Cruz is available in eight different colors: Jake, Denny, Taylor, Emmett, Jordan, Gregory, Loic, Taylor, and Sabrina. While most of the models have silver frame, Jake come with a black one.

Where to buy it

You can get the UPPAbaby Cruz in one of the eight beautiful colors for around $499 depending on the color. It comes with a bumper bar. You can also convert it into a pram with the purchase of a bassinet.

Buy UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller »

18 thoughts on “UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller Review”

  1. I’m comparing the Uppababy Cruz to the Baby Jogger City Mini GT. I like that the Cruz has the reversible seat, but I like the smooth ride of the City Mini GT. Any insight? What do you recommend? We live in the suburbs and I really only want one stroller–to run errands, to go for walks around the neighborhood, to go to the park, etc.

  2. Hi Kate. GT definitely have better wheels but the basket is better on Cruz. The reversible seat part will be useless after the first year really bc your child will want to look at the world and not you. GT is probably more practical choice but Cruz is more stylish :)

  3. I really love the new look and designs of the 2017 Cruz. I am debating between the new Cruz 2017 or the city mini gt. I love that the crus has reversable seat and a large basket and that I have the option of the snug seat. I like the city mini gt mainly because of the fold, be since in the beggining I need to attach a car seat I’m wondering to just wait and get the lighter city jogger in the future as my car and traveling stroller. I live in the city but I go to the suburbs on weekends to see my family, so I need something I can walk a lot in, but not struggle to put in the car. Which stroller should I go with? Any tips?

  4. Hi Katrin,

    I’ve been comparing those two as well. Although with your new 2017 review, there are others to consider too! I’ve read that the GT has some concerns with tipping and you cannot hang a diaper bag on it. In addition, the basket it small. Other than those issues, it seems to be very user friendly and terrain friendly. Any comments on those concerns? Thank you! And thanks for all you do to help clear the muddy waters of stroller buying!!

  5. I bought this stroller and I’m not too happy with it. When I push the stroller on many different smooth floors the strollers shakes. It seems like a wheel is loose but they aren’t. For the price of the stroller I wouldn’t it expect it to ride like this.

  6. I disagree about not using the reversible seat after a year. My son is 16 months and doesn’t like to face out if he’s napping. He won’t go to sleep unless he’s facing inward. Also we travel abroad often mostly to Asia and I like that I can have him facing me when on the super crowded city streets. He feels much more protected and I feel that it is safer. Especially because so many people still smoke in Asia, especially in the crowded shopping districts. Someone brushed me with a lit cigarette in a crowd last time.

    I think as always, it depends obviously on your child and lifestyle. We had the G Luxe for travel and it was a disaster. Between the wheels, forced recline, facing out only and lack of safety strap. It was an unpleasant experience to use in Hong Kong. My son wouldn’t even go into after the first day of our 2 week stay. I just bought an Uppababy Cruz as my travel stroller because my Bugaboo Buffalo that I use at my house in the suburbs is a behemoth and too expensive to travel with. Just my two cents.

  7. We bought our CRUZ in 2015. In the beginning it was working fine, but in about six months or so we started having problems:
    1 – front wheels get stack against the movement, especially on the smooth surface (like in a mall)
    2 – folding/unfolding using one hand is impossible
    3 – handle gets twisted, tends to slide in when being pushed hard.
    4 – canopy fixtures do no stay put
    5 – if you want to lift a stroller holding by the seat bar it may not hold, especially when you put something in the bottom basket.. I, obviously, do not recommend lifting with the baby in the seat – the bar will certainly break apart.
    6 – generally, build quality is so so..

    on the good side :
    1 – lots of storage
    2 – seemingly comfortable seat
    3 – works well with bassinet and car seat.

  8. I’m looking into buying a cruz. My old vista had extremely durable fabric. I’m looking at photos of the cruz and it seems like they have switched to that soft memory foam-esque fabric that snags really easily. Is that true or do the pictures just make it look that way?

  9. Hi Katrin, this is a very comprehensive review – thank you! My only concern about the Cruz is that the basket doesn’t recline flat like many other strollers. I wonder if it makes a difference for kiddos while they are napping to have their knees bent instead of being able to straighten out or shift when they are a bit bigger. Any thoughts on that? thanks!

  10. Hi Vanessa. I guess you mean the seat and not the basket. I agree that a flat recline is more comfortable for a child during nap time. The always-sitting position is not my favorite. But most luxury strollers have that V shaped seats.

  11. Hi Venessa,
    My friend passed her stroller to me and I’d like to know if I can put the seat in the washer. It feels like it has a hard wood seat it is it a hard plastic seat.

  12. Hi! I cant decide between the Babyzen yoyo and the UB Cruz, i only want to buy one stroller for my first baby so , im thinking to buy a lightweight stroller with a carseat for infant for the first few months of the baby. I like the lightweight of the YOYO but i cant use it without the carseat until the baby is 6 months and i dont want to buy their bassinet, another thing is the i found that the yoto doesnt look as stylish as the Uppababy, for the price a i think looks cheaper than it is. So im thinking about de CRUZ, beacuae ita not as heavy and bulky as the Vista, you can buy the Mesa car seat an dont need extra adapter, y if you recline the seat you can put your baby from birth with the snugseat. So what you think i should do?

  13. I have a few stairs leading up to my house and wondering how hard this stroller will be to drag up? I already have the babyzen Yoyo which is great, but wanted a stroller with bigger recline for when we are out for a long time at grandmas for example. Do you think it would be quite repetitive?

  14. Hi Katrin

    Thabk you for your helpful article. I have a taller baby and will be traveling domestically and internationally. I need a everyday functional stroller that can get me through the uneven surfaces on the city pavement, going to the park, shopping, and even to take in and out of a taxi. I am comparing 2018 Uppababy Cruz and the Cameleon and need some help with this. Do you have any suggestions for me?

  15. Hi,
    What are the cons of the wheels not having suspension like the Vista? I want to get the cruz to use for city travel, but I’m worried that it’s not a smooth a ride…

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