UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Combo Review

UPPAbaby is a family-owned business that specializes in gear for babies with a concentration on various styles of strollers, both single and double. They also make an award-winning infant car seat. This American headquartered company has more than a decade of experience and pulls its inspiration from family experiences.

Performance Comparison

Ease of Attaching Car Seat

The Cruz v2 offers car seat attachment that proved to be easy in our tests. We tested our Cruz v2 with the UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seat carrier.

The Cruz is also compatible with various seats from alternate brands like Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, and the Chicco Keyfit 30. The seats outside the UPPAbaby lineup require the purchase of an adapter. Some adapters are side attachments, while others form a loop. All of the adapters and the Mesa (sans adapter) attach to the stroller frame using the toddler seat attachment points.

This design means you'll need to remove the toddler seat/canopy combination frame to attach the carrier. The hardest part is aligning the two sides simultaneously before pushing the carrier down on the attachment points. Our car seat clicked in place smoothly without a problem. The connection doesn't feel as secure as some other product combinations, but it isn't a safety concern. The Cruz v2 is also one of only a handful of strollers where the carrier can face wither direction.

Removing the carrier is one of the easiest with a top release button on the carrier instead of on the back, making it a carrier you can remove with one hand.

Weight and Folded Size

With the toddler seat and canopy removed, the Cruz v2 is a relatively lightweight full-size stroller with some things in common with a frame stroller.

This stroller weighs 18.8 lbs (3 lbs heavier than the old version) and measures 7,519 cubic inches when folded (smaller than the old version). It is one of the lighter options that also provide better maneuverability and ample storage.

Maneuverability

The Cruz v2 has larger wheels than the older version and they a dense plastic covered in foam-filled rubber. It is easy enough to push on flat hard surfaces, but of course, it can't compare to the jogger competition.

This stroller is a one-handed operation if the road is smooth, but grows more challenging over the grass and gravel roads. While it can move over these terrains easily enough with the locking front wheels and new suspension, it isn't something you'd want to do for the long haul or off the beaten path on a woodland hike.

The telescoping handlebar puts taller pushers further from the stroller, which results in less opportunity for kicking while strolling. The handlebar size, cover, and shape make it easy to grip and more comfortable for longer durations.

Ease of Use

The Cruz v2 is easier to use than much of the competition despite missing some of the features parents might want.

Fold and Unfold

The Cruz v2 has a straightforward fold that requires two hands to unlock the frame and some bending at the waist. There are two quick steps, and it locks automatically and stands on its own. It doesn't have a carry handle, but you can roll it from place to place instead of picking it up if you need to.

Brakes

The single-action brakes on the Cruz v2 are straightforward and foot-friendly, given the press to set and release design of two pedals, one for each action.

Storage

The Cruz v2 has a large storage bin and one of the largest weight capacities in the group of 30 lbs (up 5 lbs from the old Cruz). The basket has excellent access from all sides, so you can reach supplies no matter where you stand.

Sunshade

This UPPAbaby includes a giant and well-designed sunshade. However, this canopy is attached to the toddler seat frame and is not useable with the infant carrier in place.

Ease of Setup

The Cruz v2 assembles in 5:45 minutes with an average user manual and setup guide. We didn't receive a quick start guide with this UPPAbaby like we usually do, but it was still one of the easiest to set up. It comes with great protective packaging, and all you need to do is attach the wheels, seat, and belly bar.

Quality

The Cruz v2 is clearly constructed with attention to detail using durable materials.

The canvas materials fit the frame well on both the canopy and toddler seat. The bin feels durable and sturdy as if it will easily hold the 30 lbs of its limit. There are few visible fasteners, and no frame flex, loose threads, or inconsistent stitching. The frame is lightweight aluminum with a sleek look. The overall fit and finish are stylish, minimalistic, and straightforward.

Manufacturer Video

Accessories

UPPAbaby offers a variety of accessories to kit out your Cruz v2.

• The UPPAbaby Cup Holder — Many parents might consider a cup holder a must. While we feel this isn't a need to have feature, we can see how one might come in handy.
• The UPPAbaby Parent Organizer — If keeping some convenience items close at hand is important to you, the UPPAbaby parent-organizer could be just what you need to finish your Cruz.