UPPAbaby Aria Review

American-born UPPAbaby has more than a decade of baby gear experience. The company was founded on finding inspiration in the every day to design quality products that make life with babies fun and easy. They make a handful of car seat types and award-winning strollers.

Performance Comparison

Crash Testing

The Aria earned an average crash test analysis score compared to the competition in our crash tests. Every seat in the review should have passed the federal guidelines and be considered safe. We ran a slightly faster crash test with a firmer cushion to better mimic modern-day vehicles in our tests. We hope to identify seats that offer an additional protection margin over the average seat.

The head (HIC) sensor recorded below-average G forces compared to the other seats. While it wasn't a standout or super low (lower is better), it is almost half that of lower-ranking options. The chest clip sensor (g score) for the Aria recorded higher-than-average sensor results (again, lower is better). It isn't the highest in the group, but only a couple of seats had higher G forces. Combined, the results are largely average and not super compelling to us.

Ease of Installation LATCH

LATCH installation for the Aria is not as easy as it could be and it scored below average in our tests. Studies indicate that properly installing a car seat can contribute to its overall safety, so it is important that seats be easy to install so you know you've done it correctly.

While we like the push-button LATCH connectors and their pull tabs to release, the LATCH strap tensioning system was sort of wonky, making it challenging to get the base level and the green color-change indicator to stay steadily green.

The Aria base has retracting LATCH straps that automatically pull the strap into the base when you press the base into the seat. It requires a little wiggling back and forth and more pressure than we thought it would.

The ratcheting makes it harder to tighten and level the base, and our indicator changed colors long before the seat was tight enough. It didn't feel very stable when installed, even with the load leg and anti-rebound device.

Recline Adjustment

The Aria has a recline adjustment on the side of the base. Unlike any competitor, this option is an easy-to-press button that allows the carrier to change angles. A lot of seats have a recline handle under the seat next to the vehicle seatback, making it harder to move when installed. It has a bubble level indicator on the side and center of the base with a narrow window to indicate the correct angle has been achieved. The base can be challenging to get level, and it feels like the color-change indicator is too sensitive to rely on, but you need to when following the instructions. There are four reclining positions to get the right angle for installation.

The Aria base includes an anti-rebound device and a load leg. These features should not be used for angle adjustment but can help it feel more stable. How they affect crash test results is hard to say, and we think caregivers should focus more on crash test analysis results than specific safety features or claims.

Ease of Installation - Belt

The Aria is harder to install using the vehicle belt than the average seat. While LATCH is a more common installation method and should be easier, depending on where you install the seat, the vehicle belt might be your only option.

This seat has an awkward belt pathway that makes getting the belt more challenging. It has a belt lock-off in the center of the base, and it can be easy to use if there is some slack in the belt, which means you need to find the sweet spot of tight enough to secure the seat but loose enough to utilize the lock-off. In the end, it passes the stability test, but it isn't as stable as some competitors.

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base

The easiest installation for the Aria is without the base. This could be a good thing, as it might be an attractive seat for those who plan to carry it around in urban environments using public transportation or ride-shares. While this is the easiest method, it is still average.

The belt path on this carrier is European-style and uses the shoulder of the vehicle belt around the back side of the carrier. The belt path on the foot portion is more challenging to use than others, and the back clip is small.

It also opens upwards, which seems counterintuitive to having it open at the bottom. There is a line-level indicator on the side of the carrier, and we had to use a lot of effort to get the belt tight enough around the carrier.

Ease of Use

The Aria performed well in our tests for ease of use, earning one of the higher scores in this metric.

Buckle

The buckle and chest clip for the Arian are slightly above average for the group. They are easy to operate and relatively standard, with nothing making them easy or difficult to use.

Harness Tightening/Loosening

There is significant friction when pulling the harness tightening strap on the Aria. It isn't necessarily challenging, but it is more than most competitors and could be problematic if you lack strength or hand dexterity. The release button for loosening the harness is set relatively far back, closer to the buckle crotch strap than the edge of the seat.

Harness Adjustment

There is only one crotch strap position, so there is nothing to change there. The shoulder strap height has incremental changes, with the entire headrest assembly moving up and down for quick adjustment on the fly and no rethreading required.

Carrier to Base Connection

This carrier often requires a little bit of a wiggle to get it firmly planted on the base. It gets easier over time, and we didn't have any instances of it feeling installed when it wasn't. The Aria has a somewhat concealed release lever for removing the carrier from the base, and while it gives the back a more sleek look, it feels unnecessary.

Handle

The handle rotates when you press the button on each side. There are five possible positions, but the handle needs to be upright when the car is in motion. The handle moved smoothly, and we didn't have a problem.

Canopy

Someone at UPPAbaby has obviously tried using a canopy on their car seat and the handle at the same time because they execute this flawlessly. The handle is high enough and the canopy low enough to avoid collision, and the canopy stays open no matter how you move the handle.

LATCH and Manual Storage

The Aria's LATCH connectors have a self-retracting design that pulls them into the base when not in use. This limits the chance of a stray LATCH connector being available to play with or get in the way.

Much like many competitors, the Aria's manual is kept in the base, which seems nice until you try to install it without the base in a cab. However, they do offer a QR code on the side of the carrier for online help connecting to the manual.

Comfort/Quality

The Aria earned a respectable score for comfort and quality. It is above average for the group but not a standout, given the stiff competition.

Fabric and Padding

The Aria padding isn't as supportive as prior UPPAbaby options we've tested, but it isn't terrible either. There is more padding in the bottom area than the shoulders, but given that infants likely need more there to prop them up and offer support, this design makes sense. The fabric is soft, and while not as soft as some competitors, it is not rough and feels good on the skin.

Handle and Canopy

The handle is a nice shape and has a leather-wrapped grip in the center. It is thin and metal, a contrast to most competitors, who are plastic and somewhat thicker. The canopy is medium in size but has better coverage than most. It sits lower down and doesn't have the handle/canopy collision problems we see in higher models.

Shell

The Aria shell is smooth, easy to clean, and has minimal stickers and warnings.

Weight/Size

The Aria's claim to fame is its lightweight carrier. Many parents leave their little ones in car seats when away from home, choosing not to wake a sleeping baby.

While you should limit the time your baby is left in a carrier, it is convenient when running errands, and many will want a lightweight carrier when on the go. The Aria carrier weighs only 6.2 lbs, which is significantly lighter than the average weight in this group, which is closer to 10 lbs.

Should You Buy the UPPAbaby Aria

The big draw here is Aria's claim to fame, being ultra lightweight. It is the lightest in the group at only 6.5 lbs in our tests. However, it didn't really perform well for much else, with a lackluster feeling overall. This seat has an average crash test analysis that is better than the UPPAbaby Mesa v2, but it isn't that easy to install. With installation scores below the average, it doesn't create an overall profile as good as many competitors. If you simply must have UPPAbaby, this is the better of the two we tested, but it is really only average, and we think most families will find more to love in other options.

What Other Infant Car Seats Should You Consider?

The Nuna Pipa RX is hard to beat for the best overall seat and the best crash test results. This high-quality option is very easy to install, feels comfy, and is easy to use. In addition, it is only 2 lbs heavier than the Aria, making it one of the lightest in the review. If lightweight is your game, it is a real contender. If your budget cannot stretch to the price of the Nuna, we also like the Britax Willow S. This option has better crash test analysis results, is easier to install than the Aria, and costs less. While the Willow isn't the lightest in the group, it is only 3 lbs heavier than the Aria. Depending on your goals and budget, it could strike the right balance.

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