UPPAbaby Cruz V2 vs Cruz V3: Which Stroller Fits Your Family Best?

When you become a parent, one of the most important purchases you will make is your stroller. It quickly becomes part of your everyday routine—whether you are running errands in the city, walking in the park, navigating public transport, or traveling with your baby. For many families, the UPPAbaby Cruz has long been a go-to choice because it combines compact design with full-size stroller features.

The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller set a high standard, offering parents a reliable and stylish option with strong storage, a reversible seat, and excellent handling. But now, the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 stroller has entered the market, promising meaningful upgrades designed to make life even easier for parents and more comfortable for children.

With both models available, families often wonder: Should I stick with the proven Cruz V2, or invest in the newer Cruz V3? To help you decide, this comparison explores all the key differences in design, comfort, suspension, storage, safety, and overall usability. We will also highlight which stroller might be the best fit for your lifestyle in 2025.

By the end, you will have a clear picture of how these two strollers compare side by side—and the confidence to make the right choice for your family.

Key Design Philosophy: From Cruz V2 to Cruz V3

The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller introduced many of the features that parents loved, including a reversible toddler seat, strong frame, and spacious storage basket. The V3 continues with the same design language but adds thoughtful refinements. The newer version focuses on smoother rides, more compact folding, a more user-friendly harness, and an improved canopy.

• The V2 remains a strong and dependable stroller.
• The V3 is an evolution, not a reinvention, making everyday use smoother.

Frame, Weight and Dimensions

One of the biggest factors parents consider is how lightweight baby stroller  feels and how compact it becomes when folded.

Cruz V2 stroller:

• Reliable folding mechanism and self-standing design.
• Slightly lighter weight, making it easier to lift into a trunk.
• Well-sized for most cars, though some parents mention it feels bulky in small vehicles.

Cruz V3 stroller:

• Slightly more compact when folded, ideal for smaller storage areas.
• Some added weight due to new features like the magnetic buckle and extra suspension.
• Refined folding mechanism, designed to make everyday use faster and easier.
• The V2 is slightly lighter and proven in real-world use.
• The V3 offers a modestly more compact fold, with better ergonomics.

Seat Comfort, Recline and Harness

Where your child sits and sleeps is at the heart of stroller design.

Cruz V2 stroller:

• reversible seat stroller with multiple recline positions.
• Harness that adjusts without needing to rethread straps.
• Deep footrest and solid canopy design suitable for toddlers.

Cruz V3 stroller:

• Nearly flat recline with infant insert included, making it newborn-ready out of the box.
• Magnetic buckle system that clicks easily, reducing frustration for parents.
• Improved canopy with ventilation panels for better airflow and UPF 50+ sun protection.
• Slightly larger seat, giving toddlers more headroom and comfort.
• The V3 makes everyday adjustments easier for parents.
• The V2 still offers excellent comfort, especially if you already own infant accessories.

Ride Quality and Suspension

Cruz V2 stroller:

• A reliable urban stroller Dual-action rear suspension that smooths out bumps.
• Best suited for sidewalks and moderately uneven terrain.

Cruz V3 stroller:

• Enhanced suspension system across all wheels for smoother handling.
• Larger wheels and better traction make it safer and easier on rougher paths.
• Reflective details add visibility in low-light conditions.
• The V2 is great for city life with fairly smooth streets.
• The V3 offers a smoother ride if you often walk on uneven sidewalks or cobblestones.

Storage and Utility

Cruz V2 stroller:

• Large under-seat basket with a 30-pound capacity.
• Stroller for small spaces easy to access, though large items may rub against the frame.

Cruz V3 stroller:

• Maintains the same 30-pound basket capacity.
• Refined design for easier loading and access.
• Better integration of reflective elements for safety.
• Both strollers have excellent storage for daily family needs.
• The V3 adds slight ergonomic improvements.

Safety Features

Cruz V2 stroller:

• Meets all standard safety certifications.
• Secure harness and strong braking system.
• Travel system stroller compatible with UPPAbaby bassinet and car seats.

Cruz V3 stroller:

• Same certifications, but with added user-friendly features.
• Magnetic buckle reduces the risk of improper harness use.
• Improved canopy ventilation lowers overheating risk.
• Both strollers are safe and well-built.
• The V3 minimizes common user mistakes with harnessing and airflow.

Which Stroller Aligns With Your Lifestyle

• Choose the Cruz V3 stroller if you want newborn readiness, smoother suspension, and modern usability.
• Choose the Cruz V2 stroller if you prefer a lighter stroller, already own UPPAbaby accessories, or want to save on cost.

The Kido Bébé Advantage

Kido Bébé offers parents more than just products. Our Montreal showroom allows families to test strollers in person, fold them into their own car trunks, and compare models side by side. Our staff provide bilingual guidance to make sure every family finds the right fit.

We also offer an online and in-store baby registry with a 15% discount, making it easier to get the stroller and accessories you need. Shopping at Kido Bébé means expert support, trusted advice, and service that continues after your purchase.

Comparison Table

Summary

UPPAbaby stroller comparison :The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 stroller remains a dependable and versatile option, while the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 stroller offers refined updates that may make everyday life smoother. If you value compact folding, newborn readiness, and improved suspension, the V3 is the stronger long-term investment. If you want to save cost and already own compatible accessories, the V2 is still a best compact stroller 2025