Uppababy Vista 2 vs 3: What’s the difference?

The Uppababy Vista 3 is excellent, but we believe the Vista 2 delivers better value for most families.

In the stroller world, Uppababy occupies an enviable position: It’s a company that many parents love, recommend, and generally rave about.

Unlike some companies, which boast a complex and inscrutable lineup of strollers, Uppababy has only a few basic options, designed to meet different needs. Those include Uppababy’s single stroller, the Cruz V2; its travel stroller, the Minu V2 ; and its convertible stroller, the Vista V2 or V3, which we recommend as the most-luxe double stroller.

Uppababy Vista 2 vs 3: What’s the difference?

I’ve tested both the V2 and the V3, as well as the Cruz, and while each one has its merits, I think most parents should err on the side of “less is more” when considering their stroller needs.

If you are planning to buy a Vista for use with a newborn, you’re probably better off nabbing the V2 now while it’s on sale.

1, The biggest change – The V2 comes with bassinet, but with the V3, you have to purchase it separately (for around $200).

The V2 includes an infant bassinet that can be used from birth. The V3, which will sell for $1200, does not include a bassinet; parents who want it will have to pay another $200 for the option (Learn More on Amazon). Since many people love the bassinet for getting their newborns to sleep, we think some parents will opt for the older model due to this feature alone.

Both versions of the Vista come with just one toddler seat. You can buy an additional RumbleSeat (a slightly smaller but still reclinable version of the toddler seat that allows for a second child to ride) or a PiggyBack ride-along board (to expand the stroller for use with two or even three kids).

2, The V3’s seat (called the All-weather Comfort Seat) is more comfortable.

The other noticeable change between the V2 and V3 is the introduction of what Uppababy calls an “All-Weather Comfort Seat with a removable insert.” What “all-weather” means in practicality is that the included toddler seat has a mesh back that allows air to flow through, and the stroller comes with a fully padded seat insert that provides more coverage; it’s essentially both a summer seat and a winter seat.

3, The last noticeable change from the V2 to the V3 is a new magnetic buckle on the toddler seat.

The V3 (shown above with the removable seat insert covering the mesh back) has a magnetic buckle on its five-point harness, whereas the V2 relies on a simpler plastic buckle.

The V2’s five-point harness involves clicking two pieces, holding the shoulder and waist straps, into a simple plastic buckle that releases with a button in the middle (similar to the harnesses on many car seats). On the V3, all of these pieces are magnetic—the shoulder and waist-strap pieces “find” each other easily, and then they connect magnetically to the crotch strap. To release the buckle, you must push two buttons on either side and then separate the magnetic pieces; this is a slight nuisance when you’re trying to release a wiggling toddler. I imagine most parents won’t be impressed enough with the buckle for it to be a deciding factor between the V2 and the V3.

Uppababy Vista V2 vs. V3: How to Choose?

Whether this counts as an upgrade will depend on your lifestyle. For caregivers who anticipate frequently using this stroller outdoors in high temperatures, the mesh back could be significant in making sure that your little one stays cool, especially during long naps. For other parents—and I count myself in this camp—the removable insert represents another piece of kid gear that’s likely to get stuck in the back of the coat closet, only to emerge six months later dusty and grungy (if I can find it all).

Meanwhile, of the more than 10-something models I’ve tested over the past year, the V2 toddler seat is one of my favorite stroller seats, partly due to its simplicity. The V2’s harness is incredibly easy to adjust, and the seat stays looking nice, even after a slew of toddler mishaps. The V3’s seat is inherently more complicated—not a trait any parent is looking for in a stroller; this is due to the inclusion of the removable insert, which seems more likely to wear down faster if it’s being attached and detached with any frequency. And the straps require more fiddling because they are attached to the mesh seat and must be threaded through the removable insert. Plenty of parents will be just as happy—if not happier—with the V2 option.

Your lifestyle decides: Need extra cooling? Go for the V3. Prefer hassle-free ease? Stick with the V2.

For most families, the Uppababy Cruz is likely a better choice than the Vista

If you’re planning on using a stroller for only one young child, the Cruz V2 is the best option in Uppababy’s line. (That’s why it’s one of our full-size stroller picks.)

This stroller has a certain Goldilocks quality: It’s big enough to fit everything you need in everyday life yet slim enough to take tight corners and narrow aisles with ease. When I return to using the Cruz after testing other strollers, I’m always happy with how it feels—sturdy but not bulky, light but not flimsy. If you do want to use the Cruz with an older child tagging along, you can add a PiggyBack, a wheeled board that allows a toddler to stand between the stroller and the caregiver and ride along.

If you know you will need a stroller to accommodate two young children, the larger Vista 2 or 3 may be a better option.