UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller Review

The parenting world is buzzing (and not just from the coffee we’re living on) — UPPAbaby has done it again! The Cruz V3 Stroller is here and it's bringing the upgrades we’ve been dreaming of.

Known for its sleek style and city-smart design, the Cruz line has long been the go-to for parents who want a single stroller or something smaller than the Vista, but still packed with premium features.

With the launch of the Cruz V3, we’re seeing more comfort, better functionality, and yes — a newborn-ready seat (cue the applause)! Whether you’re pushing through parks or power-walking the mall, this stroller is built to keep up with your life.

Ready to meet your new ride-or-die? Let’s roll into the details.

The Cruz V3: At a Glance

THE SPECS:

Suitable from birth to 40” in height or 50 lbs.
Stroller weight: 26.5 lbs.
Folded: 17.2" L x 22.4" W x 32.3" H
Unfolded: 37.5" L x 22.8" W x 40" H
Basket Weight Limit: 30 lbs.
Includes a toddler seat, infant insert, rain shield, and bug shield

UPPAbaby didn’t just tweak a few features — they delivered a stroller glow-up. Here are the most exciting updates:

From-Birth Friendly Seat:
Gone are the days of needing a bassinet or infant car seat to stroll with your newborn (though you still can if you want!). The Cruz V3 now features carriage mode, which means the toddler seat reclines fully flat and folds into a bassinet-style shape — and yes, it’s approved for use from day one. It even comes with a removable infant insert for added support. You can now skip the extra purchases and hit the sidewalks straight from the hospital!

Fancy Sun Protection:
The canopy has had a major makeover! Not only is it still UPF 50+ (to protect that sweet baby skin), but it also features a slide-up height adjustment to make room for taller toddlers and growing kiddos. There’s even a zip-out integrated sunshade for extra coverage. Shady in the best way.

Magnetic Buckle Magic:
No more wrestling with the harness like it’s an Olympic sport. The new “Quick-to-Secure Harness System” features a magnetic buckle and a no-rethread design — you can adjust the shoulder height without taking apart the whole thing. It’s easy, intuitive, and a low-key time-saver.

New Seat Design:
The seat now sits higher off the ground than the Cruz V2, which makes it easier to interact with your child (or sneak in those stroller snacks without bending like a pretzel). Plus, the footrest can be adjusted with one hand, making mid-stroll comfort tweaks a breeze.

GREENGUARD Gold Certified:
Because we all want the safest start for our littles, the Cruz V3 is now GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it’s been tested for low chemical emissions and contributes to healthier air quality around your baby. Clean vibes only!

Style That Turns Heads

If you’re going to be pushing a stroller around 24/7, you want it to look good.

Thankfully, the Cruz V3 delivers in the style department with its sleek frame and luxe details. Think leather handlebars, modern colourways, and a streamlined silhouette that makes it just as pretty as it is practical.

The Cruz V3 comes in multiple fashionable colours, including the stunning Callum, Declan, Gregory, Jake, and Savannah. Each one comes with premium leather trim in coordinating tones - like Chestnut, Saddle, or Black. Choose your vibe and strut your stuff!

Ride Comfort That Grows with Them

Infant-Ready, Toddler-Approved:
Thanks to the carriage mode and infant insert, the Cruz V3 can truly be used from day one. As your child grows, the toddler seat offers multiple recline positions, including a nearly flat setting for naps on the go. It’s also reversible, so your little one can face you or face the world (depending on how social they’re feeling).

FlexRide Suspension = Smooth Moves:
UPPAbaby upgraded the Cruz V3 with their new FlexRide Suspension system, giving you a noticeably smoother push — even when your toddler demands you carry their “emotional support rock collection” in the under-seat basket!

Its polyurethane wheels are lighter yet durable, and reflective accents on the basket and wheels offer better visibility during evening strolls.

Compact Yet Mighty

At just 26.5 lbs, the Cruz V3 is easy to fold, lift, and store. The one-step fold stands on its own, keeping your handlebar off the dirty ground (praise be!). It’s slimmer than the Vista V3 and ideal for navigating smaller spaces — think apartment elevators, coffee shops, and the trunk of a mid-size SUV.

It might be compact, but don’t be fooled: the Cruz V3 still rocks a 30 lbs. basket capacity. That means snacks, diaper bags, shopping hauls, and your backup snacks can all come along for the ride.

Travel System Ready

Room for More (Sort Of)

Optional, but Amazing: The V3 Bassinet

Even though the Cruz V3 doesn’t require a bassinet, some parents love having one — and UPPAbaby has made theirs better than ever.

The Vista V3 Bassinet (sold separately) is compatible with the Cruz V3 and is:

• Approved for overnight sleep

• Features dual ventilation panels

• Comes with a foam-free, breathable air mesh mattress

• Is GREENGUARD Gold Certified

• Includes a storage bag

Pair it with the UPPAbaby Bassinet Stand, and you’ve got a portable crib that turns into a laundry hamper when you're done using it (because nothing says parenthood like multi-purpose gear).

Cruz V2 vs. Cruz V3

If you’re wondering exactly how the Cruz V3 stacks up against the Cruz V2, here’s a stroller-to-stroller breakdown of what’s new, what’s better, and what makes the upgrade worth considering.

Newborn-Ready (No Add-Ons Required!)

Cruz V2: Needed a bassinet, infant car seat, or optional SnugSeat to stroll from birth.
Cruz V3: Totally from-birth approved! The V3 has a built-in carriage mode that folds the seat into a flat, bassinet-style shape. PLUS, an infant insert is included — no extra purchases necessary to use it right out of the box with your newborn.

New Harness System

Cruz V2: No-rethread harness (yay!), but standard buckle.
Cruz V3: Still no-rethread, but now features a magnetic buckle for faster, fuss-free harnessing. Less fumbling = more strolling.

Seat Height + Footrest

Cruz V2: Seat height from ground: 20.5”
Cruz V3: Seat height from ground: 23.8”. The V3 gives you a higher seat for easier in-and-outs (and fewer backaches), plus a one-hand adjustable footrest for quick comfort changes.

Canopy Adjustments

Cruz V2: UPF 50+ canopy with zip-out extension and ventilation
Cruz V3: Still UPF 50+, but now includes a slide-up canopy that grows with your child (hello, tall toddlers!) and an integrated sunshade for even more coverage.

Suspension & Wheels

Cruz V2: Dual-action suspension with never-flat wheels
Cruz V3: Enhanced FlexRide Suspension and lighter polyurethane tires, making it smoother to push, especially when fully loaded. Plus, reflective accents on wheels and basket for better visibility in low light.

GREENGUARD Gold Certification

Cruz V2: Not certified
Cruz V3: GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions and better air quality around baby.

Folded Size

Cruz V2: 16.5" L x 22.8" W x 33" H
Cruz V3: 17.2" L x 22.4" W x 32.3" H
Slightly more compact when folded, plus both models stand on their own once collapsed. The V3 also features a more refined, updated aesthetic with a sleek frame and elevated finishes.

Accessorize Your Cruz V3

The Cruz V3 comes with a toddler Seat, infant insert, rain shield, and a bug shield.

Optional add-ons to upgrade your stroll:

• Cruz Basket Cover: Keeps items in the underseat basket clean and protected.

• Changing Backpack: Stylish, spacious diaper bag that clips onto your stroller.

• Carry-All Parent Organizer: Holds drinks, keys, phone, and other must-haves.

• Cozy Ganoosh: Cold-weather footmuff to keep baby warm and snug.

• Cozy Ganoosh Luxe: Premium version with extra insulation and luxe fabrics.

• CozyHandmuffs Luxe: Warm, plush hand warmers that attach to the handlebar.

• Soma Waterproof Mattress Cover: Breathable, waterproof layer for the V3 Bassinet mattress.

Make your Cruz V3 work even harder for you — because a little extra convenience goes a long way!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a stroller that combines premium features, everyday convenience, and style to spare, the Cruz V3 is 100% worth your attention.

You get the newborn functionality of a bassinet without needing to purchase one, an upgraded ride for toddlers, and a design that won’t make you break a sweat lifting it in and out of the car. The magnetic buckle and upgraded suspension are standout features that really show UPPAbaby is listening to what modern parents need.

Yes, the price point puts it in the premium category — but with the Cruz V3, you’re investing in years of smooth strolling, from the newborn days all the way through the preschool hustle.

So, whether you're planning to hit the city sidewalks, cruise the suburbs, or just stroll your neighbourhood in style, the Cruz V3 has you (and your growing fam) covered!