The Uppababy Vista V3 stroller promises to be a new and improved version of the V2.
Uppababy has discontinued its beloved Vista V2 stroller and released a new one in its place: the Uppababy Vista V3. With upgraded features and finishes, this everyday stroller is supposed to be even better than the model before it—but is it, really? That’s what I, a commerce journalist and toddler mom, set out to find.
As an owner of the Uppababy Vista V2 stroller, I was excited to get my hands on the latest model. I don’t have many bad things to say about the V2, so I couldn’t think what Uppababy could possibly build upon. But after a month of testing, I get it. In my Uppababy Vista V3 stroller review, I cover the model’s key features, how it performs in real life, and why it's a top choice for fellow parents and their families.
The Uppababy Vista V3 is a luxury multi-functional stroller designed to grow with your family. Suitable for kids from birth (when using the bassinet or SnugSeat) to 50 pounds, the set includes the stroller itself; a toddler seat, complete with a bug shield, rain shield and storage bag; and a seasonal seat liner.
You can use an infant car seat, a bassinet, a toddler seat, a RumbleSeat V2+ and a PiggyBack Ride-Along Board to create a range of configurations for one, two or three children. The seating can be swapped out depending on how many children you're taking with you on a particular day, making it a versatile stroller that’ll last for years to come.
The V3 weighs 27.6 pounds (frame and toddler seat), boasting a large storage basket and 10 striking colour options. Many of these hues are popular ones from the V2, but three are brand new, including Callum (stone blue), Kenzi (mystic aqua) and Savannah (pearl gray). What does the V3 have that the V2 didn’t? In a nutshell, the V3 has an upgraded seat and buckle, and the bassinet now comes separately, among other changes.
The bassinet no longer comes with the Uppababy Vista. That’s good news if you don’t think you’ll use it, as it saves your wallet a couple hundred dollars. But you always have the option of adding on the Bassinet V3. It’s designed for infants from birth to 20 pounds or until your child can push up on their hands and knees. When the stroller is in single mode, the toddler seat can face forwards or backwards, meaning your little one can sit completely upright or reclined at various degrees.
The best thing about the Uppababy Vista V3 is that you know it’s a one-and-done purchase. It has 30+ configurations for one, two or three kids. For one child, you can use the included toddler seat or snag a bassinet for infants. To upgrade it to an Uppababy Vista double stroller for two kids, choose your configuration using a bassinet, a toddler seat, a RumbleSeat V2+ or a PiggyBack ride-on board. For families with three kids, you’ll need the ride-on board for the oldest child, but the other two seats can be a combination of any of the seating options. It’s a totally modular design to work with your family.
In my opinion, the Uppababy Vista V3 is the ideal everyday stroller, partly due to its all-terrain wheels. They’re designed to never go flat and can handle snow, cobblestone and other types of unpredictable ground. This stroller also has an Enhanced FlexRide Suspension system, delivering a smooth ride no matter how many children are aboard, whether you’re on a sidewalk or veering off the path.
When it comes to strollers, not all under-seat baskets are created equal. I’m not exaggerating when I say that the Uppababy Vista V3 has the largest and roomiest one I’ve ever experienced on a stroller— and I’ve testing my fair share. The extra-large basket holds up to 30 pounds, with plenty of room for a diaper bag, your bag, travel toys and so much more. It’s easy to access, with an extra-wide opening, so you won’t be crouched down rummaging for your child’s favourite stuffy.
The Uppababy Vista V3 and V2 look very similar with sleek leather details and a carbon or silver frame, depending on the fabric colour selection. The most noticeable difference between the two models is that the older version comes with the bassinet. With the de-bundled V3, you have the option of adding it on for $200.
The V3 stroller has various upgraded features to make rolling in style even better for baby (and whoever is pushing it). It has an All-Weather Comfort Seat with a mesh backing for better airflow to keep baby comfortable in the warmer months, and it comes with a removable padded Seasonal Seat Liner to use when it’s colder outside.
When you strap your child in, the no-rethread harness system has a new magnetic buckle that’s easy to adjust. The ride will also be smoother with the Enhanced FlexRide Suspension. To make parents feel extra safe, the Vista V3 has reflective trims on the wheels and basket to increase visibility. And finally, there are refreshes to the finishes, including chrome-like details, updated trims and hidden rivets.
Although the Uppababy Vista V3 stroller comes with a toddler seat, you may also be able to attach your infant car seat to it, depending on the brand and model. This is especially handy since this stroller doesn’t come with the bassinet. Plus, it’s nice that you don’t have to take your child out of the stroller and finagle their way into a car seat. It’s simply a matter of detaching the car seat from the frame and popping it back into the car, creating a convenient car seat stroller combo (also referred to as a travel system).
If you have an Uppababy infant car seat, including the Mesa V2 and Aria, it’ll attach to the Vista V3 without any additional attachments. However, you’ll need to snag Uppababy’s car seat adapters to attach infant car seats from Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex or Chicco. These adapters offer tool-free installation; all you have to do is follow the colour-coded dot indicators to ensure you’ve placed them on the stroller properly.
There are different adapters for the upper and lower parts of the stroller, so be sure that you’re buying the right set. Unless you have two infants that’ll be in their car seats, you’ll want the upper adapters, as your child will sit up higher and be closer to you.
The Greenguard Gold-certified Bassinet V3 comes with the unit, a mattress, a mattress cover and a bug shield. It features an extendable sunshade with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ and mesh panels for airflow. It also has a vented window base to encourage bottom-to-top airflow. Parents can simply detach it with one hand and use the carrying handle to bring their little one with them. If you’re not sold on the bassinet, you can opt for the Infant SnugSeat, which acts as a toddler seat insert for additional support for younger riders.
Aside from the bassinet, you can customize your Vista V3 with the CozyGanoosh that uses soft fleece to keep your child warm in all sorts of weather. (Parents can also stay cozy with CozyHandmuffs!) The stroller already comes with a rain shield for the toddler seat, but you can get a rain shield for the bassinet, too.
The Vista V3 accommodates a third child with the PiggyBack, a ride-on board that attaches to the back of the stroller for a fun way to cruise along. One accessory that I can’t recommend enough is the snack tray. It replaces the front bar on the stroller, so your child has a place to eat their snacks and a slot to hold their cup. I can’t tell you how many grapes and puffs my daughter has enjoyed using hers.
Now that your child has all the accessories they need, it’s time to customize it with parents in mind. There’s a parent organizer that hangs off the handle and the Bevvy, an insulated, leakproof cooler that sits in the under-seat basket. I had a parent organizer on my V2, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute must for holding your coffee, phone, keys and whatever else you need to bring with you.
In my experience, splurging on a cup holder is another smart move, as you’ll never regret having an extra drink compartment. And if you plan on traveling, especially on an airplane, you can keep the stroller protected with a travel bag.
The Uppababy Vista V3 comes in quite a compact box for a full-size stroller. The frame came folded up, and then it was simple to put on the wheels, toddler seat and bumper bar. From fully boxed to ready to use, it took me about 10 minutes. The directions are straightforward, and there isn’t a whole lot that you have to put together. The stroller and accessories were packed well. Many parts, like the handlebar, were securely wrapped in foam. The Vista V3 arrived perfectly, and it took an impressively limited amount of time to set it up.
From a user’s perspective, the biggest difference I noticed between the V3 and V2 is the newer model’s magnetic buckle. The magnetic component makes it easier to connect the two pieces and attach it to the buckle, versus pushing two non-magnetic pieces into the buckle (as was required with the older model). I find this new system easier to get my 2-year-old strapped in. To release, it’s just a matter of pressing two buttons on either side of the buckle.
Whether I was taking my daughter on a quick walk around the block or packing the stroller up for the park, you really can’t beat the smoothness of the ride. With the durable wheels, I never get worried that the wheels won’t be able to handle concrete, grass, gravel, or whatever else our adventures throw at us. The wheels and suspension system make pushing the V3 a breeze, even when I've packed the under-seat basket at max capacity).
The leather handlebar adds a luxe feeling to the whole experience. The V3 and V2 weigh almost exactly the same, and even though 27.6 pounds (frame and toddler seat) might sound like a lot, I’m able to carry it up and down my back steps without issue. When my husband first tried out the V3, he commented on how light it felt.
Although the Uppababy Vista V3 isn’t labeled a travel stroller, it can be used on planes, trains, buses, you name it. This stroller comes with a storage bag for the toddler seat, but the sold-separately travel bag keeps everything together, which is especially useful if you’re flying. With the toddler seat attached, it folds down to be 16.3 by 25.7 by 33.8 inches. It does take up decent space in the back of a trunk, but that's not necessarily a dealbreaker, unless you have a very compact car or minimal space to store the stroller.
The Uppababy Vista V3 bassinet is sold separately, and I was able to test out the attachment. To remove the toddler seat, you press down on the buttons where the seat is attached on either side of the stroller. Then, you line up the bassinet’s slots to the stroller’s and push it into place. Removing the bassinet is even easier; simply slide the button at the top and pull the bassinet up by the handle. It's all very simple.
Do you have to have multiple children for the Uppababy Vista V3 to be worth it? No. I used the V2 with my daughter for over two years, and now I’m using the V3 with her and don’t believe it’s too much. In fact, I consider it a top toddler product. However, I do take comfort in the fact that when we add another child to our family, it’ll take just a simple upgrade for the stroller to accommodate both kids.
The Uppababy Vista V3 is best suited for families who need a reliable everyday stroller that can handle weekend adventures. However, it’s not particularly compact, so if you live in a city or need something more lightweight, there are better options out there.
It’s no surprise that Uppababy has outdone itself with the Vista V3 stroller. In my opinion, the Vista V2 was already near perfect, but Uppababy found a way to make meaningful tweaks to create the ideal everyday stroller. It’s an especially smart investment for families who are planning to grow with multiple children, since this stroller offers many configurations. It may be on the pricey side, but the quality, versatility and sleek design will have you excited to push it around town.
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