UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair review

April 2020 saw the hotly-anticipated launch of the Cruz V2 – alongside the Vista V2, also released this year – the Cruz is UPPAbaby’s most popular model and since its creation in 2011, has worked its way into the hearts of many parents across the globe.

The brand new V2 evolution of the Cruz features a raft of improvements, including larger wheels, an improved harness, a smaller fold and roomier seat. The already-generous basket has also increased, as has the RRP.

While the UPPAbaby collection is not the most expensive on the market, it’s definitely a premium range that gives other high-end brands such as Bugaboo and Stokke a run for their money.

Tested by:

Christy tested the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 with her newborn baby son and her 5-year-old daughter in suburban Middlesex, using it on pavements, grassy parks and woodland walks. They tested it with the carrycot, seat unit and also as a travel system with the Cybex Cloud Z car seat.

What were your first impressions of the buggy?

After seeing the 2019 version at the Baby Show, I’d wanted to try the Cruz V2 out for ages (I’m a big fan of easy folds and large shopping baskets!) and it didn’t disappoint.

From the obvious quality of the real leather finish, and the fact it takes minutes to put together, I felt confident it was going to be worth the high price tag.

It wasn’t quite as light to push, or small to fold as I expected, but as we tested it out I discovered a number of delightful features which really impressed my partner and I.

How does the updated UPPAbaby Cruz V2 compare to the older version?

While the carrycot remains unchanged, the chassis has been updated and the toddler seat for the V2 version of the Cruz has a number of improvements.

If you’re considering buying an older version, the key thing to know is the V2 has a much higher weight limit. The seat has a higher back, longer legrest and deeper footrest – this makes it not only more comfortable for your little one, but extends its usage right up to 22kg (7kg more than before).

The already generous-sized basket has added storage pockets, and the larger size can now hold up to 13.6kg (compared to 11.3kg for the previous Cruz).

The wheels are larger, and now all 4 have suspension for a comfier ride on all types of terrain.

The canopy has been redesigned for additional sun coverage and a second mesh panel has been added.

The buggy’s folded dimensions have also changed – it’s a fraction deeper than the previous version, but shaves an impressive 7.6cm off the height. All this lovely extra space and strength does come at a slight cost, however, as the V2’s frame and seat weighs in at 11.6kg, compared to 9.8kg for its 2017-2019 predecessors.

How does the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 differ from the UPPAbaby Vista V2?

The Cruz is a smaller, lighter, nimbler version of the Vista, with the key difference being the Cruz is a single buggy, and the Vista can be converted to a double with a second seat. So if you need to carry a baby and a toddler, or 2 toddlers, then the Vista is probably a better bet.

However, if you’re looking for a one-child ride, the Cruz V2 is lighter than the Vista by almost 1kg when used with one toddler seat, and 7.5cm slimmer.

It’s cheaper than the Vista too, but be aware that the Cruz carrycot can be sold as a separate accessory while the Vista always comes with it included.

How does it compare to other similarly-priced buggies?

There are a number of comparable products on the market to rival the Cruz V2, all of which are designed as single buggies that cannot be converted to a double.

The Silver Cross Wayfarer 2020 (£694.99 on Amazon) is a beautifully classic-looking alternative at a similar price. At 10kg, it’s 1.6kg lighter, and it’s almost 4cm slimmer, plus it has a maximum weight limit of 25kg, compared to the Cruz V2’s 22kg. Some customers have reported the handling of the Wayfarer to be lacking in rougher terrain though, and it’s design is more traditional in comparison to the Cruz V2’s slick, modern feel.

At £500, the Nuna Triv is a more affordable choice than the Cruz V2 – although for £650, you can purchase the pushchair as well as its carrycot. Another US brand, Nuna is a fierce competitor to UPPAbaby and the Triv rivals the Cruz V2 in many ways – it’s lighter at 8.8kg to the Cruz’s 11.6kg, it’s 5cm slimmer, has a smaller fold. But its impressive puncture-proof wheels and suspension is similar to the Cruz V2. That said, its wheels are smaller, making it less suitable for off-road walks.

There are plenty of lighter, very compact buggies on the market these days, such as the Babyzen Yoyo2 (£399) and Bugaboo Bee5 (£549 on Amazon) or Ant (£429 on Amazon), and the Cruz V2 definitely doesn’t fit into this category. But as everyday pushchairs go, it’s a reasonable size, plus it’s solid and sturdy.

What age is it suitable for?

The Cruz V2 can be used from birth using the carrycot (sold separately for £259.99), or from 6 months using the toddler seat, right up to 22kg which is around 6 years old.

You can use the carrycot up until 9 months, or until your baby can push up on their hands and knees – whichever comes first. I think our son will be keen to sit up in the toddler seat by the time he’s 6 months, but he’s quite tall so the cot’s long age-span makes me confident he won’t grow out of it before then.

Maximum weights for pushchairs vary, and although the limits are increasing, many only hold up to 15kg (around 3 years) so 22kg is pretty generous.cft

Is the carrycot on the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 comfortable for newborn babies?

Yes. For me, the large, deep carrycot is one of the brand’s real standout features. The cot can be used for Vista 2015 to 2019 or V2 models, or the Cruz and Cruz V2 – so if you’re switching from an older Vista, then you can use your existing carrycot.

It’s a decent size, with a breathable water-resistant mattress that has a washable cover. That’s a big plus point when my son throws up or has a nappy leak, although I still cover ours with a moses sheet for extra protection. He seems quite happy to sleep in it for his daytime naps at home or on the move.

The only gripe I have with the carrycot is that to open up the cover you have to unzip it all the way round. I then have to hold it clear with my elbow or tuck it over the side of the chassis – otherwise it falls back into place as I’m putting my baby in or lifting him out. But it’s a small niggle for an otherwise perfect carrycot.

We hadn’t really bothered with carrycots for our previous babies, opting for a lie-flat buggy instead, but I’m now fully converted. It’s so nice to be able to place our son on a firm flat surface which he can sleep in for hours, and to not have to strap him in as you would with a seat.

Does the carrycot have a hood?

Yes, it has a large hood that goes down easily by pressing buttons on the side, and you just lift it back up until it clicks back into place. I’ve found some hoods can feel quite flimsy (like the Bugaboo Fox, for example), but the Cruz’s feels really strong.

There’s an integrated UPF 50+ sunshade that extends over the gap between the hood and the cot cover – I found this was really handy if there was lots of insects around and I often used it to provide my baby with ventilated shade from the sun.

Everything is so well designed – you can hold the retracted net in place with a little elastic hook, but it stays in place just as easily by tucking it neatly back inside the hood.

How do you remove the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 carrycot from the chassis?

The cot clips easily and smoothly onto the chassis, and its best feature is the release button to take it off. Every other carrycot I’ve seen requires you to squeeze buttons on either side of the cot, with the best ones having button ‘memory’ so you can unlock one at a time without it locking back into place.

However, the UPPAbaby’s carrycot is unlocked by squeezing a button on the top of the hood. This ergonomic design means your hand is then perfectly in place to lift it off in one simple movement – it’s such a small design detail but genuinely makes a big difference to ease of use and means you don’t have to bend down. My friend, using the Bugaboo Bee5 herself, and my husband, were both also very impressed!

Can you use the carrycot for overnight sleeping?

Yes, the carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping. In fact, it’s so suitable that UPPAbaby even sell a separate bassinet stand (£169.99) so you can use it as a regular sleep option (the stand can be cleverly transformed into a laundry hamper later on).

The cot is so well-made with a deep base and firm mattress, that I’d be happy to use it for overnight sleeping.

Is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 seat unit comfortable and spacious?

The improved toddler seat is fantastic. The first thing I noticed is it’s quite high and really deep, which is a big plus for me as my children are tall and my baby is already quite big. The fabric of the seat is well padded and feels fairly soft and quite tough and durable. Even the footrest is padded, which is a nice bonus.

The deep footrest is also really well designed, with a strong metal frame. I love the fact you can raise it up or down by pressing colour coded buttons on either side, very easily. This will be useful as my son grows, but also on a daily basis as I can make the seat flatter when he naps or adjust for storage.

The footplate at the front of the chassis and on the seat itself both feel really sturdy. I’d feel quite confident letting a toddler use them both as steps to climb in themselves without worrying that they were going to break at some point.

Does the seat come with a bumper bar?

Yes, it comes with a bumper bar for extra safety, which you can release with one hand and pivot outwards to easily place your little one inside.

Some bars require you to press both buttons at once, and won’t move to the side, so this is another well thought out design.

Is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 seat reversible?

The seat can be both parent-facing or forward facing, as I’d expect for a pushchair in this price range. I’ll probably use it facing towards me when my baby is small, to maintain eye contact, and then switch as he gets more curious and wants to see the path ahead. But it’s very easy to switch directions.

I find the ergonomic position of the buttons means my hands are naturally in the perfect position to lift it up by the bumper bar once I’ve released the seat – genius!

To reverse the seat:

• Press the grey buttons on either side of the chassis
• Lift the seat out
• Switch it round
• Click it back into place on the chassis

How many recline positions does the seat have?

The seat has 5 recline positions, more than all of its closest competitors – most of which have 3 – and it is really easy to adjust singlehandedly. You just squeeze the light grey button at the top of the seat back and you can swing it up or down to change the angle.

At its most upright the back of the seat is almost at 90° to the floor which is brilliant for curious toddlers who want to sit up properly and see where they’re going. We’ve had buggies before where the seat is always slightly reclined backwards and found our toddlers became frustrated.

At the lowest setting the seat is not completely flat as it retains its bucket shape, but it looks flat enough for a comfortable daytime nap.

Is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 harness easy to use?

I think the 5-point harness is really well designed, especially if you have a wriggly toddler who doesn’t want to leave the park! There are only two parts to connect with the harness anchor and you can clip them in separately. This means you don’t have to hold it all together in order to secure it in place, or clip in the waist and shoulder straps individually, as some buggy harnesses require you to, so it’s much easier.

I also really like the fact that when you press the button to release it, the clips ping apart, so you don’t have to pull them out of place once they are unlocked – another small but clever design detail that makes it a real pleasure to use with a real-life wriggly child.

How do you adjust the height of the harness?

Another plus point for UPPAbaby! You don’t have to rethread the harness to adjust it as your child grows, which is a great feature.

The top of each shoulder strap is attached to a strap fixed to the backrest – to make the harness longer or shorter, just slide the straps up or down. It’s so easy and perfect if you were using the seat for children of different sizes.

How is interacting with your child when in the UPPAbaby Cruz V2?

Interaction with your child with this buggy is great. Obviously, there’s clear eye contact when they are facing you in the carrycot or toddler seat. But even when the toddler seat is forward-facing and in the most upright position, it’s still close enough to the pushbar that you can peep over the top to check on your child, plus the addition of an extra peekaboo mesh window in the Cruz V2 makes it even easier.

How effective is the pushchair hood?

The hood on the seat is amazing. It’s a good size so gives pretty decent coverage, and has a ventilated window to let a bit of air in in hot weather. However, if you unzip the hood to extend it further, it covers the entire seat in an upright position. This is so useful if you get caught out in the rain and have forgotten the rain cover, which happened to me a couple of times thanks to the unpredictable early summer weather.

I’d say only the Silver Cross Wayfarer 2020 can compete in hood size, as it’s fairly large and has an extra fold-out sunshade that virtually covers the seat, like the Cruz V2, but most other buggies in the category have much smaller canopies.

Like the rest of the buggy, the hood feels sturdy and well-made, and moves back and forth seamlessly without making any noise that could wake a sleeping child.

Can you fold the pushchair with the seat attached?

Yes, you can fold the Cruz V2 with the seat attached when it is forward facing, but not when it is parent facing. You can also remove the seat to fold it and store in 2 parts.

How do you fold the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair?

This is one of the simplest pushchairs to fold I’ve ever tried, so I’d give the Cruz V2 top marks for ease of folding! It does require 2 hands, but it’s quick, simple, and you can fold it with or without the seat attached.

To fold when using the carrycot:

• Put the brake on
• Remove the carrycot by squeezing the button on top of the hood and lift off
• Pull the grey triggers on each side of the pushchair chassis towards you
• Fold the frame in half, ensuring the catch on the side locks it into place

To fold it with the toddler seat:

• Put the brake on
• Remove the seat if you want to
• Pull the grey triggers on each side of the pushchair chassis towards you
• Fold the frame in half, ensuring the catch on the side locks it into place
• If you fold with the seat on, you also can fold in the footrest (squeeze the grey buttons on either side) to make it more compact

To unfold it:

• Unclip the catch on the side of the chassis and unfold it back out
• Clip the carrycot/toddler seat (if you removed it) back onto the frame

How compact is the pushchair when folded?

Although UPPAbaby pitch the Cruz V2 as a ‘sleek and compact’ buggy, I wouldn’t have described this as a compact fold. It’s quite rectangular and tall, and the large wheels mean it’s also quite deep (they can be removed, however). It’s not as small as some of the really compact-folding pushchairs on the market, but to be fair it’s not trying to be.

Compared to other everyday pushchairs I’d say it’s a pretty standard size when folded – L41.9 x W57.8 x H84.5cm. You can fold in the footrest to make it smaller, and remove the seat, but as it folds at the centre and has a very square-shaped pushbar, it does feel quite bulky.

Compared to the Stokke Beat, for example, the Cruz V2 is slightly taller and wider when folded, but not as deep. It’s also bigger than the Silver Cross Wayfarer 2020 and the Nuna Triv when folded.

Is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair freestanding when folded?

Yes, it is, if you leave the pushbar at its shortest setting – this makes it even easier to store, as you don’t need to lie it down or rest it against a wall.

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

We have a Volvo XC90 and fitting the chassis and carrycot is possible but it’s tight when the car is in 7-seater mode.

To add in anything else, like scooters for example, we have to remove the chassis wheels. This is quick to do by just pressing an easily visible button and sliding them off, but still a faff if you have to do it regularly. For short trips out, however, I prefer to just pack the chassis and use it as a travel system with the car seat clipped in.

When our baby is older we will probably switch to 5 seats, meaning there’ll be much more space in the boot.

When folded, how easy is it to lift the UPPAbaby Cruz V2?

The Cruz V2 is not the lightest pushchair, so I did wonder how cumbersome it would be to lift in and out of the car boot, but I was pleasantly surprised.

If you have the pushbar at its lowest setting and make sure it has locked into the folded position, the buggy is then freestanding even with the seat attached.

From there, it’s easy to grip the super-strong bumper bar without having to bend down too far, so you can pick it up and lift it quite easily with minimum strain on your back.

The carrycot is 4kg and even though it’s not cumbersome to carry thanks to the strong handlebar, it still felt quite heavy to me and my achy newborn-mum back.

How lightweight is the pushchair?

Using the toddler seat, it is 11.6 kg, or it’s 12.6kg using the carrycot. You can find lighter mid-sized pushchairs such as the Bugaboo Fox (9.9kg), and heavier (the Joolz Geo2 is 14.6kg), so it’s pretty average.

But the large wheels and super-strong frame mean it does most of the heavy lifting as your child grows. For example when I asked my 5-year-old sit in the Cruz while I pushed her, I was expecting it to be quite a tough ride. I was astonished to find it actually felt fairly easy to push and I could even turn corners single-handed – something I could not do with a lighter buggy like the Stokke Beat

Even though I don’t really expect to be using it by the time our youngest reaches 22kg, I was so impressed, and it bodes well for pushing a toddler plus a loaded shopping basket later on.

Does the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 feel like a big buggy when you’re pushing it?

I’d say it’s a pretty average size for an everyday pushchair. For me, it’s a great combination of feeling really strong and robust, without being too big.

When looking at its width specifically, it is 57.8cm – easily slim enough to fit inside shops and on public transport and significantly smaller than its more advanced sibling, the Vista V2, which measures 65.3cm.

However when using the Cruz V2 on a bus in London, I found it did not fit down the central aisle so I had to use the middle doors to exit. If you need a buggy that can nip around narrow or crowded streets, or regularly squeeze onto a busy tube or train carriage, then look at smaller options such as the Bugaboo Bee5 or the Babyzen Yoyo2.

How effective are the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair’s wheels?

The wheels are one of the biggest improvements the brand introduced for the Cruz V2 – increasing in size at the front from 6.4in to 7in and at the rear from 8.5in to 10in.

The previous model also only had suspension in the front wheels, but the V2 boasts dual-action suspension, so all 4 wheels offer a springy, soft ride. The rear wheels are large enough to cope with rough ground without being annoyingly big, and all 4 move really well.

Are any of the wheels lockable?

You can lock the front wheels for greater stability, or let them swivel (best for everyday steering on pavements and corners) and the ridged texture give a good grip.

It’s really easy to lock the front wheels by pressing the colour-coded buttons on top. They show as green for unlocked (swivelling) and black for locked. I would say the green light isn’t an essential feature but it is quite nice to have so you can check quickly at a glance.

While being able to unlock or lock front wheels isn’t unusual, I’ve found some buggies can be locked accidentally as the buttons are poorly positioned or overly sensitive – there’s no chance of this with the Cruz as you have to press down quite deliberately.

How easy is it to push and steer the UPPABaby Cruz V2?

It’s really nice to push, whether you’re using the carrycot, seat or car seat. Even though it feels a bit heavier to push than other pushchairs I’ve tried, like the Stokke Beat and Out ‘n’ About Nipper 360, the solid frame really takes on some of the work for you. It also has a few nifty design features that help make it a pleasure to push.

This includes a slightly padded and lightly textured pushbar, which has a good grip even in wet weather. The leather finish that covers the pushbar and bumper bar is ‘full-grain’ (the strongest and most durable kind apparently), so should keep its good looks for some time as well as feeling pretty swanky.

The swivelling front wheels also run really smoothly, giving it a pretty tight turn circle for a mid-sized buggy (useful for taking sharp corners).

How does it ride on smooth surfaces?

It’s lovely to push on pavements, and I find I can comfortably push it up the curb single-handed. My husband thinks it isn’t as smooth as the Joolz Geo we used for our daughter, and it’s definitely not as nimble as the super-glidey Bugaboo Fox, but it still feels really stable and easy to push around town. The 4-wheel suspension gives a nice, rumble-free ride.

A previous MFM reviewer found the former Cruz a bit tricky to manoeuvre singlehanded as the wheels kept locking in one direction, but I have to say the V2 didn’t have that problem at all, perhaps due to the new, larger wheels.

How does the UPPABaby Cruz V2 feel to push on more challenging surfaces?

In the past we’ve used double 3-wheelers with large air-filled tyres for our girls, such as the Out ‘n’ About Nipper 360 Double or the Thule Urban Glide 2 Double, so we’ve been a bit spoiled when tackling bumpy terrain.

The Cruz is much smaller, making it a great all-round hybrid for suburb-dwellers like us, but it performed really well when we tested it in the park, and on woodland walks.

On the grassy parkland it feels only slightly bumpier than the smooth pavement – it often sends my son off to sleep so I think he enjoys the gentle vibrations. It’s easy to push singlehanded, even when the grass needs cutting.

In the woods, I find it rides well over reasonably bumpy ground, although we did struggle and stall with very large stones and tree roots. On most of the muddy dips and smaller roots it felt a bit rumbly, but didn’t wake the baby up and wasn’t at all hard to push.

The large rear wheels and all-wheel suspension can generally handle the rough ground though, so as long as you’re going on a typical woodland path, it manoeuvres really well.

Is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2’s frame strong and durable?

I think this is the sturdiest-feeling frame I’ve ever seen on a pushchair, aside from an all-terrain beast like the Thule Urban Glide 2. The Cruz V2’s strong structure not only means it takes the effort out of steering for you, but also that it should last for a long time. Every part works smoothly (no cheap plasticky parts, clicky wheels or sticky folds here), so it feels really strong and well-made.

It also comes with a 2-year guarantee – and if you register it within 3 months of your purchase, you can extend the warranty by an additional year. However, I’d feel quite confident that it would last for many more years beyond that.

Can you adjust the height of the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair’s handlebar?

The handlebar is really easy to adjust by squeezing the large button at the centre of the top of the bar.

It’s telescopic, and slides in and out really easily, so you can quickly alter it if you and your partner are different heights or want to make the frame smaller when folded.

My husband and I are both quite tall (6’2” and 5’8”) and both found the highest setting comfortable to push.

Do the brakes feel effective?

The brakes feel really strong, gripping the large rear wheels really tightly so it doesn’t budge.

Unlike most buggies, which have a single brake pedal, the Cruz V2 has 2. You press the red pedal on the right side of the chassis to lock it, and the green one on the left to release. As someone who has scuffed boots and avoided flip flops in the past due to stiff up-down single pedals, I love how easy these are to use.

How big is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2’s shopping basket?

Massive! The underseat basket really is huge, and one of the main reasons I was keen to try out the Cruz V2. It’s also one of UPPAbaby’s best-known features – both the Vista and Cruz have almost unrivalled basket space.

Even though it has a chassis bar running across the width, I found I could comfortably fit my changing bag plus a good few shopping bags in there.

As well as its generous capacity, I like the fact there’s an easy-access smaller pocket built in to hold the raincover, or a water bottle or your phone.

What is the basket’s weight limit?

The basket can hold up to a hefty 13.6kg, compared to 10kg for other mid-sized pushchairs like the Bugaboo Fox 2 or Stokke Beat. It also beats the Nuna Triv and Silver Cross Wayfarer 2020 hands down, all of which have a basket size of 5kg or below.

Strictly speaking, not everyone will find they really need such a large and strong basket every day, but it’s great for a trip to the shops. Also, as we have two older children, I find having the space to stash not only a baby changing bag but also their discarded coats and abandoned scooters on our family walks, really useful.

How easy is it to access the basket?

It’s so simple, even with the carrycot on, and very accessible when using the toddler seat. As well as being really deep and wide it’s also quite open, so you can easily place a bag of shopping in there without having to shove it in through a small gap.

UPPAbaby’s designers impressed me again with another super-useful feature: you can press down the end of the basket below the pushbar to create a larger gap – for example if you want to push a big bag inside. The depressed edge then springs back up into place so don’t have to worry about anything falling out.

Sometimes you have to choose between depth and accessibility, so this seemed like a really smart solution to provide both.

Does the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair come with a raincover?

Yes, the pushchair comes with a raincover (essential if you’re in the UK, like us) and insect net (not so crucial here but handy in hotter climates). But it only covers the seat and so the huge shopping basket is still exposed.

If you purchase the separate carrycot, this also comes with a raincover and insect net. As it is secured by an elasticated edge rather than Velcro fittings, I find the raincover to be really easy to fit in a hurry, which I really appreciate having been caught out in a shower more than once.

It also has a hand-sized gap, covered with a flap, so you can easily access the release button on the hood without removing the cover. The peekaboo window at the front means your child can also get fresh air or be checked on with the cover in place.

The raincover doesn’t cover the whole frame, but on the plus side this makes it smaller to store, and the basket is mostly protected by the carrycot above anyway.

Can the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 pushchair be converted to a double?

No, it’s a single only, so if you like the look of the Cruz but want a convertible then take a look at its big sister, the Vista V2.

If you are expecting a second child and umming and ahhing over whether to buy a double you might not fully use, you can also consider the PiggyBack Ride Along Board. It snaps on and off the back of the Cruz V2, so you can give a tired toddler a ride alongside your baby if they need it.

Can the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 be used as a travel system and which car seats are compatible?

Yes, it can be used as a travel system with a wide range of seats. If you have UPPAbaby’s Mesa i-size infant car seat, you can clip it directly onto the chassis.

The Cruz V2 can be used as a travel system with other car seats if you use adapters, including:

• Maxi-Cosi Cabrio Fix, Pebble, Pebble Plus/Rock
• Cybex Aton M i-Size, Cloud Z i-Size
• BeSafe Izi Go, Izi Go X1, Izi Go Modular, Izi Go Modular I-Size, Izi Go Modular X1 I-Size

How did the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 perform as a travel system?

It worked really well – we used it with the Cybex Cloud Z car seat. This does mean we have the extra step of fitting the adapters each time, but we keep them in the car boot and they glide into place really easily, as does the Cloud Z itself.

I do find there’s a slight bit of movement when the car seat is attached (compared to the carrycot, for example) but it still feels like a stable ride and the Cloud Z is really well padded and comfy. It’s so useful to be able to just transfer my son from the car to the pushchair and back in the same seat if he’s fallen asleep (which is often).

A unique advantage of using the Cloud Z is the fact it can be reclined to a flatter position when used with the chassis. It’s not completely flat, but I feel more comfortable letting my son sleep in it while we go around the shops than I would with a regular car seat.

Is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 a stylish pushchair?

I think it’s a really good-looking pushchair and we really struggled to choose from the fantastic array of 9 colourways. They’re all pretty tasteful, and range from classic black to a dusty pink, with either a black, or a light or dark brown leather trim.

I’m a sucker for a tan leather finish, so in the end, we opted for Hazel, a stylish olive green (which also happens to be my husband's favourite colour) and I think the combination of green with a light brown trim looks really smart.

What’s in the box?

• Frame and basket
• Toddler seat and hood
• Bumper bar
• Wheels
• Rain shield
• Insect net

Are there any additional extras that you need to or can buy?

If your budget allows, there are plenty of accessories you can buy for your Cruz V2, including an Infant SnugSeat (£44.99 on Amazon) to make the toddler seat even comfier, a parent organiser, cup holder, snack tray, and a very cosy-looking CozyGanoosh footmuff (£129.95 on Natural Baby Shower). Along with the latter, top of my wish list would be the clever carrycot stand and the hamper insert.

How easy was the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 to put together?

It’s really, really easy – you just have to click the wheels and seat onto the chassis, and you’re set up within minutes.

The carrycot was also very easy to put together, although it comes flatpacked. You simply push out 2 supporting bars at the bottom of the carrycot which erect the sides, and then place the mattress inside. I’ve had some pushchairs take more than 20 minutes (and a Google session) to put together, so I love how easy this was to assemble.

Is the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 good value?

While the pushchair alone starts at £679.99, if you buy it with the carrycot you don’t get much change from £1,000 – but even so, I think the Cruz V2 is a great investment for those who can afford it. It’s a stylish and sturdy pushchair that has many standout design features that other buggies simply don’t. Although it’s expensive, quality materials and smart design are at the forefront here.

The carrycot comes with its own travel bag which I think is an impressive bonus, and really useful if you decide to use it for occasional overnight sleeping at a grandparents’ house or hotel for example.

I was also pleased to see it comes with a rain cover and mosquito cover too. As some pushchairs count these items as extras, it’s worth factoring that in if you’re comparing it to other buggies’ prices (a Stokke stroller cover is £29 extra, or £29.95 for the Babyzen Yoyo, for example).

Given the popularity of previous versions of the Cruz, and its durable frame, there’s also a good chance you could get a decent price by selling it on once your child has outgrown it.

Where can I buy the UPPAbaby Cruz V2?

The UPPAbaby Cruz V2 is available from John Lewis, Mamas & Papas and Natural Baby Shower.

MadeForMums verdict:

There’s no need to choose between sturdy and stylish here as the Cruz V2 is a thoroughbred workhorse that expertly combines both elements. It’s incredibly easy to push on most terrain, easy to fold, but it’s the small genius details that really set it apart from other buggies in this price range – seemingly minor features like the ergonomic positioning of the carrycot release button, the clear colour-coding to help you make adjustments intuitively, and the super-sized, easily accessible shopping basket make the Cruz V2 a standout star. An all-rounder that’s built to last, robust but not huge, the Cruz V2 is a universal crowd pleaser.

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