As a convertible pushchair it can be used as a single buggy, or with twins or two children of different ages. In this review, we've tested it as a double pushchair, but if you want to see how it works with one child, check out our UPPAbaby single pushchair review.
You can buy the UPPAbaby Vista at John Lewis, or Kiddicare
First impressions of the UPPAbaby Vista?
One of the most notable features on the Vista is the ability to have a variety of changeable seating combinations (both front and rear facing).
As well as being able to carry a baby and toddler, the Vista can carry two infant carrycots – making it a double buggy for twins.
It’s perfect for parents with twins or two children of different ages and the piggy back board is a welcome accessory for anyone with an additional child.
This buggy comes fully equipped with sun shield, rain covers, insect nets and car seat adaptors included in the price and the single Vista comes with a carrycot and seat unit.
It’s worth noting here, that if you want a Vista for twins, you will have to buy the second carrycot at the additional price of £164.99.
How is it to assemble?
I was surprised at the ease and speed of assembling the Vista, everything seemed very intuitive and I had it up and ready to go, without the use of instructions, in minutes.
How does it work as a double buggy?
As the Vista has been improved to be used as a more effective double pushchair I was aware that it was slightly heavier than expected when used as a single buggy, although its aluminium/magnesium frame does make it lighter than some competitors. It is however, very sturdy and robust which did give me piece of mind.
The adaptors for converting the buggy into a double are so easy to use and require no tools. They simply snap onto the frame (lower) or slot into existing ones (upper) unfortunately I found the paint work scratched very easily, each time I used them.
The seating combinations I tested were toddler seat alone, bassinet alone and then toddler seat & bassinet together. With the latter I didn't feel comfortable not being able to see my youngest as the bassinet fits behind and under the toddler seat, so I had to keep stopping to check on my youngest.
I think in the case of having a toddler and baby, a rumble seat would be a definite welcome addition as the eldest child can sit behind in it (yet still interact) while you can keep a better eye on the youngest.
Saying that, there are lots of great little thoughtful features that make using the Vista a pleasure. The toggles on the straps making them easy to adjust, the one button (easy to clean) pivoting bumper bar is brilliant for removing little ones with ease, the toddler seat can be reclined single-headedly, the extendable UV sunshade, the viewing panels in the hoods, and the snug fitting, well designed rain covers. To name just a few!
What’s the Vista Rumble Seat like?
The Rumble seats reclines and can be used for rear or forward-facing, creating more comfort for little ones and adaptability for you.
Is it comfortable for your little one?
The bassinet is very comfy looking with its soft breathable mattress pad and although my little boy could just squeeze into it (he is getting too big now!) he looked very cosy and slept surprisingly well in it.
It can be used for overnight sleeping, so is perfect for traveling or at home in place of a Moses basket.
And its quick release button means that you can easily remove your little one from the pushchair frame without waking them, and the extendible sun shade is, again, brilliant from protecting little eyes from harsh sunlight.
One of the features I wasn’t too keen on were the strap pads, I felt the warning emblazoned on both of them wasn’t necessary, plus they would frequently come away from their Velcro fixtures and slide down out of place.
Tell us about the folding system.
It is a one-step fold system (somewhat similar to the Cruz) is just effortless to use.
The Vista can be folded with the seat unit and adaptors intact although once folded it is not compact (this would be an issue for those with small car boots).
How is it when out and about?
Overall I found the handling and manoeuvrability of the Vista to be fair, but it was also disappointing and quite cumbersome at times.
It was most arduous on uneven terrain (especially when pushing two children) and I experienced some resistance, especially when going around corners.
Curbs could be a real strain too (especially the high ones in my neighbourhood) and I really had to put my back into it.
I found that I had quite an issue getting into smaller shops without double doors, onto some buses and navigating smaller spaces, as the back wheelbase is quite wide.
I also found that the brake was a bit sticky and sometimes I would need to step on the pedal several times to engage or release it (a bit of a nightmare when trying to get off the bus in a hurry!)
One of the main bugbears I had with the Vista (as with past pushchairs) was the button for adjusting the handle height, which is slap bang in the middle of them.
This is not an issue when pushing with both hands but when you have a toddler hand to hold as well, I found it really compromises handling, especially with shopping underneath, but more so when used as a double.
At times I found it quite hard to control the pushchair when used in this way.
The Vista is being sold on the ‘X-Large easy-access basket with 13.5 kg weight limit,’ is it really that big?
Yes, it really is! This was the first thing I noticed about the Vista - the huge shopping basket, as did my two-year-old daughter who attempted to lie in it!
I was very pleased! If it is big enough to hold a toddler and has a 13.5kg weight limit you can imagine the bags it can hold (shopaholics take note!)
Obviously this expanse of space is only when the pushchair is in single mode – it all changes when used as a double, the space drastically reduces.
But there is still room for a change bag, a few bits and the integrated storage pockets are great for popping much needed essentials such as beakers and baby wipes.
Is it travel system compatible?
Yes, it is. Maxi Cosi adaptors can also be purchased so you can use one, or two car seats with the Vista frame.
It must also be noted that with the Vista the minimum & maximum weights for the toddler seat has changed from 3 months- 20kg to 6 months- 15kg.
Is it value for money?
For £1,098 the Vista is pretty good value for money in terms of a double pushchair.
When you compare it to the likes of the Bugaboo Donkey or iCandy Peach System it is slightly less in the price stakes.
What’s in the box?
- Frame
- Bassinet (with zip out liner and boot cover) & Toddler seat
- Bassinet and Toddler seat bug shields
- Bassinet and Toddler rain shields
- Bassinet Storage bag
- Upper & Lower Adaptors
- Four wheels
- Large Basket
- Large canopy with a SPF50+ sunshade
- Maxi Cosi/BeSafe iZi Go Car Seat Adaptors
- Bumper bar
- Universal Carrycot £219
- Cruz Piggyback Board £119.99
- Cruz Travel Bag £109.99
- CarryCot Stand £144.99
Even with all the issues I had, I did still find the Vista to be a nice pushchair with a lot to offer.
It is versatile, robust, stylish, with lots of little clever attentions to detail, yet handling can be an issue at times.
Personally, I feel it works better as a single pushchair but it would be equally be suited to first time parents, who shop frequently and also want to invest in something that will adapt over time as their family grows as well as parents of twins or two small children of different ages.
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