UPPAbaby Vista Buggy review

Celebrities love UPPAbaby too, with Reese Witherspoon choosing the Vista and Mark Zuckerberg pushing the lighter stroller model, Cruz.

With an RRP of just over £900 (which does include the carrycot), the Vista’s cost is similar to the Bugaboo Cameleon (£859), or the iCandy Orange (also just under £900).

Designed to grow with the family, UPPAbaby Vista is versatile, as it can convert from a single to double buggy with adaptors. Stylish and robust, it is a solution for all parenting needs, from baby to preschoolers. It can carry twins, a baby and a toddler or even three kids with the addition of a piggy back board.

Unlike some other double buggies, the UPPAbaby Vista offers configurations which allows both children can face outwards, so you avoid the ‘stacking’ issue where one child (on the bottom) gets stuck with no view.

You can buy the UPPAbaby Vista at John Lewis, Kiddicentre and Mothercare.

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This is an updated version of the UPPAbaby Vista, how does it compare to the older version?

The UPPAbaby Vista remains one of the most popular buggies on the market, and there are some significant improvements on the 2018 model.

This updated version features new fabrics on the canopy and seat, an extended bassinet, real leather features, and comes in four new colours - Jordan Charcoal Melange, Emmett Green Melange, Gregory Blue Melange and Denny Red.

There is also an upgraded frame, which is powder-coated rather than carbon-coated, producing a matt appearance and making it less susceptible to scratches.

One of my favourite elements of the 2018 design is the real, chemical-free leather handlebar and bumper bar (in brown or black), which add an air of sophistication (whether covered in baby vomit or not…)

The bassinet is also much bigger, with a 2.5 inches longer mattress, allowing more room for baby to grow.

What is the same on the 2018 Vista?

Most of the other features which make this such a well loved buggy, thankfully remain. As with previous models, the UPPAbaby Vista 2018 is super easy to push and manoeuvre.

Aside from its increased size, the bassinet remains fully breathable with a vented base and perforated mattress pad. The zip-able lining of the bassinet is simple to remove, as is the washable cover on the mattress, making them easy to clean.

This latest version also keeps the same, large canopy on the toddler seat which provides excellent protection from the sun. The huge basket, which has always been a key selling point for this buggy, also remains.

How does the Vista ride on different surfaces?

The suspension on the UPPAbaby Vista is very good, which means the buggy performs well on all manner of surfaces and hills. While it’s not as bump-free as with a running buggy, it’s certainly better than most other strollers I’ve tried. It’s easy to turn one-handed and glides smoothly over cobbles, pebbles and grass. However, it’s worth noting that when you have more than one passenger, it becomes more difficult to steer.

How does the UPPAbaby Vista work as a city buggy?

As city dwellers, we truly put the UPPAbaby Vista to the urban test. I regularly take Harriet through the park, into shopping arcades and on buses and the tube. The Vista is super easy to manoeuvre and is narrow enough to squeeze between most shop aisles and restaurant tables. It doesn’t take up too much space on the bus either (in single mode).

As a double it’s harder to control and is a little more cumbersome in tight spaces. I usually had to lift Harvey out before pulling the stroller up the two steps to our house, as otherwise it was too heavy.

How compact is the UPPAbaby Vista?

This latest version of the VISTA weighs in at 12kg (seat and frame), which is pretty hefty. Its 65.3cm width also means it’s not the slimmest on the market. But that is a small price to pay for such a versatile stroller.

How easy is it to store?

We tended to leave the buggy set up and ready to go, but on the occasions we needed a bit more space it was easy to fold down and store in the corner. You can collapse the Vista with or without the toddler seat attached.

The carrycot takes up a little more room, but you can also collapse it using the two internal handles along its base. The wheels detach really easily using the quick release function, so this helps with extra tight spaces or getting it into the car boot.

Is it suitable from birth?

Yes, with the carrycot or infant car seat, the UPPAbaby Vista is perfect for use from birth. The bassinet is also approved for overnight sleeping when used with the bassinet stand (sold separately). This was really handy for when we stayed with friends and family, as there wasn’t any need for a separate crib. I also love the single-handed detach feature on the bassinet.

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What do you think of the seat size?

The included toddler seat is designed for infants from three months up. At 3 years of age, Harvey is already pushing the upper weight boundaries of most buggies, however, the Vista’s 15kg limit still allows him some growing room. The hood is also adjustable, so I could simply slide it up the frame to provide additional headspace for him. Harvey loves riding forwards, backwards, completely upright, reclined and anywhere in between.

How easy is it to adjust the seat?

I found it easy to adjust the seat one handed and it has multiple different recline positions, including fully reclined.

How comfortable does it feel for your little ones?

Harvey was really comfy in his seat. In addition to the easy reclining mechanism, there are three adjustment heights for the five-point harness. So you simply find the one which best suits your child’s height. The foot rest is also adjustable.

Harriet also seemed very happy and slept well in the bassinet. The lining is super soft and mattress much thicker than the standard buggy insert. The extra couple of inches in length on this model means she’ll enjoy a good few additional weeks in it too.

How is interacting with your little ones when in the buggy?

I loved the fact that the seat is reversible, so I could either have Harvey facing me and we could chat, or if he preferred he could look forwards. When in the double configuration of baby bassinet and toddler seat, the baby has to go underneath. This was ok for short trips but for longer ones I’d prefer to have Harriet closer to me. To do this, I had to use the car seat on the top adaptors and then Harvey was in the toddler seat facing forward at the bottom. This configuration was harder to steer.

When can you use the rumble/sibling seat from?

You can use the regular toddler seat from age three months, and it can accommodate a child weighing up to 15kg, so there’s plenty of room for growth. The Rumble Seat looks similar but is bought separately.

What footmuffs can you use with the Vista?

Compatible with all UPPAbaby strollers, the CozyGanoosh is the brand’s own fleecy footmuff, available in black (Jake) and grey (Pascal). However, most universal footmuffs with a choice of hole positions for the straps should be compatible. Examples include own brand footmuffs from Mamas & Papas and John Lewis, as well as Woolibaloo, Cosy Toes and Clare De lune.

Where is the serial number on the Vista?

The serial number with barcode is displayed on a sticker on the stroller frame, situated below the left rear axle. It begins with the letters VIS.

What do you think of the height of the buggy?

At 100cm, the Vista is a really comfortable height, and with the handlebar extended, it stretches to 112cm from the floor. Using the upper adaptors gives the top unit (be it the toddler seat, bassinet or car seat) an additional boost in height, which was lovely for interacting with Harvey. When using it as a single stroller, this also allows additional space to access the basket underneath.

Is the frame strong, durable?

Made from aluminium and magnesium, the frame is both lightweight and durable. I particularly liked the fact that the frame on this new model has a special powder coating, which makes it more resistant to scratches. Its 3-in-1 design means you can adapt it for a car seat, carrycot and reversible toddler seat.

What do you think of the fold system?

As with earlier models, the fold on this new Vista is relatively simple and quick, and can be done with or without the toddler seat attached. It took a few practice gos to get right, but then it becomes second nature. I found the stroller a little cumbersome to carry once folded down, but the automatic lock and self-stand is very handy.

How easy is it to switch between different configurations?

Switching between the different seat configurations is very easy once you’ve done it a couple of times. I tended to leave the bottom adaptors attached to the frame when I was just using it in single mode, and put the seat or bassinet on the upper adaptors.

It’s possible to fold and unfold the buggy one-handed when the seat isn’t attached, but it’s easier to do it with two hands when you have the toddler seat on there too.

What do you think of the handle?

The handlebar on the UPPAbaby Vista 2018 has an adjustable height (up to 112cm), making it comfortable to push, however tall (or short) you are. The leather accents on both the handlebar and bumper bar are a lovely addition (apologies, no alternatives for vegans). The handlebar leather is hand sewn with a perforated pattern for extra grip. Meanwhile, the bumper bar leather wipes clean - very handy when dealing with sticky fingers.

What do you think of the hood?

On the bassinet, there’s a rather clever ‘pop-out’ sunshade made from UPF 50+ material, which tucks nicely under the hood but when fully extended provides wonderful sun protection for baby. A zip at the back of the canopy provides additional breathability, keeping baby well ventilated.

On the toddler seat, the new model has the same, large and extendable sunshade which provides really great coverage from the sun. As with the bassinet, there’s a pop out sun visor for additional protection.

What are the basket and storage pockets like?

The basket on this buggy is huge - probably the biggest I’ve ever come across. It has a weight capacity of 13kg, with a large opening each end (spring loaded at the front which means you can pull it down to slide bigger objects in). So it's really easy to access all your belongings, or to pack in your shopping. There are also two pockets at the front to help keep smaller items close to hand or bottles upright.

What do you think of the tyres?

The Vista has reasonably large wheels (8″ at the front and 11.5″ at the back) and strong suspension to cushion the bumps. Although the wheels are not air-filled like in a jogging stroller, they perform well over varied terrain, from gravel, stones and cobble to grassy hills. The fact they’re not inflatable means you don’t have to worry about punctures.

The rear wheels were upgraded last year to polyurethane ones, which are lighter and slimmer, making the stroller 1.5 lbs lighter and 1″ narrower. For the 2018 model, more tread has also been added to the front wheels, producing an even smoother ride. You can also lock the front wheels for additional stability when pushing over rocky ground.

Tells us about the brakes.

The right handed foot brake has a press on/press off functionality. It felt very secure and was easy to use, although on occasion it tended to get stuck and I had to press down a couple of times or give the buggy a jiggle to help unlock it.

Does the Vista fit in the boot of your car?

The Vista fits in the boot of our Nissan Qashqai but does take up the majority of the space when the seat and/or bassinet are in there too.

What age child is it best for?

The great thing about the Vista is that it’s suitable from birth through to toddler and preschooler, but also has the capacity to adapt as your family grows. This latest model is compatible with the PiggyBack Board, which means it can accommodate up to three children at once.

What’s in the box?

• Frame
• Basket
• Toddler seat
• Carrycot
• Bumper bar
• Raincover x2
• Insect net x2

Any additional accessories you can buy?

• Upper Car Seat Adaptors (£29.99)
• Cup Holder (£19.95)
• Infant Snug Insert (£34.95)
• Ganoosh Footmuff (£114.95)
• Piggy Back Board (£99.95)
• Rumble seat (£249.99)
• Travel bag (£129.99)

Is it easy/hard to build the product?

It’s really easy to build the Vista and took me about twenty minutes - including unwrapping all the parts from their packaging. The wheels come in separate boxes but you just slide and click them on. Then it’s simply a case of slotting the carrycot and/or toddler seat on. If you’re using adaptors, then the bottom ones are a little fiddly the first time you use them, but easy thereafter (or like me, you can just leave them attached).

There are some basic pictorial instructions on the box and then more extensive diagrams and information in the included booklet, all of which are great very straightforward to follow.

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the item?

We were keen to use the UPPAbaby Vista as a double stroller, but it wasn’t clear from the outset that you needed to purchase separate adaptors. Once we had these though, it was very easy to adapt the stroller to meet our needs.

Who would the product be most useful for?

This is the perfect stroller for parents with multiple children, especially if they are quite close in age. It’s a one-stop stroller which will see you through from birth to pre-schooler.

Is the UPPAbaby Vista value for money?

It’s a pricey stroller but does include most accessories. Also, as this is probably the only stroller you’ll ever need, with it’s various different formations, I’d say it is good value.

What is unique about this product?

The versatility of the Vista is its USP, making it suitable for multiple configurations. I also really love the height the upper adaptors provide, so when Harvey is in the toddler seat it’s really sociable and I have a great face to face chat with him. The huge shopping basket is also a great selling point.

What is the price? Is this good value for money?

Costing from £749.99, or £929.99 with the carrycot, the UPPAbaby Vista 2018 is a pricy stroller. However, the fact you can accommodate a second and even third child (with an additional board), and that it is compatible with car seats so transforms into a travel system, the Vista truly grows with the family and is the only stroller you’ll ever need.

Where can I buy it?

The UPPAbaby Vista has now been replaced with the UPPAbaby Vista V2.

You can read our UPPAbaby Vista V2 review here, or purchase it from Mamas & Papas, John Lewis and Baby Centre.

MadeForMums verdict:

I love using this buggy and it meets all of our family needs with ease. I’d definitely recommend it due to its versatility, smooth maneuverability, comfort and excellent storage. The fact that it’s the only stroller you’ll ever need makes the price point more palatable.

How we tested the UPPAbaby Vista:

Kath is a mother-of-two, with a 3-year-old toddler and a 3-month-old baby.

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