UPPAbaby Vista V2 pushchair review

Along with its designer aesthetic, it handles well and is ideal for parents with twins or anyone intending to grow their family. Thanks to its ability to expand to a double and its copious seating configurations – a standout feature of the Vista – it’s perfect for families with a newborn and a toddler or two toddlers riding together. It even has the option of a buggy board for a third child if needed.

Tested by

London-based Jade Borley tested the UPPAbaby Vista V2 with her 18-month-old son, plus her friend’s 9-month-old and another friend’s 2-month-old. Jade walked with the buggy in the city’s streets, parks, forests and on public transport.

What are your first impressions of the UPPAbaby Vista 2?

Taking it out of the box I could tell I was opening a premium product straight away – the main buggy seat and carrycot comes in a fabric pouch and everything is carefully protected by packaging. Inside the box is a newborn carrycot, a pushchair seat, and accessories including a rain cover, sun shade and insect net.

How easy is it to build?

It’s pretty intuitive, everything clicks smoothly into place, but the instructions take a bit of getting used to – there are only pictures, no words – and can be frustrating at times. Overall it took around 15 minutes to assemble. Adaptors are sold separately and take a couple of minutes to install.

What age is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 suitable from?

The Vista V2 can be used from birth with the carrycot (included) up until 9kg or when they can push up on their hands and knees, and from 6 months to 22kg with the seat unit.

How is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 different from the UPPAbaby Vista?

A number of tweaks have been made for the Vista V2 from the original Vista, all of which only add to what was an already-great buggy. Firstly the V2 has more space in the toddler seat – the footrest is half an inch bigger and the seat back is an inch taller.

The canopy now has a zip-out fabric extender and offers excellent coverage. It also has a peek-a-boo window, which cleverly doubles up as ventilation.

The harness has also been modernised – it doesn’t need to be re-threaded making it easier to adjust.

One of the most important updates is that the V2 offers an even smoother ride than before with new wheels and improved suspension. There are new coloured lock indicators on the front wheels and the buggy is available in a wide range of additional colours.

The basket is still one of the biggest on the market, but it now has a sleeker design, plus an extra side storage pocket.

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

The Vista V2 is slightly easier to manoeuver than the Cruz V2 due to bigger wheels and better suspension. It’s also heavier, wider and more expensive.

The most important difference though is that the Vista can be converted to a double buggy with a second seat, while the Cruz V2 is only designed as a one-child ride. Unlike the Cruz, a carrycot that’s suitable for overnight sleeping is also included in the price for the Vista.

How does the UPPAbaby Vista V2 compare to other similarly-priced buggies?

When it comes to the premium buggy mark a close competitor to the Vista V2 is the popular iCandy Peach (£999 on Amazon). At £999, it’s similar in price to the Vista V2 and at 14.2kg (single seat configuration), it’s only slightly heavier, and like the Vista V2 it can be adapted into a double buggy.

It boasts a one-handed fold (something the Vista V2 doesn’t have) and has a higher maximum weight limit of 25kg, but at 52cm wide, is slimmer than the Vista V2’s 65cm width. The iCandy Peach’s basket, while it can’t compete with the Vista V2’s substantial 13.6kg capacity, holds its own with a respectable 10kg limit.

Another single-to-double in a similar price range is the Bugaboo Donkey 3 (£1049 on Amazon). With the Donkey 3 you get the option of a side-by-side configuration compared to the Vista V2's tandem configuration, but you do have to pay extra for an additional seat or carrycot.

Joolz's double pushchair, the Geo2, is also a close rival with its smart appearance and clever engineering that enable it to change from a single to double pram. At £919 it’s cheaper than the Vista V2 and it’s sold with everything needed to make it into a double.

How comfortable is the carrycot for babies?

Since its creation, the Vista carrycot is one of the biggest areas of praise for the buggy, with countless parents loving how comfy, snug and safe it is.

The perforated mattress pad is breathable and removable (perfect for cleaning) and UPPAbaby say it’s safe for overnight sleeping, which is a game-changer when it comes to travelling with the Vista V2.

During the hotter months, there's a nifty velcro flap at the base of the cot for added air circulation and you can pop out an extendable UPF50+ sunshade between the hood and cot cover.

It weighs 4kg, so it’s manageable with a small baby, but becomes more challenging as your child increases in size.

How do you remove the UPPAbaby Vista V2 from the frame?

The carrycot is a dream to use once you find the button at the top, which takes it off the chassis – admittedly, it took 3 of us a while to figure out how to remove it (we were out and about without the instructions).

All you do you is push and slide the button and in one super smooth movement you can lift it off the chassis. Plus you can do it one-handed, unlike some comparable pushchairs (eg Bugaboo Donkey 3) where you have to press memory buttons.

How comfortable is the seat unit on the UPPAbaby Vista V2?

It’s excellent – it’s wipeable and works all the way up to 22kg (approx 4 to 5 years). New for 2020, the V2 model is roomier for growing toddlers and includes an enhanced no re-thread harness, which is very easy to adjust. The only downside is the shoulder and waist straps are connected, meaning if your toddler wriggles out of the shoulder strap, they are out of the leg strap too.

My toddler absolutely loves being up high in this buggy and holding on to the support bar, as he mimics me as we’re walking along. Another great feature is just how quickly the seat can be turned to face the world or the parent (although this shouldn’t be done while your child is inside).

It has a one-hand recline, which works seamlessly, however, when reclined the footrest is elevated – this would be better flat for more comfort when your toddler is sleeping.

How easy is it to push and steer?

Excellent. It’s probably the best buggy I’ve experienced when it comes to managing all terrains. It feels as stable with one baby on its own as it does with a toddler, and both together.

Even with 2 children in, it’s easy to turn with one hand , and it feels sturdy and well-constructed. I took it over tree roots in the forest, over pot holes, up curbs, through long grass – and this buggy had no problems at all.

The suspension is super smooth for your kids too. Although, this may be a negative if you child, like mine, actually likes the rough feel of going over surfaces to fall asleep to!

Previous models of the Vista have been universally celebrated by online shoppers for their smooth ride and the V2 takes this to the next level with new wheels and a frame that’s been redesigned with a spring-action suspension system.

How do you fold the UPPAbaby Vista V2? Can this be done with the seat attached?

To fold the UPPAbaby Vista V2 in single mode with the seat attached:

• Make sure the brake is on
• Extend the handlebar to its highest position
• Recline seat to 2nd most upright position, forward-facing position
• Pull up on two release triggers and rotate handlebar to ground

You can also fold with in tandem mode with 2 seats attached in the same way, providing both seats are forward facing and the leg rest on the main seat is folded back.

How easy is it to fold?

I didn't find this to be the most intuitive folding system, but it’s easy to get used to, and smooth once you get the knack of it. In comparison to its competitors, only the iCandy Peach beats the Vista V2, as it boasts a simple one-handed fold that many users report to be really easy to get to grips with.

How big is it once folded?

This buggy was designed in the US and it shows – it’s great quality but built for large American vehicles (and I imagine homes) – when folded, it measures L44 x W65.3 x H84.5cm. This is also something MFM users highlighted when reviewing the original Vista.

The Vista V2 is freestanding but I stored the buggy on its side at home – as it’s like having a small spaceship in the living room when it’s fully open. It does self-stand, but we found it most safe to lie it on its side, as my toddler could easily push it over when upright.

How easy is it to fit the UPPAbaby Vista V2 in your boot?

With the toddler seat on, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 only just fits in my little Ford Fiesta, and we had to put it in the front seat of my friend’s Vauxhall Corsa. It is possible to remove the seat, bassinet and wheels, plus unload everything in the buggy’s storage compartment, but this is a faff in comparison to smaller buggies that fit without having to take anything apart.

It’s also heavy to lift – weighing 12.4kg with all parts attached – more than the allowance of a carry-on suitcase (10kg). If you have a smaller city car like me, the sheer size of this buggy may be an issue.

How wide does the pushchair feel?

The width of the Vista is historically one of the most criticised aspects of the buggy, and while it is big at 65.3cm, I didn’t come across a door I couldn’t get through. I also managed to navigate the narrow bus walkway with relative ease, and actually liked how spacious it was for my toddler.

How is using the UPPAbaby Vista V2 on public transport?

There’s no denying it’s big – wider in fact than all of its closest competitors, but I did manage to fit the Vista V2 into the pushchair compartment of the bus. But when another buggy came along it was a squash and I felt like I had to apologise for my small spaceship.

It’s also hard to lift upstairs on the tube, as it’s bulky (especially configured as a double) – you will definitely need help with this.

What’s the UPPAbaby Vista V2 chassis like?

It’s a great-looking matt chrome that looks durable yet stylish – it feels robust and it doesn’t scratch easily.

How adjustable is the handlebar?

It’s very comfortable and soft, great for long walks. It extends very high too, which is ideal for my partner who is over 6ft. Taller parents will also appreciate the higher mount adaptors for the toddler chair – meaning you can make the seat higher to interact better with their child.

How much coverage does the hood on the seat provide?

The large sunshade is great – definitely one of the most extensive on the market, with excellent sun and rain coverage (if you’ve forgotten the rain cover!). There’s a useful peephole and vent too.

How do the wheels on the UPPAbaby Vista V2 wheels perform?

Superb. New and improved for the Vista V2, they’re larger than previous models and they handle well over all sorts of terrain. They’re also softer than the original model, minimising vibrations when rolling around town.

How effective are the brakes?

The breaks hold really well, but they can be tricky to push off – you almost need to move the buggy with the handle for them to release.

How spacious is the basket?

The Vista as a model is very well known for its incredible basket – one of the largest, if not the largest around, it beats all other high-end buggies hands down. Many online reviewers love how much they can fit inside, making it very useful for a shopping trip.

The maximum capacity is a whopping 13kg. For 2020, the V2 model has updated the basket with a sleeker design and also added pockets, so you can handily store away any adapters or essentials you may need.

What’s in the box?

• The frame
• Newborn carrycot
• Seat unit
• Fabric bag
• Wheels
• Rain cover
• Sun shade
• Insect net

Are there any additional accessories you can buy for the UPPAbaby Vista V2?

There are numerous extras you can buy including a travel bag, seat liner, carrycot stand (which can be cleverly transformed into a laundry hamper later on), cup holder and ride-along board.

You can also buy adapters to fit your car seat of choice onto the frame. The Vista V2 is compatible with UPPAbaby's Mesa i-Size Infant seat as well as selected Maxi-Cosi, Cybex and BeSafe infant car seats (see the full list here).

What would you like to have known before using this buggy?

While its robust frame makes it a dream for walking, it also means it’s large and storing it away might be tricky for anyone in a small flat. It’s also heavy, making it less than ideal for parents dealing with stairs on a daily basis.

Saying that, as it's a single to double to pushchair, these features can be expected as it needs to be able to support 2 children. If you're looking for something that's lighter to push and easier to store, UPPAbaby's Cruz V2 is also a great option.

Is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 good value?

The price sits at the higher end of the spectrum and it is an investment – that said, it’s perfect for anyone who likes to plan ahead. For those who hope to have a larger family in the future, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is well worth the money. Its durable frame is made to stand the test of time, so there’s no doubt it would last through 1, 2 or even more children.

Longevity aside, it stands up against other similar buggies in the market anyway – fabulous steering, a comfy seat and excellent storage all make it a worthy buy.

Where can I buy UPPAbaby Vista V2?

It is available to buy from Mamas & Papas, John Lewis and Baby Centre.

MadeForMums verdict

Great for growing families who love the outdoors, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an adaptable, clever and well-made buggy. While its hefty size and weight means it’s not right for everyone, these negatives are counter-balanced the fact it has excellent stability, storage, and fantastically smooth riding over almost all terrains. Plus it comes with a huge array of double seating options for when your family grows.

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