UPPAbaby Vista Stroller Review 2013

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The UPPAbaby Vista is one of the coolest-looking strollers! Every time I saw someone with Vista when I was shopping for a stroller, I couldn’t help turning my head. It looks so modern and sleek!

Besides the awesome look, parents are absolutely in LOVE with Vista because it has a reversible seat and a matching bassinet (included), so you can walk with a pram during your baby’s first six months looking all fabulous! It is a luxury stroller that grows with your baby from birth and up to 50 lbs.

You can also get a car seat adapter and turn it into a travel system. If you are planning on having a second child, Vista got you covered.

With an additional rumble seat, you can convert Vista into a double in-line stroller. And this is not all. You can purchase a piggyback/glider board to add a third older child.

Vista is an all-terrain stroller that you can take to the park, playground, or shopping mall. The rubber wheels and all-wheel suspension make it easy to go over mulch, grass, or gravel.

The oversized basket underneath the seat can fit two large diaper bags, so you can definitely take it grocery shopping. It also has a great canopy, one-hand recline, easy fold, and adjustable leg rest.

OVERALL

I gave this stroller 5 out of 5 stars despite the lack of storage, bulkiness, and no cup holder. Also, Vista is a little on the heavy side at 25.5 lbs, so you would probably still need to buy a lighter stroller for when your child is older.

It’s NOT a very compact stroller either. If you have a small car, it might be a problem. Other than that, it’s FABULOUS!

Like many luxury strollers, Vista is not a cheap buy. It retails for around $820. I know… makes you wonder if it would cost less without the bassinet… On the bright side, it comes with a lot of accessories like a mosquito net, rain cover, bumper bar, bassinet bug net, and bassinet storage bag.

Note: Here is my full review of the 2015 UPPAbaby Vista Stroller »

Buy UPPAbaby Vista Stroller »

Features

CANOPY

This canopy doesn’t look big, but it has a pop-out sun visor that makes the whole difference in the world. It extends all the way down to the bumper bar providing full sun protection.

The UV lining covers the entire underside of the canopy. This is one of the best canopies on the market.

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It has a black mesh peekaboo window that still provides some shade and also allows for the air to get in. And the closure is MAGNETIC!

It makes no sound when you open it, unlike that noisy Velcro that always wakes my baby up. Every stroller should have a magnetic closure!

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HANDLEBAR

It adjusts from 40″ to 42.5″ for taller parents. The handlebar is covered with a rubber which really helps to protect it in standing fold position. If there is any dirt, you can easily wipe it away.

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SEAT

The seat is 12″ wide and 19.5″ from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy. But, you can slide the canopy up the frame to get 2 more inches (2012 update). Nice! The seat is designed for children 3 months and up to 50 lbs.

If you want to use it from birth, you can put your newborn in the bassinet (included) or by using a car seat adapter (sold separately) to turn it into a travel system. The seat is REVERSIBLE! To reverse the seat, push two buttons on both sides of the seat, lift it up, and turn it around.

That’s it! Don’t forget to take your child out before reversing it (I’ve done it a couple of times with my 6-month-old Sophia in the seat and it was fine. LOL. But don’t be lazy like me. Take the baby out first!).

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It is a one-hand lever recline that has 5 positions. Since the seat is one molded piece, it keeps its ‘v’ shape when reclined. If you get a SnugSeat insert you can even put a NEWBORN right into the reclined seat!

I love how upright the seat is. It is great for those kids who like to sit up straight looking soooo important. They always crack me up. LOL.

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HARNESS

It has a padded adjustable 5-point harness with a center release button. This button is very easy to unlock so your child will be able to do it (as soon as they figure it out). I wish it would require a little more pressure to be on the safer side. You know those kids!

BUMPER BAR

I wouldn’t expect anything less from a luxury stroller like Vista. It is a swing-away bumper bar covered with a nylon material that can be easily removed for cleaning.

So, if your child decides to take a bite, he will not get a mouth full of foam because it is covered. That’s how a high-quality bumper bar should be. Love it!

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LEGREST

It has two leg rests: one is part of the seat for younger kids and the other one is part of the frame for the older kids. The first time I saw Vista, I thought it would only work for young kids because I was looking at that small seat legrest and didn’t realize there was a frame footrest. Dah!

Anyway, the seat leg rest is 10″ high and is adjustable. With a push of two buttons on both sides of the seat, you can easily adjust the seat to any position you want.

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BASKET

The storage basket is really great. It is huge and easy to access. I hate those (even large) baskets that are difficult to get stuff in and out. This one is a breeze! You can fit TWO large diaper bags or my dog :).

Just kidding, don’t put your dog into the basket. There are even two small pockets for items like cell phone, lipstick (for those of us who still care how they look), or sunglasses. The only thing I don’t like is that this is the ONLY storage on Vista. For $730, I want more storage!

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WHEELS

It rolls on four hard rubber wheels, meaning you will NEVER get a flat. The rear wheels are 11″ and the front wheels are 8″. The front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight if the terrain gets tough. And with that new cool all-wheel suspension, it will absorb bumps even better.

The all-wheel suspension makes a huge difference. It really helps to absorb a lot of the bumps and together with the wheels, makes it a very comfortable ride.

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BRAKE

It has a rear parking pedal located on the right rear wheel. It is flip-flop friendly (that’s all I wanted to know). Whether you are wearing pumps (as I do every day when I go for a walk. Just kidding!

They are collecting dust in my closet.), slippers, or sandals, it’s easy to activate without scratching your shoes or toes.

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FOLD

You will need to use both hands, but it’s easy. First, put the canopy back. Next, squeeze the button in the middle of the handlebar (the same button you use to adjust it) and push the handlebar into the frame.

That will unlock the stroller allowing you to fold it. To make it more compact, you can remove the seat before folding. Vista is not the most compact stroller, so you might have trouble fitting it into a smaller car.

The folded dimensions with the seat attached are 25”W x 15”L x 32”H, without the seat 25”W x 14”L x 32”H. It does have an automatic lock and will stand on its own when folded. Definitely a plus!

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BASSINET

It is a FABULOUS bassinet that every mom can only dream of. By replacing the seat with the bassinet, you can turn your stroller into a pram! You can use it from birth and up to 20 lbs.

The mattress inside is very soft and is made out of organic material. The cover can be removed for easy cleaning. They have also added more ventilation at the bottom of the bassinet which helps to keep your baby comfortable no matter what the temperature is.

The canopy of the bassinet is absolutely amazing! It has a large pop-up sun visor (the same as the stroller) that extends providing full sun coverage.

Also, if you unzip the back of the canopy, you will see a large mesh that provides even more air circulation. The storage bag and a mosquito net for the bassinet are also INCLUDED! :)

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TRAVEL SYSTEM

You can convert it into a travel system by using the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat that attaches directly to the Vista. It is also compatible with popular car seats like Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, and Graco Classic.

You will need to get the correct adapter for those car seats. Here is a photo of Vista with an old Rumbler seat and a Mesa car seat.

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INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

Rain cover. This is one of the accessories that you will need to buy anyway, so it is really nice that they’ve decided to include it. It zips right to the front of the canopy providing your child with full rain protection.

Mosquito net. It also zips to the front of the canopy and attaches at the bottom of the stroller protecting your little one from those annoying bugs.

Cons

-Lack of storage. As I said, the basket is great, but how about a small zipper pocket on the back of the seat or a parent console?

-No cup holder. There is a Dunkin’ Donuts on my way to the park and I always stop there to get some coffee. After taking my Vista out for the first time, I realized that there was no cup holder.

I was standing with a cup of coffee in my hand not knowing where to put it. Thankfully, I didn’t have my dog with me so I had one free hand and was able to push the stroller with one hand till I was done with my coffee.

Funny how a little trip to a coffee shop makes you notice the little things. I know it is not a deal breaker and you can purchase it separately, but it would be nice if it was included.

-Bulky. It is a big stroller. If you have a small car, it will be a struggle to get Vista into the trunk. I wish the wheels would pop out like they do on Baby Jogger.

-Price. I wanted to include the price as a con because, besides the stroller, which costs an arm and a leg or $730, you will still need to buy a parent console, child tray, and a cup holder.

What’s Included with Vista

The Vista has so many things included, that I wanted to list everything one more time.

-Stroller seat (I am listing it separately from the stroller because it’s removable)
-Seat rain cover
-Seat bug net
-Seat bumper bar
-Bassinet
-Bassinet bug net
-Bassinet storage bag

Video Review

Baby Gizmo has a great video review of Vista. 

Note: It is 19.5″ – 21.5″ from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy and not 20″-22″ as they say in the video. I know it isn’t a big deal, but I like to get the numbers right. :)

Vista Updates

For 2012, Vista got some cool updates that many parents really liked. I am sure some of the parents who bought it in 2011 were heartbroken. I was lucky because I got it in 2012. :)

5th recline position. Now it reclines far back all the way to 180°.

-Suspension. Improved front wheel suspension now absorbs bumps even better.

-Canopy. The canopy slides up and down the frame to create more space for older children. And the peekaboo window has a magnetic closure now. Bye-bye noisy Velcro!

-Bassinet. It has a mesh panel in the back of the canopy that you can get to by unzipping the canopy. There is also a mesh at the bottom of the bassinet for extra air circulation.

-New color. They’ve added a new tangerine (orange) color called ‘Drew’ with a black frame. Sleek! Love it!

Specs

Stroller weight: 25.5 lbs
Weight limit: 50 lbs
Folded dimensions: 25”W x 15”L x 32”H (with the seat)
Handlebar height: 40″ – 42.5″
Seat to canopy height: 19.5″ – 21.5″
Rear wheels: 11″
Front wheels: 8″
Overall length: 39″
Overall width: 25″

Warranty

UPPAbaby has a 2-year warranty from the original date of purchase and you have to be the original owner.

Available colors

The UPPAbaby Vista is available in 4 colors with an aluminum frame and in 4 colors with a black frame.

Silver frame: Denny (red), Lindsey (light beige), Dlla (teal), and Taylor (dark blue).

Black frame: Jake (black), Mica (light gray), Olivia (pink – finally, stroller in PINK!), and Drew (orange). I usually include a link to a comparison chart, but unfortunately, I was unable to find one for UPPAbaby.

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Accessories

Accessories for Vista include a snack tray ($40), rumble seat ($100), piggyback/glider board ($90), infant snug seat insert ($34), parent organizer ($18), cup holder ($23), travel bag ($90), footmuff ($80 – available only in 3 colors :(). It also has car seat adapters specifically made for each different brand of car seat.

Where to buy it

You can get a UPPAbaby Vista single in one of the eight beautiful colors for $820. Unfortunately, I was not able to find a good sale on this luxury stroller. 

I know it’s an expensive stroller, but it comes with a bunch of accessories like a mosquito net, rain cover, bumper bar, bassinet bug net, and bassinet storage bag. You can also get a UPPAbaby Mesa car seat for around $299.

Buy UPPAbaby Vista Stroller »

1 thought on “UPPAbaby Vista Stroller Review 2013”

  1. I bought the uppa Cruz stroller May 2018. Over all it has been a complete waste of money. It is already breaking after less than 8 months of light use. The latch that keeps the stroller folded broke off. The front wheels don’t move very well creating a hazard when walking. I just can’t believe the poor quality considering the extreme price. This is my 3rd child and I have had many strollers. This by far has been the biggest disappointment. The Uppa customer service has yet to be helpful.

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