Baby gear such as strollers and car seats are necessities that take up a large part of a family’s budget. For mobility and safety, these items are major investments and there’s a lot of pressure to choose the best ones. However, different brands and models offer similar-sounding features that can often become confusing. To help you narrow down your choices, we pit two companies against each other: UPPAbaby and Nuna. Both are premium brands that have huge followings among discerning parents.
UPPAbaby was founded in 2006 by an American couple, Lauren and Bob Monahan. Known for their sleek designs and sophisticated fashions, their tagline is “attainable luxury”. But this doesn’t mean that all they care about is looking good. They constantly innovate their products while maintaining the strict standards of the Juvenile Product Manufacturing Association (JPMA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for baby products.
Around the same time in Amsterdam, Nuna launched their first product—the ZAAZ high chair. Since then, they have produced thoughtfully-designed strollers and car seats that are now available all around the world. Each of their products is engineered with three characteristics in mind: simple, practical, and stylish. Celebrities like Jessica Biel, Eva Longoria, and even Beyonce love them.
In this article, we will take a look at three UPPAbaby and four Nuna products. These best-sellers have many commonalities, but there are a few details that may make you lean towards one or the other.
Battle of the Standard Strollers: UPPAbaby CRUZ vs Nuna TAVO vs Nuna MIXX
At first glance, these three standard models come across as equals. Their weights and dimensions are almost identical, and all three have the same maximum load capacity. Even the diameters of their tires virtually match up. Nevertheless, there are a few disparities—not the least of which are the prices and the value for money.
| UPPAbaby CRUZ | Nuna TAVO | Nuna MIXX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stroller Width | 22.8 inches | 22 inches | 23.5 inches |
| Stroller Weight | 25.5 lbs | 24.3lbs | 26.8lbs |
| Folded Dimensions | 32.5 x 22.8 x 16.5 inches | 36.8 x 22 x 18.5 inches | 34 x 23.5 x 18 inches |
| Maximum Weight of Child | 50 lbs | 50lbs | 50lbs |
| Wheel Size | Front 7 inches Rear 10 inches | Front 7.5 inches Rear 11 inches | Front 7.5 inches Rear 11 inches |
| Retail Price | $649.99 (Click here to check the latest promotion) | $399.95 (Click here to check the latest promotion) | $649.95 (Click here to check the latest promotion) |
| Compatible Bassinet | $199.99 (Click here to check the latest promotion) | None | $149.95 (Click here to check the latest promotion) |
UPPAbaby CRUZ: Key Features
- Suitable from birth when combined with the UPPAbaby Bassinet or UPPAbaby Infant SnugSeat accessories sold separately
- Full-size reversible toddler seat with five-point, no-rethread harness
- Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection, zip-out fabric, mesh panels, and vented peekaboo window
- One-handed, multi-position recline
- Adjustable handlebar
- Extra-large, easy-access storage with 30 lbs weight limit
- All-wheel suspension
- Front wheels lock with visual indicators
- UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat attaches directly to the stroller without adapters
- 100% full-grain leather accents
- One-step fold, and stands when folded
UPPAbaby CRUZ: Pros
This stroller includes a rain cover and a bug shield, and both are especially useful if you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors with baby. It features a reversible seat that can face towards you or away, giving it more flexibility. When folded, it can stand on its own, allowing you to store it upright without fear of it tipping over. Although it is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat—no adapters required—you can purchase an adapter to use with a wider range of seats compared to Nuna strollers. Among them are the brands Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, and Baby Jogger, just to name a few.
UPPAbaby CRUZ: Cons
Just like the NunaMixx, this stroller can only be used from birth with the addition of a bassinet. As a matter of fact, you would have to purchase the Infant SnugSeat for it to be able to fully recline. Compared to the Mixx, too, it doesn’t perform as well on rougher terrain. And many parents report having more difficulty turning it around sharp corners.
Nuna TAVO: Key Features
- Suitable from birth with true-flat recline and adjustable footrest
- Super spacious all-season seat
- Sky Smart canopy with Dream Drape extension
- One-handed, four-position recline
- Adjustable calf support
- Luxe leatherette adjustable handlebar
- Large storage basket with easy access
- Removable infant insert
- Connects directly with Nuna PIPA car seats without adapters
- Quick-click fold lock with trolley function when folded
Nuna TAVO: Pros
The TAVO is the only one in this group that can be used straight away from baby’s birth without having to add a bassinet. All you have to do is recline the seat completely flat and enclose it with the straps hidden under the footrest. It does not need any adapters for NunaPipa car seats, as well as for Maxi-Cosi and Cybex. Furthermore, the price is much lower than the UPPAbaby Cruz and the NunaMixx.
Nuna TAVO: Cons
If you prefer a bassinet for your newborn, be aware that the Tavo is not compatible—not even with the brand’s own. Although it is touted as a compact, lightweight stroller, its weight does not put it in the same league as lighter travel strollers in the market. The folded size is also practically the same as other heavier strollers and won’t save you much space. Worst of all, the seat can only face in one direction.
Nuna MIXX: Key Features
- Suitable from birth with Nuna MIXX Bassinet
- All-season seat
- UPF 50+ oversized, extendable canopy with flip-out eyeshade, ventilation panel, and peekaboo window
- One-handed, five-position recline
- Quick-release five-point no-rethread harness converts to three-point harness
- Luxe leatherette-accented push bar and armbar
- Two-compartment storage basket
- Removable and reversible two-piece seat pad
- Connects directly with Nuna PIPA car seats with included ring adapter
- Automatic quick-click fold lock with trolley function when folded
Nuna MIXX: Pros
Among the three strollers in this group, the Mixx has the best steering over rough terrain. It has a true-flat recline for short naps, although you can buy a bassinet separately. The Nuna bassinet, by the way, is cheaper than UPPAbaby’s. It is also four inches longer, allowing your baby slightly more time to use it. Moreover, in terms of seating, the all-weather padded seat has a removable liner so that your child can rest in a cooler mesh seat in summer. Another feature we like is the storage basket which has a divider to make two compartments—handy when you want to separate your own things from baby’s.
Nuna MIXX: Cons
The Mixx can only be used with the Nuna series of Pipa car seats. Rather annoyingly, too, an adapter is required. A ring adapter comes free with the package, but it is still another piece of equipment to keep (or lose). This stroller is also the heaviest and the least compact in this category. You can pull it along behind you like a trolley when it is folded, but the fact that it won’t stand independently can be a hassle with something so bulky.
Battle of the All-Inclusive Strollers: UPPAbaby VISTA vs Nuna IVVI totl
By all-inclusive, we mean that both of these strollers come with a bassinet that can provide overnight sleeping. Paired with the UPPAbaby bassinet stand ($149.99) or Nuna bassinet stand, you can easily take your newborn along on vacations without worrying that there isn’t any baby crib in your hotel or relative’s home. As mentioned earlier, the Nuna bassinet is a bit longer and can accommodate taller babies. Still, the weight capacities are exactly the same, so it will depend on your situation whether this is really an advantage or not.
| UPPAbaby VISTA | Nuna IVVI totl | |
|---|---|---|
| Stroller Width | 25.7 inches | 25.4 inches |
| Stroller Weight | 26.6 lbs | 29.8 lbs |
| Folded Dimensions | 25.7 x 17.3 x 33 inches | 25.4 x 18.7 x 29.2 inches |
| Maximum Weight of Child | Bassinet 20 lbs Toddler Seat 50 lbs | Bassinet 20 lbs Toddler Seat 50 lbs |
| Wheel Size | Front 8 inches Rear 11.5 inches | Front 7.5 inches Rear 11 inches |
| Retail Price | $969.99 (Click here to check the latest promotion) | $999.95 (Click here to check the latest promotion) |
UPPAbaby VISTA: Key Features
- Suitable from birth with included bassinet and extendable, pop-out UPF 50+ sunshade
- Ability to transport up to three children with UPPAbabyRumbleSeat and UPPAbabyPiggyBack accessories sold separately
- Full-size reversible toddler seat with five-point, no-rethread harness
- Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ protection, zip-out fabric, mesh panels, and vented peekaboo window
- One-handed, multi-position recline
- Adjustable handlebar
- Extra-large, easy-access storage with 30 lbs weight limit
- All-wheel suspension
- Front wheels lock with visual indicators
- UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat attaches directly to the stroller without adapters
- 100% full-grain leather accents
- One-step fold, and stands when folded
UPPAbaby VISTA: Pros
The biggest advantage of the Vista is its ability to transform into a double stroller by using UPPAbaby adapters (sold separately). In fact, it can even accommodate a third child with the PiggyBack ride-along board. As a single pushchair, it is lighter than the NunaIvvi and has a bigger storage basket to boot. The wheels are slightly larger and are made of foam-core rubber that won’t go flat, even with the added weight of a second or third passenger.
UPPAbaby Vista: Cons
The foot brake on this model is very secure and easy enough to use. Disengaging it somewhat problematic, though. We found that you have to press it down a couple of times or jiggle the stroller to unlock it. Some people have also complained that the included rain shield does not fit the bassinet, only the toddler seat.
Nuna IVVI totl: Key Features
- Suitable from birth with included bassinet
- Four modes: bassinet, car seat, rear-facing, and forward-facing seat
- Integrated all-season seat
- Removable UPF 50+ canopy with flip-out eyeshade, Dream Drape, and peekaboo window
- One-handed, three-position recline
- Quick-release five-point no-rethread harness converts to three-point harness
- Luxe leatherette-accented push bar and armbar
- Large storage basket
- Progressive suspension technology
- Foam-filled airless tires
- Pairs perfectly with Nuna PIPA car seats without adapters
- Frame stands when folded
Nuna IVVI totl: Pros
Since this is the last stroller to be reviewed here, now is the time to tell you that we prefer the Nuna’s sun canopy to UPPAbaby’s. The flip-out eyeshade adds more coverage against the sun and the silent magnetic closures mean that you won’t disturb your child when they’re sleeping. Magnets are also used to fasten the bassinet’s cover. In addition, taller parents prefer the adjustable handlebar of this model with its maximum height of 42 inches—two inches taller than UPPAbaby.
Nuna IVVI totl: Cons
This stroller is the heaviest and the most expensive among the five. Unlike the UPPAbaby Vista, there is no option to convert it into a double stroller. (You would have to get the Nuna Demi Grow for that.) It is not compatible with car seats other than the Pipa series, and similar to the Mixx, you need adapters although they are included. Finally, compared to UPPAbaby, the warranty on Nuna’s products are shorter by one year.
Battle of the Infant Car Seats: UPPAbaby MESA vs Nuna PIPA
Both UPPAbaby and Nuna strollers are compatible with their own line of infant car seats to create a complete travel system. These two products, Mesa and Pipa, are exclusively rear-facing which is the safest position for very young children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. They also share the same characteristics that should be present in an infant car seat, such as a carrying handle, a canopy, LATCH and seatbelt installations, and a harness.
| UPPAbaby MESA | Nuna PIPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Weight | Carrier 9.9 lbs Base 9 lbs | Carrier 8 lbs Base 13.4 lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 26.5 x 17.5 x 23 inches | 22.6 x 17 x 26.5 inches |
| Size Limits | 4 to 35 lbs 32 inches maximum | 4 to 32 lbs 32 inches maximum |
| Installation | SMARTSecure System | True Lock |
| Retail Price | $299.99 (Click here to check the latest promotion) | $299.95 (Click here to check the latest promotion) |
| Stroller Compatibility without adapters | UPPAbaby CRUZ and UPPAbabby VISTA | Nuna TAVO |
UPPAbaby MESA: Key Features
- Included infant insert and low harness position for smaller newborns
- Adjustable headrest with side impact protection
- No-rethread harness with harness buckles storage
- UPF 25+ hideaway canopy
- Carry handle with stroller release
- Removable and washable seat fabric
- Built-in lock-off for seatbelt installation
- Level indicator on both sides
- Four-position adjustable footrest
UPPAbaby MESA: Pros
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the UPPAbaby MESA five stars for overall ease of use—that’s the highest rating it can give for a car seat. It easily connects to the UPPAbaby Vista and Cruz strollers without the need for adapters. Disconnecting it is effortless also; just push the button on top of the handle. And in terms of safety, it uses EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam which is less rigid and more durable than the usual EPS (expanded polystyrene).
UPPAbaby MESA: Cons
On the other hand, Consumer Reports found that the Mesa’s crash test rating is lower than the NunaPipa’s. Additionally, although they start at the same price, if you want to avoid flame-retardant chemicals and go with natural Merino wool instead, then you would have to shell out an additional $50 with the Mesa (all Pipa car seats use Merino wool; it is not an add-on). It also looks less luxe because of the plastic handle.
Nuna PIPA: Key Features
- Two-piece removable infant insert and head support
- Side impact protection
- Premium micro-knit fabric
- Dream Drape canopy with mesh peekaboo window
- Leatherette handle has four positions
- Rigid LATCH anchors for easy installation
- H abHH
- Built-in lock-off for seatbelt installation
- Bubble level indicator
- Three height options and three crotch positions
Nuna PIPA: Pros
Compared with UPPAbaby, Nuna offers a bigger assortment of car seats. This gives you more options to meet your personal requirements. The Pipa Lite, for example, is more than 3.5 pounds lighter than the Mesa. All Pipa seats use Merino wool, a material that is naturally fire-resistant, biodegradable, soft, and helps to regulate body temperature. What’s more, the Pipa is safer in a crash with its steel load leg in the base. It is also quicker to install using the metal LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors.
Nuna PIPA: Cons
Unfortunately, the Pipa’s headrest is not adjustable. The harness can also be troublesome, requiring threading through the back of the seat to account for baby’s growth. When used with Nuna strollers as a travel system, ring adapters are needed (except with the NunaTavo). And while installation with the LATCH system is one of the easiest we’ve ever encountered, take note that if you’re using a seatbelt, the Pipa Lite and Lite LX versions can’t be installed without the base.
The Verdict
When you shop for baby gear like strollers and car seats, there are a few questions you should ask. How easy are these products to install and use? How safe are they? And how much are you willing to spend? With these two brands, UPPAbaby and Nuna, you can be sure that you are getting superior quality, style, and safety.
The differences between the two are almost infinitesimal. In general, UPPAbaby strollers have larger storage baskets and bigger tires. They don’t need any adapters to use with the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat. The Mesa, incidentally, is one of the most user-friendly seats in the markets.
On the flip side, Nuna strollers offer slightly better steering. Their sun canopies are designed more nicely and the seats can recline totally flat. When it comes to car seats, their Pipa line offers more variety and features. Their safety rating is also higher.
