I Test Drove the UPPABaby Vista V3 Stroller for 9 Months—Here’s My Honest Review

The most noticeable difference when I first tested it out is truly the maneuverability and the suspension. What I lamented in the OG edition (wheels that got stuck on a sidewalk lip, for example, and required an extra bit of elbow grease to traverse) has all been upgraded and improved. In fact, the newer model offers an especially smooth ride on difficult terrains: I found it significantly easier to zig and zag around people on the sidewalk and also to push one-handed than its predecessor. It also meant that my infant stayed sleeping longer in most circumstances—the biggest win.

I also love the addition of the five-point harness (which was added in the Vista V2 model, too), as well as the magnetic clasp. This means that strapping baby in so that they are safe and secure feels rather brainless. The various straps almost find each other—that’s how strong the clasp is—while still staying child-proof. They’re also easy to adjust without having to remove baby from the seat, helpful as your baby rapidly grows (or even just falls asleep in an awkward position).

Other details worth calling out: The addition of a mesh panels to the bassinet and the option to winterize the toddler seat with a padded insert. I was particularly thankful for the added ventilation while pushing my newborn around on Halloween this past autumn, when temps somehow were still in the high 80s in New York. My baby snoozed happily but had a nice airflow at the same time.

The storage continues to be a stand-out (I’ve fit everything from a farmers’ market haul to my son’s scooter beneath baby); ditto the peek-a-boo spot on the toddler seat. (I love—and wish all strollers offered—a non-disruptive panel that you can roll back to get a quick peek at baby while sleeping.)

Also, not for nothing, but this stroller still looks brand-new after nine months of use. (I got it in a darker color—the Noa—but it’s certainly worth noting.)

The newest features of the Vista V3 include the enhanced FlexRide suspension, the all-weather toddler seat, the new magnetic buckle system and reflective trims of the wheels and under-carriage basket for added visibility while strolling. This stroller is also equipped to accommodate up to three children (the third older child can hop on and ride along thanks to UPPABaby’s PiggyBack Ride-Along board, $180). In total, there are over 30 different configurations available

While the bassinet is now sold separately, your infant can ride in the RumbleSeat from birth with the inclusion of the infant SnugSeat. Without the SnugSeat, this stroller is designed to be used for kids ages 3 months to 50 pounds. (The bassinet and the SnugSeat extend that life span to 0 months.) The basket can accommodate up to 30 pounds of storage and the stroller also features an easily adjustable handlebar to help accommodate parents of different heights.

From a safety perspective, the Vista V3 is Green Guard-certified, which means it has been tested and evaluated above and beyond the government standards when it comes to chemical emissions limits. The leather used on the stroller is also REACH compliant certified for over 200+ chemicals.

My biggest gripe about the new model is a surprising one: The pedal lock sometimes gets stuck. This doesn’t compromise safety—it mainly sticks when unlocking the stroller from a resting position, so I just have to press my foot on it an extra time. I do think it still is a bit cumbersome to open (you have to un-latch a tab on the side), which means that two hands are always required. The Vista V3 does stand upright on its own, but the footprint is still a bit large. That is countered by the sturdiness it provides, but you want to be sure you have space in the entryway—or your apartment hallway—even if it is fully closed up.