Both excel: Ridge for running, Cruz V3 for everyday city strolls and full-family use.
Picture this: you want one stroller that keeps pace on a trail and one that glides through city errands. I tested the UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller for months. I pushed them on gravel, pavement, and through busy stores. Both shine, but they solve different problems. I’ll share clear, practical notes from my time with the UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller to help you pick the right match for your life.
UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller/Durable Performance…
NEVER FLAT TIRES: No inflation tires mean you can take off and leave the air pump at home! Large 12″ and 16″ foam-filled wheels with…
UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller -…
FROM BIRTH TO TODDLER: The sleek, streamlined design offers effortless maneuverability with a full-size, lay-flat reversible seat suited from birth to 50 lbs to grow…
Is UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller Good?
Yes — for active parents who run, hike, or need a rugged stroller. The UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller is built for motion. It feels solid and planted when you run. The never-flat tires and suspension give confident rides on rough ground. If you need a stroller that can double as a daily jogger and a trail mate, this one fits. It is not a compact city stroller, so expect size and weight.
I used the UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller on weekend trail runs and quick grocery runs. On a rainy morning, its wide tires shed puddles and kept the stroller straight with one hand. Once, I jogged three miles with a sleeping toddler and the ride stayed smooth. Parking and storing it in my car took more space than the Cruz V3, but the performance on uneven paths made that trade worth it for me.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Large front-locking wheel and wide rear wheels for stability on trails.
- Never-flat tires and tuned suspension for shock absorption.
- Adjustable five-point harness with roomy seat for older infants/toddlers.
- Large storage basket and water bottle holder for long outings.
- Hand brake option and easy-access parking brake for control.
What I Like
- Extremely stable at jogging speeds; one-handed steering is possible.
- Smooth ride for my child even on rough trails.
- Durable frame that feels built to last.
- Simple to clean after muddy runs.
- Practical storage for snacks, water, and gear on day-long outings.
What Could Be Better
- Bulky and heavier than city strollers; tight car trunks can be a squeeze.
- Not designed for newborns without a compatible car seat adapter.
- Folding is less compact compared to full-size urban strollers.
My Recommendation
Great for active parents who run or hike with a child; worth the cost for trail performance. Available online and in select stores.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Trail running parents | Stable, shock-absorbing ride and never-flat tires |
| Weekend hikers | Durable frame and ample storage for gear |
| Parents of older infants/toddlers | Roomy seat and robust harness |
Is UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller Good?
Yes — if you want a versatile, daily all-rounder for city life. The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller is nimble and designed for everyday use. It accepts infant car seats from birth and offers a reversible seat. This makes it a simple pick for families who need comfort, style, and convenience. It is lighter and more compact than the Ridge, so tight sidewalks and public transit are easier.
I lived with the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller for errands, subway rides, and short walks. Folding it down to fit in my car trunk was quick and hassle-free. A rainy afternoon shopping trip showed me how well the included rain and bug shields work. On one busy market day, the Cruz’s swivel front wheel and narrow frame slipped between crowds while my toddler napped peacefully.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Reversible seat that faces parent or world-facing.
- Compatible with infant car seats from birth.
- Compact fold for storage and car trunks.
- Included rain and bug shields, and infant insert.
- Smooth-swivel front wheel for city maneuvering.
What I Like
- Easy one-hand fold and compact storage.
- Comfortable seat with adjustable recline for naps.
- Great for public transport and tight sidewalks.
- Breathable canopy and sun protection for longer days out.
- Well-designed accessories included in the box.
What Could Be Better
- Not meant for high-speed jogging or rough trails.
- Smaller wheels give a firmer ride on cracked sidewalks.
- Less storage capacity than the Ridge for long outings.
My Recommendation
Best for urban families who need from-birth use and compact storage. Good value and widely available.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| City parents | Compact fold and easy maneuverability |
| Newborn families | Car seat compatibility and infant insert |
| Public transit users | Narrow frame and easy handling |
UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller: Side-by-Side Test
I compared the UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller across key real-world categories. Below are hands-on results from trail runs, grocery runs, and daily life.
Maneuverability & Terrain: Which One Handles Rough Paths?
Short intro: This looks at how each stroller moves over different ground.
| Feature | UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller |
|---|---|---|
| Off-road stability | Excellent | Fair |
| Front-wheel lock for trail | Yes | Limited |
| Wheel size | Large (trail tires) | Medium (city wheels) |
| Suspension | Tuned suspension | Minimal suspension |
Rating: Ridge – 9/10 | Cruz V3 – 6/10
Summary: The Ridge wins for rough terrain due to large tires and suspension.
Comfort & Suspension: Which One Smooths the Ride?
Short intro: This checks comfort for child and parent on bumpy surfaces.
| Feature | UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller |
|---|---|---|
| Seat padding | Good | Very good |
| Suspension | Strong trail suspension | Light urban suspension |
| Ride smoothness on bumps | High | Medium |
| Harness comfort | Padded 5-point | Padded 5-point |
Rating: Ridge – 9/10 | Cruz V3 – 8/10
Summary: The Ridge has the edge on long bumpy rides; Cruz V3 is comfy for city use.
Fold & Portability: Which One Packs Better?
Short intro: This tests how each stows and travels.
| Feature | UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller |
|---|---|---|
| Fold size | Large | Compact |
| One-hand fold | No (two-step) | Yes |
| Trunk fit | Needs space | Fits smaller trunks |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
Rating: Ridge – 6/10 | Cruz V3 – 9/10
Summary: Cruz V3 is clearly better for tight storage and travel.
Storage & Accessories: Which One Carries More?
Short intro: This looks at cargo space and useful extras.
| Feature | UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller |
|---|---|---|
| Basket size | Large | Medium |
| Cup/water holders | Yes | Yes |
| Included shields | Optional accessories | Bug & rain included |
| Accessory ecosystem | Good | Excellent |
Rating: Ridge – 8/10 | Cruz V3 – 8/10
Summary: Ridge offers big basket space; Cruz V3 wins on included accessories.
Safety & Durability: Which One Feels More Secure?
Short intro: This checks brakes, harness, and build quality.
| Feature | UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller |
|---|---|---|
| Brake quality | Secure parking & hand brake option | Secure parking brake |
| Harness | 5-point adjustable | 5-point adjustable |
| Frame durability | Heavy-duty | High-quality urban frame |
| Tire maintenance | Never-flat | Airless/standard (model dependent) |
Rating: Ridge – 9/10 | Cruz V3 – 8/10
Summary: Ridge feels rugged and trail-ready; both are reliably built.
Ease of Use: Which One Is Simpler Day-to-Day?
Short intro: This covers adjustability, folding, and cleaning.
| Feature | UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of fold | Moderate | Easy |
| Adjusting seat | Manual, simple | Quick recline and swap |
| Cleaning | Durable fabrics, easy wash | Easy-care fabrics |
| Handling with child | One-handed running ok | Very easy one-handed steer |
Rating: Ridge – 7/10 | Cruz V3 – 9/10
Summary: Cruz V3 is more user-friendly for quick errands and juggling tasks.
Value for Money: Which One Gives More?
Short intro: Compares cost versus utility for typical buyers.
| Feature | UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP vs features | Premium for trail use | Premium but versatile |
| Resale value | Strong | Strong |
| Everyday utility | Niche (active parents) | Broad (most families) |
| Accessories cost | Moderate-high | Moderate |
Rating: Ridge – 7/10 | Cruz V3 – 8/10
Summary: Cruz V3 offers broader everyday value; Ridge is worth it if you use trail features often.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you run, hike, or need a stroller for rough paths, buy the UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller. It delivers confidence, smooth ride, and durability for active outings. If you live in the city, use public transit, or need a stroller from birth, the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller is the better pick. It folds small, fits car trunks, and comes with infant-ready accessories. Both are high-quality; your lifestyle decides the winner.
FAQs Of UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller
Which is better for running: Ridge or Cruz V3?
The UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller is better for running. It has larger, lockable front wheel, better suspension, and never-flat tires. The Cruz V3 is not designed for sustained jogging.
Can the Cruz V3 be used from birth?
Yes. The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller accepts infant car seats and includes an infant insert, so it’s suitable from birth. The Ridge is better for older infants and toddlers unless you add a compatible car seat adapter.
Which stroller is easier to store in a small car?
The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller folds more compactly and is lighter. It fits small trunks better than the Ridge. If storage is a priority, choose the Cruz V3.
Are both strollers safe and durable?
Yes. Both the UPPAbaby Ridge Jogging Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller are well-built with good harness systems and reliable brakes. Ridge leans rugged; Cruz V3 is strong for daily urban use.
Which offers better value for most families?
For most families, the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller offers broader everyday value due to its from-birth compatibility and compact fold. The Ridge is valuable for niche active users who will use trail features regularly.
Emma Grace is a devoted mother and passionate content writer at BestBabyCart.com. With firsthand parenting experience and a love for research, she creates helpful guides and honest reviews to support parents in choosing the best for their babies. Her goal is to make parenthood easier, one article at a time.
