Minu V3 wins for travel; Cruz V3 is better for full-size daily comfort.
You know that moment when you need a stroller that’s easy on a plane but still comfy for a toddler? I faced that choice many times with the UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller. Both are solid, but one shines in portability while the other feels like a daily workhorse. I’ve used both in city errands, airports, and park strolls; below I share hands-on notes to help you pick the right one for your life.
UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller…
ONE-HAND FOLD plus UNFOLD: A one-second, one-handed fold and unfold, and watch the Minu stands on its own. Then use the easily accessible integrated carry…
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 Minu V3 Travel Stroller Good?
Yes — the UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller is great for parents who value light weight and quick folding. It’s aimed at frequent travelers, transit riders, and anyone who needs a stroller that tucks into tight trunks or overhead bins. For short outings and travel days, it’s a clear yes. For long walks on rough trails, it depends.
In my experience, the Minu V3 made airport days less stressful. I folded it one-handed while balancing a diaper bag and toddler, and it snapped shut cleanly. On a rainy commute, the canopy and seat held up well. I also used it for quick grocery trips where maneuvering through tight aisles mattered — the compact frame was a huge help.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Lightweight, compact frame ideal for travel and tight spaces.
- One-hand fold and unfold for quick transitions.
- Seat suitable from birth with car-seat compatibility (with adapters).
- Large UPF canopy with peekaboo window for sun and rain protection.
- Decent storage pocket for essentials despite small footprint.
What I Like
- The one-handed fold is truly practical when juggling a child and bags.
- It fits easily in my car trunk and the overhead bin on flights.
- Light frame makes carrying up a few steps much less painful.
- Simple steering in crowded stores and on sidewalks.
- Stylish look without feeling bulky or old-school.
What Could Be Better
- Smaller seat and canopy than full-size strollers—less roomy for toddlers.
- Suspension is okay for city sidewalks but not for long rough trails.
- Smaller basket capacity compared to full-size models.
My Recommendation
Choose the Minu V3 if you travel often, need quick folds, or want a light stroller for city life. It’s widely available and great value for portability.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Travelers | Compact, light, fits overhead bins and small trunks. |
| City parents | Easier to steer and store in tight spaces. |
| Short errands | Quick fold/unfold and simple handling. |
Is UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller Good?
Yes — the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller is excellent for parents who want a full-size, versatile stroller. It offers a roomy seat, reversible position, and smoother ride. If you plan long walks, daily use, or need more cargo, the Cruz V3 is a strong pick.
I used the Cruz V3 for longer park walks and daycare runs. The ride felt plush; my toddler dozed off easier than in the Minu V3. The reversible seat meant I could keep an eye on a fussy infant or let an older child face out. The storage basket hauled groceries and a diaper bag without complaint.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Full-size frame with reversible, roomy seat for infant-to-toddler use.
- Better suspension and larger wheels for smoother rides.
- Large under-seat basket and useful storage pockets.
- Includes infant insert and shields for weather protection.
- Compatibility with a range of UPPAbaby car seats and accessories.
What I Like
- Comfortable seat keeps my child calm on longer outings.
- Reversible seat gives options for face-in or face-out modes.
- Sturdy build feels very durable for daily use.
- Generous storage handles shopping and diapers with ease.
- Rolls smoothly over uneven pavement and park paths.
What Could Be Better
- Heavier and bulkier than travel strollers; tighter car trunks struggle.
- Folding is less compact and needs two hands if you’re packing tightly.
- Higher price point than compact travel models.
My Recommendation
Choose the Cruz V3 if you want a daily, full-size stroller with comfort and storage. Ideal for families who prioritize ride quality over compactness.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily use families | Roomy seat, smooth ride, big basket for essentials. |
| Long walks | Better suspension and larger wheels for comfort. |
| Parents with older toddlers | Spacious seat and durable frame for extended use. |
UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller: Side-by-Side Test
I lined up the UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller in real use. Below are focused categories from my tests to help you see where each shines.
Portability & Folding: Which Packs Easier?
How fast and small each stroller folds, and how easy it is to carry.
| Feature | Minu V3 | Cruz V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Fold Type | One-hand compact fold | Two-step larger fold |
| Folded Size | Very compact | Bulky |
| Weight | Light (~14 lb) | Heavier (~25 lb) |
| Carry Ease | Easy for one person | Needs two hands or more effort |
Rating: Minu V3 – 9/10 | Cruz V3 – 6/10
“Minu V3 wins portability hands down; it’s built for travel and tight spaces.”
Ride Comfort & Suspension: Which Is Smoother?
How comfortable the ride is for your child on city and park surfaces.
| Feature | Minu V3 | Cruz V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Size | Smaller urban wheels | Larger wheels |
| Suspension | Basic | Enhanced |
| Comfort on Pavement | Good | Very good |
| Comfort on Rough Paths | Fair | Good |
Rating: Minu V3 – 7/10 | Cruz V3 – 9/10
“Cruz V3 takes the edge for comfort, ideal for longer outings and uneven ground.”
Seat & Canopy: Which Is Roomier?
Compare seat size, recline, and canopy coverage for naps and sun protection.
| Feature | Minu V3 | Cruz V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Width | Smaller | Roomier |
| Recline Options | Multi-position | Deep recline, near-flat |
| Canopy Size | Good, compact | Large, extended |
| Infant Support | Car-seat compatible | Includes infant insert, car-seat compatible |
Rating: Minu V3 – 7/10 | Cruz V3 – 9/10
“For naps and taller kids, Cruz V3 clearly feels more comfortable and protective.”
Storage & Practical Use: Which Hauls More?
Basket size and pockets for daily essentials and shopping.
| Feature | Minu V3 | Cruz V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Under-basket Size | Small | Large |
| Accessory Pockets | Small pocket | Multiple pockets |
| Grocery Hauling | Limited | Strong |
| Diaper Bag Fit | Fits smaller bags | Fits large bags |
Rating: Minu V3 – 6/10 | Cruz V3 – 9/10
“Cruz V3 is built to carry your day — groceries, bags, and extras without complaint.”
Ease of Use & Maneuverability: Which Feels Better in Town?
Steering, brakes, and daily handling on sidewalks and shops.
| Feature | Minu V3 | Cruz V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering in Crowds | Excellent | Good |
| Braking System | Standard foot brake | Standard foot brake, firm feel |
| One-hand Operation | Yes (fold) | Mostly two-handed |
| Storage After Use | Very easy | Requires space |
Rating: Minu V3 – 9/10 | Cruz V3 – 7/10
“Minu V3 wins daily urban maneuverability; it’s nimble in tight spots.”
Value & Longevity: Which Gives More Over Time?
Long-term durability, resale, and versatility for growing kids.
| Feature | Minu V3 | Cruz V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good for travel | Very durable for daily use |
| Resale Value | Solid | Strong |
| Adaptability as Child Grows | Best until toddler years | Good for many toddler years |
| Overall Cost vs Use | High portability value | High long-term value |
Rating: Minu V3 – 7/10 | Cruz V3 – 9/10
“Cruz V3 offers more long-term value for daily, heavy use; Minu V3 is great for niche travel needs.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Both the UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller serve clear roles. If you travel often or need a compact, lightweight stroller for quick errands, the Minu V3 is the winner. It folds fast and is easy to carry.
If you want comfort, storage, and a stroller that handles daily wear and long walks, choose the Cruz V3. It’s bulkier but more versatile for long-term family life.
FAQs Of UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller
Which stroller is better for travel, Minu V3 or Cruz V3?
Minu V3 is better for travel. It’s lighter, folds smaller, and fits overhead bins. Cruz V3 is bulkier and better for daily use.
Can both strollers take an infant car seat?
Yes. Both the UPPAbaby Minu V3 Travel Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V3 Stroller accept UPPAbaby car seats with adapters. Cruz V3 often includes more infant-friendly accessories.
Which stroller has a bigger storage basket?
The Cruz V3 has a larger under-seat basket. It’s better for groceries and bigger diaper bags. The Minu V3 has limited storage by design.
Are they both suitable from birth?
Both strollers work from birth with proper infant inserts or compatible car seats. Cruz V3 includes infant pads; Minu V3 requires compatible car-seat use for newborns.
Which is better value overall?
It depends on you. For frequent travel and compact needs, Minu V3 offers great value. For daily comfort, storage, and longevity, Cruz V3 is the better long-term investment.
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.
