Best overall · October 2026
The best stroller overall
Short answer: The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is the best stroller for most families (9.1/10, $899.99). It reclines flat from birth, carries 30 lb in the basket and has a seat rated to 50 lb, in a 26.5 lb frame. Planning a second child? Choose the UPPAbaby Vista V3. On a budget? The Joie Ginger DLX.
Our pick: UPPAbaby Cruz V3
Best overall
UPPAbaby Cruz V3
9.1 — Exceptional · $899.99 · 26.5 lb
A 26.5 lb full-size stroller that reclines flat from birth, carries up to 30 lb in the basket and has a seat rated to 50 lb. Our top-rated stroller.
Why we like it
- Only 22.5 in wide, so it fits through narrow doors and shop aisles
- 30 lb basket limit with easy access from several sides
- Seat reclines nearly flat from birth, with an infant insert included
Skip it if
- You plan a second child close together
- You want to jog or go on rough trails
- You need a stroller light enough to carry or fly with
Also worth considering
If you plan a second child
UPPAbaby Vista V3
Shares the Cruz V3's build quality and 30 lb basket, and adds mounting points for a second seat (sold separately) or a riding board. It weighs 27.6 lb with the toddler seat.
9.1 — Exceptional. 27.6 lb, folds to 16.3×25.7×33.8 in, $999.99.
Bassinet in the box
Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew
Comes with a bassinet, a toddler seat and car seat adapters, and its big wheels handle park paths well. It costs much more, and the 22 lb basket is smaller.
8.8 — Excellent. 26.5 lb, folds to 17.3×23.6×35.4 in, $1,499.
Full-size features for less
Joie Ginger DLX
A lie-flat pramette mode from birth, all-wheel suspension and a 50 lb seat for $399.99. It's heavy at 26.7 lb, and the basket takes 11 lb.
8.0 — Very good. 26.7 lb, folds to 31.7×24.5×21 in, $399.99.
How do our picks compare?
| Spec | UPPAbaby Cruz V3 | UPPAbaby Vista V3 | Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew | Joie Ginger DLX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 9.1 — Exceptional | 9.1 — Exceptional | 8.8 — Excellent | 8.0 — Very good |
| List price | $899.99 | $999.99 | $1,499 | $399.99 |
| Type | Full-size | Single-to-double | Full-size | Full-size |
| Weight | 26.5 lb | 27.6 lb | 26.5 lb | 26.7 lb |
| Folded (L×W×H) | 17×22.5×32.5 in | 16.3×25.7×33.8 in | 17.3×23.6×35.4 in | 31.7×24.5×21 in |
| Max child weight | 50 lb | 50 lb | 50 lb | 50 lb |
| Basket | 30 lb | 30 lb | 22 lb | 11 lb |
| From birth | Yes, the reversible seat reclines flat with the included infant insert; a bassinet is sold separately | Yes, with the Bassinet V3 or Infant SnugSeat (both sold separately), or an infant car seat | Yes, with the bassinet (bassinet limit 20 lb) | Yes, in the built-in lie-flat pramette mode, or with a Joie infant car seat on the included adapters |
Why is the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 our top pick?
The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 scores well on every one of our six criteria, with no real weak spot for a family with one child. It works from birth without a bassinet: the reversible seat reclines flat with the included infant insert. The basket takes 30 lb, as much as any stroller we cover, and the seat is rated to 50 lb. BabyGearLab also ranked it its top full-size stroller.
The trade-offs are size and price. At 26.5 lb it isn't a stroller to carry up stairs every day, it folds to 17×22.5×32.5 in, and it lists at $899.99. It also can't take a second seat.
How did we choose?
We rate every stroller on the same six criteria (maneuverability, fold, comfort, storage, build and value), using manufacturer specs, safety standards, expert reviews and owner reports. The overall pick is the stroller we'd point a friend to if they had one child and wanted a single stroller from birth to the toddler years. Read our methodology.
Which one should you choose?
- One child, a car and a mix of walks and errands: the UPPAbaby Cruz V3.
- A second child likely within a few years: the UPPAbaby Vista V3, which takes a second seat. See our best single-to-double picks.
- You want a bassinet included and a premium ride: the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew.
- Budget matters most: the Joie Ginger DLX at $399.99, or see our best budget picks.
- You fly often or live up stairs: a travel stroller. See our best travel picks.
Still unsure? Our full-size vs compact guide walks through the trade-offs.
Best stroller FAQ
What is the best stroller in 2026?
The UPPAbaby Cruz V3 is the best stroller for most families with one child. It reclines flat from birth, holds 30 lb in the basket, has a seat rated to 50 lb and weighs 26.5 lb. The UPPAbaby Vista V3 is the better choice if you plan a second child.
What's the difference between the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 and Vista V3?
The Vista V3 can take a second seat and a riding board, so it grows from one child to two or three. The Cruz V3 is a single stroller only. Both have a 30 lb basket and a 50 lb seat. The Vista weighs 27.6 lb to the Cruz's 26.5 lb.
Is a $900 stroller worth it?
It can be, if you'll use it daily for three or four years. Premium strollers tend to steer better, carry more and hold resale value. But a good stroller doesn't have to cost that much: the Joie Ginger DLX offers lie-flat newborn use and all-wheel suspension for $399.99.
Do I need a bassinet with the Cruz V3?
No. UPPAbaby says the Cruz V3 seat reclines flat for use from birth with the included infant insert. A bassinet is sold separately if you'd like a roomier, more enclosed space for long walks in the first months.