Take a stroll down a busy sidewalk and you’ll likely see the same few stroller brands on repeat. One of the big players in the stroller game is the UPPAbaby. It sometimes feels like I can’t step outside my door without seeing a parade of Vistas and Cruzes headed to brunch.
So when I was working on my registry, it seemed like a no-brainer to add an UPPAbaby. Everyone had and loved them; I’d join that parade.
I’m over two years into using our UPPAbaby Vista (the stroller that easily converts from a single to a double stroller) and I can say without a doubt that I love it. One of my favorite things to do with my little ones is go on long walks, and our stroller has put in the miles.
Though I love it, UPPAbaby products come with a hefty price tag. And there are other perfectly good strollers that are way more affordable. Is the UPPAbaby brand truly worth the cost? I also tried out a more affordable option, the Mockingbird stroller, which is very similar in style and function to UPPAbaby strollers at a fraction of the price.
Curious how the two stack up? Here’s my honest opinion. The Mockingbird Single-to-Double is most similar to the UPPAbaby Vista, so I will compare those two below.
The Vista has the ability to transition from a single to a double stroller and can accommodate a third kid via a ride-along board. 9 colors available The Mockingbird features amazing versatility with 19+ configurations and can fit up to three kids with added accessories. 5 colors, 2 canopy patterns & 2 frame options available
Vista V2 Stroller
Single-to-Double Stroller
Cost Comparison: The Vista vs. The Mockingbird
The base prices are quite different:
- The Vista (without any added accessories) costs $1,099.99
- The Mockingbird costs $450
The Vista does come with a bassinet attachment while for the Mockingbird, it is an accessory you can purchase separately at an added cost of $110. So even with the added bassinet, the Mockingbird is still almost half the price.
And speaking of accessories, strollers are pretty pricey on their own and what you might not realize is that you may end up adding a ton of accessories, like car seat adaptors, snack trays, riding boards, and second-seat kits, which all add up. When you’re considering price, remember there might be more than the base pay that you’ll end up paying.
Weight & Size of the Strollers
However you look at it, both strollers are bulky. They aren’t particularly travel-friendly and I lovingly refer to my Vista as “a tank.” The size and weight difference between the two is minimal. The Mockingbird is 26.5 pounds and the Vista 27 pounds. So the Mockingbird wins in terms of being lighter, but I wouldn’t consider either to be light.
I’ve never brought mine on a plane, and if you’re going to go with one of these strollers, I recommend also investing in a travel stroller. The Vista and the Mockingbird are best for strolling around your neighborhood or putting in your trunk for an afternoon out (though even unloading them from the car feels like a workout!).
Durability and Comfort of the Strollers
In my opinion, both strollers are very well made. I’ve found the materials to be high quality and have run into very few issues across both brands. I can’t speak for the comfort of my kids exactly, but they both seem equally as comfortable in each stroller. The Vista is a little heavier and does feel slightly more sturdy than the Mockingbird but not in a significant way. I would by no means say the Mockingbird does not feel sturdy; it just doesn’t feel quite as tank-like as the Vista does.
I will note that when you turn both strollers from a single to a double, the Vista handles it better. It is a bit easier to push and to navigate on hills or uneven surfaces. Again, there isn’t a significant difference between the two and the ease likely isn’t worth the major price difference. But if I’m getting nit-picky, that’s a difference between the two.
Design Differences Between the Vista and the Mockingbird
Two things that I’ve noticed that are different between the strollers are the breaks and the bottom bar. Personally, I have had ongoing issues with the Vista break/lock. It tends to get stuck and I have to push on it several times to unlock it. This might be an issue with my particular stroller, but I do have friends who have had the same complaint. I prefer the lock style of the Mockingbird and it’s never gotten stuck. It’s easier to lock and unlock.
The Mockingbird also has a full bar along the bottom of the stroller, which I find is helpful when trying to go over bumps or over an elevated surface (like a sidewalk curb). The Vista doesn’t have that same bar, so pushing it in those cases can be a challenge.
Customization and Accessory Options
Both the Vista and the Mockingbird come in a variety of colors. The fun thing with the Mockingbird is that you can make your own custom selection by choosing the fabric color, a pattern, and the frame color. This is a bit more customization than you get with the Vista.
Both strollers have a wide variety of accessories. Not surprisingly, the Vista accessories tend to all be more expensive than the Mockingbird. A second-seat kit for Mockingbird is $145 and for Vista it’s $269. The Vista Piggyback Ride-Along Board is $134 and for Mockingbird is $95 (and it comes with a cute little seat!). I could go on all day, but it’s pretty clear the price differences will continue with every accessory you purchase.
General Feelings on the Strollers
After using both strollers extensively, I can tell you that there is not a major difference overall. The styles are similar and they both feel extremely safe, well-made, and reliable. Given all of that, it’s pretty wild that there is a near-$650 price difference between the two base products.
The styles are similar and they both feel extremely safe, well-made, and reliable.
Since having my second baby a year ago, I have turned both my Vista and my Mockingbird from single to double strollers and have added many accessories along the way. With all of those items adding up, the amount I’ve spent on my Vista is around $1,600+ and for my Mockingbird around $900+.
So, Which Stroller Do I Recommend?
Strollers are an investment and it comes down to how much you feel comfortable spending as well as how often you’re planning to use it. If you want to splurge or you’re being gifted a stroller, the UPPAbaby Vista is an excellent stroller. I have no regrets about choosing the Vista.
It is worth noting that my Vista was generously gifted to me by a relative. If I were to go back in time and was spending my own money, while I love the Vista, I might go for the Mockingbird, especially after experiencing how similar they are. I stroll with my kids every day and have had no major quality issues with either model.
All the baby gear adds up and a stroller isn’t the only thing you’re going to be spending money on. In fact, you might end up buying a variety of strollers (I also have a jogging stroller and a travel stroller. It’s a lot!).
If all the various baby costs are adding up in your head and stressing you out, I highly recommend the Mockingbird. It’s a great stroller that has all the bells and whistles you could ever want in a stroller. And as someone who has had two babies that love snoozing in the bassinet during walks, that’s an accessory I recommend adding since it doesn’t come standard with the Mockingbird.
If you’re struggling to decide between the two, the good news is that I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy with whichever one you land on. And based on my own experience, your little ones will likely be happy to ride along in either brand.
