UPPAbaby Vista V3 vs. Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0
Two very similar strollers, two very different prices. How do they stack up and which one’s right for you?
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If you’re in the market for a convertible stroller—a stroller that converts from a single to a double—you’ve likely come across two of the most popular options: UPPAbaby’s Vista V3 and the Mockingbird Single-to-Double 2.0.
Although they look similar, there are some big differences between the two. (The price tag, for starters.) But how significant are these differences? How do the strollers’ features stack up? And which one is right for your family? We’re putting two of the most popular strollers head-to-head to find out.
Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0 - Black/Windowpane Canopy With Penny Leather
From $450.00
UPPAbaby vs. Mockingbird: Overview
One of the first convertible stroller systems to hit the US market in the early 2000s, the UPPAbaby Vista changed the game for strolling parents with more than one kiddo in tow. Now, instead of having to buy a whole new stroller when a second baby came along, parents could morph the stroller they already owned from a single to a double with a few small tweaks (no tools needed) and the addition of a second seat. Now on its third iteration, the brand’s V3 edition boasts the same unmatched functionality along with lots of high-end features like all-wheel suspension, an all-weather seat, magnetic buckles, a one-step, self-standing fold, a massive storage basket and more.
Mockingbird launched as a direct-to-consumer brand in 2019 with a single stroller and released its highly anticipated convertible single-to-double model shortly after. Both models then received significant updates in early 2024 including improved suspension, an extended canopy and hinged latch for an easier fold and unfold. Similar to the Vista in many ways (other than price), the Mockingbird expands to hold two kids with 22+ different configurations and plenty of luxe features.
UPPAbaby vs. Mockingbird: Design and Functionality
What’s similar
The basic look, design and functionality of these two strollers are really similar. Both feature many of the things you’d expect to find in a higher-end stroller: modular seating (seats that can parent-face or be flipped to face outward), high-quality fabrics, adjustable handlebars, extendable canopies with peekaboo windows, large storage baskets, above-average suspension and reclining seats. (The straps on both strollers’ seats also adjust up or down with a quick pull—no manual re-threading needed.) Both strollers are roughly the same size and weight, accept infant car seats from a wide range of brands and expand to hold more than one child. And both come in a wide selection of colorways.
What’s different
The seat design differences between these two strollers is something to note. While both are comfortable, the V3 upgrade brought an all-weather comfort seat to the Vista. There’s a seat liner for cooler days that converts to a mesh liner for warmer ones, a nice perk if you live in a warmer climate. There’s also a slight handlebar difference. The V3 has a telescoping handle (moves up and down), while the Mockingbird’s handle pivots on each side and swivels up and down. As a taller parent (I’m 5’10”) the Vista is more comfortable for me to push—but not by much. (Both strollers are comfortable for shorter folks to push, too.)
The fold on the Vista and the Mockingbird is also different. Both feature a standing fold, but you’ll need two hands to fold the Vista and only one to fold the Mockingbird. If you’re not breaking down your stroller all that often, this isn’t a huge deal, but it’s a big win if you’ll need to regularly fold it while also wrangling your kid(s).
UPPAbaby vs. Mockingbird: Suspension and Maneuverability
What’s similar
Despite the steep price difference, both the suspension and maneuverability of the V3 and the Mockingbird 2.0 are solid. As single strollers, both are easy to push, turn and steer thanks to large wheels. As doubles, they’re a bit more unwieldy—but that’s the case with almost all inline strollers when loaded up with two kids, so we didn’t notice any big differences there.
What’s different
I find the Vista easier to maneuver than the Mockingbird in both single and double mode. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s there; the V3 is slightly more responsive and easier to steer.
Both strollers have impressive all-wheel suspension systems that can tackle uneven sidewalks, hop curbs and even do stairs without a hitch. If we’re being really nitpicky, I’d give a slight edge to the Vista for suspension. The new FlexRide suspension system on the V3 offers a really cushy ride—but if you’re an average parent out for an everyday walk (and not a gear editor who’s tested dozens of strollers head-to-head over her lifetime 🙋🏻♀️), you likely won’t notice much of a difference.
UPPAbaby vs. Mockingbird: Configurations
What’s similar
Customizable configurations is the superpower of both of these popular strollers. Both the Vista V3 and the Mockingbird hold up to three kids and allow for lots of different configurations; however, the logistics of how they get there may influence your decision on which stroller is better for your specific needs.
What’s different
There are three major configuration differences between Vista and the Mockingbird:
The Mockingbird can hold a bassinet in the top spot and a forward-facing toddler in the lower spot. With the Vista, the bassinet can only go in the bottom spot while an older child can ride in the top spot closest to the parent.
Both strollers can hold two infant car seats at once, but the Vista can also hold two bassinets at once—and the Mockingbird cannot. (Something to consider if you’re a twin parent.)
The second seat on the Vista is smaller than the main toddler seat, with a limit of 40 pounds or 36 inches. (The main seat has a weight limit of 50 pounds and 40 inches.) Mockingbird’s seats are the same size; they both hold up to 45 pounds and 42 inches each. (In single mode, the Mockingbird seat holds up to 50 pounds.)
These differences matter depending on how you plan to use your stroller. If you’re a twin parent who needs to use your stroller in double mode right from the start and prefer bassinets over infant car seats, the V3 is the better option. If your kids are larger/heavier, your child may outgrow the Vista’s RumbleSeat faster than they will the Mockingbird’s second seat. There are lots of different situations to think through, so be sure to spend some time considering your wants and needs before making a decision.
Two more differences to note: their car seat adaptability and riding boards. If you’re planning to use an infant car seat (or two) with your stroller, you’ll have a lot of options with both; however, Mockingbird accepts more car seat brands than the V3. (You will need adapters for both, though, unless you’re using an UPPAbaby infant seat with your Vista.)
The strollers’ riding boards also differ. The Vista’s PiggyBack has your child standing in the middle of the handlebar area, while Mockingbird’s Riding Board positions your child slightly off to the side and has both a standing and sitting option. I prefer the Riding Board; it makes the stroller easier to push and I like the dual sit and stand functionality.
UPPAbaby vs. Mockingbird: Price
The biggest and most obvious difference by far between these two strollers is the price. Here’s the cost breakdown at the time of this article’s publication:
UPPAbaby Vista V3
Single stroller: $899.99*
Single stroller + bassinet: $1099.98
Single stroller + RumbleSeat (for 2 kids): $1,149.98
Single stroller + RubleSeat + PiggyBack Board (for 3 kids): $1,284.97
Mockingbird 2.0
Single stroller: $450.00
Single stroller + bassinet: $590.00
Single stroller + 2nd Seat Kit (for 2 kids): $595.00
Single stroller + 2nd Seat Kit + Riding Board (for 3 kids): $690.00
*This price also includes a rain and a bug shield; note you’ll need to purchase those separately for the Mockingbird.
If cost is your driving factor in deciding on a convertible stroller, the Mockingbird is the clear winner at just about half the cost of the Vista V3 in any configuration.
It’s also worth noting the warranty on each stroller. The V3 has a three-year limited warranty with proof of purchase from an authorized retailer. (The brand is known for its stellar customer service and its quick replacements for any broken parts, which I can attest to from personal experience.) Mockingbird features a lifetime warranty as long as the stroller was purchased directly from Mockingbird or an authorized retailer.
UPPAbaby vs. Mockingbird: The Bottom Line
As a gear editor who does a fair amount of product comparisons, it’s usually pretty easy to recommend a product to a family based on the product’s features and the family’s particular needs. But in the Vista versus Mockingbird debate, it’s a bit more nuanced.
While there are definite differences between these two strollers, many have workarounds that are pretty easy to implement. If you’re a twin parent, for instance, you may not love that the Mockingbird doesn’t accommodate two bassinets at once—but you can get around that by using two infant car seats. And what about the lower second seat weight on the Vista? It could be an issue if you have a bigger kiddo—but there’s also the stroller board option to consider for both brands if your little one sizes out.
So how should you decide? We see the biggest, most-impossible-to-ignore differentiator between these two popular strollers as price. Deciding on a budget will go a long way in helping you figure out whether the Vista or the Mockingbird deserves a spot on your registry or in your cart. You truly can’t go wrong (we love both so much they’re included in our best strollers guide); either is a great choice for a growing family.
