UPPAbaby Ridge v2 Review

Ease of Use

The UPPAbaby Ridge v2 is easier to use than the average option.

Fold and Unfold

This stroller could be exceptional at folding one-handed, even with its three-step process, but releasing the folding button is a pain, and it gets hung up on something. It's much easier to fold with two hands, given the button issue and the stroller's larger size. Often, the front wheel alignment will prevent it from folding, and it won't fold at all if the front wheel is locked. Also, the self-locking was hit-or-miss. However, after you unlock it, it seems to go smoothly.

Unfolding with one hand is doable, but also easier with two hands, one to support the stroller and the other to release the lock.

Storage

The storage area on the Ridge v2 can hold an impressive 20 lbs, far above the average competitor's weight limit. The storage area has an awkward tapered shape (like many joggers), which makes getting larger items in a little more challenging, but two diaper bags will fit. There is a semi-removable zippered covering that is rigid at one end, opening like a lid to keep things from falling out. If it's in the way, it can be partially unzipped and laid on the basket floor.

The Ridge features one of the deepest cupholders available and easily fits tall, slender water bottles.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The small canopy pocket hold valuable items that can easily be retrieved without bending completely over.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The Ridge v2 features the crown jewel of the cupholder world: a large, 1.5-lb-capacity, deep holder with two mesh storage slots that attaches securely and is not easily knocked off. Additional storage is available in the form of two smaller pocket compartments, one along the back of the storage bin and the other on the canopy. Because kids have storage needs too, there are two small mesh pockets in the seat for small water bottles, snacks, and treasures.

Harness

The Ridge v2 features a top-notch harness design with a non-rethread shoulder-height adjustment. We love the pull-only shoulder strap to tighten because you can easily tighten and loosen it every time you put a child in, instead of having to keep it the same length and shove arms through. From start to finish, tightening the harness is a smooth and easy process. Aligning the buckle with the straps is a little more involved than the magnetic UPPAbaby buckles on other strollers, but it isn't hard.

Brakes

The single-action brakes are extremely easy to use. They don't require much force to apply or release and are color-coded red or green for easy identification.

The Ridge v2 also features a conveniently located deceleration brake at the center of the handlebar, which is a game-changer when traveling downhill and controlling your descent speed.

Car Seat Compatibility

This stroller is compatible not only with all UPPAbaby infant car seats but also with many other car seat brands, including Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, and Clek. Additional adapters are sold separately.

Ease of Setup

The setup on the Ridge v2 is minimal and straightforward, taking less than five minutes, but in true UPPAbaby fashion, the instructions feature only illustrations, with no written details. It comes mostly assembled, and you only need to put on the wheels and the cupholder. Use caution, though: the wheels are directional, and the instructions don't provide guidance on that, making it easy to do incorrectly.

Maneuverability

The Ridge v2 is a top-notch mover on any terrain, including the most rugged and challenging trails.

Like many three-wheeled designs, this stroller is longer and wider than most. While it can navigate any turn, using it indoors or in tight spaces can be frustrating because of its size. It fits through doorways and rolls smoothly over flat surfaces, including carpet and thresholds. The handlebar is height-adjustable and features a comfortable grip.

The footrest is fairly narrow but thanks to the reclined leg rest taller kids will still be very comfortable.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Ridge v2 also features a front wheel tracking adjustment knob.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Venturing off-road, the Ridge v2 handled anything we threw its way, including grass, small rocks, and bumpy terrain. Navigating around larger obstacles was fluid, and it turned and rolled with the ease of a breeze over the challenging terrain we covered.

The larger tires make short work of any curbs or bumps on the trail.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The foam grip handlebar adjust up and down for height using the side buttons.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The handbrake is appreciated on all downhill travel to help control the descent speed, allowing for a safer, controlled ride. Going up and down curbs and stairs is easy for the Ridge v2, thanks to its design and larger wheels.

Transporting and Storing

No two ways about it, like many jogging strollers, the bulky Ridge v2 requires muscle to transport and store due to its larger, heavier size. There are smaller and lighter options, even in the jogging stroller lineup.

With a weight of 29.2 lbs, this stroller is a workout to lift or place anywhere, and we suspect most parents will need two hands. However, it does offer a sturdy, convenient carry handle when folded and is relatively flat when folded, except for the front wheel.

At 18,504 cubic inches when folded, the bulky shape of this wide and long stroller will present some unique challenges when loading and unloading, whether into a car trunk, onto a bus, or in your garage.

Quality

It's tough to find a stroller that can match the exceptional quality throughout the Ridge v2's design. It offers unique attention to detail we don't typically see, like a side flap you can open and secure with a magnet for greater airflow.

The durable fabric isn't the softest, but it is GreenGuard Gold certified with a high stitch count and feels durable. Water beads up initially, making quick clean-ups a snap, but if left too long, it will be absorbed. The padding is thick, cushy, and very dense. The seat fabric is removable and can be hand-washed, which is nice because jogging strollers tend to get dirty.

The smooth-rolling, foam-filled rubber tires have a thick tread that will never go flat. The plastic wheels are an excellent size for handling rough terrain, and there are reflectors on all three. The front wheel on our stroller ran true right out of the box.

The frame is aluminum up top and a very durable plastic on the lower half. The fit and finish are clean with very few visible rivets or fasteners. The foam-wrapped handle is good for sweaty hands and is preferable to leather-wrapped options for jogging-style strollers.

Kid's Comfort

The Ridge v2 is extremely comfortable for passengers of all ages. The seat is angled for jogging safety and looks cozy and well-padded. The recline adjusts from the back with one hand to lower it and two to raise it. It is a two-strap toggle design favored in many jogging strollers. It offers a multitude of recline options, but we experienced that the handlebar gets in the way when raising it back up.

There is a smooth transition from the seat to the leg rest, which is angled for comfort but isn't adjustable. The smaller footrest area is metal with a rubber lining on the bottom.

The fabulously large UPF 50+ canopy offers great coverage and includes a zippered extension for maximum coverage. When fully extended, the sun cover has two mesh peek-a-boo windows for maximum airflow and keeping an eye on your passenger. It even includes a tiny pocket for a key, phone, or wallet.

Continuous Sleeping Comfort

No one likes a cranky passenger; uninterrupted naptime is key to that on long strolls. We took the Ridge v2 out on a course designed to mimic an average walk and measured any potential startle/wake-up events. This stroller had three potential wake-up events, most of them on the bumpier, cracked terrain, suggesting it's a smoother ride on rougher asphalt, potentially due to its three-wheeled design. Its performance was just below average for the group.

Should You Buy the UPPAbaby Ridge v2?

There is a lot to love about the UPPAbaby Ridge v2 thanks to the exceptional overall quality and attention to detail. The storage basket holds an impressive 20 lbs, the cupholder is large and deep, the hand brake allows for more control going downhill, and the kid comfort features are phenomenal. However, due to its jogging stroller design, its very long, wide shape is challenging in tight spaces, and it can be more difficult to transport and store. Overall, the ease of pushing and turning makes this one of our favorite full-size strollers for families who lead an adventurous lifestyle.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?

As much as we love the Ridge v2, if you are an urban dweller navigating tight spaces, you'll be happier with the Guava Roam, and its overall smaller size. This three-wheeled stroller offers similar quality and durability with one of the smallest compact folds we've ever seen, at a slightly lower price point. If you're looking for a jogging stroller that won't break the bank, we love the affordable Baby Trend Expedition, which has many of the same features and decent all-terrain performance but falls short on quality and durability compared to the Guava and the Ridge.

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