UPPAbaby Aria v2 Review

Crash Testing

The Aria v2 earned the best crash test rating for UPPAbaby infant car seats to date, making it one of the first UPPAbaby models to achieve an above-average result.

However, it still isn't quite up to snuff with better-performing options, some of which cost less and score better overall. This makes the Aria v2 a less compelling choice, unless you just love UPPAbaby.

The Aria v2 HIC sensor data shows more g-forces than that of the top-performing Nuna Pipa RX.   Credit: GearLab and MGA Research

The Aria's chest-clip sensor also recorded higher g-forces than the Nuna Pipa RX, but it is better than the original Aria.   Credit: GearLab and MGA Research

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The Aria earned better sensor readings than the average seat for both the head (HIC) and chest clip. For the chest clip, it recorded a below-average result (lower is better). While not as low as about half of the competition, it is still pretty impressive. The HIC sensor is better, recording g-forces that were lower than those of much of the competition (lower is still better).

Overall, the results indicate that this seat might offer an additional margin of protection over the average seat. While every seat we test is assumed to be safe and to meet federal safety guidelines, we are looking for options that are better than average, so we run our crash tests slightly faster than federal requirements.

It also comes with an anti-rebound bar and load leg, which should theoretically improve crash-test performance, but it is difficult for us to say whether the added safety features of any seat significantly impact performance. So, while nice to have, we wouldn't base a purchase decision on those factors alone.

Ease of Installation LATCH

The Aria v2 is easy to install using the LATCH system, and it earned one of the highest scores in the group for this test. However, there are easier options using rigid LATCH connectors, but the self-ratcheting LATCH is still a standout.

You need to press the Aria's LATCH release button as you pull the connector out to get enough slack to connect to the car's anchor.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Rocking the Aria v2 base side to side helps the LATCH strap retract back into the base.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The Aria has flexible LATCH connectors with push-style ends. There are no LATCH guides, but in fairness, you don't need them.There is an anti-rebound bar and a load leg, both of which help make the final installation feel more stable.

The load leg button keeps it in place until you are ready for deployment. This sounds like an insignificant thing, but you'd be surprised how many seats have flailing load legs. The retractable LATCH connectors are easy to use, though not as easy as rigid LATCH. We had to hold down the release button to pull the strap out far enough to connect it to the car anchor on both sides, or they start to retract before you want them to. Once connected, the base needs to be rocked back and forth to allow the straps to ratchet back and tighten.

The process is easy, low-effort, and requires no feats of strength, unlike traditional strap pulling. There is a green indicator that pops up when the process is complete, though, in all honesty, ours seemed to shift green before we instinctively felt it should, and we could continue tightening the straps.

Removing the seat is just as easy, thanks to the release button on the ratcheting straps and the push-button on the connectors. The LATCH connectors retract into the seat, and the load leg folds up and away, securing under the base, with no accidental deployments (hooray!).

Recline Adjustment

The base has a bubble level on each side and three recline positions. The recline adjustment for the base is located on top of the base, making it easy to access during installation.

We can not love this more, as many seats have recline adjustments that collide with the vehicle's seat back, making them difficult to use after the connectors are attached.

Ease of Installation - Belt

Installing the base using the vehicle belt is not our favorite method for installing the Aria. It is by far the worst method for this seat, and while it is easier than some competitors, it still isn't the method we'd choose if given a choice. However, given that the safest location for seat installation is the middle of the backseat, and many middle locations lack LATCH anchors, it could be the only installation method available to you if you choose this spot.

The central lock-off on the Aria is easy to open and close, but it was hard to get the belt flat inside and keep it tight while closing the lock.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Aria's belt lock-off is easy to open and close, but threading the strap in and keeping it flat and tight is harder. It didn't seem to hold the belt as securely as we had hoped during our tests.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Threading the belt is relatively easy on the Aria v2, but the belt lock-off didn't work as well as we'd like. It felt like it wasn't doing much, and we had to rely more on our brute strength to pull the vehicle belt tight than we did on many competitors. We struggled to hold the belt tight while closing the lock off, and even then, it would sometimes shift.

The overall stability wasn't as impressive as other installation methods and if you shook the seat enough, it felt like (to us) that the belt slipped in the lock off. On the other hand, the load leg was easy to install, as it was with the LATCH installation.

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base

The Aria v2 is one of the easiest carriers in the group to install without the base. It earned one of the top marks here, making it a potential contender for those who might choose this installation method more frequently.

The Aria v2 belt path is color-coded and open enough for easy threading.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The slot on the back of the Aria holds the vehicle belt in place. We did not see this clip on all carriers.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The UPPAbaby uses the European belt path, with the lap portion of the vehicle belt across the foot portion of the carrier and the shoulder belt around the back of the carrier. It has a line-level decal and a color-coded belt path. Following the belt and getting the seat snug is easy enough.

The back of the Aria's carrier shell has a designated slot for the vehicle's shoulder belt.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Aria v2 uses the European belt path for installation without the base.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The back of the carrier shell has a port slot for the belt and is easy to use once you flatten the belt. The final installation was super stable and firm. We struggled to get it to budge. While we installed it without a rolled towel, using one could help create an even more solid final installation.

Ease of Use

The Aria v2 could be easier to use, but overall, it wasn't disappointing. While some contenders are easier to use overall, the UPPAbaby scores better than average and does some things really well.

Buckle

The Aria buckle is a little better than average. The button is stiffer to press than most, and the grooved design means you can't put the latch plates in the wrong way. The crotch strap is secure and doesn't get in the way, and the button is easy to find and press.

The chest clip has an image showing where it should be placed on the child, which is a bonus given how often we see these done incorrectly on social media. It feels kind of flimsy, and the button is sort of tricky, pressing in lower than most, and we think anyone with longer fingernails might struggle with it. We appreciate that the latch plates don't slide on the straps, which prevents them from getting lost under little tushies.

Harness Tightening/Loosening

The tightening mechanism offers more resistance than most harnesses, and we think this is due to the non-rethread design and adjustable headrest. Feels like a fair trade-off just to avoid rethreading, but it also feels unnecessary since others do this better. The pull loop is small and has a snap to hold it in place, which makes it more uncomfortable to pull. We struggled to get the harness tight enough without over-tightening it.

Loosening was easier with a well-placed button that was easy to push. It has a cloth cover to protect skin from hot metal or plastic after a day in the sun. This opening, where you put your finger, doesn't have much stretch, and, once again, we suspect long fingernails will struggle.

Harness Adjustment

The Aria has a ridiculous amount of headrest harness shoulder height position in its non-rethread design, coming in at 25, which is likely about 15 more than they need. However, it means you should be able to find a perfect fit for most babies without much effort. The harness is easy to adjust using the pull release, and it requires pulling the headrest forward slightly to move it with less resistance. The crotch strap has only one position, but it does move somewhat when you use the seat insert, and removing the insert creates more room.

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Carrier to Base Connection

Connecting the Aria v2 to the base is better than most, but not as good as others. The carrier doesn't get stuck or hung up on anything if you didn't get it in place on the first try. A little wiggling helps lock it into place, with a reassuring click.

Handle

The Aria handle is adjusted by pressing the buttons on both sides simultaneously to unlock it, then rotating it to the desired position. The handle clears the canopy with room to spare, no matter the position, thus avoiding the dreaded collision between the two that leaves no space for your hand to grip the bar. We like that it has a sticker indicating the safe handle positions, since each seat is different, and it is easy to forget. We like the subtle reminder.

Canopy

The canopy is large and can get hung up somewhat on the back of the headrest, but it is stretchy and easy to position without getting in the baby's way.

The manual storage on the Aria is located under the recline lever on the base, which means you won't have it when traveling with just the carrier.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Aria has self-retracting LATCH connectors that tuck inside the base when not in use.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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LATCH and Manual Storage

The LATCH self-retracts and sits securely and out of the way. It isn't as smooth as it could be to get them in place, but it is still easier than bases with pockets. The manual has a pocket on the top of the base. While out of the way and clearly marked for easy location, it will be left behind if you take the carrier but not the base on travel or rideshares.

Comfort/Quality

In true UPPAbaby tradition, the Aria v2 offers better-than-average comfort and quality. While some seats do it better, they also come with a price bump, indicating that the Aria v2 gives you what you pay for.

Fabric and Padding

The fabric fits the seat well, and there is no sag. It feels durable and softer than some competitors. The infant inserts are soft and feel somewhat supportive. The back of the padding has three warning stickers, which aren't our favorite location. While they are generally soft and don't feel like they would be sticky when sweaty heads are on them, it seems like a foolish place to put them when considering the baby's comfort.

The padding on the Aria is good, with the best being soft but dense padding in the headrest area. The back padding feels more like impact foam, which hurts our overall impression of the seat's comfort. The lower back and seat are better and feel more comfortable.

The insert back pad is recommended for up to 4 months. It is thick and dense, offering more support for tiny bodies. We like the shoulder pads because they are smaller than some competitors' and don't impact the baby's face.

Handle and Canopy

The handle on the Aria v2 is round, with padding in the middle, making it easier and more comfortable to hold. The handle is perforated, which helps make it easier to grip, but it is slightly less comfortable to hold as a result.

The canopy is as close to perfect as an infant carrier can get. It is huge, covering virtually the entire seat except for the bottom of the legs. It looks nice, fits tightly, and has back ventilation for hot days when airflow is essential. It feels durable

Shell

The shell on the Aria is below average with a matte finish and several stickers. The fabric doesn't wrap all the way around the shell like some competitors, and we suspect this area could be harder to clean should anything spill or fall there. While babies aren't likely to create messes here, it is remarkable how much mess a parent can make over the canopy especially if you use it on a stroller.

Weight/Size

The Aria v2 earned a higher-than-average score for weight and size. With a practically featherlight weight of 6.8 lbs, it is one of the lightest in the group.

The average weight for the group is closer to 9.6 lbs, with some carriers weighing over 11 lbs and some car seat-stroller combos coming in at around 25 lbs. If you plan to carry your baby in their carrier, these are the test results to pay attention to.

Should You Buy the UPPAbaby Aria V2

The Aria v2 is the best UPPAbaby infant seat so far. It offers better crash-test results than other UPPAbaby options, and it is easy to install in two of the three installation options. It is lightweight and compatible with UPPAbaby strollers that we love. It could be a seat some parents choose because they love UPPAbaby or want the simplicity of pairing their carrier with a stroller without adapters. However, there are better seats with better crash test ratings that cost less. Given that safety is job one for an infant car seat, we prefer to choose seats based on their crash analysis results and ease of installation over other considerations. So, while we don't think parents will be disappointed in the Aria v2, it isn't our favorite.

What Other Infant Car Seats Should You Consider?

If stroller compatibility and crash test safety are top of mind, we prefer the Nuna Pipa RX. This Nuna can be paired with many top-ranked strollers with the purchase of adapters, and it has the best crash test sensor results in the group. It does cost more than the Aria v2, but this price bump offers easier installation, greater ease of use, and improved quality. If you care less about pairing with strollers, want better crash results and a lower price, the Romer Juni can save you money over both the Nuna and the Aria, but it is the heaviest of the 3. The Nuna Pipa Aire is almost as light as the Aria v2, has a lower price, and has better crash test results, pairs well with lots of strollers, and could hit the sweet spot of perfection parents are looking for.

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