UPPAbaby Kona Review: The Stroller I’d Buy for My First Baby

The UPPAbaby Kona is one of the stroller releases I have been most excited about this year, especially for first-time parents. It sits in that sweet spot between a compact travel stroller and a full-size stroller, giving you a reversible seat, newborn-ready recline, huge basket, and a really compact fold without feeling like you are giving up all the features you want in an everyday stroller.

I love the mid-size stroller category because so many parents want something easier to lift in and out of the car without dropping down to a tiny travel stroller. Travel strollers are amazing for portability, but you often give up things like a reversible seat, larger wheels, and generous storage. Full-size strollers give you those features, but they can be a lot to lift, store, and fit in your trunk.

The Kona really feels like UPPAbaby’s answer to that problem, and it honestly is at a great price point for the category. I have been putting this stroller to the test, and I am excited to share what I loved, what I would change, and whether I think the UPPAbaby Kona stroller is the right fit for your family.

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Prefer to watch? Check out my full UPPAbaby Kona review here.

Key Takeaways

• Priced at $650, this is one of the best-priced luxury mid-size strollers on the market. Plus, if you order from Albee you can get cash back on other baby gear (they are a local baby gear store in NY)!
• The 22-pound UPPAbaby Kona is a lightweight mid-size stroller with a compact, self-standing fold, reversible seat, and 30-pound basket capacity.
• It is a newborn-ready stroller straight out of the box thanks to its flat recline and built-in newborn nest. You can also use the UPPAbaby Bassinet or create a travel system with an infant car seat.
• UPPAbaby infant car seats attach directly to the frame without car seat adapters, while select Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Clek infant car seats can be used with separately purchased adapters.
• The Kona works best as an everyday stroller for sidewalks, errands, restaurants, and getting in and out of the car. I would not choose it for frequent rugged or all-terrain use.
• One of my favorite features is the decently tall, fully upright seating position. The adjustable canopy also gives younger children plenty of room to grow.
• Its compact fold is one of the biggest reasons I think the Kona makes so much sense for first-time parents who do not want the bulk of a traditional full-size stroller.
• The biggest feedback parents have had on the stroller is that the bassinet and car seat sit a little low, but Uppababy has responded to this with the optional height adapters.

UPPAbaby Kona Pros and Cons

What I Love

• Reversible, very upright stroller seat: I love how upright the Kona gets, especially once babies become toddlers and want to sit up and see everything.
• Compact fold: The UPPAbaby Kona fold is impressively small for an everyday stroller, and you can fold it with the seat facing either direction (it almost folds better parent-facing). Only weighs 22 lbs.
• Large storage basket: The generous storage basket holds up to 30 pounds and has been plenty big enough for everything I normally bring with me.
• Easy travel system: works with Uppababy car seats right on the frame with the height adapters, or you can pair with Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant car seats with an adapter.
• Premium materials: The stroller feels like an UPPAbaby. The fabrics, leather details, canopy, buckle, and overall build all feel really nice.
• Good room to grow: The 21-inch seatback and adjustable canopy give the Kona more toddler room than I see on many competing mid-size strollers.

Things to Keep in Mind

• It is not an all-terrain stroller: The push is great on sidewalks and typical everyday surfaces, but I would choose something with larger wheels if you regularly walk rough trails, deep gravel, or very uneven terrain.
• The seat sits lower than a full-size stroller: I actually ended up liking this at restaurants, park benches, and picnics because your child feels closer to you, but it is noticeable if you are used to a taller full-size stroller. This is especially true when using the bassinet or car seat adapters, but you can purchase height adapters to increase the height.
• I would not buy it specifically for a very tall older toddler: My very tall, almost-five-year-old fits, but she is close to the end of her stroller years. If you are shopping primarily for an older toddler, I would prioritize maximum canopy clearance and seat height.

UPPAbaby Kona Specs

Where the Kona Fits in the UPPAbaby Stroller Lineup

The Kona fills a really useful gap in the UPPAbaby stroller lineup. The Minu V3 is the compact travel stroller, the Cruz V3 is the larger full-size single stroller, and the Vista V3 is the single-to-double option. The Kona sits right between the Minu and Cruz as UPPAbaby’s lightweight mid-size stroller, and it makes a lot more sense when you look at all of the best UPPAbaby strollers and how they compare.

That is exactly why I think it will appeal to so many first-time parents. You get many of the features I associate with a full-size stroller in something much easier to lift in and out of the car. This is one of the biggest complaints of many parents who went the single-to-double route.

One thing you will notice is that the Kona sits a little lower to the ground than the Cruz V3 and other traditional full-size strollers. I noticed it immediately, but I actually ended up liking it more than I expected. At restaurants, park benches, or even sitting on a picnic blanket, your child feels a little closer to you. You can add heigh adapters for the bassinet and infant car seat.

UPPAbaby Kona vs. Minu V3 vs. Cruz V3

For a deeper look at UPPAbaby’s larger stroller options, you can also read my comparison of the UPPAbaby Cruz V3 vs. Vista V3, or browse all of my in-depth stroller reviews in one place if you are still figuring out what style of stroller fits your family best.

UPPAbaby Kona vs. Nuna TRIV lx vs. Silver Cross Breez

I have also tested two of the Kona’s biggest competitors, the Nuna TRIV lx and Silver Cross Breez. All three are excellent mid-size strollers, but there are a few important differences.

Kona vs. Nuna TRIV lx

The Nuna TRIV lx is the more substantial of the two when it comes to wheels and everyday terrain. I have been really impressed with its larger wheels and push, and I would give it the advantage if your regular routine includes more grass, gravel, or bumpy sidewalks.

The Kona, however, is lighter, about $300 less expensive, has a larger 30-pound basket, and gives you more flexibility with infant car seats. At $950, the TRIV lx is still a significant step up in price, but the gap is much smaller now that you can purchase the stroller on its own. The Kona also stands up better when folded than the Triv LX.

For most first-time parents looking for the best balance of features and price, I think the Kona has a really compelling argument. If you prioritize more capable wheels, the TRIV lx may be worth the additional cost.

You can watch my full review of the TRIV lx on YouTube:

Kona vs. Silver Cross Breez

The Silver Cross Breez is probably the closest direct competitor to the Kona.

Where the Breez really stands out is its newborn setup. Its optional bassinet actually folds with the stroller, which is an incredible feature if you live in an apartment, use public transportation, or simply do not want a huge bassinet taking over your trunk. It also has an adjustable seat height, allowing you to bring your baby closer to you.

The Kona has the advantage in toddler room in the seatback, basket capacity, price, and UPPAbaby travel-system integration. I especially prefer the Kona if you want a stroller you can buy from birth and use for several years without spending quite as much upfront, but the Breez folding bassinet is very nice.

All three are excellent premium mid-size strollers, and I will be comparing this category much more extensively in my guide to the best mid-size strollers. In the meantime, you can dive deeper into my full Silver Cross Breez review.

UPPAbaby Kona Price and What Is Included

The UPPAbaby Kona retails for $649.99 and includes the stroller, leather bumper bar, rain shield, and bug net.

I think the price is one of the more compelling things about the Kona, especially within the premium mid-size stroller category. You get a lot of functionality straight out of the box without immediately needing to purchase additional accessories.

Places to order the UPPAbaby Kona

The Reversible Seat Is One of the Kona’s Best Features

One of my favorite parts of the UPPAbaby Kona is the stroller seat. It is reversible, gets incredibly upright, and is designed to grow with your child up to 50 pounds.

That fully upright seating position matters more than you might think. Once babies become toddlers and want to look around, I find that many of them are much happier when they are able to sit upright instead of constantly leaning back.

The Kona also has a 21-inch seatback, which is impressive for a mid-size stroller. Even better, the canopy can move upward as your child grows to create additional headroom. That is a feature I see much more often on full-size strollers, so I was really happy to see UPPAbaby include it here.

I tested the Kona with my very tall almost-five-year-old, and she does still fit underneath the canopy (just barely). That said, if I were specifically shopping for a stroller for an already tall older toddler, I would probably choose something with the absolute most seat and canopy room possible. For a baby or younger toddler, though, I think the Kona gives you plenty of room to grow.

The seat also includes a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle, leather bumper bar, adjustable footrest, and a lower footrest for older children.

Newborn Recline, Bassinet, and Car Seat Compatibility

You have three ways to use the Kona from birth.

The easiest option is simply using the stroller seat itself. When fully reclined, a built-in panel pulls out to create an enclosed newborn nest. I think UPPAbaby did a great job with this because the integrated newborn apron stays completely tucked away when you are not using it, but it is very easy to pull out when you need it.

You can also use the UPPAbaby Bassinet. I used the UPPAbaby Bassinet with both my second and third babies, and I loved being able to take it off the stroller and use it as a safe place for baby while we were outside with the older kids.

I love having a bassinet option because you do not have to buckle your baby into it for every walk, there is plenty of room for them to stretch out, and the UPPAbaby Bassinet can also be useful away from the stroller. It has a lot of mesh ventilation, a great canopy, and can work with other strollers within the UPPAbaby lineup.

The third option is using the Kona as a travel system with an infant car seat.

UPPAbaby infant car seats, including the Aria and Mesa, attach directly to the stroller frame without adapters. That makes the setup especially convenient for errands because there is nothing extra to install or keep track of.

The Kona also has car seat compatibility with select Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Clek infant car seats using separately purchased adapters. I really like that flexibility because not every family buying the Kona will necessarily be starting from scratch. You may already have an infant car seat from an older child or have been gifted one before choosing your stroller.

One thing to keep in mind is that the infant car seat sits relatively low on the Kona frame, just like the stroller seat itself. That is part of the more compact mid-size design. It did not bother me in use, but it is something you may notice if you are coming from a taller full-size stroller. They do sell height adapters that can be used with the car seat and bassinet.

Canopy, Handlebar, and Parent Storage

The quality and materials throughout the Kona feel very UPPAbaby. The handlebar is covered in real leather and adjusts for different parent heights. My husband is six feet tall, and neither of us found ourselves kicking the back of the stroller while pushing it, which is always something I pay attention to with a more compact frame.

The canopy is also really nice. It has an extension panel that gives you good coverage, plus a magnetic peekaboo window with mesh for extra airflow. I especially like that the flap stays open when you tuck it back, so you can actually use the peekaboo window without constantly fighting with it.

There is also a small zippered pocket on the back of the stroller seat. It is the perfect size for your phone, keys, or wallet. UPPAbaby sells a parent organizer separately if you want additional storage or somewhere to keep a drink within reach.

Basket, Brake, Wheels, and Push

The storage basket is one of the Kona’s biggest strengths. UPPAbaby is known for generous storage baskets, and the Kona has a 30-pound basket capacity, which is especially impressive on a lightweight mid-size stroller.

The rear bar is positioned in a way that leaves the basket really easy to access, and there are also a couple of smaller pockets and a cup holder area inside. I have found that it fits everything I normally need for an outing without feeling like I am constantly trying to cram things underneath the seat.

The brake is simple and very flip-flop friendly. Green means go and red means stop, and you just press it rather than having to get your foot underneath anything to release it.

As far as the push goes, the Kona has been great on the surfaces I think most families will actually use it on. It handles neighborhood sidewalks, city sidewalks, stores, and going up and down curbs really well. It feels much more substantial than a compact travel stroller while still being easy to maneuver.

I would not call it an all-terrain stroller, though. It can handle occasional grass, light gravel, and normal uneven sidewalks, but if your everyday walks include rough trails, deep gravel, or consistently challenging terrain, I would look for something with larger wheels and more suspension, like one of the best jogging strollers for running and all-terrain use.

I would actually love to see UPPAbaby eventually offer an upgraded all-terrain wheel option for the Kona. That would make an already really versatile everyday stroller even more capable.

The UPPAbaby Kona Fold Is Wonderful

The UPPAbaby Kona fold may be my favorite thing about this stroller.

The Kona weighs 22 pounds with the stroller seat attached, and with the pull of a strap it folds into a surprisingly compact, self-standing package. It also has an integrated padded carry strap, which makes it much easier to carry up stairs or move around when folded.

For an everyday stroller, the folded size is really impressive.It is not an overhead-bin travel stroller, but it is not going to take over your trunk either.

One of the best parts is that you can fold the Kona with the seat facing either direction, so you do not have to turn or remove a parent-facing seat before loading it into the car.

The same convenience applies when using an UPPAbaby infant car seat. After removing the car seat, you can grab the fold strap and have the stroller folded almost immediately. For quick errands, I would argue that this setup gives you some of the convenience parents love about something like a Doona, except you are getting an actual stroller that will continue to grow with your child.

To open the Kona, you release the latch on the side and unfold it. I have found the whole process really easy, and this is a stroller I would have no problem loading in and out of my car several times in one day.

If airplane travel and overhead-bin compatibility are your top priorities, the Kona is not the stroller I would choose. For that, I would look at a true compact travel stroller, starting with something from my guide to the best travel strollers for flights and tight spaces. But for everyday life, especially if you are frequently going between your house, car, errands, and activities, I think the Kona’s compact fold is one of its biggest advantages.

Is the UPPAbaby Kona Nontoxic?

The UPPAbaby Kona is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. This means it has been tested for low chemical emissions, which is something parents may look for when shopping for baby gear.

UPPAbaby has made GREENGUARD Gold Certification a standard across its stroller lineup, and I appreciate seeing it on the Kona as well.

You can learn more about what the certification actually means for baby gear and strollers in my guide to GREENGUARD Gold certified strollers.

Who Is the UPPAbaby Kona Best For?

I think the Kona is especially strong for first-time parents who want one really good everyday stroller without that is easy to load in and out of your car or carry up stairs.

I would put it high on the list for:

• First-time parents who want a stroller they can use from birth through toddlerhood
• Families frequently getting in and out of the car who want a stroller that is easy to lift and does not take over the trunk
• Parents who want a reversible seat without moving up to a heavier full-size stroller
• Parents using UPPAbaby infant car seats who want the simplicity of attaching the car seat directly without adapters (keep in mind that UPPAbaby car seats have very limited compatibility with other brands’ strollers i.e. travel strollers, wagons and double strollers).
• Families using other popular infant car seats who still want flexible car seat compatibility
• City parents who need something manageable for sidewalks, stores, tighter spaces, and occasional stairs
• Suburban parents who want a premium stroller for neighborhood walks, errands, restaurants, parks, and activities

Who Should Skip the UPPAbaby Kona?

As much as I like the Kona, it is not going to be the right stroller for every family.

I would look at something else if:

• You need a stroller that converts to a double. The Kona is a single stroller and does not add a second seated stroller seat.
• You regularly walk challenging terrain. If your daily routine includes rough trails, loose gravel, hiking, or other rugged surfaces, I would prioritize larger wheels and stronger suspension and look at one of the top jogging and all-terrain strollers.
• You primarily need a stroller for airplane travel. The Kona has a compact fold, but it is not an overhead-bin travel stroller, so I would look at one of my best travel stroller picks for flying instead.
• Your top priority is the smallest and lightest stroller you can buy. The Kona is manageable at 22 pounds, but there are much lighter travel strollers if portability is your only concern, including some of the best lightweight newborn travel strollers and even compact double travel strollers like the Nuna TRVL DUBL and Silver Cross Jet Double.

Final Thoughts: Is the UPPAbaby Kona Worth It?

I really like the UPPAbaby Kona. The size, prize and features make it a great option for many families.

I would love to see UPPAbaby offer an all-terrain wheel option, but for the type of everyday use this stroller is designed for, I do not have many complaints.

If I were buying my first stroller again and wanted one stroller that could take me from the newborn stage into toddlerhood without the bulk of a larger full-size option, the Kona would be very high on my list.

Frequently Asked Questions About the UPPAbaby Kona