UPPAbaby Mesa vs. UPPAbaby Aria: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to choosing the right infant car seat and stroller combo, UPPAbaby offers two standout options: the UPPAbaby Mesa and the UPPAbaby Aria. Both are designed to provide safety, comfort, and convenience for parents and their little ones. In this post, we’ll compare these two popular models based on size, canopy and ventilation, headrest features, and price to help you make an informed decision.
1. Size and Weight
UPPAbaby Mesa: The UPPAbaby Mesa is designed for infants from 4 to 35 lbs and up to 32 inches tall. This car seat weighs approximately 9.9 lbs without the canopy and insert, making it a bit heavier than some competitors but still manageable for most parents. The Mesa’s size and shape are engineered for a snug fit in most vehicles while maintaining a spacious interior for growing babies.
UPPAbaby Aria: The UPPAbaby Aria is a bit lighter, weighing around 5.9 lbs without the canopy and insert. It accommodates infants from 4 to 30 lbs and up to 30 inches tall. The Aria’s lighter weight makes it easier to carry and maneuver, which can be particularly beneficial for parents who frequently need to move the seat in and out of the car.
2. Canopy and Ventilation
UPPAbaby Mesa: The Mesa features a large UPF 25+ hideaway canopy that provides excellent sun protection and coverage. While it offers substantial shade, it lacks additional ventilation options, which could be a consideration in warmer climates or for parents seeking extra airflow.
UPPAbaby Aria: The Aria boasts an extra-large UPF 25+ hideaway canopy as well, but it also includes a back panel ventilation feature and a pop-out extended sunshade. This added ventilation helps keep your baby cooler in hot weather, making the Aria a great choice for those living in warmer climates or for parents who want to ensure their baby remains comfortable and well-ventilated.
3. Headrest and Harness System
UPPAbaby Mesa: The Mesa comes with a 4-position headrest that adjusts with two hands and a no-rethread 5-point harness system. This design simplifies adjustments as your baby grows, allowing you to ensure a secure and comfortable fit without having to rethread the harness.
UPPAbaby Aria: The Aria features a more versatile 25-position headrest with two-handed adjustment. Although it doesn’t have the no-rethread feature like the Mesa, the Aria’s multiple headrest positions allow for fine-tuned adjustments to accommodate your baby’s growth. This flexibility ensures that the seat can adapt to your child’s needs over time.
4. Price
UPPAbaby Mesa: The UPPAbaby Mesa is priced at $329.99 for the standard version and $359.99 for the version with additional features. This pricing reflects its robust safety features and overall build quality, making it a solid investment for parents seeking a reliable and well-regarded car seat.
UPPAbaby Aria: The Aria is priced at $349.99. While slightly more expensive than the Mesa, the Aria’s lower weight and additional ventilation features might justify the cost for parents looking for enhanced portability and comfort in varying weather conditions.
Conclusion
Both the UPPAbaby Mesa and UPPAbaby Aria offer excellent features for different needs. The Mesa is a great choice for parents who value a robust, easy-to-adjust car seat with a focus on safety. On the other hand, the Aria stands out for its lighter weight and superior ventilation, making it ideal for those who need a more portable option and live in warmer climates.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your specific needs and preferences, including how much you prioritize features like weight, ventilation, and price. Regardless of your choice, both models uphold UPPAbaby’s reputation for quality and safety, ensuring that you and your baby are well taken care of.
Mesa® V2 Mesa® Max Aria™ Usage 4–35 lbs; up to 32” 4–35 lbs; up to 32” 4–30 lbs; up to 30” Compatible with all UPPAbaby strollers* YES YES YES Retail Price $329.99 / $359.99 $399.99 / $429.99 $349.99 Carrier Carrier Weight (without canopy and insert) 9.9 lbs 9.9 lbs 5.9 lbs Total Carrier Weight (with canopy and insert) 10.8 lbs 10.6 lbs 6.8 lbs Headrest Positions 4 Infinite 25 Headrest Adjustment Two-handed One-handed Two-handed Release From Stroller One-handed One-handed Two-handed Detachable Canopy Large UPF 25+ hideaway canopy Extra-large UPF 25+ hideaway canopy for full coverage Extra-large UPF 25+ hideaway canopy with back panel ventilation and pop out extended sunshade No-Rethread 5-Point Harness YES YES YES Ventilation Ventilation in carrier shell Enhanced ventilation in carrier shell and canopy European Belt Routing YES YES YES Carry Handle Positions 4 4 5 CleanTech™ Featuring our SafeTech™ fabric and PureTech™ fabrics + foams that are free from all fire retardant chemicals Featuring our DualTech™ and PureTech™ fabrics + foams that are free from all fire retardant chemicals Featuring our DualTech™ fabrics
+ foams that are free from all fire retardant chemicals GREENGUARD® Gold Certification YES YES YES Machine Washable Fabrics YES YES YES FAA Aircraft Certified YES YES YES Base Included Base Mesa V2 Base Mesa Max Base Aria Base Installation Auto-retracting LATCH,
Built-in vehicle seat belt lock-off Auto-retracting LATCH,
Built-in vehicle seat belt lock-off Auto-retracting LATCH,
Built-in vehicle seat belt lock-off SmartSecure® Red to Green
Visual Indicator YES YES YES Load Leg YES YES Anti-Rebound+ Panel YES YES Recline Positions 4 4 4 Accessories Included Accessories Mesa V2 Base, Robust Infant Insert suitable from approximately 4–11 lbs Mesa Max Base, Robust
Infant Insert suitable from approximately 4–11 lbs Aria Base, Two-Piece Robust
Infant Insert suitable
from 4 lbs to 4 months with preemie cushion and back positioning insert Accessories Sold
Separately Cabana,
CozyGanoosh, Easy-Fit Sunshade, Extra Mesa V2 Base,
Rain Shield, Travel
Bag Cabana, CozyGanoosh, Easy-Fit Sunshade, Extra Mesa Max Base,
Rain Shield, Travel
Bag Cabana,
CozyGanoosh, Easy-Fit Sunshade, Extra Aria Base,
Rain Shield, Travel
Bag