Nuna TRVL vs TRVL lx vs VIAA cabn: Which Travel Stroller Should You Buy?
Newborn: TRVL lx. Frequent flyer: VIAA cabn. Everything else: TRVL.
Looking for a travel stroller, and have to have a Nuna? We’ve got you covered. Last time we lined up the four everyday single strollers, and this time we’re covering Nuna’s single strollers dedicated to travel. Though these three models look deceptively alike, each was built to be very good at one job in particular.
What's the difference between the Nuna TRVL, TRVL lx and VIAA cabn?
The major gaps are recline angles, folded size, and basket capacity.
| Nuna TRVL | Nuna TRVL lx | Nuna VIAA cabn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $575 | $600 | $550 |
| Weight, fully equipped | ~14.6 lb* | ~17 lb* | 16.3 lb |
| Folded (L x W x H) | 24 x 20.25 x 11 in | 27 x 21 x 14.25 in | 20.5 x 16.5 x 9.5 in‡ |
| Open (L x W x H) | 32.5 x 20.25 x 44 in | 32 x 21 x 45.5 in | 33.5 x 16.5 x 41 in |
| Fits an airplane's overhead compartment | No | No | Yes‡ |
| Recline | Multi-position | Near-flat, converts to carriage mode | Multi-position, more upright |
| Newborn can ride in stroller seat | No (add a PIPA) | Yes | No (add a PIPA) |
| Basket capacity | 10 lb | 10 lb | 22 lb |
| Tracking device pocket | No | No | Yes |
*Nuna publishes the TRVL at 13.6 lb and the TRVL lx at 14.6 lb without their canopy and armbar, and states those parts add about 1 lb and 2.4 lb; this row adds them back so all three compare the same way. ‡Folded without the armbar attached.
Nuna TRVL lx: the one that takes a newborn
The TRVL lx reclines near-flat and converts to what Nuna calls carriage mode, which means it’s ready to use from newborn stage on up without anything added. (Don’t worry if you do have a PIPA car seat. The TRVL lx takes those, too.) But there are two very good reasons you might want a stroller that doesn't require an infant car seat clicked on top. See if any of these sound like you:
- You’re skipping the infant seat entirely and going straight to a convertible.
- You own an infant car seat from another brand (these strollers connect only to Nuna's own PIPA seats).
If so, the TRVL lx is the only travel stroller from Nuna that will work for you.
The tradeoff for all that flexibility? At around 17 lb, the TRVL lx is the heaviest of the bunch. It also folds to the biggest package and its basket holds only 10 lb of cargo.
Nuna VIAA cabn: the one for frequent flyers
The VIAA cabn is the newest in Nuna’s lineup, and it was designed to fit in a plane’s overhead compartment. Fold the VIAA cabn, pull the bumper bar off, and it measures a mere 20.5 by 16.5 by 9.5 inches, which is well within what most airlines allow as carry-on. (That figure comes from IATA, the airline industry's trade group, and it's what the majority of carriers comply with.) Plus, when the VIAA cabn is open, it’s a mere 16.5 inches wide, so you’ll maneuver down those maddeningly narrow airplane aisles with ease.
Nuna also thought to include a zippered pocket, sized just for a tracking device. Some other sweet travel features: the tires are never-flat, so there's nothing to pump before a trip, and the basket beneath the seat holds a whopping 22 lb of cargo, more than double either TRVL stroller. We notice Nuna’s been paying special attention to cargo capacity in its latest models. Thank you, Nuna! That’s the difference between carrying the airport snacks and wearing them.
Nuna TRVL: the one that's simply lightest
At just 14.6 lb, the TRVL is the lightest of Nuna’s travel strollers. You’ll be swinging it into the trunk one-handed. If you’re not a jet-setter and either don’t own a PIPA car seat, or your child has outgrown an infant seat, the TRVL is probably best for you.
What all three have in common
Primo features: Fire-retardant free, PIPA-ready, GREENGUARD Gold.
| All three | |
|---|---|
| Takes any Nuna PIPA series infant seat, no adapter | ✓ |
| Fits children to 50 lb | ✓ |
| Fire-retardant free | ✓ |
| No PFAS | ✓ |
| GREENGUARD Gold certified | ✓ |
| One-hand fold, stands on its own | ✓ |
| Front and rear suspension, one-touch rear brake | ✓ |
| UPF 50+ canopy, carry bag included | ✓ |
| No-rethread harness | ✓ |
| MagneTech magnetic buckle | ✓ |
Whichever Nuna travel stroller you buy, you’ll be getting a premium product. Nuna doesn’t make junk. Each has a smooth, progressive front and rear-wheel suspension to ensure a smooth ride. Straps all adjust to your child's height without rethreading, and all three use the same primo buckle, which Nuna calls MagneTech. (The clips are magnetic, so they pull effortlessly into the buckle.) They fold with one hand and stand upright on their own, and each comes with their own high quality carry bag.
And of course, all three strollers are GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions, and are free from fire retardants and PFAS. If you’ve followed us for long, you’ll already know that added fire retardants and PFAS are lines we won’t cross on any of the gear we sell.
So which Nuna travel stroller is best for you?
If there's a baby too small to sit up and no PIPA infant seat in the plan, take the TRVL lx and don't look back. If you fly often enough that the overhead bin is a real bonus, the VIAA cabn was built for you. If neither of those is you, the TRVL is the lightest.
Did you need a double travel stroller? Check out Nuna’s TRVL dubl, a side-by-side. Shopping the everyday Nuna strollers instead? We break those down for you with our article on the TRIV next vs MIXX next vs SWIV vs DEMI icon.
