Comparing the MESA, MESA V2 and MESA MAX Inf — The Baby Cubby

Why pick UPPAbaby?

With so many baby products on the market, it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed when you begin shopping. And with baby gear being such a major purchase, you want to make sure you’re picking the right products.

Here at the Baby Cubby, we only carry brands that are tried, true and beloved by customers! And it’s no secret that UPPAbaby is one of the brands at the top of that list.

But what makes UPPAbaby such an incredible brand?

Not only are UPPAbaby’s products modern and trendy in style, but the company’s mission to provide products with the newest and best features is what truly sets them apart! When you purchase an UPPAbaby product, you know you are getting the best of the best- from the highest quality, chemical-free fabrics to the durable product frames and beyond!

And when they see improvements that can be made, they innovate their products to ensure the best experience for children and parents alike. Which is why they’ve decided to make some updates to their UPPAbaby MESA!

So let’s take a look at all 3 UPPAbaby models that are currently available for purchase or preorder: the MESA, the MESA V2 and MESA MAX!

The UPPAbaby MESA

The original MESA came out in 2013 and has been loved since its release for its ease of installation, its high end safety features and fabrics, and its sleek and modern design. 

The MESA currently comes in one beautiful, neutral color at the Baby Cubby, JORDAN charcoal mélange. The fabric featured in this style is not only removable and machine washable, but the naturally flame resistant Merino wool fabric and inserts offer a safe, chemical free place for your little one, while providing the moisture and temperature regulating benefits that very few other fabrics can provide.

Other styles and colors were previously available in the MESA in both polyester and Merino wool blends, but since the MESA is being discontinued, the JORDAN is one of the few left on the market.

UPPAbaby MESA in JORDAN (Charcoal Melange) 

The MESA also features a simple and error-free installation with UPPAbaby’s infamous SMARTSecure® System. With bubble indicators on both sides, a self-locking system, and an indicator that turns red to green when you’ve installed the seat tight enough, you no longer have to fear that you’ve installed your seat incorrectly! 

This MESA model is also compatible with the ever popular UPPAbaby strollers such as the VISTA V2, RIDGE, CRUZ and MINU, allowing you to put together the perfect travel system for you and your family! With the simple click of a button on the handlebar, you can release the car seat from your stroller and you’re ready to hop back into the car after a long day of errands or sightseeing!

*The original MESA is no longer being manufactured by UPPAbaby to make room for the new MESA V2 and MESA MAX, so if you’d like to purchase this model, buy it now before it sells out! 

Basics

Price: $299.99 (for polyester linings) to $349.99 (for Merino wool fabrics)

Purchase Includes: MESA infant car seat, MESA/MESA V2 base, and original infant insert

Car Seat Weight: 9.9 pounds

Base Weight: 9 pounds

Weight Capacity: 4 – 35 pounds

Height Capacity: Up to 32” 

Expiration: 7 years after the date of manufacture or immediately after a car crash

 Safety Features

Shell: EPP foam

Added Chemicals: No fire-retardant chemicals added to the JORDAN, as this style features Merino wool fabric that is naturally fire resistant!

Other Safety Features: Advanced SIP in headrest and error-proof installation

Design Features

Colors: JORDAN (Charcoal Melange) (*Other colors were previously available and may still be found at select retailers. However, as the MESA is no longer being manufactured, they will be difficult to find.)

Fabric: Breathable, moisture wicking Merino wool (JORDAN style)

Infant Insert Usage: 4-8 pounds

Base: SMARTSecure® System for quick installation, red-to-green tightness indicator, built-in lock-off for secure seatbelt installation, level indicators on both sides of base, and 4-position foot for proper leveling

Canopy: UPF 25+ hideaway canopy, extends to handlebar and retracts into the car seat when not in use

Headrest:  5-position headrest with incorporated no-rethread harness; Standard sized SIP headrest

Crotch Buckle: 2 positions for greater customizability

Additional Features: Stroller release button on handle, buckle storage holders

Installation

Easy Installation Features: 10 second install- Self-retracting latch, window indicators that turn green when installed correctly, and built-in lock-off when installing with the seatbelt

Installation Methods: Self-retracting tether LATCH; Seatbelt installation with or without base

Installation w/out Base: Yes, with American belt path

European Belt Route: No

Additional Details

Video Demonstration: https://youtu.be/q0OJgPjtJyI

Additional Links: UPPAbaby MESA User Manual

The UPPAbaby MESA V2

The MESA V2 is the updated version of the MESA with several amazing upgrades that make it an excellent choice while still having the features that we love from before! 

With the same exact base, the MESA V2 is simple to install correctly every single time! However, the shell of the MESA V2 has some additional features that make it an upgrade to the first edition. With an incorporated European belt path, you can now install your infant car seat without a base with a slightly more secure install than just using the American belt pathway that the MESA features. 

UPPAbaby MESA V2 in STELLA (Grey Melange)

The MESA V2 also has an additional handlebar position that the MESA did not have. When in this position, the handlebar acts as an anti-rebound bar in the event of a crash. Along with this feature, the handlebar is also slightly taller, giving you more room between the canopy and the handlebar for easier carrying.

The fabrics in the MESA V2 are made of a high-end polyester that is breathable, soft and comfortable for little ones. Some of the previous MESA models were made of polyester while some were made of Merino wool (such as the JORDAN model we currently have available here at The Baby Cubby). But what truly sets the new MESA V2 polyester fabrics apart from the polyester in the previous MESA’s is that it is now GREENGUARD® GOLD Certified, giving you a car seat that you can feel confident isn’t emitting any harmful chemicals. 

Basics

Price: $329.99

Purchase Includes: MESA V2 infant car seat, MESA/MESA V2 base, and larger infant insert

Car Seat Weight: 9.9 pounds

Base Weight: 9 pounds

Weight Capacity: 4 to 35 pounds

Height Capacity: 32 inches

Expiration: 7 years after the date of manufacture or immediately after a car crash

Safety Features

Shell: EPP foam

Added Chemicals: No fire retardant chemicals added; Also GREENGUARD® GOLD Certified, which ensures your child isn’t breathing harmful chemicals

Other Safety Features: Additional 4th handlebar position for anti-rebound stability and protection, larger headrest with advanced SIP (side impact protection), larger infant insert for additional neck and head support

Design Features

Colors: ALICE (Dusty Pink), JAKE (Charcoal), STELLA (Grey Melange)

Fabric: Breathable, moisture wicking polyester blend fabric

Infant Insert Usage: 4-11 pounds, with better contouring and shape for newborn support

Base: Same as MESA (Features UPPAbaby’s SMARTSecure® System for quick installation, red-to-green tightness indicator, built-in lock-off for secure seatbelt installation, level indicators on both sides of base, and 4-position foot for proper leveling)

Canopy: UPF 25+ canopy; 20% larger than original MESA that extends past the handlebar for better coverage and retracts into the car seat when not in use

Headrest: 5-position headrest with incorporated no-rethread harness; Larger SIP headrest than in the MESA for greater head and neck protection

Crotch Buckle: One position

Additional Features: Stroller release button on handle, buckle storage holders

Installation

Easy Installation Features: 10 second install; Self-retracting latch, window indicators that turn green when installed correctly, and built-in lock-off when installing with the seatbelt

Installation Methods: Self-retracting tether LATCH; Seatbelt installation with or without base

Installation w/out Base: Yes, with the incorporated and secure European belt pathway

European Belt Route: Yes

Additional Details

Changes from the Original MESA: Greater distance between handlebar and canopy for easier carrying, larger headrest, larger infant insert for wider usage, 20% larger canopy, one crotch buckle position instead of the original 2, GREENGUARD® GOLD Certified polyester fabrics

Video Demonstration: https://youtu.be/falI2wQ8E2c

Additional Links: UPPAbaby MESA V2 User Manual

The UPPAbaby MESA MAX

The MESA MAX is UPPAbaby’s 3rd model in the MESA car seat series and truly goes above and beyond, providing all the newest and best safety innovations that you can currently find on the market.

The MESA MAX base features a load leg, which directs crash energy away from the car seat and into the leg itself as well as an Anti-Rebound+ panel that keeps the seat from rotating in the event of a crash. It also features the largest headrest of all 3 models, providing the greatest infant head and neck stability with advanced SIP (side impact protection). 

UPPAbaby MESA MAX in GREYSON (Charcoal Melange / Merino Wool)

The MESA MAX features 2 deluxe fabric options, allowing you to pick from either a DualKnit or a Merino wool blend in a wide range of beautiful colors. All of these fabrics are GREENGUARD® GOLD Certified just like the MESA V2, ensuring better air quality and less chemical emissions. 

The canopy is also much larger than those on the MESA and MESA V2 car seats, and the handlebar and canopy distance is much greater than that of the MESA’s, making it a lot easier to pick up the car seat without bumping the canopy in the process.

The MESA MAX is currently available for preorder! Preorders are expected to ship late February of 2023!

Basics

Price: $399.99

Purchase Includes: MESA MAX infant car seat, MESA MAX base, and large infant insert

Car Seat Weight: 9.9 pounds

Base Weight: No specific weight released yet

Weight Capacity: 4 to 35 pounds

Height Capacity: 32 inches

Expiration: 7 years after the date of manufacture or immediately after a car crash

Safety Features

Shell: EPP foam

Added Chemicals: No fire retardant chemicals added- fabrics are naturally flame resistant; GREENGUARD® GOLD Certified for greater air purity!

Other Safety Features: Load leg and Anti-rebound+ panel in the base; 4th handlebar position that offers additional protection when car seat is installed without base; largest headrest of all MESA models with advanced SIP; large infant insert for additional infant head and neck support

Design Features

Colors: ANTHONY (White Grey Marl), GREGORY (Blue Melange / Merino Wool), GREYSON (Charcoal Melange / Merino Wool), JAKE (Charcoal), NOA (Navy Melange)

Fabric: 2 fabric choices

• Merino Wool: Fire retardant free, moisture-wicking, temperature control (GREGORY, GREYSON)
• DualKnit Polyester: No Fire Retardant chemicals on fabric or foams (ANTHONY, JAKE, NOA)

Infant Insert Usage: 4-11 pounds

Base: Stability load leg and Anti-Rebound+ panel, SMARTSecure® System for quick installation, red-to-green tightness indicator, built-in lock-off for secure seatbelt installation, level indicators on both sides of base, and 4-position foot for proper leveling

Canopy: 43% more coverage than the MESA, 20% more coverage than the MESA V2 that extends WELL past the handlebar for full coverage and retracts into the car seat when not in use

Headrest: 5 position, no-rethread harness; Largest SIP headrest for greater head and neck protection (bigger than both the MESA and MESA V2)

Crotch Buckle: One position

Additional Features: Stroller release button on handle, buckle storage holders, low harness position included for preemies and smaller newborns

Top row: Merino Wool GREGORY, GREYSON

Bottom row: DualKnit Polyester JAKE, NOA, ANTHONY

Installation

Easy Installation Features: Self-retracting latch, window indicators that turn green when installed correctly, and built-in lock-off when installing with the seatbelt

Installation Methods: Auto-retracting tether LATCH; Seatbelt installation with or without the base

Installation w/out Base: Yes, with European belt path

European Belt Route: Yes

Additional Details

New Additions from the MESA and MESA V2: Largest SIP head rest, EXTRA large canopy, NEW base with load leg and Anti-Rebound+ panel, multiple GREENGUARD® GOLD Certified fabric choices

Video Demonstration: https://youtu.be/Gf20cWzGyL8

Additional Links: UPPAbaby MESA MAX User Manual will be available online once the MESA MAX becomes available (no longer in preorder phase)

Available Accessories for the UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat Series

Uppababy makes loads of amazing accessories for their strollers and car seats alike! Here are just a few that work well with the MESA series infant car seats!

MESA Family TravelSafe Travel Bag (featured below)

Extra MESA/ MESA V2 Base

Extra MESA MAX Base

CozyGanoosh for MESA

Knit Blanket

Cabana

Rain Shield

Easy-Fit Window Sunshade

FAQ’s About the UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat Series

What do all 3 of the UPPAbaby MESA models have in common?

All 3 of the MESA models feature a sleek and modern design, a variety of color options, and offer seamless compatibility with the UPPAbaby strollers. The handlebars all offer the simple one-touch button for quick release from the strollers.

They also offer bases with easy and simple installation with or without the base, a canopy that retracts into the car seat when not in use, a no-rethread harness, and buckle holders for easy in and out.

All three models also feature options for either polyester or Merino wool fabrics that offer moisture wicking and temperature regulating properties. 

What are the biggest differences between the original MESA, the MESA V2 and the MESA MAX?

Canopies

• MESA: Extends to handlebar
• MESA V2: 20% larger than MESA, extends past handlebar
• MESA MAX: 20% larger than MESA V2, 43% larger than MESA), extends WELL past handlebar

Infant Inserts/Headrest

Bases

Fabrics

What are the differences between the different car seat bases? Can any MESA base be used with any MESA infant car seat?

The original MESA car seat base is the same base used with the MESA V2 infant car seat. It features a 4-position foot for proper leveling, the UPPAbaby SMARTSecure® System for a quick install, red to green tightness indicator, auto-retracting latch system, and bubble level indicators on both sides of the base. This base can ONLY be used with the MESA and MESA V2.

The MESA MAX car seat base features the stability load leg and anti-rebound+ panel. Both of these features have been found to offer greater protection in the event of a crash, as they keep the car seat from rotating or rebounding during a collision. 

It is also designed with the same convenient installation technologies in the MESA/MESA V2 base, such as the SMARTSecure® System for a quick install, red to green tightness indicator, auto-retracting latch system, and bubble level indicators on both sides of the base.

The MESA MAX base cannot be used with the MESA or MESA V2, so if you want a base with an anti-rebound panel and load leg, you’ll want to purchase the MESA MAX.

Each of these car seats come with their respective bases, but you can purchase additional bases separately if you’d like to have one in another car at all times. 

What strollers are compatible with the MESA infant car seats?

All of the UPPAbaby strollers are compatible with the MESA infant car seats. The current versions of the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 and UPPAbaby CRUZ do not require adapters (models made before 2014 may require adapters). The UPPAbaby MINU and RIDGE will also require an additional adapter.

There are many other stroller brands that are compatible with the UPPAbaby MESA car seats, such as Veer, Thule, Mima, and Bob, but these will require adapters.

Compatible Strollers: 

Can I install any of the MESA infant car seats without the base?

Yes! All 3 models of the MESA can be installed without the base. The MESA can only be installed using the American belt path, which only keeps the seat belt across the front of the infant car seat. 

The MESA V2 and the MESA MAX, on the other hand, feature the European Belt Path, which allows you to pull the shoulder portion of the vehicle seat belt around the backside of the infant car seat, providing additional stability!

Can the MESA fabrics be machine washed?

For parent convenience, the fabrics of the MESA seat pad, infant insert, buckle pad and shoulder pads can all be machine washed. Machine wash on cold on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent and lay flat to dry.

Spot clean the base, car seat shell, harnesses, and canopy.

All three models in the UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat series will provide the safety and comfort you need for your child, while giving you a product that’s convenient and easy to use. With SmartSecure technology in every single base that allows you to get a safe install every time, you truly can’t go wrong with ANY of the UPPAbaby car seats!

For more baby gear comparisons, visit our blog at babycubby.com!