Searching for a versatile stroller with the ultimate convenience and comfort – no matter where your day or life takes you?
The Bugaboo Donkey5 and UPPAbaby Vista V3 are two of the highest-quality strollers that can grow with your family. Both models have hearty tires that will smoothly roll across grass at game day, large storage spaces to keep your necessities at hand, and many configurations to fit your family whether this is your first, second, or third child! But the Donkey5 and Vista V3 do have a number of key differences—especially in how they convert from single to double.
The Donkey is one of the only strollers that expands side-by-side, which allows for better weight distribution, easier access to your kids, and more legroom and recline options for toddlers. The stroller has an included bassinet, four large all-terrain tires, and lots of carrying capacity thanks to a side luggage basket.
The Vista converts to a double by adding a second seat over the front wheels, which makes it more narrow with two on board and brings the child in the upper seat even closer to you. A large storage basket, robust wheels, and compact fold make this stroller one of the most popular on the market.
Let’s see how the Donkey5 and Vista V3 compare.
Bugaboo Donkey5
As one of the only strollers that converts from a single to a side-by-side double, the Donkey is easier to push, turn, and get over curbs than many tandem strollers.
New for the Donkey5 model, a higher seat position brings your child closer to you, while a ventilated bassinet and updated fabrics keep your child cozy at every age. These and more updates add convenience, comfort, and style!
Parents will enjoy an easier fold, dozens of color combinations, and a handy quick click harness.
Watch this video for an overview of the Donkey5 convertible stroller:
UPPAbaby Vista V3
The Vista V3 is a versatile, full-size stroller that easily grows with your family. It starts as a single stroller and can convert to a double—or even accommodate three children—with more than a dozen configurations for twins or siblings of different ages.
It comes equipped with a toddler seat (bassinet sold separately), and you can add a second seat, bassinet, or ride-along board as your family expands.
Available in a range of stylish colors with premium leather details and a variety of compatible accessories, the Vista V3 offers a perfect balance of luxury and everyday practicality.
Watch this video to see the latest features and what we love about the Vista V3 convertible stroller:
Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V2 Single Stroller Price
For current pricing of the single version of both strollers, see the product pages below:
Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono Complete
UPPAbaby Vista V3 Single Stroller
Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 Double Stroller Price
While both models can turn into a double with purchase of a second seat or adapters, how they convert and what pieces you need differ between the Donkey and Vista.
For siblings of different ages, including two young toddlers or a toddler with newborn on the way, you’ll want the Donkey5 Duo, which includes two toddler seats plus a bassinet. For twins using the stroller from birth, you’ll want the Donkey5 Twin because that includes two toddler seats AND two bassinets.
For current pricing of the Donkey and Vista V3 as doubles, please see below:
Bugaboo Donkey5 Duo
Bugaboo Donkey5 Twin
UPPAbaby Vista V3 plus RumbleSeat V3 (second seat)
Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 Weight and Specifications
Single Stroller Weight
- Donkey5: 26.9 pounds
- Vista V3: 27 pounds
Double Stroller Weight
- Donkey5: 42.4 pounds (with bassinet and one seat)
- Vista V3: 35.75 pounds
Stroller Dimensions
- Donkey5: 31.5″L x 23.6″W x 33-41.7″H
- Vista V3: 36″L x 25.7″W x 39.5″H
Folded Dimensions
- Donkey5: 35.4″L x 23.6″W x 20.4″H
- Vista V3: 17.3″L x 25.7″W x 33″H
Basket Capacity
- Donkey5: 44 pounds
- 22 pounds underseat basket, 22 pounds side luggage basket
- Vista V3: 30 pounds
Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 Weight and Height Limit
Since the Donkey5 second seat (the Duo Extension Set complete) is identical to the main stroller seat, when you turn the Donkey into a double your children can sit in whichever seat they like as long as they’re within the 50 pound weight capacity of either seat.
For the Vista V3, the main upper toddler seat holds up to 50 pounds, but UPPAbaby makes the second seat (called the RumbleSeat) smaller and with a lower weight capacity of 40 pounds. This helps ensure there isn’t too much weight over the front wheels = easier steering, turns, and getting over curbs. However, if your toddler exceeds the 40 pound weight limit of the RumbleSeat, they’ll need to sit in the upper Toddler Seat meaning your newborn is farther from you at the front of the stroller. The Toddler Seat and RumbleSeat are not interchangeable.
Weight Capacity
- Donkey5: 50 pounds per seat
- Vista V3: 50 pounds toddler seat, 40 pounds RumbleSeat V3
RumbleSeat Height Capacity
- Vista V3 RumbleSeat: 36″ in height
Seat Back Height
- Donkey5: 19″
- Vista V3: 20″ toddler seat, 17″ RumbleSeat
Seat Width
- Donkey5: 10.5″
- Vista V3: 11.5″ toddler seat, 10″ RumbleSeat
Seat Depth
- Donkey5: 9″
- Vista V3: 10″ toddler seat, 9″ RumbleSeat
Calf Support Length
- Donkey5: 10″
- Vista V3: 10″ toddler seat, 8″ RumbleSeat
Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 Configurations
Both the Donkey5 and Vista V3 can expand from a single to a double stroller and can accommodate any combination of 1-2 stroller seats, bassinets, or infant car seats, plus an optional ride along board for an older third child to stand on.
UPPAbaby Vista V3 Configurations
Because the Vista is a tandem stroller with one seat positioned higher near the handlebar and the other lower toward the front wheels, legroom can be a bit limited—especially for taller children. The close seat spacing helps maintain a smooth, easy turn radius but also means certain setups have space constraints. For example, you can’t place a bassinet on top with the RumbleSeat below, but you can use the toddler seat on top with a bassinet underneath, or even two bassinets at the same time.
Bugaboo Donkey5 Configurations
With side-by-side seating, the Donkey offers nearly endless configurations and recline options. Toddlers can face the parent, face forward, or even face opposite directions—all while reclining fully without bumping into their sibling’s seat. This setup also makes it easy for parents to keep an eye on both children at once, whether it’s a snoozing newborn or a curious toddler exploring the world.
How to Fold Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3
To fold the Donkey5, tilt the stroller seat so it is parallel to the stroller frame, and lower the handlebar. On either side of the handlebar, press the black button and lift up on the white lever then lower the handle toward your feet.
To unfold, simply lift the handlebar up, push down to extend the front wheels, and raise the seat upright.
To fold the Vista V3, lock the brake and raise the handlebar to its tallest setting, making sure the toddler seat faces forward. Lift up on the grey tabs at either side of the handlebar, and lower toward your feet.
The Vista V3 automatically locks when folded and stands upright. Hinge the lock inwards and lift the handlebar up to open the stroller.
See the Vista V3 fold demonstrated in this video:
Car Seats Compatible with Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3
Both Bugaboo and UPPAbaby offer their own infant car seats, and the two strollers are also compatible with several other brands.
For the Donkey, all car seats require car seat adapters, including the Bugaboo car seat. You’ll need the Mono adapter if you have one child or are using the Duo for a toddler and newborn, while the Twin adapter attaches two car seats at once.
CAR SEATS COMPATIBLE WITH BUGABOO DONKEY5
If you’re using the Vista as a single stroller, the UPPAbaby Mesa and Aria model car seats attach without the need for adapters. You’ll need car seat adapters for other brands, as well as additional adapters to attach any car seat to the double stroller.
See this article to determine which adapters you might need to turn your UPPAbaby Vista V2 single stroller into a double.
CAR SEATS COMPATIBLE WITH UPPABABY VISTA V3
Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 Accessories
The Donkey5 comes with a bassinet, stroller or bassinet rain cover, and side luggage basket for storage. Other Donkey accessories are sold separately and include:
The Vista V3 comes with a seasonal seat liner, Toddler Seat bug shield, Toddler Seat rain shield, and Toddler Seat storage bag. The Vista V3 no longer comes with a bassinet. Other Vista accessories sold separately include:
Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 Colors and Fabrics
The Bugaboo Donkey5 is highly customizable because you can choose the color of the frame, seat fabrics and canopy, and you can buy spare canopies separately to change the look.
Bugaboo prioritizes using chemical-free, baby-safe fabrics across all its products. Every Bugaboo stroller meets REACH guidelines for chemical substances—the European Union’s strictest standards for health and environmental safety—as well as all relevant local regulations, such as EN 71-3. This means Bugaboo products are rigorously tested and proven to be free from hazardous chemicals, ensuring a safe and healthy ride for your little one.
The UPPAbaby Vista V3 is available in a variety of stylish colors, with UPPAbaby typically introducing new shades each year to keep the lineup fresh and on-trend. In addition to its modern design, the Vista V3 is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it has been tested for chemical emissions and meets strict standards for healthier indoor air quality—a distinction the Bugaboo Donkey5 does not currently hold. This certification gives parents extra peace of mind that their stroller is made with materials that contribute to a safer environment for their baby.
Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 Pros and Cons
So which is better: the Bugaboo Donkey5 or the UPPAbaby Vista V3? Only you can decide which stroller best fits your family’s needs, but here are the benefits and drawbacks we see.
Bugaboo Donkey5
Benefits
- Equal weight capacities and identical seats as a double
- Seats can face forward, parent, or opposite directions with unrestricted legroom and recline angles
- Steers easily with weight distributed towards rear wheels
- Higher storage weight capacity in single configurations (44lbs)
- Bassinet has ventilation at sides
Drawbacks
- Requires purchase of adapters for any compatible car seat
- More steps to achieve a compact fold
- With car seats attached, may be too wide to fit through some doorways
- Heavier in double mode
UPPAbaby Vista V3
Benefits
- Comes with more accessories
- Does not require car seat adapters for UPPAbaby infant car seats
- Canopy is height-adjustable to accommodate a taller child
- Leg rest has adjustable angles for increased comfort
- Higher storage weight capacity in double configurations (30lbs)
Drawbacks
- Does not come with a bassinet
- Toddler Seat is not newborn ready, and requires either using the car seat or purchasing the bassinet or SnugSeat
- Lower RumbleSeat, with 40-pound capacity, may be too small for some toddlers, requiring your older child to sit in the upper position
- Requires purchase of upper and lower adapters for double configurations involving a car seat or bassinet
- Added weight over the front wheels as a double may be more difficult to maneuver
Questions?
Strolleria is an authorized retailer of Bugaboo and UPPAbaby products dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents.
If you have more questions about about the Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 debate, feel free to contact us at cs@strolleria.com or chat with us today!
