Bugaboo Donkey 5 vs. UPPAbaby Vista V3 Stroller
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It’s another head-to-head battle between two of Snuggle Bugz’s giants! Today we’re pitting the Vista V3 Stroller from UPPAbaby against a highly-worthy adversary, Bugaboo’s Donkey 5 Mono Complete Stroller.
The V3 is the successor to UPPAbaby’s outstanding Vista and Vista V2, which continues to be a best-seller in the stroller market. However, Bugaboo offers its own top-tier baby wheels as well, with the Donkey 5 Mono Stroller garnering accolades across the board.
Both strollers are designed with a mixture of impeccable aesthetics, functional features, premium quality parts, and uncomplicated operation.
In a nutshell, they’re amazing for both parents and babies!
We wanted to pit them against each other to see how much they actually have in common, where they differ, and if one would reign supreme as the superior stroller. Let’s do this!
The V3 is the successor to UPPAbaby’s outstanding Vista and Vista V2, which continues to be a best-seller in the stroller market. However, Bugaboo offers its own top-tier baby wheels as well, with the Donkey 5 Mono Stroller garnering accolades across the board.
Both strollers are designed with a mixture of impeccable aesthetics, functional features, premium quality parts, and uncomplicated operation.
In a nutshell, they’re amazing for both parents and babies!
We wanted to pit them against each other to see how much they actually have in common, where they differ, and if one would reign supreme as the superior stroller. Let’s do this!
How to Use:
THE SPECS:
Vista V3:
Donkey 5:
Both strollers include a stroller frame and a toddler seat, however, the Donkey 5 also comes with a side luggage storage basket and bassinet. If you want a bassinet for your Vista V3, you will have to purchase it separately.
Vista V3:
- Toddler Seat suitable from birth with Infant SnugSeat or from 3 months (without) to 50 lbs.
- Bassinet suitable from birth, up to 20 lbs, or until infant can push up on hands and knees (whichever comes first)
- Folded: 17.3” L x 25.7” W x 33” H
- Unfolded: 32.8” L x 25.7” W x 39.5” H
- Stroller Weight: Frame + Seat: 27 lbs.
- Bassinet Weight: 9.1 lbs
- Under-Seat Basket Weight Capacity: 30 lbs.
Donkey 5:
- Suitable from birth in the bassinet to up to 50 lbs. in the seat
- Folded: 35.04” L x 23.62" W x 13.78” H
- Unfolded: 33.5"L x 23.6"W x 43.7"H
- Stroller Weight: 26.9 lbs.
- Mono Mode: 23.65" wide
- Duo/Twin Mode: 29.1" wide
- One-piece fold: 20.42" L x 23.6" W 35.43" H
- Two-piece fold: 35.04" L x 23.6" W x 13.78" H
- Wheel Size: Front 10” / Rear 12”
- Under-seat basket Weight Capacity: 22 lbs.
- Luggage Basket: 22lbs.
Both strollers include a stroller frame and a toddler seat, however, the Donkey 5 also comes with a side luggage storage basket and bassinet. If you want a bassinet for your Vista V3, you will have to purchase it separately.
Both toddler seats can be positioned however your child prefers — in parent-facing mode or world-facing. Parents can also connect a compatible car seat to these strollers (may require adapters), and on top of all that, the V3 and Donkey 5 are expandable to fit two seats at the same time!
You can use the V3 with any of these configurations:
One thing to note is that the RumbleSeat on the Vista V3 can only be used on the lower position and has a weight capacity of 40 pounds, while both seats on the Donkey 5 have a 50 pound limit.
You can use the V3 with any of these configurations:
- Bassinet only (requires you to purchase a bassinet)
- Toddler Seat only
- Car Seat only (requires you to purchase a compatible infant car seat)
- Bassinet + Toddler Seat (requires you to purchase a bassinet)
- Bassinet + Car Seat (requires you to purchase a car seat and bassinet)
- Toddler Seat + Car Seat (requires you to purchase a compatible infant car seat)
- 2 Bassinets (requires you purchase 2 bassinets)
- 2 Toddler Seats (requires you to purchase a RumbleSeat)
- 2 Car seats (requires you to purchase 2 compatible infant car seat)
One thing to note is that the RumbleSeat on the Vista V3 can only be used on the lower position and has a weight capacity of 40 pounds, while both seats on the Donkey 5 have a 50 pound limit.
Aesthetically Speaking
UPPAbaby and Bugaboo each make some beautiful baby products, and these strollers are no exception!One area where UPPAbaby pulls away is in the colour options offered for the V3, with 9 choices (compared to 4 colours offered by Bugaboo). Both strollers come with an aluminum or black frame, but the Donkey 5 is also offered in Graphite.
Shared Features
As much as these strollers put their own spin on the classic stroller, they still share many similar features:FOLD IT UP:
Whether you’re taking it on the go or simply storing it at home, the V3 and Donkey 5 can both compact down to a smaller size. They’re super easy for parents to collapse and just as easy to deploy once you’re ready to use them again!
COMFORT-FOCUSED:
Soft fabrics and plush cushioning helps baby rest and relax whenever they’re out and about! Taking this a step further, the Donkey 5 also includes a densely padded harness on their toddler seat, so kids are snug and safe.
CANOPY:
Shade is a must for shielding baby’s delicate skin from the sun. Generously-sized canopies are included with UPF 50+ protection and adjustable mesh panels allow for perfect airflow no matter the temperature outside.
DURABLE WHEELS:
The Donkey 5 has all-terrain wheels made out of EVA foam, while the V3 has polyurethane tires that incorporate extra rubber and air. This makes them lighter without compromising quality, resulting in easier maneuverability and a smoother ride.
WHEEL LOCKS:
Each model includes front wheel locks for added stability when operating the stroller during power walks or on rough terrain.
SIMILAR SETTING:
The toddler seat included with these strollers can recline to multiple angles! Additionally, the seats sit high up for better interactions.
3RD RIDER:
If dual seating isn’t enough, you can attach a board to the stroller and tow along an extra child! Bugaboo offers their Comfort Wheeled Board (adapter sold separately), while the V3 can be used with UPPAbaby’s Piggyback Ride Board.
RAIN COVER:
To combat wet weather, both strollers include a rain cover in the box.
TRAVEL SYSTEM CAPABLE:
You can turn these into a travel system by adding a compatible car seat onto the stroller frames (may require an adapter).
FOR THE V3:
- UPPAbaby Mesa V2 (No Adapter Required)
- UPPAbaby Aria (No Adapter Required)
- Nuna Pipa / Maxi-Cosi / Cybex Infant Seats (adapter)
- Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Infant Seats (adapter)
- Chico Keyfit 30 Infant Seats (adapter)
FOR THE DONKEY 5:
The Little Differences
So what are the differences between the Vista V3 and the Donkey 5 Mono?THE V3 INCLUDES:
- When seating two children, one sits in front of the other
- Bassinet sold separately
- Comes with a bug shield and storage bag
- Has a no-rethread harness
- Magnetic buckle system
- Reflective accents on the wheels and basket
- Boasts a new FlexRide suspension system for a smooth ride
- Smaller when folded (and easier to fold compact)
- Holds up to 30 lbs in its incredible under-the-seat basket (this thing is huge)
- Canopy is height-adjustable
- Has a telescoping arm for when you stack seating
- Has an all-weather comfort toddler seat with removable padded insert with a structured mesh panel.
- RumbleSeat has a lower weight capacity of 40 pounds
- Side-by-side seating. Frame telescopes sideways by 5 inches to accommodate dual seating.
- Comes with a pram/bassinet
- Configuration is great for sibling bonding and easier access to your children
- More legroom and recline options for children using the toddler seats
- The stroller's width is still slender enough to fit through most door frames (but it won’t fit through all door frames with two car seats)
- Side luggage storage basket rests next to the seat/bassinet when in Mono mode and holds 35L of essentials at arm’s reach (no having to bend down).
- The stroller also has an under-seat basket that holds 22 lbs.
- Quick-click harness with easy buckle, unbuckle
- Toddler seat and second seat can both carry 50 lbs. due to better weight distribution
Accessories
Bugaboo offers a few accessories and add-ons for the Donkey 5. Of note, the items with an asterisk are included in the Donkey 5 Mono Complete Stroller Set but you’ll need to purchase them separately if doubling up the seating:- Donkey 5 Pram Fabric Complete (Bassinet)*
- Donkey 5 Duo Complete Extension Kit (Second Seat)*
- Donkey 5 Sun Canopy*
- Donkey Breezy Canopy (Ventilated Panels)
- Donkey Rain Cover*
- Donkey Snack Tray
- Chameleon Mosquito Net
- Comfort Wheeled Board
Likewise, UPPAbaby offers various accessories for the Vista V3. Items with an asterisk are included with Vista V3 but will have to be separately purchased to seat multiple children:
The Choice is Yours!
Parents need a reliable and durable stroller for running errands, walking around the block, and exploring new places. The stroller also needs to be easy to operate and supremely comfortable for baby. Both the Vista V3 and Donkey 5 Mono Complete check all of those boxes, plus the added bonus of expandability is a no-brainer for multi-child parents.Whether one is “better” than the other is a personal preference. Regardless of which one you choose, you will enjoy top-of-the-line features and a sleek looking stroller that will make rolling into parenthood a whole lot easier.
To learn more, check out our full in-depth reviews for the UPPAbaby Vista V3 and Bugaboo Donkey 5.