Updated Feb 27, 2026 

Let's Review the Bugaboo Donkey 6 stroller vs Donkey 5 Stroller vs. Donkey 4 vs Donkey 3 vs Donkey 2 Comparison. This Guide to the Bugaboo Donkey Stroller series points out the key features and differences as the Bugaboo Donkey has evolved over time.  The Bugaboo Donkey stroller series is very popular for parents and a trend setting stroller  

Let us start with the common Bugaboo Donkey Stroller Model Questions with FAQs

Q: What are the main differences between the latest double stroller and its two Predecessors?

The biggest change is the jump from Donkey 3 to Donkey 5 stroller - with the Donkey 5 bringing a much smoother folding mechanism, a higher seat and a more comfy bassinet height for parents, better airflow for the little ones and integrated accessory points that mean no more adapters needed. The Donkey 3 is a tough one, but it's a bit heavier and less convenient overall compared to the newer model

Q: Which model has the best suspension and comfort among the last three stroller versions?

The Donkey 5 definitely takes the lead with improved suspension. It's way more nimble over bumps and uneven ground. The frame feels a bit lighter, the seats have better padding and a safer harness system that clicks into place in no time.

Q: Where can I buy the Donkey 3 stroller now?

You can sometimes find the new (or second-hand) one online through eBay, local Facebook groups or specialized stroller resale places.

Q: What Bugaboo Stroller accessories do I need, and are they compatible?

If you go for the Donkey 5 or 6, you've got built-in attachment points, so no adapters needed. But if you go for the Donkey 3, you might need to think about adapters, so keep that in mind when buying extras

Q: Which is the real Bugaboo Stroller all-terrain option?

If you want a stroller that can handle the great outdoors, from bumpy sidewalks to park trails, then the Bugaboo Donkey 5 is the ultimate all-terrain stroller. It's got improved suspension and sturdy wheels that can handle all sorts of terrain, urban streets, grass, gravel and more.

Bugaboo Donkey 6 vs Donkey 5 vs Donkey 4 vs Donkey 3:

Which Bugaboo Donkey Stroller is the Right One for Your Growing Family?

If you've been browsing strollers and landed on the Bugaboo Donkey models - the Donkey 4, 5 and the soon-to-arrive Donkey 6 - you're not alone in being a bit confused. Bugaboo's Donkey series is super popular with families thanks to its awesome versatility and modular design, but figuring out the difference between these versions can be a real challenge, especially with the odd naming mix-up along the way.

Today I'm going to break down everything you need to know about these strollers, from what really happened with the Donkey 4 to the exciting new features in the Bugaboo Donkey 6 stroller. By the time you've read this post, you'll have a pretty clear idea of which model will be the best fit for your family's needs.

The Bugaboo Donkey first appeared on the scene in 2011 and was a hit due to its fashionable appearance, versatility, and convenience. What really stood out for many was how easily it switched among three modes—mono, duo, and twin—with three simple clicks. Seven years later, Donkey2 arrived with redesigned storage, improved suspension, and foam-filled tires, along with other features.

What Remains the Same in Bugaboo Donkey Strollers

Before jumping in and looking at what’s new, let’s put some minds at ease by pointing out the great features that remain:

• Durable Frame. The Bugaboo Donkey stroller continues to have a heavy-duty frame that can hold up well under daily use and endure for any future additions to the family.
• Suspension. When the Donkey upgraded to Bugaboo Donkey2, an improved shock absorption system was employed. The Bugaboo Donkey stroller continues to use an all-wheel suspension system that gives a smooth, comfy ride.
• Customization. The Bugaboo Donkey stroller offered numerous colour options for customization on the canopy, frame, and fabrics. The Bugaboo Donkey3 offers several new colours, with components of the stroller packaged separately for customization.

The Bugaboo Donkey 6 stroller: The Next Generation

Now for the exciting part! Bugaboo's been a bit coy about the Donkey 6, but there's plenty of buzz and rumour floating around about what we can expect in the next generation.

What Parents are Really Hoping For

• Even Better Folding. Parents are hoping they can get lighter, more compact, and more intuitive folding. Anything that makes it easier to load and unload strollers, especially when you're flying and need a compact fold that's easy to chug through security, is a winner in my book.

• New colours and a fresh new look. Bugaboo always manages to come up with fresh and exciting styles and colours that feel modern but timeless in their own way.

• Lighter frames and better fabrics. The Donkey 6 could probably do with a lighter frame - maybe even some updated fabric technology that's not only fun to look at but is also more breathable and eco-friendly. As it is, the Donkey 6 still uses more recycled and eco-friendly components in its build.

• Built-In Accessory Integration - that just makes life easier. Expect this trend to keep on going - it just makes sense to integrate things so you don't need to faff around with loads of extra bits.

• Improving all-terrain performance. For parents, it's all about getting the stroller to handle all sorts of terrain, including snow and rougher stuff, year-round.

• Getting more versatile like the Bugaboo Kangaroo. People are also looking for more adaptable stroller configurations like the Kangaroo, which can grow with your family and changing needs.

Because the details on the Donkey 6 aren't completely finalized yet, it's all a bit of a mystery box for now. The Bugaboo Donkey 6 has a patented design that allows it to grow with your family's changing needs. The Bugaboo Donkey 6 will be released soon in 2026.

How Do The Bugaboo Donkey 6 vs Donkey 5 stroller Compare?

I know it's helpful to see how these compare clearly, so here's a handy breakdown:

What Does This Mean for Your Family?

If you need a tried-and-true option now...

The Donkey 5 is an absolute gem of a stroller. It's got all the modern features, style and comfort you need for a day out in the city. And because it's all so versatile, it's also great for weekend park strolls. Plus, it's compatible with the Bugaboo wheeled board (yeah, you can even get one from Bugaboo!), so you can easily add on an extra seat for a bigger sibling.

If you're on a budget or don't mind second-hand gear...

Have a look at getting a Donkey 3 or 4 - just be clear on what you're getting and be happy with the slightly older design and a few less frills. It's sturdy, works well, but just lacks some of the newer features and upgrades that the newer models have.

If you love being an early adopter and don't need a stroller straight away...

Keep an eye out for the Bugaboo Donkey 6, because it looks like it's going to be an absolute stunner when it comes out. You might even be able to get those new features and improvements for yourself if you don't mind waiting a bit.

If you're after something even lighter or more city-friendly, you might also want to check out the Bugaboo Butterfly or the Bugaboo Dragonfly. They're both perfect for travel or just being out and about in the city.

Ready to find your perfect stroller? Head over to the Bugaboo shop and see what fits your family's needs best.

Clearing Up the Bugaboo Donkey 4 Mystery

It's a bit of a family secret, but Bugaboo actually skipped naming a stroller "Donkey 4" in their official product range. Which means, officially, there is no Donkey 4. The company went straight from Donkey 3 to Donkey 5.

Apparently, Bugaboo hasn't told us why they skipped the number, but brands often do this kind of thing for all sorts of reasons, like lining up with other products, or to signal a major leap forward in tech or design.

So, if you keep hearing "Donkey 4" mentioned by other people, it's probably just a reference to Donkey 3 or some informal updates about that generation. If you're shopping and see "Donkey 4" listed, it's a good idea to check if they actually mean Donkey 3 or a variation of it.

When we compare different strollers, we will often look at different manufacturers to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each. Sometimes, though, it’s fun to look at how a particular model evolves across new iterations.

Bugaboo Donkey Stroller Accessories

Bugaboo are also known for their great range of stroller accessories that just make life with little ones that little bit easier. One of the most popular add-ons is probably the Bugaboo wheeled board, which lets a third child jump on for the ride - perfect for families with twins or siblings. The comfort wheeled board is a great bit of kit, giving your little one a smooth, stable platform to ride on, and can easily be slotted onto the Donkey 5 and other Bugaboo strollers.

The Bugaboo Donkey Breezy Sun Canopy offers sun protection while allowing cool breezes through. Other must-haves include car seat adapters for quick transitions from car to stroller, underseat baskets to stash all your gear, and loads of different seat fabrics and sun canopies to personalize your stroller's look and comfort.

All the Bugaboo stroller accessories are designed to be easy to pop on and off, you can mix and match to suit your family's changing needs. Whether you're looking to add the wheeled board, swap out seat fabrics or just pop more storage on, Bugaboo's got the accessories for every adventure.

Bugaboo Car Seat Compatibility

One of the best things about the Bugaboo strollers is how easily they hook up to all the major infant car seat brands. Get the right car seat adapters, and you can seamlessly click your baby's car seat onto your Bugaboo stroller, creating a travel system that's just so much easier to use. This is especially useful for parents who want to avoid waking their little one up during transitions.

All the adapters are really simple to pop on and off, so you can swap between car seats with ease, which is just fantastic if you need to. This flexibility means you can pick the car seat that suits your family best, safe in the knowledge it'll just work perfectly with your Bugaboo stroller every time.

Bugaboo Donkey Stroller Maintenance and Care

To get the most out of your Bugaboo stroller, a bit of routine maintenance is all that's needed. Just give the stroller frame and seat a regular clean - most of the seat fabrics are machine-washable, so that makes life easy. Check the wheels for any grit and give them a wipe and the odd squirt of lubricant to keep them running smoothly - that's just what Bugaboo strollers are all about.

To keep your Bugaboo Donkey stroller running smoothly for years, it's just a case of a little maintenance here and there. Start by tidying up the stroller frame and seat regularly - most of the seat fabrics are machine-washable, which is a big help. Give the wheels a clean and a bit of lubricant now and then, and you're all done. Inspect your frame and any accessories for signs of wear and tear. Tighten up any loose bits and replace anything that needs fixing. When you're not using your stroller, pop it in a cool, dry place to keep it safe from extreme temperatures and moisture. By following these easy care tips, you'll be able to get on with enjoying your family adventures with your Bugaboo stroller, knowing it's been looked after.

Bugaboo Donkey Stroller Safety Features

Safety is right at the heart of every Bugaboo stroller design. It's a top priority for us. Each model comes with a rock-solid 5-point shoulder harness to keep your little one safely strapped in, no matter what. And that clever foot brake is super easy to use, so you can stop the stroller quickly whenever you need to, giving you peace of mind when navigating busy streets or tricky hills.

We also built Bugaboo strollers with big, puncture-proof wheels and a super sturdy frame to handle all sorts of bumps and rough terrain - so you don't have to worry about accidents or a bumpy ride. All of our strollers meet or exceed international safety standards, so you can trust that your family is protected, no matter where your adventures take you. And with all these robust safety features, it's no wonder Bugaboo strollers are a top choice for parents who want the best for their kids.

Wrapping Things Up Like a Baby in a Seriously Great Stroller

Choosing the right stroller is a really personal thing. It's all about your family's style and rhythm, and what makes life easier for you. The Bugaboo Donkey series, even with that weird missing number and all the gossip surrounding it, is still a reliable and fantastic choice for parents on the go.

• The Donkey 3 is a solid, budget-friendly option that won't break the bank

• The Bugaboo Donkey 5 stroller is the current king of ease and comfort - and still a great choice

• The Bugaboo Donkey 6 stroller - for single child at first and grows with your family needs. The Bugaboo Donkey 6 Duo is coming soon and promises to make things even better (fingers crossed!)

• The Bugaboo Donkey 6 Twin stroller - the Bugaboo Donkey 6 double stroller for twins and children close in age. The high quality luxury stroller has all you need for easy transportation. 

Whatever you choose, know you're investing in a stroller designed with love, flexibility and the needs of modern parents in mind. We're all in this together - happy strolling, friends!

Have questions about your stroller journey or just want to chat about options? No worries, just reach out - were all parents here, navigating this crazy ride together.

Active Baby is an authorized Bugaboo retailer Canada

We have a wide selection of Bugaboo strollers and Bugaboo accessories and Bugaboo parts to keep your active day after day. Enjoy free shipping on all baby gear purchases over $89.99 at Active Baby Store in Canada.

What Has Changed from the Donkey 3 vs the Donkey 2

• Tires. When the Bugaboo Donkey 2 was introduced, it made the change from air-filled tires to never-flat foam tires. While air-filled tires are known for their ability to absorb shock from bumps and uneven terrain, they also have the drawback of being vulnerable to puncture and leaks. With the change to foam-filled tired and the improvements to the suspension, the Bugaboo Donkey2 provided a comfortable ride without the fear of a flat tire. The Bugaboo Donkey3 continues to use foam-filled tires, but they have a new, lighter design and a 360-degree front wheel swivel that is smoother than ever.
• Canopy. Already one of the Donkey’s strong points, the canopy seems to get better with each new version. The Bugaboo Donkey2 has a canopy that extends to completely shelter your little one from sun, wind, and rain. It can be fully open, fully closed, or fully extended and has water-repellent UPF 50+ fabric that is stretchy and breathable. If it has a drawback, it is the lack of a peekaboo window, but the Bugaboo Donkey3 addresses this with not one, but two peekaboo windows, one in front and one in back. Both have mesh and a foldable cover that can be left open for air circulation. The canopy is also now made with a canvas-like material, making it even more luxurious than before.
• Side Luggage Basket. The same great removable basket with handles that you know from the Bugaboo Donkey2 but made bigger! Not only do you now have more space for all your things, but the Bugaboo Donkey3 basket features a built-in lining in place of the previous version’s top cover. Zip it up to keep contents safe, or tuck the top in for an open basket, as you wish.
• The Fold. Even though the Bugaboo Donkey2 had a relatively simple fold considering the stroller could convert from mono to dual, the Donkey3 seems even easier to manage.

It’s not easy to the beloved Bugaboo Donkey stroller models are made more functional with every new release. Bugaboo has done it with the Bugaboo Donkey strollers, keeping the things you love while adding in improvements that are sure to make it your new favourite. Browse all the popular Bugaboo strollers in Canada now. 

With love, The team at Active Baby