Bugaboo Donkey 2 vs Donkey 3 – Stollers Comparison

If there is one thing sure shot about Bugaboo is that their Donkey Stroller offers the most there is to provide. It’s not a new stroller. In fact, it was initially launched almost a decade ago and anyone who has made use of these strollers has always praised them for having stellar quality and optimal functionality.
I recall, that one of my cousins used this stroller almost 7-years ago. Since then, she has never bought a single stroller and all her kids used the same stroller until they outgrew the stroller itself. The best part is, even after years of usage, the Donkey Stroller, the one that we are talking about, never lost its charm.
The overall size and the construction quality of both these strollers are phenomenal. You will have no trouble walking it around town or getting it through standard doorways wherever you go. Since the construction is lightweight, it is also a very good choice to be used in urban areas.
In this article, we are going to talk about two of the most phenomenal Bugaboo Donkey Strollers to even come into the market. The Bugaboo Donkey 2 Vs Donkey 3. Both of these strollers were launched just a year difference. If you’re planning on buying your kid a stroller, then you might want to check both of these out and maybe then make a decision for yourself.
But before we start reviewing Donkey 2 and Donkey 3, here is a specifications table that you should check out for an overall view.
Table of Contents
Specifications of Donkey 2 and Donkey 3
Specifications | Bugaboo Donkey 2 | Bugaboo Donkey 3 |
Travel System Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Weight Kg | 12.4kg | 9.9kg |
Age | from birth with a carrycot to 4yrs | from birth with a carrycot to 3yrs |
Dimensions | L 91.4cm, W 65.3cm, H 100.3cm | L 86cm, W 52cm, H 34cm |
Folded Dimensions | L 44cm x W 65.3cm x H 83.8cm | L 90cm x W 47cm x H60cm |
Single OR Double | Single | Double |
Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Bugaboo Donkey 2 Stoller Review
Back when Bugaboo Donkey 2 was launched, the options weren’t very limited regarding pushchairs but the weight limit was a matter of concern. Not many strollers in the market gave you the benefit of using a single stroller until your babies themselves outgrew it.
Then came the Donkey that brought a maximum weight capacity of 50lbs. This was phenomenal and the fact that it had a stellar build quality that was meant to last for a long time just upscales the entire debate.
Moreover, with the Donkey 2’s inception, Bugaboo also brought puncture-proof tires into this industry that rolled around on a wide range of surfaces. These tires were filled with foam along with a connected forefront suspension system that ensured a shock free ride. The overall construction quality was far sturdier.
The Donkey 2 also comes with a side luggage basket with separate handles that you can easily pull through. It is convertible and can be attached to a bassinet and a car seat if needed. The overall construction was sturdy and solid, yet the Donkey 2 Stroller felt extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver.
One of the biggest drawbacks of using this stroller was its wheels. Instead of opting for something more functional, the brand integrated the stroller with air-filled wheels. This can cause leakages and punctures at any point which may cause a whole lot of inconvenience for you.
Pros
- Very Lightweight
- Incredible Design
- Easy to Push around
- Convenient and Smooth
Cons
- Air-filled tires are more prone to punctures and leaks
Add On Option
Bugaboo Donkey 3 Stoller Review
There aren’t many major differences between Donkey 3 and Donkey 2. But, there are some definite improvements that we would like to talk about before we compare the features of both strollers.
The Donkey 3 features a sturdy and solid frame that you can convert into a car seat or a carrycot when needed. The selling point of this stroller is of course the frame. It is extremely durable and sturdy and is built to last almost a lifetime. The size is reasonable enough but we do think the seat is a little narrow and will be slightly uncomfortable for kids over the age of 3.
Now that you know the seat is a little narrow, you should also know the reason why this is because Bugaboo wanted to make this a dual stroller. That is why they had to shrink down the seats so they can accommodate two kids in the place of one. The brand has also kept the size pretty compact so you never have to feel the stroller being too bulky to push.
The construction of Bugaboo Donkey 3 is pretty lightweight. This is another major reason behind the popularity of this baby. Even when you are using both stroller seats to maybe take your baby on the walk, it will still feel moderately lightweight enough to push.
Moreover, we have to mention this, the Donkey 3 comes with a lot of added features that make it worth buying. The stroller is convertible and you can pair it up with a bassinet or a car seat. It is a great choice for everyday use due to its high-level functionality.
You can also check out our comparison of Donkey 3 Vs UppaBaby Vista V2 so you can have a better understanding of what else is out there.
Pros
- Commendably Lightweight Design
- Looks Stellar
- Perfect for everyday use
- Reversible
- Supports two Children at one time
- Excellent Storage Capacity
Cons
- Uses Lightweight Components
- Wears Down Quickly
Add On Option
Bugaboo Donkey 2 Vs 3 Strollers – Features Comparison
Now, moving on, if you want to make a more informed decision about both these strollers, then we suggest you check our detailed Features comparison below,
Wheels
For the longest time, parents have always had complaints regarding the build quality of the tires. It is pretty justifiable. If the wheels of your pushchair aren’t solid and durable enough, it won’t last for a long time. Not to mention, the level of inconvenience it is going to cost you will be unmatched.
Keeping that in perspective, Bugaboo launched the Donkey 2 by creating an enormous difference between the wheels that were used before and the ones the brand integrated this stroller with. The Bugaboo Donkey 2 features air-filled tires. The basic purpose behind the integration of these wheels was to ensure a smoother ride. The wheels on this stroller are highly versatile and are capable of walking over and through all kinds of terrains.
However, there is a setback in using air filled tires as well. The Bugaboo Donkey 2 is also more prone to leaks and punctures. If you want to make the most out of this stroller, you must make sure it remains thoroughly air-filled at all times.
Moving on, there isn’t much of a difference between the Donkey 2 and Donkey 3 wheels. The only improvement that we do find is the fact that now these tires don’t add extra weight to the stroller. This means, that when you fold the entire thing up, it won’t feel as heavy as it used. The rest of the design and material is just the same. There is not much of a difference.
So, with regards to the wheels, we think both these strollers fall on the same level. However, if you do want to minimize a little weight off of the stroller you buy, then maybe Donkey 3 would be a better choice.
Canopy
One of the major advantages of buying the Bugaboo Donkey Stroller is the fact that it comes with high-end canopies. In my experience, every time there is a new Donkey Stroller on the market, the canopy just seems to be getting better and better.
In the Donkey 2 Pushchair, Bugaboo has integrated it with a multifunctional hood that completely extends to cover your child and protects them from rain, wind and sun. The fabric is really smooth and stretchable. Moreover, it is completely breathable which also promotes better airflow. It is water-proof which is a major benefit that I know a lot of parents look for.
Although, one thing that I didn’t like about this stroller was that there was no peekaboo window. I know this doesn’t seem like a very big issue. There are tons of other strollers that you can opt for in that regard, for instance, the Bee 6 stroller.
Moving on, in Donkey 3 you not only get one but two peekaboo windows. Both are constructed out of mesh and the best part is, wait for it, one of them is at the rear of the stroller while the other one is at the front. This means you will be able to stay connected to your munchkin at all times.
Also, both of these windows come with foldable covers. Previously, this feature wasn’t seen in any of the pushchairs that I have come across. However, Bugaboo did take a leap with this. It promotes better airflow for your child and reduces suffocation, especially in humid weather.
Another thing worth mentioning here is that if you already have a Donkey 2 stroller and you don’t wish to replace the whole thing completely, you can still enjoy this canopy. The Donkey 3 canopy is compatible with its predecessor. You can simply go to the market and get yourself the attachment conveniently.
Side Luggage Basket
One of the major features and also why so many people go for the Bugaboo Donkey Pushchair is because of its signature side basket.
The side luggage basket in both of these strollers is pretty much the same. The Donkey 2 basket has loads of space and you have the liberty to keep all your baby’s essentials in one place.
However, the improvement that Donkey 3 has witnessed in this regard is the luggage cover. It is not only enormous but also comes with a zipper pouch that you can unzip to reveal massive storage space. All of this is found very convenient for parents who are always on the go.
So, in the side luggage basket domain, I think Donkey 3 wins.
Folding Mechanism
Lastly, I honestly cannot put enough emphasis on the importance of the folding mechanism. After all these years, a stroller that isn’t easy to fold can never be a model that I would recommend.
Donkey 2 in this regard is very convenient. The entire process of folding it together is smooth and easy. Whereas in the Donkey 3, the brand has simplified this process even more. It will take literally just 2-minutes for you to wrap the entire thing up and be on your way. Donkey 3 obviously wins in this regard as well.
Conclusion:
As you can see, both of these strollers deliver stellar performance and are highly functional in all domains. I absolutely loved Donkey 3 as an improvement. The overall quality, the fabric, cushioning and the peekaboo windows are obviously my reasons to go for it. Although this stroller does have a narrow seating arrangement but the fact that it can carry two of my kids at one time, I will take this stroller any day. I would love to know your opinion on this. Do let me know through your feedback below.