Bugaboo Donkey 5 vs. Cybex Gazelle S Stroller

Snuggle Bugz | November 30, 2023 | Comments 0

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Whether baby number two is on the way, you have twin buns in the oven, or simply want a stroller that can grow with your family, a convertible stroller is an ingenious option.

Two of our favourite grow-with-me strollers are the Donkey 5 from Bugaboo and the Gazelle S from Cybex.

Both models are premium convertible strollers that allow you to start as a single stroller and physically expand to hold a second seat when needed.

While they share many similar features for comfort and convenience, they also have plenty of differences that will likely determine which one best fits your lifestyle.

Keep reading as we pit these high-end baby rides against each other!

Video Review

At A Glance

Donkey 5 SPECS:

Suitable from birth (in the bassinet or infant car seat) to up to 50 lbs.
Unfolded Dimensions: 33.5" L x 23.6" W (29.1" W in Duo Mode) x 43.7" H
Folded Dimensions: 35.04” L x 23.62" W x 13.78” H
Stroller Weight: 26.9 lbs.

Gazelle S SPECS:

Suitable from birth (with purchase of bassinet or infant car seat) up to 50 lbs.
Unfolded Dimensions: 41.9" L x 25.4" W x 42.7" H
Folded Dimensions: 32.9" L x 25.4" W x 12.2" H
Stroller Weight: 24.8 lbs.

How To Use

These expandable single-to-double strollers work the same way, but use different designs.

The Donkey 5 comes with the stroller frame, a pram, a toddler seat, and a shopping basket, making for a multitude of configurations from the outset. It telescopes sideways to 29”, fitting through standard 30” doorways with no issues. It has three distinct modes of use:

Mono Mode: One seat + basket at the same time
Duo Mode: Two seats at the same time for siblings (ie. a pram for your newborn and the toddler seat for your eldest)
Twin Mode: Two of the same seat at the same time (ie. 2 prams or toddler seats) at the same time

The Gazelle S also expands, but vertically with in-line seating rather than side-by-side. A notable difference is that it comes with the stroller frame, a toddler seat, and a shopping basket — but no pram. You can add Cybex’s pram, the Gazelle S Carry Cot, for an additional price. Both strollers allow for the seats to be positioned according to your (or your child’s preference) — parent-facing or world-facing.

If all that versatility isn’t enough, you can turn either stroller into a travel system by attaching an infant car seat to its frame.

For the Donkey 5, use the following adapters:

For the Gazelle S, use the following adapters:

Shared Features

The Donkey 5 and the Gazelle S share a host of features that cater to both style and functionality.

To start, these premium baby rides boast large canopies with UPF 50 protection, ensuring your little one is shielded from the sun's rays. The canopies are designed not only for ample shade but also to promote excellent airflow, complemented by convenient mesh peekaboo windows for you to keep an eye on your precious passenger!

You’ll also get customizable features with these strollers. The handlebar and reclining seats can be easily adjusted to accommodate your comfort and your baby's nap time. Growing with your child is made simple with the no-rethread harnesses, ensuring a snug and secure fit as they develop.

Where safety and accessibility are concerned, both strollers have you covered! A protective bumper bar on the toddler seat can be opened for easy access, and the flip-flop-friendly foot brake keeps the stroller securely in place when not in motion.

Plus, for growing families or those with multiples, both the Donkey 5 and the Gazelle S provide the option to add a second toddler seat, expanding the stroller's capacity with the Donkey 5 Duo Complete Extension Kit or the Gazelle S Second Seat.

Stark Differences

When it comes to any product, it’s the little details that can make or break a buying decision — ad there are some pretty stark differences between the Donkey 5 and Gazelle S!

Shopping Basket: The Gazelle S shopping basket comes with a handle for carrying around on a day out. Storage capacities are also different, with the Donkey 5 holding 22 lbs. in both baskets, while the Gazelle S holds 25 in the shopping basket and 30 in the underseat basket.

Footrest: For extra comfort, the Gazelle S toddler seat footrest is adjustable (the Donkey 5 is not).

Harness & Buckle: Both toddler seats include a single push-button buckle which makes its super easy to release the harness when it’s time to take baby out. However, the Donkey 5 uses 5 clips to connect it to the buckle, while the Gazelle S only has 2 for securing your little.

Recline: The Donkey 5’s side-by-side seating allows for seat to recline fully, whereas the Gazelle S has limited reclining (in certain configurations) due to its in-line seating.

Suspension: Both have an all-wheel suspension system but the Donkey has better load distribution due to its side-by-side seating. The Gazelle S is more front-heavy, causing the two front tires to bear the brunt of shock on rough terrain.

Pram Airflow: Both prams are designed with excellent sun protection, comfort, and airflow, but the Donkey 5’s pram has an additional mesh window on the shell, which is also advantageous for babies in Twin Mode as they can see and interact with each other.

Folding: While they both have excellent folds, the Gazelle S is more compact (with or without seating attached), making it easier to store in your car or home.

Seating Solution: The toddler seat on the Donkey 5 doubles as a standalone seat that can be used on the ground when you’re out picnicking or enjoying soccer games!

Colours: The Donkey 5 only has a couple colour options to choose from, while the Gazelle S has five.

Accessories: The Donkey 5 comes with a rain cover, while the Gazelle S includes a cup holder. Cybex also offers a Kidboard, Stroller Rain Cover, and Carry Cot Rain Cover (all sold separately) for the Gazelle S, while Bugaboo’s Donkey 5 accessories include the Comfort Wheeled Board, Donkey 5 Sun Canopy, Donkey Breezy Canopy (ventilated panels), Donkey Stroller Wheel Replacement Set, Rain Cover, Donkey Snack Tray, Donkey Faux Leather Sleeve Set, and Chameleon Mosquito Net .

Price: The Donkey 5 is the more expensive option, at around $500 more than the Gazelle S. However, the Donkey 5 also includes a pram and rain cover, whereas the Gazelle S Carry Cot is an extra $350, and the Gazelle S Stroller Rain Cover is $80.

Fit Your Lifestyle

Either way, you can’t go wrong. Both the side-by-side Donkey 5 from Bugaboo and the tandem-style Gazelle S from Cybex provide everything you could possible want and need in a stroller. From fantastic convenience features to grow-with-me capabilities, they really have it all. It really comes down to your preferences and lifestyle!

To learn more, read our full in-depth review of the Donkey 5 Complete Stroller Review and Gazelle S Stroller Review.