Bugaboo Fox 5 review: the all-terrain pushchair

Price: £1,115 | Buy now from John Lewis

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth to approx. four years old | Maximum load: 22 kg (50 lbs) on the seat, 10kg in the underseat basket | Orientation: Both forward and world facing available | Pram weight: 10.4 - 12.2 kg | Unfolded dimensions: 93 x 60 x 105 cm | Folded dimensions: Two-piece compact fold 89 x 53 x 34 cm, one-piece self-standing fold 44 x 60 x 90 cm | Materials: Polyester fabric, filling and mattress, 100% PU leather-look handlebar grips | Included accessories: Sun canopy with UPF 50+ protection, underseat basket, rain cover, carrycot apron

What we like

• Sliding 5-point safety harness for easy adjustment

• Advanced suspension for all terrains, including gravel

• Underseat basket has hidden pockets and extendable flaps for secure storage

• One-hand use to easily adjust the handlebar, recline the seat or fold it away

• There’s 12 colour combinations available or you can personalise

• Large puncture proof wheels and sturdy chassis

What we don’t like

• Footmuff for the seat is not included, must be bought separately

• The same frame is used for the carrycot and seat

• Can be quite stiff during first assembly

Our verdict

Bugaboo is known for its premium quality and innovative designs. So, it’s no surprise then that the Bugaboo Fox 5 is an impressive pushchair, with a price tag to reflect it. However, after personally testing it for two months - with the help of my two DC - its features, performance, and durability certainly justify the higher cost.

I’ve been a loyal user of Silver Cross products since my first DC was born. Going into this review I didn’t think I’d convert, but from day one of using the Bugaboo Fox 5, it quickly became apparent that there was no comparison between my older pushchair and this one. Not only is it excellently built, sturdy, and stylish, it’s also lightweight, manoeuvrable and easy to fold and store at home and in the boot.

As a parent of two young children, I know all too well the challenges and demands of a growing family. Finding the right pushchair that suits your lifestyle is imperative, and while the Bugaboo Box 5 is larger than other ones available, it certainly doesn’t feel like it when in use. It’s perfect as a first pram for a new family, or for a growing family who has an older child who is walking. Offering longevity, the Bugaboo Fox 5 can be used from birth up to a hefty 22kg.

Sleek styling and details on the Bugaboo Fox 5 completes its look

A true workhorse, the Bugaboo Fox 5 tackles any terrain you throw at it, from muddy paths to gravel roads and even woodland trails. We tested them all. And as a parent who loves outdoor adventures, this is a game-changer. Whether you're exploring the countryside or taking a leisurely stroll in the park, the Bugaboo Fox 5 glides along like a dream, providing a smooth and comfortable ride for your little one. It’s not just the performance that has me head over heels. The Fox 5 is a delight to use day in, day out. It's easy assembly and click-in-place mechanism make it a breeze to set up, saving you precious time and effort.

Now, about the price. Retailing at £1,115, it does fall into the higher price range of pushchairs, but in my opinion, it is worth every penny. The quality, durability, and long-lasting performance you get from this pushchair are simply unmatched. In my opinion, it’s an investment that will serve you and your family for years to come.

Final thoughts: So, if you’re searching for a pushchair that ticks all the boxes - from its ability to handle any terrain, its ease of use, its stylish design, and its practical features - look no further than the Bugaboo Fox 5. It’s a game-changer.

Bugaboo Fox 5: how we tested

• Two months of using the Bugaboo Fox 5 on a daily basis

• Used while on country walks, across gravel, and while visiting local parks

• Tested use with a toddler and preschooler

As a mum of a toddler and preschooler, I’ve firsthand experience with the demands of an active, growing family. My two DS are just 15 months apart, so having a reliable pushchair that can handle both their weights on any terrain is a must for our family.

This all-terrain pushchair was easy to manoeuvre in the woods

Living in the countryside, we walk often, heading to nearby parks and estates to let the kids burn their energy off. Our adventures involve everything from muddy paths to gravel roads, to pavement and wooded trails. On rare occasions, we’ll head into the nearest city to enjoy a family day out together.

The Bugaboo Fox 5 fits neatly in a large boot, leaving ample space

Due to our location, we use our large SUV as transport to most places. Having a pushchair that fits in our boot, but still allows ample room for our dog’s crate, shopping and other personal items is important to us and helps to make life easier.

If you have a smaller car, however, you'll most likely fit the Bugaboo Fox 5 in, but not much else, which is something worth bearing in mind.

Bugaboo Fox 5: what’s in the box?

• Chassis and pre-assembled grips

• Pre-assembled carrycot fabrics to the frame

• Carrycot bottom and stiffeners

• Carrycot mattress and apron

• Seat fabric and 5-point safety harness

• Front and back wheels

• Sun canopy, clamps and wires

• Rain cover

• Underseat basket

To help you set up the pushchair after opening, the Bugaboo Fox 5 comes with a chassis and pre-assembled grips, with the carrycot also pre-assembled to the seat/carrycot frame so it’s ready to be used from birth with ease.

The bottom of the carrycot, the mattress and stiffeners, seat fabric and harness, wheels, sun canopy clamp and wires are unassembled in the box and need to be put together.

Bugaboo Fox 5: how easy is it to assemble?

Compared to other pushchairs I’ve used, the Bugaboo Fox 5 is relatively easy to assemble and comes with clear instructions. While no special tools were required, assembly time can vary depending on which components you begin with.

Normally, parents who have bought the Bugaboo Fox 5 would set up the chassis and carrycot first. This should take less than 30 minutes to assemble overall. For review purposes, I set up both the carrycot and then the seat afterwards, which took me 50 minutes in total to complete.

Both the seat and carry cot use the same frame, a great space-saving solution

Assembly is largely a click-in-place process, starting with the chassis and attaching the wheels. The carrycot can be a bit more challenging, however. It involves slotting the frame into the chassis, then attaching the bassinet fabric, mattress, and stiffeners - which I found quite fiddly - and adding the apron and handlebar. Moving from the carrycot to the seat involves removing the carrycot components, then attaching the foot rest, 5-point safety harness, seat fabric, and handlebar.

The Bugaboo Fox 5 set up with the carry cot

Throughout set up, I found all parts fit together smoothly, and while the fabric can be a little stiff at first, I would expect it to become easier with daily use.

Overall, the Bugaboo Fox 5 was a breeze to assemble compared to other pushchairs I’ve tried, and is a great choice for parents who are searching for a pushchair that’s easy to use, stylish and can accommodate their baby comfortably from birth through to toddlerhood.

Bugaboo Fox 5: how does it look?

Compared to its predecessor, the Fox 3, the Bugaboo Fox 5 has a new, sleek and modern design with upgraded premium detailing. The pushchair is available in a range of colours and finishes, including muted tones and bold shades, to suit any personal style. I’m a huge fan of the colour of mine - grey melange and graphite chassis - and personally find it very sleek and sophisticated.

The chassis is made of lightweight and durable aluminium, and with fewer white buttons than previous versions, it has a smooth finish that contributes to the stroller’s overall premium look and feel. The seat unit is elegant, comfortable and supportive, and can be adjusted to multiple positions with ease. The 5-point harness is also easy to adjust - a favourite feature of mine - and removes any need of threading straps through holes. Simply slide the harness to your child’s shoulder height.

The innovative harness allows users to adjust the straps with ease

The canopy is large and extendable, and has a peekaboo window that allows me to keep an eye on my DC. I also love that the canopy of the Bugaboo Fox 5 provides extra coverage compared to other pushchairs I’ve used, which is great for when my toddlers want to have a pram nap and I need to block the world out. The handlebar is adjustable, which makes it easy for parents of different heights to push the pram comfortably, like my 6” DH and 6”3 DF. Underneath the chassis, there’s a large underseat basket with hidden pockets (it has pockets!), and extendable flaps for extra secure storage.

As the Bugaboo Fox 5 is designed to be used on any terrain, one of the most noticeable upgrades is the new wheel design. Featuring sleek, stylish spoke caps, the large wheels and chassis offer advanced suspension that provides a smooth ride, even on rough surfaces like my gravel driveway!

Bugaboo Fox 5: what's it like to use day-to-day?

The Bugaboo Fox 5 is a great choice for first-time parents or families expecting another baby who has an older sibling that is a confident walker or has outgrown their pushchair. However, it’s not ideal for a shared pram between a newborn and a sibling, as both the carrycot and seat use the same frame. For me, personally, I would find this quite restrictive as there would be some days when I’d be out with each child individually, so swapping between a seat and a newborn carrycot more easily was imperative for us as a family after our second DC arrived.

The pushchair is effortless to manoeuvre through doorways and over curbs when set up as both the carrycot and seat, and thanks to the new chassis design, the pushchair has brilliant steering in any direction. The braking system is also reliable and easy to use, providing peace of mind when navigating challenging terrains… Like at the top of a hill! For storage, the underseat basket is secure and large, and is ideal for carrying essential items during day-to-day activities. I even managed to fit my huge baby bag under there, leaving extra space for a H&M purchase or two.

Swapping between users is also a breeze, thanks to the one-hand adjustment on the handlebar, making it easy to adjust for parents and grandparents of different heights. Plus, the one-hand fold and unfolding is superb when you’re carrying a wriggly toddler when loading everything in and out of the car.

Bugaboo Fox 5: how easy is the fold?

Admittedly, it took me a little while to get the hang of folding the Fox 5. There’s a certain knack to it. Unlike other pushchairs, the Bugaboo Fox 5 folds with the help of two buttons and a push in the right direction.

You have to push down on the handlebar, towards the pushchair itself. Doing it at the right angle engages the folding mechanism, allowing you to easily fold with one hand the Fox 5.

Bugaboo Fox 5: how easy is it to clean?

Designed with easy cleaning in mind, most of the Bugaboo Fox 5 components can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The pushchair’s high-quality materials are designed to resist stains and spills, making clean-up a little easier. When accidents do happen however, the pushchair’s fabrics can be removed and machine washed at 30°C, which includes the seat, sun canopy, and bassinet. The faux leather grips, chassis and wheels can be wiped down with a damp cloth also, with the help of mild detergent, to remove any dirt and grime.

With previous pushchairs I’ve used, I’ve always found it tricky to wash the seat and bassinets entirely. With the Bugaboo Fox 5, I love that you can easily dismantle the fabric from the frame and bung it in the washing machine. The removable fabrics make it easy to keep the pushchair looking and smelling fresh, and are certainly a feature of this pushchair I appreciate.

Bugaboo Fox 5: what are the main differences between the Fox 5 and the Fox 3?

The Bugaboo Fox 5 takes parenting to the next level with its impressive upgrades from its predecessor, the Fox 3. One of the most significant improvements is the one-hand adjustment, folding, and unfolding feature, making it easier to use for parents on the go. The seat can now extend up to 10cm/3.9 inches and comes with an extendable footrest and sun canopy, accommodating growing children of all ages. As a parent, I find this feature particularly useful as it means the Fox 5 can comfortably fit both my toddler and preschooler.

Additionally, the underseat basket now has up to 39 litres capacity and includes extendable flaps for additional storage, a significant upgrade from the Fox 3, which only has 35 litres of storage capacity. The Fox 5 also includes new wheeled board attachment points, making it easier to transport older siblings when out and about.

The Fox 5 offers a wider range of colours to choose from, including the exclusive Astro purple, and has a more premium overall design with improved detailing and a new chassis design for better steering in any direction. In comparison, the Fox 3 has a classic Bugaboo design, a fixed seat with no extension, and requires two hands to fold and unfold.

Overall, the Bugaboo Fox 5 is an impressive upgrade from its predecessor, offering parents a more comfortable, convenient, and stylish option for their little ones.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. Having birthed two DC just 15 months apart, she knows all too well how stressful it can be trying to find the right pram to suit your family's needs. So, she's fully invested in finding the best prams and pushchairs for new and growing families.

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog.

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