Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus vs. Bugaboo Cameleon3 Stroller Comparison

The Cameleon has been Bugaboo's best-selling stroller for more than a decade. In fact, the stroller is so well-known for its durability and maneuverability that you'll still see original Cameleons (circa 2005) strolling on the streets today.

But in recent years, Bugaboo strollers have become known not only for their quality but their customizable style. With its straightforward design and basic color options, the Cameleon3 was lagging behind in style points.

That changes with the debut of the Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus, launched October 2018.

The Plus version built on the Cameleon3 with a redesigned storage basket that creates easier access and a more modern look, an updated seat frame and, primarily, dozens of new color combinations that make the Cameleon3 Plus more similar to the rest of the Bugaboo line.

We'll explain the differences between the Bugaboo Cameleon3 and the Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus in this comparison.

 

Bugaboo Cameleon3 vs. Cameleon3 Plus Colors

The expansion of color choices is one of the main differences between the Bugaboo Cameleon3 and the Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus.

For both models, parents can choose between an aluminum frame or a black frame, with the latter costing about $100 more.

But for the Cameleon3, the color choices are limited from there. All Cameleon3 stroller bases come with black seat and bassinet fabrics. Parents can then choose a "tailored fabric set," consisting of the canopy and bassinet apron, in these eight colors:

• Black
• Grey Melange
• Red
• Orange
• Soft Pink
• Ice Blue
• Petrol Blue
• Off White

With the debut of the Cameleon3 Plus, Bugaboo is discontinuing all of the above colors, with the exception of Black, Soft Pink and Grey Melange.

Bright, basic colors are out in favor of a more nuanced and sophisticated color palette. Bugaboo now offers the same canopy colors for the Cameleon3 Plus as it does for its Fox, Donkey2 and Bee5 strollers:

• Black
• Sky Blue
• Ruby Red
• Soft Pink
• Fresh White
• Neon Red
• Sunrise Yellow
• Grey Melange
• Blue Melange
• Birds (pattern)
• Waves (pattern)

Additionally, the Cameleon3 Plus offers more color choices for the seat and bassinet fabrics. 

Pair a canopy of your choice with one of these stroller base options:

• Aluminum frame with Black seat/bassinet fabrics
• Black frame with Grey Melange seat/bassinet fabrics

Or choose from one of these pre-designed one-box options:

• Sky Blue canopy with Aluminum frame and Black seat/bassinet fabrics
• Soft Pink canopy with Aluminum frame and Grey Melange seat/bassinet fabrics
• Black canopy with Black frame and Black seat/bassinet fabrics

Bugaboo Cameleon3 vs. Cameleon3 Plus Special Editions

With the Cameleon3 Plus, Bugaboo continues its tradition of offering limited-edition models that give your stroller a rare sense of style.

The first special-edition Cameleon3 Plus strollers are part of Bugaboo's Classic collection, featuring timeless colors and a white quilted interior. These colors, also available for the Donkey2, Fox and Bee5 models, include:

• Aluminum frame with Dark Navy fabrics
• Black frame with Grey Melange fabrics

Confusingly, these strollers are called Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus Classic—making them very similar but different than a previous special collection stroller called Bugaboo Cameleon3 Classic+, also available in Navy and Grey Melange.

All special-edition versions of the Bugaboo Cameleon3 are being discontinued, so shop now if you like the following options:

• Bugaboo Cameleon3 Classic+
• Bugaboo Cameleon3 Fresh Collection
• Bugaboo Cameleon3 Atelier
• Bugaboo Cameleon3 Kite

Bugaboo Cameleon3 vs. Cameleon3 Plus Price

The Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus is priced similarly to the Bugaboo Cameleon3. We'll update this page if pricing on the Cameleon3 changes as these models are being phased out in Fall 2018.

More variation in price exists for the Cameleon3 Plus because of Bugaboo's varying price points on canopies and fabrics. Bugaboo charges more for its premium fabrics (such as Grey Melange) and for signature patterns (such as Birds and Waves). For both models, the black stroller frame is priced higher than aluminum.

Bugaboo Cameleon3 Prices

• Aluminum frame: $999
• Black frame: $1,099

Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus Prices

• Aluminum frame: $999 to $1,019
• Black frame: $1,131 to $1,151

 

Basket

In addition to new colors, the Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus features a more modern, streamlined look because of its redesigned underseat storage basket.

The Cameleon3 basket, consisting of solid black fabric, is shaped like a bucket. Some parents complained that the shape made the basket difficult to access, especially when using the Cameleon3 bassinet.

The redesigned Cameleon3 Plus bassinet resembles that of the Bugaboo Fox, featuring a mesh design that allows for easier access on all sides and a more open, airy look.

Seat Frame

With the Cameleon3 Plus, Bugaboo is also updating the seat frame of the stroller to mirror that on its Fox and Donkey2 models.

The Cameleon3 included foam around the bottom of the seat frame. The Cameleon3 Plus frame is solid aluminum, giving the stroller a cleaner, more sophisticated look.

Conclusion

Once a classic, always a classic: The upgrades to the new Bugaboo Cameleon3 Plus don't include any major functional changes.

The Plus version still offers the same beloved features of the Cameleon3, including a seat frame that accommodates both bassinet and seat fabrics; a reversible, standing seat; a reversible handlebar; and a two-wheel mode for sand and snow.

Specifications such as weight, capacity and car seat compatibility are the same for the Cameleon3 and the Cameleon3 Plus, as is (for the most part) the price of each stroller.

So why upgrade to the Cameleon3 Plus? The newer version provides access to Bugaboo's full range of colors, giving the Plus a more unique, modern look. It also features a redesigned seat frame and an easier-to-use basket that eliminates a top complaint about the Cameleon.

With either model, you'll be investing in a high-quality product that's been strolling for more than a decade—with no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Questions?

Strolleria is a family-owned and operated retailer dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about the Bugaboo Cameleon3 vs. Cameleon3 Plus, feel free to contact us at 480-442-9433 or customercare@strolleria.com.