The Best RC Cars in 2023

Letting your inner speed demon loose, developing stunning stunts, or navigating challenging terrain are just some of the things you can enjoy when buying an RC car. Pick the right one for your level from some of the best RC cars available today.

The 1:10 scale Traxxas TRX-4 Land Rover Defender is our top RC car pick. It’s primarily a crawler but is pretty versatile and checks all the required boxes to be considered an all-rounder.

The TRX-4 Defender is a fully licensed replica of the Land Rover Defender, and the level of detail is a collector’s dream. It even comes complete with a functional spare tire and meticulous details, such as gas cans and a jack.

The remote-locking front and rear differentials and high/low transmission range contribute enormously to its versatility. It’s also surprisingly easy to operate and could be a good pick for beginners. The responsive steering and braking are easy to control, and its portal axles provide excellent ground clearance.

If you want a durable and fun RC car at an affordable price, the Haiboxing All-Terrain RC Car is a good option. You won’t break the bank with this 1:18 scale RC car, and with a bit of care, it’s durable enough to last. You can hit top speeds of up to 22mph, and its 4WD and brushed 380 motor can get it climbing over obstacles and rugged terrain.

However, the car is not fully waterproof. With an IPX4 rating, it can handle splashes and light rain from most sides, but you should avoid deep puddles and mud and leave it at home when it snows. If you want an upgrade for an extra outlay, the Haiboxing 18859A features a more efficient and powerful brushless motor and can hit speeds of up to 30mph.

Building Lego RC cars can help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and options like the Lego Technic RC Tracked Racer are an excellent introduction to engineering concepts for youngsters. They can experiment with different terrains and push their driving skills to the limit with this excellent Lego Technics set.

It’s a fully motorized 370-piece set. Once built, kids can enjoy omnidirectional driving and 360-degree turns, an excellent way to develop eye-hand coordination skills. It makes light work of large obstacles, and once bored with the tracked racer, children can rebuild it into an off-road truck.

One of the best trail crawlers available is this stunning reproduction from Traxxas of the classic 1979 Ford Bronco. The Traxxas TRX-4 chassis provides an excellent foundation for the truck’s off-road capabilities. Its steel build, in addition to a mighty 21T Titan 550 motor and XL-5 HV ESC, can handle just about all conditions. They are complemented by additional features that make challenging conditions a big bag of fun.

Among these are the advanced portal axles that remove chassis torque twist and provide ample clearance over rocks and debris. You can also power all four wheels with lockable differentials for the ultimate traction. And you get more power and torque when needed with the TRX-4’s high/low transmission.

The ARRMA Granite 4X4 V3 3S BLX is a significant upgrade to the V2 with added features and improvements that make this monster truck more than able to withstand the rigors of full-on bashing.

Among the upgrades is a more rigid reinforced aluminum chassis with retained hinge pin plates for extra strength. You also get a higher steering clearance than before, meaning it’s easier to avoid rocks and debris that could cause damage.

Additionally, the castellated slipper pad and sliding gear deliver smoother operation and enhanced durability by providing an extensive surface area for friction. This helps prevent the slipper clutch from slipping too easily and protects the drivetrain. All in all, the V3 proves itself to be one of the most durable monster trucks you can buy.

FAQ

Q: What Are Some of the Best RC Toys?

Aside from cars and trucks, there are numerous other popular RC toys. Boats, helicopters, and tanks all come in RC form and are very popular. This category also includes drones, although it’s important to remember that expensive camera drones are not toys.

Q: Who Are the Top RC Car Manufacturers?

Traxxas, Tamiya, ARRMA, and Team Associated are among the top manufacturers. Others include HPI Racing, Axial Racing, Redcat Racing, and Losi, to name but a few.

Q: How Can I Develop My RC Car Racing Skills?

The most important thing you can do is have fun. However, it’s also essential to compete at your skill level. It would be best to upgrade your cars and equipment as you develop your skills, too. But those skills won’t develop themselves; you need to practice as much as possible.

You can gain experience by attending races and joining RC car clubs. You can meet advanced drivers there, get tips, and learn from their experience.

Q: What does the ‘RC’ in RC car stand for?

The ‘RC’ in RC car stands for radio-controlled or remote-controlled. The two terms are often used interchangeably. However, there are differences. A radio-controlled car is just that–a car controlled remotely by radio waves. A remote-controlled car can also be controlled remotely by radio waves, but it may also be controlled remotely by a wired connection or infrared waves.

In other words, radio-controlled cars are all remote-controlled cars, but not all remote-controlled cars are necessarily radio-controlled cars. If that makes sense.

Q: How fast can an RC car go?

The official world record for a jet-powered RC car is 94.76mph, set by James Whomsley in July 2023. In 2016, Anthony Lovering set the world record for a rocket-powered RC car at just over 210mph, while in 2014, Nic Case set a record of 202.02mph for the fastest battery-powered RC car.

Of course, consumer-level products won’t reach those speeds. On-road RC cars for racing and those designed for drag races on smooth surfaces can achieve impressive speeds of 70mph. However, crawlers and those designed for rough terrain reach speeds of up to 20mph, while buggies can go up to 40mph.

Q: How long do RC car batteries last on average?

It depends on the battery, terrain, and driving intensity. For a hobby-grade RC car with a 2,000mAh LiPo battery, you should get at least 20 minutes, with the average actually being between 30 and 40 minutes.

Toy RC cars will not last nearly as long before needing to be recharged, as they will most likely run on NiMH or NiCad batteries, which have shorter lifespans.

Q: Can I upgrade an RC car? If so, how?

Upgrading your RC car is a rewarding experience. You can learn the ins and outs of your car and how it works on top of improving performance. However, you might want to take your time and do it part by part, as upgrading everything at once can be overwhelming.

Upgrade the most important parts first, such as the motor or the ESC. You can follow up by upgrading the servo and suspension, while tires and battery improvements will enhance traction and run time. You must also ensure the parts you upgrade are compatible with your car. You can check the manual or manufacturer’s website to see if the parts comply with your RC car’s model and specs.