We are in a day and age where kids prefer playing on their phones or tables instead of playing outside. While pushing some of them to play sports might be a task, there can be something else that might lure them into leaving their devices – Remote Control Cars. These are the best things to get kids to step outside and have a little fun. But, RC cars aren’t just for kids. Even grown-ups can have a lot of fun with them, and that’s because these aren’t mere toys. RC Cars these days are available in all shapes, sizes, and price bands. Some even require a certain level of skill to operate. So, with that said, here’s a list of the 10 best RC cars that you can buy in 2022.
Traxxas is one of the leading names when it comes to RC cars. They’ve got a buttload of models, but we’re starting our list with one of its newest products called the X-Maxx. The Maxx RC car has been in Traxxas’ portfolio for quite some time, but the X-Maxx is new for 2022 and is a lot more ferocious than you can expect.
It measures 22.5 inches in length and has 15.95-inch wide tracks at the front and rear. It weighs a little under 10.5 pounds. Powered by a 2400 kV motor, this ferocious beast is capable of touching speeds of up to 60 mph! Yup, this thing is no joke. It starts at $579.99 and goes well over $1,070. It obviously isn’t a cheap RC car, but, can you put a price tag on happiness?
This F1-shaped, chunky-tire off-roader is perfect for your kid. Its top speed is 20 kph (13 mph) and you won’t have to worry about crossing the occasional puddle - all its components are waterproof. In fact, Blexy says you can even give it a good wash with a high-power water spray once you’re done hooning it through the mud. Speaking of which, it’s got all sorts of protective bits and bobs like the front-end plate, roll cage, and even a special frame that keeps the e-motor safe from bumps and whatnot. At $21.89, this is the cheapest RC car on this list.
If you need something fun and amusing for kids, the Orrente Stunt should be your pick. This car does tricks and stunts like stumbling and flipping. It features two motors and a four-wheel-drive setup which allows it to do insane stunts. This 1/28 scale model can move forward, backward, turn left, right, tumbling 360 degrees, and do a lot more. It does better tank turns than a Rivian R1T! The Orrente RC car even comes with an LED light. It even features flexible wheels that allow it to do all these stunts at higher speeds. The only con is the short battery life. But, despite that, this will be the best $29.99 that you’ll ever spend.
The entry-level model in the Traxxas range is the Bandit – a 1/10th scale RC Buggy. It features a lightweight chassis, comes with razor-sharp handling, and can go all the way up to 35 mph. The buggy can traverse over beaten paths just as well as it can over pavements. It features waterproof electronics, which means you can play with it in any weather conditions. Powered by a 12-turb 550 modified motor, the Bandit will be the perfect RC car for kids and an entry-level remote control model for folks looking to get play with some serious stuff. Although it is priced at under $200, there’s a catch; battery and charger are sold separately.
Calling all Fast and Furious fans, this is your chance to own Brian’s Nissan Skyline GT-R, albeit in RC car form and with a strong drifting twist to it. Yes, this is a drift RC car that flaunts the same silver and blue livery seen on the original car. Now, being a drift-focused RC car, Jada Toys’ GT-R is not about speed. That’s why the manufacturer doesn’t offer info on that. However, Jada Toys offers spare rear tires because those are bound to suffer a lot of damage during your drifting stints in the living room - or on your driveway, for that matter.
Arrma is known to build some crazy-ass RC cars, too. They have cars that do speeds of 20 mph, and even models that can go well over 80 mph. We’ve picked one from the latter lot called the Infraction. This 1/7 scale model is a lowrider truck with an evil face. It’s a 4x4 model that can be taken over loose gravel, asphalt, smooth dirt, and short grass, in the sun, rain, and ice. It even comes with a handbrake! The chassis includes a module for a rear vented disc brake and a powerful Spektrum SPMS650 brake servo. Arrma says it’s best suited for intermediate-level drivers who would like to experience RC cars that go over 80 mph.
Another Traxxas RC car that makes it on our list is the Rustler 4x4 VXL truck. Although not a truck, per se, but more of a supercar-like body riding on huge Talon EXT wheels, the Rustler is basically a mean-looking wheelie machine. Sending power to all fours via a shaft-driver AWD setup, it can reach top speeds of 65+ mph. Stability on shaky ground comes from the imbued chassis that’s also 20 mm longer than Traxxas’ regular platform and accommodates the 3,500-kW Velineon brushless e-motor.
Let’s switch the setting with another great Team Associated product: the Trophy Rat. It not only looks cool, but it also makes do with a 3,300-kV brushless motor, 12-mm front and rear hex-drive wheel nuts, and water-resistant components. Mind you, that rusty-looking body is the perfect sleeper because it not only hosts LED lights front and rear, but it’s capable of withstanding a lot of damage as it zaps through your backyard at 40 mph.
Don’t really like the new Defender and an old one would still severely puncture your budget? Have no fear, Traxxas is (again) here. The TRX-4 Defender is not cool looking, but it also packs a mean off-road punch. Traxxas has fitted it with portal axles (yes, you read that right!), remote locking differentials, and a Titan motor fed by a 6- or 7-cell Ni-MH batteries. Oh, and you can also opt for the 2- or 3-cell Li-Po battery packs. Everything sits nicely attached to the heavy-duty steel frame chassis and GTS aluminum shocks. And, remember: this one’s not about speed or hooning in the dust, but more about carefully planning your path as you climb over all sorts of obstacles. But, the biggest question is - Are you willing to spend $500 on it?
Looking to do some dune bashing, but can’t afford to wreck your personal car? The Altair Power Pro 4x4 RC Truck can help you with that right in your own backyard! It’s got a four-wheel independent suspension system setup with six metal shock absorbers and all-terrain wheels that can handle almost anything you find! Top speed is rated over 30 mph on flat surfaces, but the truck’s main selling point is its ability to kick ass regardless of the conditions, be it mud, water, or snow thanks to the IPX4 Water Resistance System.
The Traxxas XO-1 is the fastest RC car with a top speed of over 100 mph. But, there’s another RC car that’s quicker. Arrma tweaked an Infraction RC car for a race against the Model S Plaid. The hardware was upgraded and the car could sprint to 60 mph in just 1.65 seconds. It could complete 1/8th mile in 5.2 seconds and had a top speed of over 135 mph.
Back in 2014, Nic Case built an RC car that went past 200 mph.
The ‘production’ RC cars that touch 100 mph are far and few. The Traxxas XO-1 is one of them that has a claimed speed of over 100 mph.
Our Favorite Entry-Level RC Car Is Super Cheap Right Now!