12 Best RC Cars 2019: Buggy, Street, Truck and More

It is never late to get into “driving” RC cars and if you want to do so, these scaled down vehicles are available in both the affordable and expensive ends of the price range. Basically, your budget will decide what you can buy.

Of course, the more expensive options have more features but this does not make the affordable units any less capable in giving you the thrill and fun of racing or just driving around the miniature car.

That said, there is quite a wide variety of radio controlled cars in the market and this makes the selection process a bit confusing. To help you in this, the article below narrows it down to 12 of the best RC cars that you can buy in the market.

12 Best RC Cars - Reviews

1. Redcat Racing Everest-10 - Best Rock Crawler RC Car

• Scale: 1:10
• Dimensions: 18.25 x 10.25 x 6.5 inches
• Speed: N/A
• Battery: 2000mAh NiMH and 4 AA batteries

If you are looking for an RC rock crawler, then Redcat Racing’s Everest-10 is the best option to consider. This is because the car is built to handle rough roads, with features such as tough axle housings at the front and back, which prevent damages to the shaft on contact with rocks.

Four aluminum-capped oil-filled coil-over shocks with long travel are used for suspension, and these raise the car considerably for off-roading ground clearance while also dampening the bumpy effects. They also prevent leaks, making them very durable.

The final piece that completes the off-roading puzzle is the use of aggressive tires that are deeply treaded and very wide for a strong grip. These tires have a beadlock design and are fixed on beadlock wheels to ensure that they are firmly held on the rims at all times.

Combined, these features make it the top-rated RC car in this review. Others include a strong and lightweight aluminum chassis, waterproof electronics, a 2000mAh battery for powering the truck and 4AA batteries (not included) for powering the transmitter.

2. Redcat Racing EPX Drift - Best Remote Control Car

• Scale: 1:10
• Dimensions: 14.2 x 8 x 4.5 inches
• Speed: N/A
• Battery: 2000mAh NiMH and 8 AA batteries

Although you need to buy 8-AA batteries to run EPX’s radio transmitter, once installed, these give you enough power to control the RC car for a much longer time.

In addition to this, a relatively powerful 2000mAh NiMH battery powers the car, making it one of the best remote-control cars due to the extended range.

The radio transmitter utilizes a 2.4 GHz signal frequency to communicate with the car and this provides a very reliable connection between the two as you navigate the car in forward or reverse.

Having been designed for drifting, this unit has a very small ground clearance of only 4.5mm, aluminum-capped, oil filled shocks for dampening any vibrations and a lightweight plastic chassis and body, which gives it the nimbleness required for superb drifting.

Other features include waterproof brushed ESC for speed control and a 4-wheel drive system that gives you full control as you drift.

3. Double E Monster Truck - Compact RC Car

• Scale: 1:12
• Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 3 inches
• Speed: 6 km/h
• Battery: 800mAh battery

Double E’s monster truck might be the smallest RC car in this review, but its wheels are certainly large and have a lot of character. These tires are made of PVC, with soft, elastic, shock-proof and anti-skid characteristics, making them provide a strong grip on all kinds of terrain.

To complete its rugged build, this RC car features four flexible and independent suspension springs, which go a long way in shockproofing the car so as to protect the electronic components inside, and a stable body structure that is very sturdy.

Inside, an 800mAh rechargeable battery runs dual (front and rear) motors, which provide a 4-wheel drive system with a high torque that can power the truck on rocks, off-road, on sand and on grass at a top speed of 6 km/h.

The battery also powers simulated front lights to create a realistic driving experience as well as a receiver, which receives its signal on a 2.4 GHz signal from the ergonomically designed transmitter, providing highly responsive throttle and steering at a range of up to 260 feet. 

4. Double E Dual Motors - Best 4-wheel Drive RC Car

• Scale: 1:18
• Dimensions: 13.7 x 8.7 x 7.9 inches
• Speed: N/A
• Battery: 800mAh and 2 AA batteries

This is another one from Double E that also features dual driving motors that create a 4-wheel drive system, which provides sufficient thrust to drive on rugged roads, rocks, and other difficult-terrain.

In addition to this, the whole car has a fully waterproof body, which enables you to drive on wet ground without compromising the integrity of the electrical components inside, and combined, these make it the best 4-wheel drive unit.

The outer shell of this body also has a graffiti finish that makes the car very unique and gives it a cross-country-like feel to it.

Each of the four wheels is supported by an independent suspension, which when combined, do a good job at dampening shocks so as to protect the car and its electrics inside from damage.

Other features include a rechargeable 800mAh battery, a 2.4 GHz radio transmitter controller, which requires 2 AA batteries, solid independent bumpers to protect against crashes and a wide control range of up to 100 meters (about 328 feet).

5. Distianert 4WD RTR - Best Heavy-duty RC Car

• Scale: 1:12
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 11.8 x 7.5 inches
• Speed: 45 km/h
• Battery: 1500mAh 18650 and 2 AA batteries

Distianert’s RTR stands out due to its heavy-duty design, which consists of extra-large, wide, thick and hollow heavy-duty tires with shockproof gaskets that maximize on grip on all kinds of terrain.

Part of this heavy-duty build also includes a 4-wheel drive independent anti-shock suspension system, an ultra-elastic and shock resistant PVC body with an anti-collision head, and an IPX4 waterproof design, which allows you to drive on shallow water puddles.

The unit comes with 2 sets of rechargeable 1500mAh lithium-ion batteries, which can last up to 30 minutes on continuous driving when fully charged.

Driving is actually done using a 390 brushless motor, which is quite powerful and thrusts the car to speeds of up to 25 mph (roughly 45 km/h). For stability at these high speeds, the car is lowered and its wheels are spread out to give a wider base that prevents rollovers.

On the other end, a pistol-like remote controller is used to guide the truck, and it features a highly sensitive accelerating/decelerating trigger, a steering wheel and a 2.4 GHz transmitter for sending control signals to the car.

6. Vcanny Terrain Off Road Monster Truck - Best RC Car for Adults

• Scale: 1:18
• Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 4 inches
• Speed: 48 km/h
• Battery: Two 850mAh and 3 AA batteries

This Terrain RC car is specifically suited for use by adults due to two main reasons. First, it is very fast, with a top speed of 30 mph (about 48 km/h), which might be too fast for kids.

The other thing is its controls, in which the ergonomic transmitter contains speed, steering sensitivity and steering trim setting knobs, which are a bit complex for kids to use effectively. On the bright side, this radio is packed with its 3 AA batteries for first use.

Inside the car is an 850mAh rechargeable battery, which powers a 390 brushed motor that drives all wheels, and can run the unit for 20-30 minutes non-stop. Also included is an extra original battery that extends your playtime by another 20-30 minutes as the other one recharges.

Other features include large, heavy-duty tires, which are spread out for stability at high speeds. Each one contains a bouncy, springy material inside, which works together with the suspension system to shockproof the car so as to prevent damages.

7. BBM Hobby HBX 18859E - Good RC Car

• Scale: 1:18
• Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 6.1 inches
• Speed: 48 km/h
• Battery: 650mAh Li-ion and 2 AA batteries

If you want another fast racing RC car that can also do well off-road, this HBX is a good option to consider. It is in many ways similar to Vcanny’s Terrain above, with a pickup truck design that is lowered and has a wider axle track for stability at high speeds.

A brushed RC380 motor runs all wheels and gives the truck a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h), which is very quick.

However, the car uses a low capacity 650mAh battery, which gives you a play time of only 9 minutes. This battery though takes a shorter time of 60-90 minutes to recharge.

Other features include high precision ball bearings for smooth running, a splash-proof receiver and high grip off-road V-tread tires.

8. Epoch Air 360°Rotating - Cheapest RC Car for Kids

• Scale: N/A
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 2.6 inches
• Speed: N/A
• Battery: 6 AA batteries

Though very affordable, this mini car from Epoch is one of the best stunt RC cars that you can get in the market.

This is because the unit has a vacuum system that allows it to climb and run steadily on any flat surface, be it a wall, window, ceiling, mirror or closet.

In addition to this, the car can also perform 360° rotating tricks in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions when moving forward or in reverse.

All these controls are done using a handheld infrared remote controller, which requires 6 AA batteries that are not included in the pack.

A charging port is built into the car and a USB charging cable is included so that you can recharge via a plug, computer or power bank. 

However, since it has small ground clearance, this unit is meant for indoor use only.

9. Traxxas Rustler RTR Stadium Truck - Largest RC Car

• Scale: 1:10
• Dimensions: 20 x 12.9 x 9.6 inches
• Speed: 56 km/h
• Battery: 3000mAh NiMH battery

Huge, fast and expensive are just a few words that can be used to describe Traxxas’ Rustler RTR. This RC car measures 20 x 12.9 x 9.6 inches, making it the biggest RC car in this review.

Apart from size, the RTR also leads the pack when it comes to thrust, clocking in a top speed of 35 mph (roughly 56 km/h).

For control and stability at these high speeds, the truck features oil-filled ultra-shocks with X ring technology for smooth riding, bellcrank steering with a high-torque waterproof steering servo and solid fiber composite arms that are highly durable.

A 3000mAh battery powers the built-in Titan 12-turn motor, which runs all four wheels through a brushless-ready Magnum 272 transmission and a torque-control slipper clutch for smooth and quiet running, as well as consistent traction control.

10. Redcat Racing Brushless Electric Buggy - Most Powerful RC Car

• Scale: 1:10
• Dimensions: 15.75 x 10 x 6.5 inches
• Speed: 56 km/h
• Battery: 3500mAh LIPO and 4 AA batteries

Redcat Racing’s RC buggy, also called the Tornado, truly lives up to its name by being the most powerful as well as one of the fastest RC cars. This is because it has a very large 3500mAh battery, which charges out its power at 7.4 volts to the electrical circuitry inside.

This circuitry, which mostly consists of the ESC, servo, and receiver, is fully waterproofed, enabling you to charge the vehicle through water puddles worry-free.

A 3652 3300kv brushless motor is also included inside, and it is used to power all wheels, delivering a top speed of 35 mph (roughly 56 km/h), which is very fast.

Other features include dirt track tires, aluminum coil-over shocks, and a 2.4 GHz radio, which requires 4 AA batteries.

11. Tamiya 58346 the Grasshopper - Best Electric RC Car

• Scale: 1:10
• Dimensions: 15.3 x 8.77 x 5.3 inches
• Speed: N/A
• Battery: N/A

Even though Tamiya’s Grasshopper is a rear wheel drive RC car, this gives it a few advantages such as being lighter because there is no front axle, and also more energy efficient because the motor runs only 2 wheels.

Combined, these give you longer playing time, making it one of the best electric RC cars.

Aside from this, the car features independent swing axle front suspension and rolling rigid axle rear suspension, which are ideal for dampening vibrations when speeding off-road.

Other features include grippy rubber pin spike tires and a 380-type motor, but you can switch this to a 540-type motor since the chassis is compatible. However, assembly is required before use.

12. Prextex RC Police Car - Coolest RC Car

• Scale: N/A
• Dimensions: 14.7 x 7.3 x 6.5 inches
• Speed: N/A
• Battery: N/A

Let’s face it, one of the coolest RC cars that can put a smile to 5-year-old boys and up is a police car with red and blue lights as well as a siren.

This product from Prextex contains all these features, making it an ideal Christmas gift to such young boys.

Included in the kit is an ergonomically designed radio controller, which is designed to be held using both hands, with two thumbsticks for control. It has a 2.4 GHz transmitter that gives a range of 60 feet and requires AA batteries to run.

Other features include a cool Dodge Challenger design with large rear wheels, sturdy rubber tires for indoor/outdoor use, 3 different siren sounds and durable plastic construction.

How to Buy the Best RC Car

#1. Types of RC Car

One of the primary and most obvious things to consider is the type of RC car. There are 4 basic ones and these are:

Buggy

Buggies are off-road RCs but they also have a bit of street design in them. They can be handled really well in both smooth and off-road surfaces, and most are designed to reach high speeds.

Drift

It goes without saying that this type is meant to turn around corners at high speeds easily by drifting. This needs some controlling skill though and might take some time to learn.

Truck

Truck RCs are not designed for speed. Instead, they do very well off-road, with their big tires and raised suspensions playing a big role towards rock crawling and other extreme off-roading capabilities.  

Street

Street and drift RCs are basically the same and most feature slick tires for good grip on smooth surfaces.

Buying Guide: The choice between these is down to personal preference, with your preferred driving activity (off-roading, speed, drifting, etc.) being your guide.

#2. Scale

Scale basically refers to the number of times the car is smaller as compared to the car it is modeled after. The most common scale is 1:10, which means the car is 10 times smaller than the real vehicle.

In most cases, the smaller the scale, the cheaper the RC and the cheaper its parts are, and vice versa. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, go for the small 1:12 or 1:18 models.

#3. Speed

Most people like fast cars and the same applies to RCs. However, this factor mostly matters when buying a buggy or a drift/street RC car because these are designed for blasting through off-road as well as on road racing events.

In this case, the faster the car, the better. Most trucks are designed for rock crawling and therefore, speed is not a big issue.  

#4. Battery

Even with speed being a big factor to consider, you can only enjoy the car for as long as the battery can take you. RCs with smaller batteries that have a capacity of less than 1000mAh usually give a shorter playtime as compared to those having larger batteries.

However, these smaller batteries take a shorter time to recharge so that you can get back in the game much quicker.

Another thing that determines how much playtime you get is the weight of the unit. Just like in real cars, the heavier it is, the more the power that it will require to drag its heavy body along and thus, the shorter the playtime since the battery will be drained faster.

#5. Durability

Since you won’t be controlling the RC while in it, it is inevitable that you will mishandle it by bumping into rocks and other surfaces without knowing. For this reason, ensure that the unit has a sturdy build and contains features such as solid bumpers to protect against crashes. 

Conclusion 

For the novice user, selecting a remote-controlled car can be as easy as looking at the most aesthetically pleasing one. However, this is not ideal because there are other more important factors to consider.

The article above shows you all the important pointers and after reading through, you should have an easier time picking the best RC car in the proper way.