In today’s day and age, remote-controlled cars are one of the kid’s most prized toys. Not only do they provide hours of fun, but they also help kids develop their hand and eye coordination, fine motor skills, and even imagination.
We previously reviewed remote-controlled airplanes for kids as well.
There are plenty of great remote control cars for kids as young as one and a half years and up to six years. Some are even enjoyable for adults so that you could have some great family fun time with a remote control car.
Read through the review to find out the best remote control car for your little girl or boy.
Reviews of the Best Toddler Remote Control Cars 2022
Overall Best and Most Entertaining Remote Control Car
RC Cars Stunt Car
This stunt car is ranked as # no. 1 on Amazon, so you can tell lots of kids are having a blast with it. Its ability to spin 360 degrees and flip is one reason it is a favorite among kids and even adults because one can do lots of tricks. It is also one of the fastest remote-controlled toy cars(speed- 7.5 mph) and operates at 2.4 GHz for interference-free transmission.
It is well made with a durable plastic shell to survive all the hard knocks and can be used both indoors and outdoors. We love that it comes in bright colors, so it’s easily visible outdoors.
The manufacturer’s recommended age is for ages 8 and above, but it has been so much fun even for kids as young as four years. Younger kids might find the controller a bit tricky, but they easily adapt once they get the hang of it.
It runs on 6 batteries; 4 AA for the car and 2 AAA for the remote.
Pros
- Durable
- Fast
- Made with non toxic ABS plastic
- Responsive
Cons
- Doesn’t come with batteries
Best Remote Control Dump Truck for Toddlers
Remote Control Construction Dump Truck
Is your little boy fascinated by trucks? Why not get them their own remote controlled toy dump truck. They can play indoors or outdoors and have their own mini construction site.
The dump truck is very detailed and realistic enough to get any kid excited. It moves in all four directions, has an operable truck bed, and produces lights and sounds just like a real truck.
The toy is lightweight and easy for small kids to transport and use. It uses 4 AA batteries for the truck and 2AA for the transmitter.
Take note that while this truck moves well on pavements, sand, or dirt surfaces, it easily gets stuck on grass.
Pros
- Attractive and realistic
- Easy for small kids to understand and use
- Has an off switch to conserve battery
- Rolls well on the sand
Cons
- Reviewers have remarked that it is a little smaller than expected
- The plastic feels a bit flimsy
- It gets stuck on grassy surfaces
The Best RC Cars for Toddlers Packed with Most Educational Value
DEERC Remote Control Take Apart Toys
This remote control car is one of the best educational and fun toys. It is advertised as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) toy, allowing kids to learn to take apart and rebuild their cars.
The toy comes with a fire engine or dump truck along with the necessary tools such as a drill, a wrench, and a replacement screw. As far as how realistic it is, it also includes two removable figurine drivers, moves in two directions and plays three simulated sound effects, and has lights.
The pieces are sizable for small hands to grab and assemble with the low speed power drill easily. The controller is easy to learn and use. This toy is not only mind engaging, but it will also help improve their coordination and fine motor skills.
This is one of the toys that are appealing to kids of a wide range age. Parents have remarked that as soon as they unboxed, even toddlers as small as two years old were ready to tear it and rebuild without instructions because it’s so intuitive.
Note that you will need to buy lots of AA batteries. The drill and remote each require two while the car needs three, and they will last about 30 minutes with active play.
Pros
- High quality and well made
- Great accessories
- Intuitive and fun for small kids
- Great toy for kids who love to taking things apart and rebuilding
Cons
- It goes through batteries fast
Best Ride-on Remote Control Car for Toddlers
Ride-On Truck With Parent Remote Control
This is by far the most realistic toy we could find. It’s a little truck that your kid or kids will enjoy taking rides in. Despite being affordable, we loved that it is of high quality, sturdy, and has tons of features to make your child’s experience enjoyable and as realistic as possible. You can either let your child drive manually or have them just sit and enjoy as you move the truck remotely. The latter option would be best if your kid is too young to operate the truck themselves.
The car has functional headlights and a horn, and an aux port allowing you to play your child some music from your smartphone or mp3 player. It moves forward and in reverse. It also has a seatbelt and multiple speeds.
It works great on hard and paved grounds, not so much on grass. It comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts about an hour.
Pros
- Suitable for toddlers of all ages
- High quality construction
- Realistic design
- Easy to assemble
- Kids can drive themselves manually or can be driven remotely by parents
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Some parts may fail to function after some time
Best RC Car for Toddlers with Great Value
My First Cartoon RC Remote Control Race Car
This is a great first remote race car, designed for 18 months old children and toddlers. Not only is it so much fun, but it also helps them to improve their coordination. The bright colors are very attractive for kids, and it is also lightweight and easy to maneuver. With just two soft buttons on the remote control, small hands can operate the car easily. Despite being cheaply priced, this toy will survive all your toddler’s beatings and keep going on strong.
The sleek little car has functional honk, music, and headlights, hence stimulating. It moves forward and reverses in a circular motion that is very amusing for the little one. Additionally, it has three removable figurines for more fun play.
This car is sluggish on grassy surfaces or on thick carpets, but it rolls smoothly on hard floors. It needs 3AA batteries for the car and 2 AA batteries for the remote.
Pros
- Cute
- Sturdy, durable construction
- Controls are simple and easy for small kids to operate
- Affordable
Cons
- It’s a bit loud but not bothersome
- You can’t use multiple cars for more than one kid as one remote controls all of them
- Remote or car may breaks down after a few weeks of use has been reported
Top RC Car for Toddlers’ Winter Fun
Kidzone Ride-On Bumper Car
While this toy may not look like a car, it certainly functions as one. It provides you and your kids a way to get them moved around in your home and keep them entertained for hours. It has optional parental control, which allows you to run the show, or if your kids can handle it, they can control the car via the simple joystick on their own.
The car spins 360 degrees, has an emergency brake, and a speed of 0.7 mph, so it is super fun. The brilliant little car also has safety features like a harness, anti-flat tires, and light to keep it visible, so it’s safe for children above 18 months to ride.
The bumper car is well made with durable plastic and has a maximum weight capacity of 66 pounds. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and comes with a charger. It runs smoothly on pavements, hardwood floors, and thin carpets.
Pros
- Cute design
- Comes in a wide range of colors
- Kids love the lights
- High weight capacity allowing kids to grow with it
- Great safety features
Cons
- Doesn’t hold charge longer than a few minutes after a few weeks of use
- Kids can interfere with the joysticks because there is no disable option
- The speed could be better
- It’s loud and can scare small kids at first
Fanciest RC Car for Toddlers to Ride Around
Rock Wheels Bentley
The Luxurious Bentley is for those looking for more than a standard toy race car. With two scissor opening doors, revving engine noises, a light up dashboard, and headlights and rear lights, your kids will feel like they are riding a real sports car. It comes in three colors black, red, and white that are favorable for both boys and girls.
This toy car moves forward and reverse and has an emergency brake. It has two speed settings (1.25 and 3.1 mph) and wheel suspension. It is equipped with a safety harness, keeping your little one safe and secure. You can let your kids drive themselves manually, or you steer them using the remote control.
It is recommended for ages 3 months up to a maximum weight capacity of 66 pounds. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and includes a charger.
Pros
- Cute and realistic
- Grows with your child; spacious with high weight capacity
- Has decent speed
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The plastic is flimsy and may break easily
Top Speed RC Car for Toddlers
RC High-Speed Racer
$55.99 in stock
This monster truck is so cool, fast, and powerful your kids will enjoy it immensely. With the remote, kids can drive the car up to 100 feet away and control both direction and speed. This is the perfect choice for parents looking for a remote-controlled race car that can be used in the backyard, off-road, and indoors.
With two powerful mortars, 4WD ability, and anti-slip rubber tires, this monster truck can tackle any terrain like a breeze from dirt roads, tall grass, sand, rocky grounds, and even snow. The speed is impressive, as is the climbing power. Parents have been shocked to see it go over a 90-degree rock ledge. It is also equipped with shock absorbers for stability, and the front bumper prevents damage if the truck collides with obstacles or walls.
This is one of the few remote-controlled toy cars that allow you to buy multiples for many kids to play together. The remotes do not interfere with each other. The race car comes in pink or blue color, and it uses a rechargeable battery just like these electric cars for kids. It also includes two sets of batteries just in case one dies when your child is playing outdoors.
Pros
- Great engineering with a sturdy frame and rubber wheels
- Great speed
- Climbs a 45 degree incline easily
- Perfect on any terrain
- Kids can play with multiple cars as the remotes do not interfere with each other
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with two pairs of spare batteries
Cons
- Battery runs out fast
Best Kids’ RC Car with Cool Features
Haktoys Remote Control Stunt Car
The Haktoy stunt car is unique with cool features that kids can have tons of fun with. Its LED lights are an awesome sight to behold, especially in the dark. The car is available in two different colors and frequencies, allowing multiple kids to play at the same time. This toy car will help you develop hand and eye coordination in addition to fun.
Apart from the amazing lights, the car spins, flips, and does tons of tricks to keep your kids entertained for hours. It also has an option to turn the music on or off, which makes this toy parent friendly- lots of toys drive parents crazy with all the noise they make.
The stunt car uses a rechargeable battery and lasts about 25 to 30 minutes of play, but it takes only 1. 5 hours to fully recharge, making it one of the fastest charging remote controlled cars.
While the manufacturer recommends for kids aged 8 and above, parents have reported that even their 3 year olds have been able to operate the controller.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Music can be turned on and off as needed
- Controls operate at different frequencies allowing two kids to drive two cars at once
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Fast charging but battery doesn’t last long
The Best RC Car Train with Great Controls
Hape Wooden Remote Control Engine Train
$26.09 in stock
1 used from $23.80
Kids love trains and the Hape train features a clever design to give kids full control. It comes with a free Bluetooth app for mom or dad’s smartphone or tablet from where the child can drive the train forward, backward, or bring it to a stop. They can also select the music to play (comes with five) and control the train’s speed. For younger kids who can’t use an app, there are buttons at the top of the train’s engine they can use to control the train.
The Hape train is sustainably made using high quality wooden materials, which make it very sturdy and durable. It will survive all your kid’s destructive times and keep going strong.
You will truly appreciate the waste of dead batteries this train will save you from accumulating as it uses a rechargeable battery and includes a USB charger. Most trains go through batteries fast, which is wasteful and annoying. The Hape train is great for ages three and above.
Pros
- Great for imaginative play and improving hand-eye coordination
- Has both manual and remote control through the Hape Engine App
- App pairs immediately and works smoothly
- Rechargeable, no need for tons of battery replacements
- Precise control using the app
Cons
- Seems the charging connector needs to be handled with gently as it breaks off easily
- Available in only one color
A favorite for girls
Disney Junior Minnie Mouse Roadster RC Car
We couldn’t end the reviews without recommending a remote-controlled car with your kid’s favorite character, Minnie. We admit that this pink Disney Junior Minnie MouseRoadster car is a bit girly but the fact that every kid can relate to it from the Mickey and the Roadster Racers cartoon, they will want to take Minnie on their adventures.
The Minnie Mouse car is really simple to operate with just two buttons and can make a great first remote control car for your little one. One button drives it forward while the other one makes it a spin.
The manufacturer has recommended it for ages three and above, but really even younger kids are able to operate. It requires 3 AA batteries for the car and 2 for the remote.
Also, note that you can operate two cars at the same time as the remote uses the same frequency, so there will be interference.
Pros
- Cute and girly
- Easy and simple to control
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Quality is not great, so it might not be functional for long
- It would be nice to have lights or sounds
- About the Author
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Mary Stephens is our infant development and baby fun activities specialist here at Motherhood HQ. She has over 10 years of experience dealing with kids, previously as a K3 teacher and now as a K9-12 teacher specializing in physical education and Social Studies. She is certified to teach in New York and Massachusetts and when not teaching trampoline jump tricks or giving toddler safety guides, she enjoys writing and providing helpful guides to parents on baby fun activities from infancy to toddlerhood. Mary is also an independent consultant providing parents with fun activities at home and appropriate toys and baby gear for infants and toddler development. She can be reached at her email, mary.s(at)motherhoodhq.com.