Last updated:
Monster trucks, stadium trucks, short course — RC trucks are the most popular category in the hobby, and for good reason. They're tough, handle any terrain, and deliver the most fun per dollar for most people.
Our Top 10 Picks
Not the newest design on the block, but it's been refined over years and it works. 65 mph, 4WD, good ground clearance, and probably the most community knowledge of any RC truck ever made. You'll always find someone who's solved whatever problem you're having.
Best for: A proven 4WD monster truck with the biggest support community in RC. Not flashy, but reliable.
Think of it as a Maxx lite. Wider stance and beefier build than the Stampede, but you don't pay Maxx money. The awkward part is it's sandwiched between two iconic trucks, which makes it hard to recommend over either one unless the price difference matters to you.
Best for: Right between the Stampede and Maxx in size and price.
Splits the difference between the Hoss and the X-Maxx perfectly. WideMaxx-compatible for an even wider stance, 60 mph on 4S, and tough enough to hand to your buddy who drives into everything. Big enough to feel serious, small enough to fit in your trunk.
Best for: Right between the Stampede and X-Maxx in size and price. The sweet spot for most people.
A licensed Ford Raptor body on Traxxas's proven stadium truck platform. 60 mph, 4WD, looks great. Mechanically it's similar to cheaper Traxxas trucks though, so you're paying a premium for the body style. If you love the Raptor, that premium is worth it. If not, get the Stampede or Rustler.
Best for: Ford Raptor fans. If you don't care about the body, the Rustler 4X4 VXL is more truck for less money.
65 mph in a mid-priced stadium truck that actually handles well. The wide stance keeps it planted, the VXL system is proven, and it absolutely rips on dirt and grass. One of the fastest RTR vehicles in its price range.
Best for: Get this if you want raw speed on dirt without breaking the bank.
Built to go airborne. The Outcast shares the Kraton's 1/8 platform but with a stunt-focused setup that wants to do wheelies, backflips, and massive jumps. If your definition of fun involves a ramp, this is your truck.
Best for: You own a ramp. You want backflips. Get the Outcast.
If you only buy one short-course truck, make it this one. 60 mph, 4WD, and the biggest aftermarket in RC means you'll never be stuck waiting on parts. Stock tires are the weak link but that's an easy fix.
Best for: The do-everything short-course truck. If you want one basher and tons of upgrade options, start here.
Just buy the Granite 3S. Brushless, 4WD, 50 mph, and it's the most recommended first truck in the hobby for a reason. Is it the fastest? No. The toughest? No. But it's the best balance of price, speed, and durability for someone buying their first real RC truck.
Best for: Best budget brushless truck? This one.
First brushless truck? Get this. Great price, 50 mph, 4WD, durable enough to survive the learning curve. Parts are cheap. Not much else to say. It does exactly what a first serious truck should do.
Best for: The go-to first brushless monster truck for beginners.
| # | Car | Price | Speed | Scale | Drive | Motor | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Traxxas Stampede 4X4 VXL | $379.95 | 65 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 2 | Traxxas Hoss 4X4 VXL | $429.95 | 60 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 3 | Traxxas Maxx V2 | $599.95 | 60 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 4 | Traxxas Ford Raptor R 4X4 VXL | $499.95 | 60 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 5 | Traxxas Rustler 4X4 VXL | $429.95 | 65 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 6 | Arrma Outcast 6S BLX | $489.99 | 60 mph | 1/8 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 7 | Traxxas Slash 4X4 VXL | $399.95 | 60 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 8 | Arrma Granite 3S BLX | $339.99 | 50 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 9 | Arrma Big Rock 3S BLX | $369.99 | 50 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless | |
| 10 | Traxxas Maxx Slash 6S | $699.95 | 70 mph | 1/10 | 4WD | Brushless |
If you want one truck that does everything, a 1/10 scale 4WD monster truck is the safest bet. The stability and ground clearance make them the most forgiving for beginners. Stadium trucks are lighter and faster, better on smoother terrain and light jumps. Short course trucks have the most realistic scale appearance and handle well at speed. All three types work great for bashing, so pick based on where you drive and what looks coolest to you. That matters more than most spec comparisons.
Ready to compare?
Use our comparator to see how any of these cars stack up side by side.
Open RC Car ComparatorWe'd go with the Traxxas Stampede 4X4 VXL ($379.95). It runs 4WD on a brushless motor and tops out at 65 mph.
The cheapest on the list is the Arrma Granite 3S BLX at $339.99, with 4WD and a brushless motor.
The fastest on our list is the Traxxas Maxx Slash 6S at 70 mph. It's priced at $699.95 and uses a brushless motor with 4WD drivetrain.
Best RC Cars for Beginners
Our top picks for first-time RC car buyers. Durable, easy to drive, and great value.
Best RC Bashers
The toughest, fastest RC cars built to take a beating. Our picks for the best bashing machines.
Best RC Crawlers
Top-rated RC crawlers and rock crawlers for trail running and technical terrain.
Best RC Drift Cars
The best RC drift and street cars for sideways action. From entry-level to competition-grade builds.