The 6 Best RC Cars for Beginners

Did you become interested in the activity after seeing an RC car racing or monster truck bash or because you know someone who does? You probably want to know where to begin. We can assist you; the top 6 RC vehicles for novices are included in this list, which considers accessibility, cost, performance, and ease of use.

You should know by the end which model will serve as your starting point. Before we do that, though, let's quickly go over some key ideas regarding the pastime.

A Few Notes Before We Start

You should first learn about the many kinds of RC cars that are available if you are new to the sport of racing and driving them. In the most basic words, you have:

On-road cars are designed to be driven on asphalt and concrete surfaces at high speeds, whether for fun or as part of competitive track racing.
Off-road cars - Off-road vehicles are designed to be driven on gravel roads, dirt trails, etc. They can navigate rugged terrain and uneven surfaces, but they are not intended to attain the same speeds as cars on the road. They are utilized for recreational or competitive off-road racing, just like their on-road counterparts.
Drift cars—drift RC cars are a subset of on-road vehicles made especially for drifting or precise movement. To enable their owners to fine-tune them for drift competitions, they typically include highly customizable suspension systems and tires.
Other RC vehicles - In addition to automobiles, you may get RC monster trucks, firetrucks, transporters, and about any other type of vehicle that exists in the real world. Usually more specialized, these vehicles are utilized chiefly by enthusiasts who are passionate about a single vehicle rather than the hobby as a whole.

Therefore, consider your preferred purpose and location before purchasing your first remote-controlled car, as this will affect how much you like the activity. Since most devotees are their own "mechanics," so to speak, you should be aware that the hobby is more than just driving; RC car maintenance and customization eventually play a significant role. After learning more about the activity, let's discuss the top RC vehicles for novices.

How the Cars Were Chosen

We should explain the selection process since we are discussing the top RC cars for novices. The following factors were combined to determine which cars were selected:

Type of car - Initially, only off-road radio-controlled vehicles were taken into consideration due to their widespread availability and relative beginner-friendliness for both racing and driving. You don't have to look for tracks specifically designed for indoor use because they are made to resist harm. They also make up a significant portion of the hobby community, so it's simple to locate other enthusiasts to share your pastime with and support. Since they are more of a niche pastime and therefore not very beginner-friendly, specialized vehicles like drift cars and semi-trailers were not taken into consideration.
Engine vs. motor - RC cars can be powered by either a nitro engine or an electric motor. Although the steep learning curve and frequent tuning and maintenance required by nitro engines contribute to their appeal, they are not appropriate for novices. Therefore, only electric-motor RC cars were selected.
Availability—There are many different varieties of remote-controlled cars, but some are more accessible than others. Therefore, the best RC vehicles for beginners should be easily accessible; you shouldn't have to wait weeks or months, visit specialized businesses, or have community connections to purchase them. This implies that finding new parts is equally simple, which can greatly affect how much you enjoy the pastime.
Scale - RC car sizes range from minuscule 1:32 models to 1:5, which indicates that the RC car is ⅕ of the size of the real-life car it is based on. With two exceptions, we concentrated on 1:8 and 1:10 models for our list of the top 6 RC vehicles for novices. These models meet our earlier availability criteria, for starters, because they are the most widely used. More significantly, if you are starting, 1:8s and 1:10s offer a nice balance between speed and handling. Additionally, you have more alternatives because specific models of this scale can be used both indoors and outside.
Price - Last but not least, we chose affordable automobiles. The cost of RC cars reflects the fact that they are not simple toys. Depending on the model you choose, the cost can vary greatly, just as with other cars. Additionally, your first RC car should be as dependable and reasonably priced as your real-world starter car. You can always upgrade once you've gained some experience.

Hence, the six RC cars for novices on our list are all off-road vehicles, equipped with electric motors, easily accessible, mostly 1:8 or 1:10 size, and cheaply priced. Let's now discuss the top cars that satisfy every requirement, without regard to order.

Our Pick of the 6 Best RC Cars for Beginners

River Hobby VRX Cobra 1/8

For new RC enthusiasts looking for excitement right out of the box, the River Hobby VRX Cobra is an excellent option. The Cobra is ready-to-run (RTR), meaning you don't need to assemble it in order to operate it. When you unpack the Cobra, the first thing you'll notice is how big it is: 485 mm long, 340 mm broad, and 190 mm high. In addition to its size, it is robust, long-lasting, and capable of overcoming most challenges.

With three differentials and sturdy metal gears, the four-wheel drive (4WD) system offers exceptional performance and longevity. Thanks to its strong brushed motor and cooling fan, the Cobra can easily reach speeds of 20 to 30 km/h. The 2.4GHz remote controller has a commanding range of up to 150 meters, and the accompanying 8.4V NiMH batteries will last 10 to 15 minutes on a single charge.

Additionally, you may raise the top speed restriction to about 40 km/h with a straightforward upgrade to a 2S LiPo battery; however, it would not be wise to do so when you are first starting out. After ordering the Cobra, all you have to do to unleash it on any terrain is get eight AA batteries for the remote control.

FTX Outlaw 1/10

Inspired by the powerful Ultra 4 buggies, the FTX Outlaw is the newest sensation in the prestigious FTX off-road buggy range. It is completely built and prepared to take on any terrain. The Outlaw is much bigger than the Cobra, at 505 mm in length, 320 mm in width, and 240 mm in height. With its 4WD capabilities and brushed motor, which can reach speeds of up to 30 to 35 km/h, it promises experiences for both novice and experienced enthusiasts.

The Outlaw provides perfect stability and control because of its carefully designed front suspension system, which includes turnbuckles, universal driveshafts, adjustable settings, and a heavy-duty metal geared differential. Furthermore, this masterpiece blends performance and authenticity with its semi-scale trailing arm rear suspension, which is identical to that of full-size U4 buggies. Although a NiMH 7.2V battery is included with the Outlaw, the chassis readily accepts both NiMH and LiPo batteries, offering customization options.

ARRMA Gorgon Monster Truck 1/10

The ARRMA Gorgon monster truck, the third vehicle on our list of the top six RC vehicles for novices, provides a slightly different experience. For starters, RC monster trucks are generally employed for bashing rather than racing, which is a different function from that of standard off-road RC cars. The ARRMA Gorgon then arrives, not ready to ride but ready to assemble.

This is a great choice for novices who want customization, the satisfaction of assembling their rugged off-road vehicle, and the thrill of assembly. Nonetheless, the assembly is not too complex and can be completed in just an hour, making it appropriate for novices. To assemble the factory-built modules, attached tires, and completed body, follow the clear, detailed instructions that come with the Gorgon.

Its dimensions are 421 mm in length, 334 mm in breadth, and 245 mm in height. A MEGA brushed motor and 2WD gearbox help it reach speeds of between 30 and 35 km/h, easily guaranteeing heart-pounding exhilaration. Additionally, the Gorgon has a straightforward spine chassis design that allows it to go through mud, rocks, and dirt with ease and without collecting debris.

Thanks to its NiMH battery and LiPo upgrade compatibility, this monster truck offers power and versatility to fit your needs. The SLT2 2-channel radio system helps beginners develop control skills by restricting the maximum speed to 50% or 75%, which ensures a safe and steady learning curve. This is one of the reasons the Gorgon is a great choice for novices.

Furthermore, the receiver unit and combination/two-in-one electronic speed controllers (ESC) make wiring and maintenance easier, freeing up enthusiasts to concentrate on the excitement of the ride. As you become more at ease, you may upgrade to LiPo batteries and a brushless motor to fully utilize the Gorgon and enjoy off-roading like never before.

Axial SCX24 2021 Ford Bronco 1/24

The Axial SCX24 2021 Ford Bronco is an engineering marvel made for rock climbers who want to tackle the most challenging terrain. At 222 mm by 98 mm by 117 mm, the Ford Bronco is by no means small, even if it is 1/24 in size, and it is the only real mini RC vehicle on our list.

The ABS hard body's molded door handles, mirrors, roof rails, and attached spare tire add a realistic touch to your off-road excursions, making the attention to detail even more striking. It even has functional lights on the bumper and front corners!

Most significantly, the Axial SCX24 2021 Ford Bronco sports a ladder-frame chassis, four-link suspension, and highly responsive shocks that provide outstanding stability and traction for rock crawling. It is made explicitly for rough terrain. A 7.4V LiPo battery and a brushed motor power this model.

Additionally, it boasts two-wheel steering and four-wheel drive, which let you maneuver past obstacles with grace and accuracy. The Bronco is ready to ride, just like the first three entrants. The Bronco's suitability for indoor riding, where it can crawl over obstacles similarly to how it does over rocks, is another unique feature.

ARRMA Vortex 1/10

The second ARRMA entry, the ARRMA Vortex, is a great pick if you're interested in RC vehicle racing for the thrill of excitement. This ready-to-run vehicle is one of the fastest on our list because of its powerful brushed motor and 8.4V NiMH battery, which together provide an incredible performance of up to 45+ km/h under ideal circumstances right out of the box.

You can upgrade to a 3S brushless motor after you gain experience and desire even more speed. The more relevant feature, though, is that the Spektrum radio system allows you to set throttle restrictions at 50% or 75%, which is appropriate given that this list is centered on the top RC vehicles for novices. With the option to upgrade to 4x4 for improved traction and stability, the Vortex's 2-wheel drive transmission provides speed and agility.

Additionally, the Vortex has a double-wishbone suspension system that offers superior handling and maneuverability, enabling you to traverse any terrain confidently. The 2-wheel drive powertrain can be converted to 4x4 for improved stability and traction. In terms of dimensions, the Vortex is 470 mm long, 338 mm wide, and 163 mm tall.

ARRMA Typhon Grom Buggy 1/18

The final car on our list is the second-smallest, right behind the Axial Ford Bronco. However, this does not imply that the ARRMA Typhon Grom buggy lacks power; in spite of its diminutive size, it does not sacrifice durability or speed, making it the ideal travel companion for enthusiasts.

The 1/18 Typhon Grom is a scaled-down version of the wildly famous 1/8 Typhon Grom model. It is designed to be affordable so that newcomers can start playing the pastime without having to worry about the high cost. Again, despite its tiny size, it doesn't cut electricity. With a powerful 28T brushed motor and a 2S LiPo battery, this small powerhouse can travel more than 30 km/h.

Additionally, it has a metal gear 4WD drivetrain that allows it to go across any terrain with ease, demonstrating its durability and agility on every surface. With dimensions of 296 mm by 188 mm by 96 mm, the Typhon Grom is the ideal combination of portability and functionality, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go.

Looking for Other RC Vehicles?

Although we have listed our top six picks for RC vehicles for novices and included an explanation of why we think they would be a suitable option for someone new to the sport, the decision is ultimately up to the individual. You might feel that other cars would be more appropriate based on various factors.

We can still assist you if that is the case. You can discover the model you require at RCMA. In addition to a variety of off-road RC car models, we also have on-road, drift and RC trucks in our collection. Choose your favorite model, place your online order, and we'll send it straight to your door.