I’ve always wanted to say this…HIT THE GAS!
Having a remote-controlled car gives kids the chance to experience the thrill of driving, racing, and pulling off crazy stunts. And for the feeling of actually driving a real car (but smaller and you’re not sitting in it…) gas or nitro-powered RC cars are the best you can get. Plus they’re just so cool.
We’ve picked out the 11 best gas RC cars for any gearhead kid who wants to feel that power at their fingertips, whether it’s a sleek sports car, a versatile 4×4 ready to take on the world, or a behemoth of a monster truck. So whatever the terrain or the competition, there’s a winner to be found here.
No kid wants their RC car to be left on the grid, of course, so we’ve made sure that our recommendations are the very best cars out thereby eliminating any fake online reviews. So there’ll be nothing slowing down their nitro-fuelled adventures!
1HSP 4WD RC Car
A great option for both beginners and experienced RC car fanatics, this HSP 4WD RC Car would be a unique addition to any collection. Designed for showing off skills, each of the four-wheel-drive tires are made for drifting. Since all of the wheels are hard, it also provides extra protection for any potential dropping or rough play on uneven ground. This car can zoom to speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, blowing away the competition and making your racer the best around.
Special v-tread tires allow for both off-road and on-road adventures, adding to the list of terrain that you can explore. A highly responsive steering throttle and easy-to-use remote control makes the driving experience even greater for your new RC car!
What we love
- Equipped with a large capacity, leak-proof fuel tank for longer and safer usage
- Comes with all tools needed to maintain the vehicle
What We Don't Like That Much
- The controls can be a little confusing at first, so adult supervision may be necessary
2Traxxas Revo 4WD Nitro-Powered Monster Truck
Rocketing in at high speeds, the Traxxas Revo 4WD Nitro-Powered Monster Truck is your new secret weapon for winning races against all your friends and family. With its high power and serious traction, this RC car is ready to travel with you on any terrain.
The truck features advanced technology, such as a transmitter with Traxxas Link wireless modules, telemetry sensors for a smoother ride, and TSM stability control that helps you drive over bumps and hills. With the same power as its forward drive, the Traxxas Revo is capable of driving backward, allowing you to get out of any tight spots and ensure an easy win!
What we love
- New geode wheels provide a wider, taller stance that improves the overall driving ability
- Wheels are equipped with waterproof bearings for driving through mud or puddles
What We Don't Like That Much
- The car is pretty heavy, which may be tricky for younger drivers to carry
3Exceed RC Infinitive Nitro Gas Powered RTR Off-Road
The Exceed RC Infinitive Nitro Gas Powered RTR Off-Road is a lightweight RC car ready to fly across the racetrack. Made of a lightweight aluminum alloy chassis, this RC will almost fly through the air, covering any obstacles in its way. Both the front and back of the car are protected and ready for impact with front and rear skid plates.
Inside of the car, there are 8 long-stroke oil-filled shocks that all contain firmly tuned springs, making it easy to stay stable on the ground through any terrain or obstacles. Providing low friction while riding and also improving durability, the wheels are ready to get the show on the road with slick ball bearings and large rubber tires.
What we love
- Great for beginners, as it is powerful but easy to learn the mechanics of
- No setup is required, so you can begin driving right out of the box!
What We Don't Like That Much
- We’d like to see a variety of other designs for this awesome RC
4HSP 4WD Off-Road RC Car
Designed to achieve high speeds on any terrain, the HSP 4WD Off-Road RC Car is perfect for travel and adventure. With large, textured wheels that provide fantastic traction, this car is ready for all conditions, such as concrete or highway, muddy roads, sandy areas, or even grassy fields. With shock absorption technology, it is easier than ever to experience a smooth, exciting drive.
Modeled with realistic features makes the car an interesting collectible as well as a fun toy. Flying at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour both forward and backward, this car will quickly prove a challenge for your friends to beat! An extra-large fuel tank with leak-proof technology will also provide you with very simple maintenance and a long-lasting vehicle.
What we love
- Each of the four wheels is made out of pre-trimmed anti-slip rubber, allowing for not only more traction, but more impact control and shock absorption
- Stable and secure, there is less risk of damage from falling over or tipping
What We Don't Like That Much
- The pull-start on the car requires a bit of strength, which can get some getting used to
5HSP RC Nitro Power Off-Road 4WD
Available in sleek blue with red detailing, the HSP Nitro Power Off-Road 4WD is specially made for off-road climbing and adventure. Race your friends anywhere with this smooth driving, easy-to-use RC car. Equipped with a rubber exhaust pipe, the noise of the car can be greatly reduced.
A transparent oil pipe is built into the inside of the car, allowing you to see how much oil is left, so you can prepare your daily drive. Ball head technology and flexible steering are both installed for easy navigation, making the drive itself more fluid. Providing better protection during high-stakes adventures, the car is also ready with a compact front bumper.
What we love
- The car has an oil-filled adjustable shock absorber that can be adjusted according to the location of each ride
- With a redesigned four-wheel-drive system, reaching the max speed of 60 km only takes 6 seconds!
What We Don't Like That Much
- We’d love to see a camera mount on this RC, that can showcase the adventures you and your miniature vehicle go on
6Traxxas Rustler 4x4 VXL, Brushless RC Truck
Stable and close to the ground, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 VXL, Brushless RC Truck is ready to glide across the track and leave all your opponents in the dust. Ready with a blue, yellow, and red design, this car is not only good-looking but runs like a dream. A Velineon 3S power system inside is great for increased speed, efficiency, and long run time, allowing for longer journeys and many races.
A clipless body latching system is also included, made for secure mounting of the body, easy removal for maintenance, and very simple installation. The body of the car is aerodynamic, making it swift and fast, as well as rollover protection, which ensures protection from falls and use over time. Not only is this car ready for all your adventures on any terrain, but 2.8-inch black chrome wheels also make for easy clearance of any hills, steps, or obstacles in your way.
What we love
- Equipped with cooling fans near the motor to ensure long play and reduce chances of overheating
- Fast and nimble, which provides a great ride, but also makes it possible for things such as flips and tricks
What We Don't Like That Much
- The battery and charger are not included and must be purchased separately
7HSP RC High-Speed Off-Road RC Truck
High powered and ready to ride, the HSP RC High-Speed Off-Road RC Truck is modeled off a monster truck, which means big and powerful. What more could you want? Equipped with a .18 CXP engine which allows your car to travel at speeds of up to 60 km/h, your competitors will all be surprised as you leave them in your dust.
Designed with a thick aluminum chassis and independent suspension built-in with twin shock absorbers, this monster truck is resistant to any falling, breaking, or other injuries from racing. Even on tough terrain, the truck will stay stable and secure, coming out of it all in one piece. Shock absorbers and oil-filled shock-absorbing springs also provide stability and provide room for error while driving.
What we love
- The remote-control range can go up to 338 feet, allowing you to travel far and fast all at once
- Steering is very responsive, creating power and sharpness on even the quickest of turns
What We Don't Like That Much
- We wish the pull start was made of a thicker material
8Exceed RC Hyper Speed Beginner Version
Ideal for beginners interested in the RC Car scene, the Exceed RC 1/10 2.4Ghz Hyper Speed Beginner Version .18 Engine Nitro Powered Off-Road is a perfect model to get you started. With a simple design and simple controls, learning how to direct your own RC car is made easier than ever.
Inside the car, there is an assembled chassis, a VX18 High-Torque and Pull Start Engine with a Carburetor, making your car ready for anything, as well providing extra power to conquer any race. The tires are made of thick rubber with traction texture, providing a strong grip in uneven conditions such as mud or gravel. With a tuned pipe and air filter, the RC car is also great at handling pushback from wind and other obstacles.
What we love
- Built to withstand crashes and accidents, making it foolproof for beginners
- Very aerodynamic and compact enough to tuck it away on a shelf when not in use
What We Don't Like That Much
- It’s recommended to give the RC a once over with a screwdriver before first use, ensuring that all screws are tight
9Traxxas T-Maxx Nitro-Powered 4WD Monster Truck
Painted in a powerful dark blue, the Traxxas 4WD Monster Truck is an impressive statement for any RC car racer. Tall and thick, this car is ready to leave its mark on your opponents. Delivering massive power, heavy torque, and equipped with 4-wheel drive, you can take this car on any terrain and still drive with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, blowing your competition out of the water.
The RC also has a TQi 2.4GHz Transmitter with Traxxas Link wireless module, making it easy to steer and direct your car around even the hardest obstacles. Ready to drive right out of the box, this monster truck comes with a NiMH receiver pack, an E-Z start battery, chargers, a spare glow plug, and even more tools for fast driving.
What we love
- Made with all-terrain tires on mirror chrome hurricane wheels, setting this truck apart from all others
- Shock absorbent technology allows the car to withstand jumps over rough, bumpy terrain!
What We Don't Like That Much
- There is no reverse function, so getting used to sharp turns takes a bit of a learning curve
10HSP RC Nitro Power High-Speed RC Car
Made in a heavy, sleek shiny black, this HSP RC Truck 1:10 Nitro Power High-Speed RC Car is the perfect fit for the toughest RC drivers out there. Fuelled by Nitro power, this RC is designed for experienced drivers, prepared for anything along the way. A .18 CXP engine powers this truck to speeds of up to 60 km an hour, allowing for high-powered racing and playtime.
With a thick aluminum chassis and independent suspension supported by twin shock absorbers at each corner, this RC is ready for the hardest of rides and prepared for all of your exploration – even accidental tip-overs. A driving range up to 338 feet and highly responsive steering both allow for speedy and safe driving.
What we love
- Pretrimmed tires allow for safe, stable driving
- The stealthy black color will make it a great collectible for any RC car fanatic
What We Don't Like That Much
- Learning how to properly use the pull start is necessary to reduce any jams
11Exceed RC Engine Nitro Powered .18
The fantastic RC has a fiery blue design on the body, bright green rims, detailing for the wheels, and a whole host of other accessories. With this look, you’ll be able to pick out your car from a mile away and impress all the other racers. Great for those just starting out, this car is ready with simple mechanics, such as a pull start with Carburetor, VX18 High-Torque, a tuned pipe, and an air filter.
With all this power under the hood, there won’t be much need for maintenance or worries about malfunctioning or breaking along the way, just pure fun on every ride. Fly down the street in this cool new 1/10 2.4Ghz Exceed RC Hyper Speed!
What we love
- A sleek, intriguing Hyper Speed logo on the side will set your car apart from all the others
- The car can go up to 35 miles an hour, easy to manage and explore with
What We Don't Like That Much
- The front arms are made of plastic, so keeping an eye out for rough spots along the drive is a must to protect your car
In Conclusion
There aren’t many toys cooler than a gas RC car when it’s tearing around the neighborhood, and these monster trucks and 4x4s are ready to take on whatever kids can find for them to drive over (probably including rival RC cars!).
If they’re making you feel nostalgia for your own remote-controlled days of wonder, why not treat yourself to something a bit special with this VOLANTEXRC 4CH RC Plane F4U Corsair Remote Control Aircraft? Can you imagine anything better than controlling this as it swoops and soars through the skies?
And if that’s inspired you to find some kid-friendly planes, have a look at our 30 Best Airplane Toys for some recommendations.