The 5 Best RC Cars for Off-Road Driving

Are you looking for the best RC cars for off-road driving in 2024? Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just recently got into the world of radio-controlled vehicles, our curated list has something for you. We’ve chosen the 5 best off-road vehicles based on performance, innovativeness, and customisation options.

Something for Everyone

Just like there are many different types of RC cars, there are many subtypes of off-road cars. That is why our list contains a little bit of something for everyone. It will include monster trucks, trail trucks, rock crawlers, and racing buggies, so you are bound to find a model that suits your needs. On top of that, we have also included ready-to-run models and building kits, so you will have that choice, too. Now, let’s get started with the list of the 5 best RC cars for off-road driving.

Team Associated RIVAL MT10

No list of the best RC cars for off-road driving would be complete without a monster truck, so we decided to start with one - Team Associated’s RIVAL 1:10 monster truck. This formidable off-road beast is designed to conquer the toughest terrains with ease. It is powered by a potent 3300kv brushless motor and equipped with a fully sealed transmission, enabling the RIVAL MT10 to provide optimal performance even in the harshest conditions, safeguarding vital components from dirt, moisture, and debris. 

This feature is crucial for off-road cars as it prevents damage to internal gears and maintains smooth operation, enhancing durability and reliability, and makes RC car maintenance that much simpler. The RIVAL MT10 also features a 4WD drivetrain and an independent suspension system, giving it exceptional traction and stability, allowing you to tackle steep inclines, rocky terrain, and muddy trails. Adjustable coil-over shocks further enhance handling and provide customisable suspension tuning to suit your driving preferences.

Measuring 507mm in length and 325mm in width, the RIVAL MT10 definitely has an imposing presence on the trail. Items that are not included in this kit are batteries and a charger. However, that also leaves you room for customisation right off the bat. This versatile monster truck can accommodate 2-3S (7.4V-11.1V) 5000mAh LiPo batteries, giving it power and endurance that is hard to match.

VRX Racing Cobra RH-818

If you are looking to dominate the off-road circuit, the VRX Racing RH-818 Cobra could be the best choice for you. Coming in at a 1:8 scale, this formidable contender is built for thrilling off-road racing. It is equipped with a potent 3660 size 2000KV 60A brushless motor which can deliver speeds ranging from 55 to 60 km/h. It is powered by 3S 11.1V 3300mAh batteries, offering extended runtime and relentless performance.

The 4WD shaft drive system and front universal joint shafts provide excellent traction and stability, while oil-filled big bore shocks absorb bumps and jumps with ease, ensuring smooth handling and precise control. Designed with versatility and customisation in mind, it features adjustable grub screws in suspension arms, allowing you to fine-tune performance for different racing conditions. 

With dimensions of 485mm in length, 340mm in width, and 190mm in height, the RH-818 Cobra is ready to leave the competition in the dust. However, we should note that you should not use >25C discharge rate batteries if you are looking to upgrade your RC car to make it faster and get more power - it could burn out the electronic speed control. 

Team Associated Enduro Trailwalker 40199 Trail Truck

The second entry from Team Associated on our list of the best RC cars for off-road driving is the Enduro Trailwalker 40199, a meticulously crafted 1:10 scale rock crawler designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of the 80s and 90s style while delivering excellent performance on the trails. Equipped with a 5-slot 16-turn brushed crawler motor, the Enduro Trailwalker offers slow, precise acceleration, maintaining consistent power over rough terrain and obstacles. 

Paired with the SC480X brushed electronic speed control unit programmed for crawling, this crawler provides proportional forward/reverse control and LiPo low-voltage cutoff protections, ensuring reliable performance regardless of the difficulty of the trail. One feature that sets the Enduro Trailwalker apart from many other off-road RC cars is a gearbox with adjustable overdrive gears, allowing you to fine-tune the rear drive ratio independently of the front drive across three levels for optimal performance in any terrain condition.

The Trailwalker Endure fits 2-3S (7.4V-11.1V) 3300-5000mAh LiPo batteries and needs a compatible battery charger. Additionally, you will need four AA batteries for the radio controller to complete the setup.

Tamiya 58719 BBX Buggy

Next, let’s look at the Tamiya 58719 BBX 1:10 buggy, a nostalgic tribute to the iconic sand rail dune buggies of the 1980s. With its retro wheels and tyres and a body designed by famed Japanese artist Atsushi Arino, this 2WD buggy captures the essence of vintage off-road adventures while boasting modern engineering innovations.

The BBX Buggy features a double wishbone suspension front with A-arms and rear trailing arm suspension, delivering exceptional handling and stability on any terrain. The transmission uses a TA06 rear gear differential, allowing you to customise and install many aftermarket parts. Additionally, the rear roll cage can be easily removed for hassle-free maintenance around the motor, adding convenience to the package.

The kit also includes a driver figure and a 5th spare tyre mount adapter for extra realism, enhancing the buggy's visual appeal and authenticity. With dimensions of 414mm in length, 136mm in height, and 233mm in width, the BBX Buggy strikes the perfect balance between compactness and performance.

The Tamiya BBX Buggy is not ready-to-run and is meant for enthusiasts who like to build their own RC cars. To complete the kit, you will need to add a 540 brushed motor, a 7.2-7.4-volt battery, a 2-channel radio, a steering servo, an electronic speed controller. In short, this is one of the best RC cars if you are looking for a vintage-inspired dune buggy that you can build yourself.

Team Associated Enduro Gatekeeper 40111 Rock Crawler Buggy

The final entry on our list of the best RC cars for off-road driving is another one from Team Associated - the Enduro Gatekeeper. This is a rock crawler buggy, similar in performance to the Trailwalker trail truck but definitely unique. What sets this model apart from all the others is the all-new Gatekeeper Suspension package (GKSTM), a revolutionary system designed to enhance performance and stability on rocky trails.

The Gatekeeper Suspension package includes rear trailing arms that move the shocks forward, allowing for a larger window for shock tuning and improved weight bias. Paired with a rear anti-roll bar, this setup ensures a more stable and consistent suspension when crawling on rocks, providing unparalleled traction and control.

Additionally, an adjustable aluminium track bar mount firmly bolted to the chassis rail gives the Enduro Gatekeeper more reliable and responsive steering without flex, enhancing manoeuvrability on challenging terrain. Shock mount inserts with multiple mounting positions allow for precise suspension tuning, enabling adjustments to shocks' positioning for optimal performance.

Similar to the Enduro Trailwalker, the Gatekeeper features a gearbox with adjustable overdrive gears, allowing fine-tuning of the rear drive ratio independently of the front drive across three levels for optimal performance and the SC480X brushed electric speed control unit programmed for crawling.

The Gatekeeper is powered by a 5-slot 14-turn brushed 550 crawler motor for ample torque with smooth power delivery. With dimensions of 467mm in length, 248mm in width, and a wheelbase of 325mm, this rock crawler strikes the perfect balance between agility and stability, making it the ultimate choice for off-road enthusiasts seeking thrills on the trails.

Couldn’t Find What You Need?

In case our list of the 5 best RC cars for off-road driving didn’t include a model you would like to get, your search doesn’t need to stop here. At RCMA Model & Hobby Shop, we have a wide selection for you to choose from. Check out our range of off-road RC vehicles and see if you find a model you prefer there. Once you make your choice, place your order online and we will deliver it to your address.