Best Off-Road RC Cars in 2023

Off-roading is an ecstatic hobby that anyone in the RC world should try out once in a while.  The thrill of exploring rough terrain with your RC cars is simply irresistible! However, I have done all the heavy lifting and put together a list of the best off-road RC cars. 

However, because off-roading involves maneuvering and conquering rough terrains, it is crucial to have the right RC car. There are so many variables to consider when purchasing such RC cars. Whether you’re a beginner or professional driver, having the right off-road car can be rather daunting, considering the wide range of products on the market. 

Prepare to be impressed! 

ARRMA KRATON BLX Monster Truck

Key Features 

• Powerful 1250Kv brushless engine. 
• 4WD drivetrain. 
• DX3 2.4GHz transmitter & SR6100AT Receiver. 
• S905 digital servo with metal gears. 
• 160A Smart ESC.

What I Like 

• It has waterproof electronics. 
• It features an adjustable suspension system. 
• It has generous ground clearance. 
• It comes ready to run. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It is expensive.

If you have been in the RC scene for some time, you have become familiar with your favorite brands. However, the ARRMA brand, while new, has swiftly become a favorite, giving the huge and experienced brands a run for their money. 

The ARRMA KRATON Monster Truck is designed to impress and compete with even the best. It is constructed to conquer rough trails and is among the fastest RC cars in the industry. It has a top speed of 55 mph, which is quite impressive for an off-roader. 

I’m certain this top speed has something to do with the 1250Kv brushless engine and reliable throttle control. 

Besides, if you are into complex stunts, this is the perfect off-roader for you! Keep in mind that this Monster Truck is not for newbies. 

The Copperhead 2SB tires, coupled with the robust aluminum wheels, provide unrivaled stability and sturdiness on even the most rugged terrain. Besides, the tread pattern on the tires makes it easier for rough, all-terrain driving, which is what off-roading is all about. 

The metallic 4WD drivetrain and top-quality suspension featuring spiral-cut differential gears give you the opportunity to handle all obstacles effortlessly. 

Further, the shock towers in the rear and front have oil-filled shocks and 20mm bore, which offers additional durability and excellent shock absorption, ideal for hard landing and big jumps. 

If you are a driver who loves driving in mud and other wet conditions, then you’re in luck. The ARRMA KRATON Monster Truck is completely waterproof to protect the electronics when driving through wet terrain. 

This off-roader is also equipped with a Smart 160A ESC receiver, which allows for incredibly convenient communication between you and the ARRMA KRATON via the equally efficient transmitter. 

Moreover, for additional convenience when checking on your RC car’s effectiveness, you can download the Spektrum Dashboard App, which allows for a wireless connection to the transmitter. This lets you view the RPM, receiver voltage, ESC temperature, driver pack voltage, and so much more! 

This off-roader is available in two color options, though you can always paint it to any color scheme you like. For added durability, this RC car has a shield tower on the chassis, which is also bordered by the roll cage. 

The DX3 transmitter delivers alerts when this RC car reaches specific verges for incredible performance and unmatched safety. 

Fortunately, it is an RTR off-roader, though you will need to buy two pairs of LiPo batteries and a charger separately. 

Traxxas Ford Bronco (TRX-4)

Key Features 

• 4WD system. 
• Lockable differentials. 
• Modifiable ride height. 
• Shock damping. 
• Waterproof electronics.

What I Like 

• Impressive traction. 
• Massive ground clearance. 
• Perfect for beginners. 
• Long battery life. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It is expensive.

My second recommendation, and one of my favorite off-roaders, is the Traxxas Ford Bronco. If you do not want a premium option like the ARRMA KRATON, then the Traxxas TRX-4 is the way to go! 

It is smaller than the 1/5 scale ARRMA KRATON at 1/10 scale, and it is an RTR RC car. While some might be put off by the fact that it has a brushed motor, the 21T motor featured here provides a sufficient combination of velocity and torque. 

What’s more, it has a dual-speed transmission for various driving conditions. Again, it offers locking & unlocking differentials. All these features combined make controlling it easier, therefore making the TRX-4 Ford Bronco a perfect RC off-roader for beginners. 

The magnificent chassis handles off-road conditions with incredible ease, as the independent suspension sporting oil-filled shocks manages impact quite well. These two features deliver stability even when driving through rugged terrain at high speeds. 

Further, the portal axles deliver high ground clearance and decrease torque twists. To allow for performance adjustment, you can use the changeable ride height for maneuvering various terrains. 

In addition, this Traxxas off-roader, like most durable RC cars, has waterproof electronics. Also, it has large tires featuring deep treads to facilitate conquering any rough terrain, including muddy and rocky trails, with incredible ease. 

Finally, features like wipers, chrome bumpers, grills, and side mirrors are all built with durability, longevity, and ease of use in mind. 

Axial SCX10 III Jeep Wrangler 

Key Features 

• Completely rebuildable shocks. 
• Dual speed transmission & DIG setup. 
• Firma 40A ESC. 
• Spektrum DX3 transmitter. 
• Quality replica appearance with scaled features. 

What I Like 

• Great traction. 
• Durable and strong. 
• Compatible with small and full-size NiMH or LiPo batteries. 
• It has waterproof electronics. 

What I Don’t Like

• You’ll have to purchase the charger and battery separately. 

Remember when I talked about favorite brands? This is one of them. Axial has been in the industry for a long time and is well-known for manufacturing top-quality RC cars, and the Axial III Jeep Wrangler is no exception. 

It has an authentic and aesthetically pleasing appearance, including the transmission housing, duplicate V8 motor and the transfer case. These characteristics copy the Jeep Wrangler’s appearance and also shield its efficient brushed engine. 

It is an RTR RC car with a reliable and efficient Spektrum DX3 transmitter. This steadfast controller guarantees a responsive experience for beginners and even professional off-road drivers. 

The Axial Jeep Wrangler is a top-quality rock crawler featuring a high-torque servo. This servo helps offer reliable steering even on the most rugged terrain.

The 4-wheel drive setup provides great traction and coupled with the Nitto Trail tires and beadlock wheels, this is your ideal partner in rough terrains, as it delivers superior grip, even on mud. 

The portal axles help improve ground clearance and decrease torque twists, while the modifiable coil-over shocks help adjust the suspension. Lastly, the dual-speed transmission facilitates navigation through numerous terrains using low and high speeds. 

Conclusion

Well, there you go, the best off-road RC cars. I can’t deny that the market has more to offer, but I bought and tested several off-road cars, and these were the ones that impressed me the most. 

For a premium choice with impressive features and a high-top speed, choose the ARRMA KRATON Monster Truck and the TRX-4 Ford Bronco for great features and a slightly affordable price. 

Lastly, the Axial Jeep Wrangler is an excellent off-roader, nothing like the TRX-4 and ARRMA KRATON, but good enough to have a great experience off-roading.