7 Best RC Off-Road Jeeps of 2019

1. Tobeape D8 RC High Speed 4WD Jeep | Best Budget

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Tobeape D8 RC 1/16 scale High-Speed 4WD Jeep makes our Best Budget pick. The car has a fantastic hummer-looking, ultra-sturdy, ABS body structure. Let’s see what else it offers.

• Best feature 1: Easy to control RC Jeep for entry-level users
• Best feature 2: Super-strong body structure
• Plus points: ABS, dual motors, long play time, independent suspension, bonus battery
• Minus points: Exaggerated speeds, long charging time

Tobeape RC High-Speed 4WD Jeep Highlights

Tobeape’s D8 4WD RC Jeep comes with a 2.4GHz easy-to-use pistol grip transmitter. It’s an excellent entry-level choice for kids over 6 years old. The model is a 1/16 scale replica, but don’t let its small size put you off. This is a capable off-roader that sports dual motors to tackle those otherwise tricky terrains. The independent suspension gives the vehicle its flexibility and shockproof protection.

No off-road RC model is complete without the right tires. The D8 has 4 super-grip quality PVC tires that are soft and elasticated. RC’ers can even adjust them for different surfaces. The car is quite fast for an entry-level Jeep, but not quite as quick as the claims (see below).

The playing time on a single charge is impressive at 20–30 minutes. There’s also a bonus battery included, thus doubling the fun. The control range is equally impressive at around 260+ feet (80 M).

The Not So Good

The sales page claims the D8 RC “High Speed” 4WD Jeep can reach speeds up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h). That’s something of an exaggeration. I would say 15 km/h (9 mph) is a more realistic figure. The long running time (see above) is let down by the slow 3 hour charging. The bonus battery takes some of the frustration out of that, but it’s still a good idea to invest in one or two extras.

2. KOOWHEEL RC Off Road Climbing Jeep | Best Value

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

Best Value pick goes to a traditional Jeep design by KOOWHEELRC. It’s a 1/14 Scale Off-Road Climber. It’s the style of vehicle you’d expect to see the British royals driving across their Scottish estates.

• Best feature 1: Traditional 4WD Jeep design
• Best feature 2: Anti-collision ABS material
• Plus points: Attention to details, TPR tires, headlamps, protective bumper, responsive controls
• Minus points: Missing specs, new model

KOOWHEEL RC Of-Road Climbing Jeep Highlights

This model Jeep is an excellent imitation with plenty of attention to details. It uses non-toxic ABS anti-collision plastic over a sturdy metal frame. The model has a simulated interior and detailed exterior touches like the shovel under the driver’s door. There are two bright LED headlights at the front and a safety bumper. Under the hood is the battery compartment that’s easy to access and swap cells.

The Jeep can reach speeds up to 9 mph (15 km/h). It drives quite well over most outdoor terrains including grass, mud, sand, and small rocks. The built-in shocks and TPR tires contribute to the smooth ride and off-road capability. The control range is about 164 ft. (50 M) which is ideal for this scale. Controlling the beast is straightforward thanks to the ergonomic, responsive pistol-grip style remote.

The Not So Good

There are a few missing specs including battery life. Running time on a single charge is going to be between 9–15 for a model in this class. How long it runs depends on how hard you push it and over what terrain. The KOOWHEEL Off Road Climbing Jeep is a new product. That means there’s less user feedback than long-established RC vehicles. It looks promising and displays excellent value, though.

3. Axial RC Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Crawler | Top Pick

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Axial RC Jeep Wrangler is a high-end hobby-grade RC Jeep and our Top Pick. This incredible Jeep has gotten a lot of positive attention within the RC community for all the right reasons.

• Best feature 1: Incredible trail-ability
• Best feature 2: High attention to details
• Plus points: Hardened steel construction, front/rear bumpers, full LED light kit
• Minus points: Vague battery instructions, battery and charger not included

Axial Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Highlights

This truck is well-engineered with its hardened steel construction and incredible trial-ability. The 35T, water-resistant, brushed motor delivers the perfect balance between crawling and speed. An integrated cooling fan helps to protect the motor from overheating when used for extended periods. Nitto Trail, Grappler M/T Tires, provide superb grip and composure for on-road and off-road performance.

High Attention to Details

Performance is a prerequisite and scale details come a close second. After all, RC’s are also passionate about design, decal, and attention to details. This beast checks all those boxes and sports a range of realistic molded scale details. They include things like LED light holders, side mirrors, door handles, radiator, rock rails, fenders, etc. And the front and rear bumpers do more than just look pretty.

The model comes with a full set of 6 LEDs that includes 4 red and 2 white. That covers headlamps, turn signals, and rear tail lights. Small details like these add further to the Jeep Wrangler’s appeal. It would have a better editor’s rating if it weren’t for the high price tag and limited user feedback.

The Not So Good

There’s a tiny switch on the speed control to set the correct battery type. The speed controller’s default is LiPo. The user guide is vague when it comes to this. They do mention it, but it’s not obvious and far too easy to miss when scanning the text. The Jeep Wrangler is a costly model, and it doesn’t include batteries or a compatible charger. It needs a 2-3S LiPo battery pack or a 6-cell NiMH to run.

4. RC 4WD 1/18 Scale Off-Road Rock Climbing Jeep

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

Meet the Tuptoel Off-Road 4WD Jeep; an affordable toy-grade radio-controlled car. It’s a perfect introduction for first-time users with a super-easy 1-key auto-play function.

• Best feature 1: 1-key auto play function
• Best feature 2: Dual motors
• Plus points: Independent suspension, anti-skid tires, decent playing time, LED headlights
• Minus points: Slow, small scale, long charging

RC 4WD Off-Road Jeep Highlights

It looks fantastic and runs over all kinds of rough surfaces like sand, dirt, small rocks, and grass, etc. Dual motors and anti-skid tires ensure novice users can stay on track and enjoy the adventure. It’s important to have realistic expectations, though, as it’s only a toy-grade model. This little rock climbing Jeep does everything it claims albeit on a smaller scale than the heavy-duty rivals.

The bright LED headlights are a nice touch for driving in the dark. Playing time is a decent 20+ minutes on a single charge. And the 197 ft. (60 M) control range is more than adequate for a 1/18 scale model.

Point to note: always check model dimensions if you’re unfamiliar with scale sizes (see below).

The Not So Good

The ads state 12+ mph, but that seems a little exaggerated. Older users are sure to tire of the slow-moving Jeep quickly. And the battery can take as long as 3 hours to charge.

The small 1/18 scale size is not a con per se but worth mention all the same. User feedback suggests that many buyers ignore scale size and dimensions when they purchase the model. Surprise or disappointed hit them when they see how small it is. Almost all RC image ads distort perspective to some degree, so it’s a case of buyer beware.

5. New Bright RC 4-Door Open-Back Jeep Car

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Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5

The New Bright RC 4-Door Open-Back Jeep is a gorgeous looking 1/18 scale model. This is a decent sized truck for first-time users. It’s ideal for kids 8 years or even younger under supervision

• Best feature 1: Fast, responsive controls
• Best feature 2: All batteries included
• Plus points: Full function, good average playing time, decent range
• Minus points: Underpowered, no replacement parts available

New Bright RC 4-Door Jeep Highlights

New Bright’s RC 4-door open-back jeep has fast, responsive controls. The car rides well over most surfaces but not those with extremum obstacles. This jeep comes with a full set of batteries, including the transmitter. Most models don’t, so that’s one less thing to think about if you buy it as a gift. The play time is 15+ minutes and the range is 100 ft. (30 M)

The Not So Good

The controls are responsive, but the steering can be unpredictable and awkward at times. It gets better with practice, but it shouldn’t need as much concentration as it does. This is not a powerful truck, and some users are sure to find it a tad underpowered. New Bright doesn’t stock replacement parts either. Users must source generic replacements from hobby stores if something breaks.

6. Carrera Electric 4WD Profi RC Jeep Trailcat

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

The Carrera Profi RC Jeep Trailcat is a new off-road 1/18 scale electric 4WD model. This model is—as the company puts it—built by professionals for professionals.

• Best feature 1: Flexible plastic construction
• Best feature 2: Full metal gears
• Plus points: Fast top speed, full-spring suspension, oil shocks, pneumatic tires, all batteries
• Minus points: New model with little user feedback

Carrera 4WD Profi Jeep Trailcat Highlights

New owners can take to the track the moment this puppy arrives at their door. It’s a ready-to-run (RTR) model which means everything needed to race is in the box. That includes batteries for the controller as well as a LiFePO4 for the car and a USB charger. Running time is around 15 minutes.

Carrera’ Profi Jeep is a beautifully built Trailcat with an original SUV appearance. It’s an officially licensed product with great attention to details. It’s fast too and can reach top speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The model boasts a flexible construction, metal gears, and full-spring suspension. This car has excellent control over various terrains thanks to its oil filled shocks and super grip pneumatic tires.

The Not So Good

Carrera’s 4WD Profi RC Jeep hasn’t been around long and therefore lacks user feedback. Models that have been with us a while are easier to gauge by what the majority thinks. Even so, it’s an established company with a reputation for excellence. That’s why this newer model has made the reviews.

7. Axial SCX10 II Jeep Cherokee Rock Crawler

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Last of the reviews is the Axial SCX10 II iconic Jeep Cherokee. It’s a hobby-grade rock crawler, capable of driving over the most taxing off-road terrains.

• Best feature 1: Iconic 2000 Jeep Cherokee shell
• Best feature 2: T/a Ko2 tires
• Plus points: SCX10 chassis platform, bumpers, 45° steering radius, water-resistant parts
• Minus points: Battery and charger not included, slow, high price

Axial SCX10 II Jeep Cherokee Highlights

Axial’s SCX10 II scale replica Jeep Cherokee lives up to its promises. Its SCX10 adjustable chassis platform provides incredible durability with plenty of ground clearance. This Jeep has a 45° steering radius that makes it highly maneuverable and a joy to drive. The Tactic TTX300 radio system affords users with secure and intuitive controls.

No terrain is too much of a challenge for this beast and its T/a Ko2 super-grip tires. The full-time 4WD locked drivetrain together with a dual slipper clutch ensures unswerving performance. Outdoor adventures don’t stop because of unfavorable weather either. The electronics are well-shielded with effective sealing and water-resistant protection.

Jeep Cherokee’s Finer Details

It’s easy to gauge the devotion that goes into an RC jeep by the attention to—or lack of—detail. The Axial SCX10 II Jeep Cherokee easily passes this test. The larger items include the impressive tires around mesh wheels, front & rear bumpers, and rock sliders. There are plenty of smaller, molded features too. The most obvious are door handles, mirrors, rear tow hitch, and the liftgate trim panel.

The Not So Good

There isn’t a battery or charger included in the box. That’s typical of many hobby-grade models but it still adds to the already high cost and inconvenience. The suggested extras are a 6-cell NiMH or 2S LiPo and compatible charger. This RC Jeep is a slow mover as torque—rather than speed—is the priority for driving over extreme terrains. There are faster jeeps to consider if that’s your preference.