Rally is one of the most popular spectator motorsports in racing, and now, with hobby-grade RC Rally Cars modeled on classic rally standouts like the Lancia Delta and modern staples like the Ford Fiesta ST Rally, you can bring some of that rallying excitement home. These picks are some of the best RC Rally has to offer, from ready-to-run bashers in a range of different scales to unassembled kits for tinkerers. For more information, see our comparison table and buying advice.
Want to learn how to get started in RC? Check out An Introduction to Remote Control Cars in 2020 by Matt Benfield.
RTR (Ready-To-Run)
In the early 2000s, a new type of RC package was born in the (RTR) Ready-To-Run form. It was pre-assembled and included almost everything required to use straight out of the box, with only a battery and charger needed to complete. Pick a vehicle, charge a battery and you’re ready to go! Learn more about Ready-To-Run (RTR) models.
1. Traxxas Ford Fiesta ST Rally ($269.95)
Ford Fiesta ST | 1:10 | Brushed
See the Traxxas Ford Fiesta ST Rally
Vehicle Type: Ford Fiesta ST
Power Type: Electric
Top Speed: 30+mph
Scale: 1:10
Radio System (Included): TQTM™ 2.4GHz (2-Channel)
Skill Level: No previous experience with radio-controlled models is required. Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
Drivetrain: 4WD
Motor: Titan® 550 size brushed
ESC: XL-5 brushed
Waterproof Electronics: Yes*
Battery Support: 2S LiPo/6 or 7-cell NiMH Battery Pack w/Traxxas Connector (Not included)
What we like:
- Supported by Traxxas’s Power-Up program.
- 1:10 platform means plenty of room in the chassis for easy maintenance.
- Plenty of aftermarket support and readily available spare parts from Traxxas.
- Officially licensed Ford Fiesta ST body.
What we don’t:
- Bodyshells can be prone to clipping.
For officially licensed looks and dirt blasting action, the Ford Fiesta ST Rally from Traxxas packs power and style into an affordable 1:10 scale model. With a low CG chassis, 4WD drivetrain, and oil-filled shocks, the Rally is made for tight cornering and aggressive power over all terrains. With both waterproof* electronics and deeply treaded tires, no matter if it’s tarmac, gravel, or even puddles, mud, and dirt, the Rally just powers on through. Helped by its raised front bumper and long-travel suspension, as well as a high-stall clutch, you can seamlessly switch between different terrains without any risk of damage to either the chassis or gearing for realistic Rally action. However, the low bodyshell can still be prone to clipping on rough terrain or even during hard turns.
The Traxxas Ford Fiesta ST Rally comes packed with a 550 size brushed motor and XL-5 ESC, but upgrading to brushless power is easy, with discounts available thanks to Traxxas’s Power-Up program. This is good news as the performance is a little lacking with the included brushed motor, that despite pushing 30+mph from the optional 25-tooth pinion gear, the motor is more for low-end torque than sheer speed. That and the lack of TQI and TSM support out of the box does feel like a misstep. Unfortunately, no VXL editions currently exist for the Traxxas Rally, meaning you’re stuck with the upgrade route if you were looking for a little more power. With all the different upgraded paths available and the impressive out-of-the-box experience, the Ford Fiesta ST Rally is a versatile beast for both beginners and pros alike.
Why Did We Pick It?
With its officially licensed Ford Fiesta ST body, waterproof electronics*, and brushless ready drivetrain, the Traxxas Ford Fiesta ST Rally was always going to make it on the list. While not the cheapest RTR Rally Car out there, its open 1:10 platform makes maintenance painless with lots of aftermarket support and plenty of power out-of-the-box to satisfy beginners. And despite its lack of TSM, the 4WD drivetrain means handling is super predictable while still being a ton of fun to drive. Just remember to pick up a suitable 2S LiPo/6 or 7-cell NiMH Battery Pack!
*Models marketed as waterproof are splashproof at best. Preventative maintenance and aftercare are important to prevent damage caused by submersion in water.
*30+mph top speed requires the optional 25-tooth pinion gear.
2. LaTrax Rally ($109.95)
Rally | 1:18 | Brushed
Vehicle Type: Rally
Power Type: Electric
Top Speed: 17mph
Scale: 1:18
Radio System: 2.4GHz (2-Channel)
Skill Level: No previous experience with radio-controlled models is required. Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
Drivetrain: 4WD
Motor: 370 size brushed
ESC: Brushed
Waterproof Electronics: Yes*
Batteries: 6 or 7-cell NiMH (6-cell included)
What we like:
- The tiny 1:18 platform makes it perfect for both indoor & outdoor use.
- A great introduction to hobby-grade RC cars for beginners.
- Drifting ready tires for some sideways action.
- Plenty of aftermarket support and readily available spare parts.
- Waterproof* Traxxas-powered electronics.
What we don’t:
- Short plastic body suspension is in dire need of an upgrade.
One of few small-scale RTR rally models on the market, the LaTrax Rally packs an affordable racing experience into a tiny 1:18 scale platform. Inside its compact chassis, you’ll find Traxxas-powered electronics with a waterproof* ESC and 370 size brushed motor running the 4WD drivetrain. With front and rear differentials and universal driveshafts, power is delivered evenly to all 4 wheels, and with a high torque micro steering servo, the steering response is fast and snappy. With 3 selectable driving profiles, you’re always in control of the action. That said, even if you lose control and veer off track, a large foam bumper underneath the bodyshell helps absorb impacts and protect the chassis. Another great hassle-saving feature is the quick-release battery compartment, making pack changes a snap. All these quality of life touches make for a great model for RC beginners and anyone just looking for a pick-up and play rally-spec racer.
With a top speed of 17mph, the LaTrax Rally is perfect for use both indoors and out, and while the included ESC and motor won’t be breaking speed records, aftermarket electronics can boost performance to new heights. Along with its bigger brother, the Latrax Teton, parts availability is plentiful with upgrades ranging from one-way driveshafts for realistic rear-wheel only reverse functions, bearing replacements, carbon fiber conversion kits, metal gearing, and more. Upgrading the Rally’s biggest downside, its short, plastic-bodied spring suspension to fully functional oil-filled aluminum shocks, gives a new lease of life when used over small jumps and off-road. And despite using the same chassis design as the Teton, the differences in the ride height, lower CG chassis, and slick drift tires give the Rally a unique driving feel unmatched for this price or scale.
Why Did We Pick It?
For just over $100 for a complete RTR with battery, charger, and transmitter, the LaTrax Rally is the perfect impulse buy for anyone looking to dip a toe into hobby-grade RC cars. While it’s not going to impress the hardcore crowd, its tiny 1:18 rally-themed body, 4WD drivetrain, and Traxxas-powered waterproof* electronics make it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use with lots of aftermarket support and readily available spare parts.
*Models marketed as waterproof are splashproof at best. Preventative maintenance and aftercare are important to prevent damage caused by submersion in water.
3. WLtoys K989 ($59.95)
Rally | 1:28 | Brushed
Vehicle Type: Rally
Power Type: Electric
Top Speed: 18+mph
Scale: 1:28
Radio System: 2.4GHz (2-Channel)
Skill Level: No previous experience with radio-controlled models is required. Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
Drivetrain: 4WD
Motor: 130 size brushed
ESC: ESC/Receiver combo brushed
Waterproof Electronics: No
Batteries: 7.4V 400mAh LiPo with USB charger (Included)
What we like:
- Really fast for a micro-scale model.
- Lots of aftermarket support.
What we don’t:
- The hop-ups can be a bit fiddly to install due to sizing differences.
When it comes to budget offerings or micro-scale models, you expect to find sacrifices, but the WLtoys K989 is an exception. With a rigid and durable metal chassis, you’ll find plenty of features you’d expect to find on more expensive hobby-grade models, all at a fraction of the size. With working shocks, a 4WD drivetrain with working differentials, and a mighty 30 size brushed motor kicking out some impressive speeds from such a tiny model. The K989 even comes with optional pinion gearing included, allowing you to either crank up the top speed or boost acceleration. Maxing out at 18mph, it’s no slouch, and while crashing at high speeds is survivable, you may find yourself looking to upgrade some of the weaker plastic areas with metal parts to keep the K989 on its feet.
It’s hard to overstate the value of this package. The car comes bundled with a transmitter, either one or two batteries (Depending on your chosen package), and includes a USB charger. With all this for under $70, the K989 makes a perfect impulse buy for indoor racing. Its small size and low ground clearance do limit it as far as off-road use but get yourself an open and flat area, and you can really let the K989 loose, as its snappy acceleration may even prove too much for smaller indoor spaces. There’s even a wealth of optional upgrades and on the market for this surprisingly well-supported little racer.
Why Did We Pick It?
The WLtoys K989 is the perfect pick-up and play toy for Rally fans of any age. Small enough to throw in a bag, but with some pretty impressive performance from its brushed 130 size motor, WLToys have changed the game bringing true hobby-grade features into a tiny 1:28 palm-sized platform. Oh. And did we mention it’s only $70?
*Models marketed as waterproof are splashproof at best. Preventative maintenance and aftercare are important to prevent damage caused by submersion in water.
KITS (Unassembled)
Unassembled kits are available in various forms but generally include everything required to build a rolling chassis, with the freedom to finish it off with your choice of electronics and occasionally tires, wheels, body, and paint. Requiring assembly, the build process can be extremely rewarding and provides an excellent teaching tool, making it much easier to maintain, repair, and upgrade your model. Learn more about Unassembled (KIT) models.
1. Tamiya TT-02 ($118.99)
Rally | 1:10 | Brushed
Vehicle Type: Subaru Impreza Monte-Carlo ’99, Toyota GAZOO Racing WRT/Yaris WRC
Power Type: Electric
Top Speed: N/A
Scale: 1:10
Radio System: 2.4GHz (2-Channel)
Skill Level: No previous experience with radio-controlled models is required. Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
Drivetrain: 4WD
Motor: 540 size brushed
ESC: TBLE-02S brushed
Waterproof Electronics: No
Battery Support: 6 or 7-cell NiMH (Not included)
What we like:
- Affordable while still allowing for upgrades.
- Better parts and support than previous Tamiya models.
What we don’t:
- Base models really do need an upgrade for serious use.
- Upgrading will eventually cost as much as an XV-01 series outright.
Tamiya’s current entry-level lineup is headlined by their popular TT-02 chassis kits. Built on top of the older TT-01, but with a host of changes to improve build quality, cost, and the ease of the build itself. With “Touring Trainer” as its namesake, the platform is excellent for all beginner kit builders, tuners, and racers that aren’t quite ready to step up to Tamiya’s premium XV platform. Its tub design makes tuning and maintenance more accessible than ever, with easy access to changes such as the gear ratios (Which also ditch Tamiya’s bespoke pinions and spur gears for broader support than the TT-01) as well as different setups for ride height, wheelbases, and more. Many of its components, such as the suspension arms and even gearboxes, were designed around symmetrical parts, making for easier maintenance and cheaper repairs.
The TT-02 platform features a wide range of variations, each with different quirks and features. While all feature a 4WD, shaft-driven drivetrain, there’s plenty of variety between editions, from race-ready components in their TT-02R series to drifting specifications with their TT-02D line. As with most KITS, you’ll need to provide your own electronics, but there’s a wide range of after-market support for the TT-02 chassis. Although, with a few upgrades, you will soon find the price approaching the superior XV-01. This is especially true with base TT-02 models lacking arguably basic hobby-grade features such as oil-filled shocks as standard. However, the range’s flexibility is its real strong point, and Tamiya provides a model to suit all tastes and styles.
Why Did We Pick It?
The TT-02 platform from Tamiya is not only a great introduction to both hobby-grade RC and unassembled kits, but they are also available in a range of realistic Rally Car designs, such as the Subaru Impreza Monte-Carlo ’99 and the Toyota GAZOO Racing WRT/Yaris WRC. However, while the stock TT-02 chassis puts up a good fight, you’ll need to spend some extra cash on upgrades such as oil-filled dampers and metal drive-shafts and cups if you want to do much off-road rallying.
*Models marketed as waterproof are splashproof at best. Preventative maintenance and aftercare are important to prevent damage caused by submersion in water.
2. Tamiya XV-01 ($288.99)
Rally | 1:10 | Brushed
Vehicle Type: Lancia Delta Integrale
Power Type: Electric
Top Speed: N/A
Scale: 1:10
Radio System: 2.4GHz (2-Channel)
Skill Level: No previous experience with radio-controlled models is required. Models require a minimum of setup, maintenance, or support equipment.
Drivetrain: 4WD
Motor: 540 size brushed
ESC: N/A
Waterproof Electronics: N/A
Battery Support: 6 or 7-cell NiMH (Not included)
What we like:
- Amazing build quality and electronics upgradability.
- Licensed bodyshells look realistic and detailed.
What we don’t:
- Plastic shock towers on the standard XV-01.
- Standard turnbuckles won’t survive heavy jumps without an upgrade.
A step up from the entry-level TT-02 series, the XV-01 chassis from Tamiya is designed for both tarmac and gravel surfaces and with a front-mounted 540 size brushed motor powering a 4WD belt-driven drivetrain, you get a much smoother power delivery on the trigger when compared to the shaft-driven style of the TT-02. Thankfully, all of the drive belts are within an enclosed casing to reduce the risk of dirt and debris interfering with the mechanism. The XV-01 also features upgraded and adjustable double wishbone suspension, with oil-filled shocks as standard, though these are unfortunately plastic on the standard XV-01. However, one great feature is the use of an easy-to-access battery door on the underside of the vehicle, allowing for painless pack swapping without having to remove the bodyshell.
One of the highlights of the XV-01 platform is its attention to detail for scale rally setups, with options such as the road-ready Subaru XV, or more classic rally styling with the WRX STI or Lancia Delta Integrale bodyshells, all with extensive decals available to give a true-to-scale look with realistic, low CG ground clearance and suspension travel. With upgrades available across the board, from bumping up the motor to brushless varieties, there are plenty of aluminum hop-ups to beef up the ride stiffness. There are even options for pre-upgraded variants, such as the XV-01 PRO lines, offering upgraded shocks and aluminum replacements for several parts. While the XV-01 pushes out great performance on and off-road, you’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for much in the way of jumping performance, with the standard turnbuckles ideally replaced for harder steel instead. That being said, this is a simple fix to an otherwise fantastic racer that’ll prove a hit for Rally fans.
Why Did We Pick It?
As Tamiya’s flagship rally line, it was obvious the XV-01 would make the list. Its front-mounted motor really makes the difference when it comes to handling, and with its scale features, attention to detail, and upgradability, it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. While a few parts let it down overall, they’re cheap and easy to upgrade for a much better drive. Though if you’re upgrading to a brushless motor, we’d highly recommend picking up a slipper clutch to help control the extra power.
*Models marketed as waterproof are splashproof at best. Preventative maintenance and aftercare are important to prevent damage caused by submersion in water.
RC Rally Car Comparison Table
| Model | Scale | Completion Level | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traxxas Ford Fiesta ST Rally | 1:10 | RTR (Ready-To-Run) | 30+mph | $269.95 |
| LaTrax Rally | 1:18 | RTR (Ready-To-Run) | 17+mph | $109.95 |
| WLtoys K989 | 1:28 | RTR (Ready-To-Run) | 18+mph | $59.95 |
| Tamiya TT-02 | 1:10 | KIT (Unassembled) | N/A | $118.99 |
| Tamiya XV-01 | 1:10 | KIT (Unassembled) | N/A | $288.99 |
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