Radio-controlled models
RC Cars
Compare UK prices on remote control cars, from compact road replicas and drift cars to off-road trucks. Find a ready-to-run model or choose a kit you can build and drive yourself.
Featured model · Revell Cross Thunder RC Monster Truck
Three ways to drive
Best Ready-to-Run RC Cars
We’ve picked a compact car for getting started, a drift car for smooth surfaces and a higher-spec truck for rougher ground. Check what comes in each box so you can compare the cost of getting up and running.
Best for getting started
Ready to run · 1:24
Handset included. Add five AA batteries.
18.99 GBP
Best for drifting
Ready to run · 1:18
Rechargeable drive pack. Add two AA batteries for the handset.
£31.28
Best for off-road driving
Ready to run · 1:18
Handset, rechargeable drive pack and USB charger included. Check handset batteries.
£81.92
Choose by driving style
Recommended Off-Road RC Cars
Driving on gravel, dirt or uneven ground? These picks give you a straightforward first truck, a compact 4WD buggy and a step-up model with independent suspension.
A first off-road truck
Ready to run · 1:16
Treaded tyres and straightforward controls make the Mounty a useful first truck for uneven paths. It runs on standard AA batteries. Handset included. Add six AA batteries.
£32.89
For adjustable off-road driving
Ready to run · 1:18
This 4WD desert buggy has independent suspension and comes with two drive packs. It suits shoppers who want a compact truck with a lower-speed setting. Handset and two rechargeable drive packs included. Check handset batteries.
£79.90
Best for off-road driving
Ready to run · 1:18
All-wheel drive, independent suspension and proportional steering make this the step-up pick for driving on uneven ground. Handset, rechargeable drive pack and USB charger included. Check handset batteries.
£81.92
Choose by driving style
Top RC Drift Cars
These models are for practising slides on smooth surfaces. We chose a compact car for a small course and two larger options with different tyre setups.
A compact drift car
Ready to run · 1:24
The compact body and included practice cones suit a small course on a smooth surface. This offer is the single-drive-battery version. Handset and one rechargeable drive pack included. Add two AA batteries.
£18.89
For switching between tyres
Ready to run · 1:18
The larger 1:18 car comes with drift and grip tyres, so you can change how it handles on the same smooth surface. Two rechargeable drive packs and chargers listed. Check handset batteries.
£28.91
Best for drifting
Ready to run · 1:18
Smooth drift tyres let the car slide through turns. The included street tyres give you a second setup for ordinary driving. Rechargeable drive pack. Add two AA batteries for the handset.
£31.28
Choose by driving style
Recommended RC Road and Race Cars
If you want to drive a car you recognise, start with these road and race replicas. We picked three compact 1:24 models with different controls and running gear.
Best for getting started
Ready to run · 1:24
A compact road-car replica with simple controls and working headlights. Pick this if you want a first RC car for driving on a smooth surface. Handset included. Add five AA batteries.
18.99 GBP
A road car with proportional steering
Ready to run · 1:24
Choose the Porsche if you want a compact road-car replica with proportional steering for finer adjustments through a turn. Handset and rechargeable vehicle battery included. Check the charging and handset contents.
£29.99
For a Formula 1 fan
Ready to run · 1:24
This is the Lando Norris version of the 2024 McLaren F1 car. It suits fans who want a recognisable race livery on a model they can drive. Handset, vehicle battery, controller batteries and USB charging cable included.
£32.34
Build and drive
RC Car Kits to Build
Choose one of these if assembling the car is part of the fun. The buggy pairs a brick build with a handheld controller, while the Lamborghini uses an app once you’ve built it.
Build a working off-road buggy
Brick build · Challenging
Assemble the steering, suspension and powered drivetrain before you drive. The matched UK offer is the 515-piece edition. Handset and powered components listed. Check charging and handset requirements.
£65.99
Build an app-controlled road car
Brick build · Challenging
Build the 1,135-piece car, then use LEGO CONTROL+ to drive, steer and control the lights. Check phone compatibility before buying. Rechargeable hub included. Requires the CONTROL+ app and a USB-C cable.
£102.97
Buying guide
How to Choose an RC Car
Start with the surface you’ll use
Choose a road or drift car for a smooth, clear surface. For gravel, dirt or uneven ground, look for manufacturer-stated terrain suitability, treaded tyres and enough clearance for the surface.
Choose ready to run or build it yourself
A ready-to-run car comes assembled and can still need batteries or charging. If you want to build first, compare the Mould King Lightning RC Buggy and the LEGO Technic Lamborghini Revuelto for assembly, power and control.
Match the size and controls to your space
Check the actual dimensions alongside the scale. A small car suits a tighter area. Proportional steering or a lower-speed setting can help if you want finer control.
Check what’s in the box
Check the handset, drive battery, charging cable or charger, and any separate controller batteries for the exact offer. An app-controlled build can also require a compatible phone.
Compare the total cost of driving
Allow for delivery and separately required batteries or charging equipment. For regular off-road driving, look up replacement tyres, batteries and other wear parts for the exact model.
Side by side
Quick RC Car Comparison
Browse the range
Browse All RC Cars
Browse the range or filter by driving style and supplied format. Ready to Run shows assembled models, including those that need separate batteries or preparation. Open any listing to check its current UK offers and box contents.
Revell Control 23558 Mini Remote-Control Fire Truck – 8 cm Model Kit
JOYTREKY 1:18 Orange RC Car with Lights and Mist
LEGO Technic 42214 Lamborghini Revuelto App-Controlled 1,135-Piece Model Kit
Common questions
RC Car FAQs
What does ready to run mean for an RC car?
The car is supplied assembled. You may still need to fit or charge the drive battery, add batteries to the handset or pair the controller. Check the package for the model you’re buying.
Do RC cars come with batteries and a charger?
It depends on the package. The Kool Speed McLaren 570S needs five AA batteries across the car and handset. The Maisto Tech Lando Norris McLaren MCL38 lists both batteries and a USB charging cable.
Can I drive an RC car on grass or gravel?
Check the manufacturer’s stated terrain for the exact car. Ground clearance, tyre tread and suspension matter on uneven surfaces. The Revell Cross Thunder RC Monster Truck is built for off-road use.
What is different about an RC drift car?
Drift cars are set up to slide on a smooth surface. Some come with separate tyre sets. The Revell One Piece RC Drift Car includes drift tyres and street tyres for ordinary driving.
What’s a good first RC car?
Start with simple controls and a size suited to the space you have. The Kool Speed McLaren 570S is a compact choice for smooth surfaces. Check the model’s age guidance and battery requirements.
Are all RC car kits controlled by a handset?
Control varies by kit. The Mould King Lightning RC Buggy includes a handset in the matched offer, while the LEGO Technic Lamborghini Revuelto uses LEGO CONTROL+ on a compatible phone or tablet.
What does 1:24 scale mean on an RC car?
It means the model is roughly one twenty-fourth of the size of the full-size vehicle. Compare actual dimensions if you’re buying for a particular shelf, driving space or course.
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