Best rc car under $500
The most capable rc car under $500 in current listings is the Axial 1/10 SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 4X4 RTR Brushed RC Rock Crawler at $499.99. Across 36 models in this budget, 36 are hobby grade and 18 brushless; prices start at $259.99.
Axial 1/10 SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 4X4 RTR Brushed RC Rock Crawler
- 1/10
- 4WD
- Brushed
The most capable rc car in this budget.
$499.99 listed price, changes often
Check price on Amazon Full specsHow do the rc cars under $500 compare?
| Model | Grade | Motor | Scale | Listed speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axial 1/10 SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 4X4 RTR Brushed RC Rock Crawler | Hobby | brushed | 1/10 | not stated | $499.99 |
| ARRMA Gorgon 223S 1/10 2WD Brushless Monster Truck RTR | Hobby | brushless | 1/10 | not stated | $259.99 |
| Traxxas Slash 2WD Brushless 1/10 Scale Short Course Truck (Red) | Hobby | brushless | 1/10 | not stated | $329.95 |
| ARRMA RC Truck 1/10 VORTEKS 4X4 223S BLX BRUSHLESS Stadium | Hobby | brushless | 1/10 | not stated | $339.99 |
| ARRMA RC Truck 1/10 Big Rock 4X4 223S BLX BRUSHLESS Street | Hobby | brushless | 1/10 | not stated | $369.99 |
| Redcat Racing Gen9 Scout 800A 1/10 Scale Trail RC Truck Crawler | Hobby | not stated | 1/10 | not stated | $399.99 |
| Axial SCX10 III 1987 Toyota SR5 4X4 RC Truck 1/10 | Hobby | not stated | 1/10 | not stated | $499.99 |
Speeds are shown only where the listing states one, and toy-grade listings often quote km/h. The median price across the 36 models under $500 is $349.99.
What does more money buy at this budget?
Toward the top of a budget you usually get a brushless motor, a proper hobby radio, and parts support from a brand that sells spares. At the bottom you get a sealed toy that is fun until something breaks. If the lead pick stretches the budget, remember that a second battery often matters more than the jump from one car to the next.
More rc cars under $500
Other budgets
- Best rc car under $50
- Best rc car under $100
- Best rc car under $150
- Best rc car under $200
- Best rc car under $250
- Best rc car under $300
- Best rc car under $1000
Get this list emailed to you
Every pick on this page with its current price in one email, so you can decide later. One email, no sequence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rc car under $500?
For most buyers, the Axial 1/10 SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7 4X4 RTR Brushed RC Rock Crawler at $499.99 is the strongest choice at this budget because it is the most capable model that fits under $500. If you want to keep money back for a second battery and a charger, the cheaper picks on this page cover the same use at lower cost. Check whether the battery is included before comparing prices.
Is a $500 RC car hobby grade?
36 of the 36 models under $500 on this page are hobby grade, meaning parts are sold separately and the car can be repaired. At this budget hobby grade is realistic, but remember to budget for batteries and a charger if they are not in the box.
RCCarCalc is researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures come from published manufacturer specifications, listings and verified owner reports, not hands-on testing. Speeds are theoretical or as listed; real results depend on gearing, battery, tires and terrain. See how we research.