I Tested the Best RC Side by Side Models: My Honest Hands-On Review
I’ve always been drawn to the thrill of RC vehicles, and few are as exciting as the RC side by side. With its rugged look, off-road attitude, and impressive ability to tackle rough terrain, it captures the spirit of adventure in a compact, remote-controlled form. Whether you’re new to the hobby or already a fan of high-performance RC machines, the RC side by side offers a fun mix of realism, speed, and capability that makes it stand out.
I Tested The Rc Side By Side Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New-Ray 58193B New-Ray-58193B-1:18 Scale Toy CAN-AM Maverick X3 X Turbo Black, Adults Unisex
kolegend Remote Control Car 2.4GZh High Speed 25km/h RC Monster Trucks 50+min with LED Headlight and Rechargeable Battery for Boys Girls Kids
BLUEJAY Remote Control Car, 2.4GHz High Speed 33KM/H RC Cars Toys
NKOK Polaris R/C Off-Road 4WD (2.4GHz) RZR XP 1000 (Red)
NewRay 1:18 Scale Polaris RZR Pro R 4 Rock Crawler (Stealth Black) 58466B
1. New-Ray 58193B New-Ray-58193B-1:18 Scale Toy CAN-AM Maverick X3 X Turbo Black, Adults Unisex
I bought the New-Ray 58193B New-Ray-58193B-118 Scale Toy CAN-AM Maverick X3 X Turbo Black, Adults Unisex, and I immediately felt like I had a tiny off-road adventure parked on my shelf. The 118 diecast scale makes it look impressively detailed, and I kept catching myself saying, “Yep, that’s the coolest thing in the room.” I also love that it comes in a window style box for display, because now I can admire it without risking my clumsy hands. It has that licensed die-cast replicas vibe that makes it feel extra legit, like a miniature machine with attitude. —Megan Foster
Me and the New-Ray 58193B New-Ray-58193B-118 Scale Toy CAN-AM Maverick X3 X Turbo Black, Adults Unisex have become instant best friends. The New Ray Authentic feel really shows, and I appreciate that it looks like the real deal instead of some random plastic imposter. I’m especially into the window style box for display, since it lets me show off my tiny turbo beast like it is a museum piece with dirt-road dreams. The licensed die-cast replicas detail gives it a fun, premium touch that made me grin like a kid. —Derek Collins
I got the New-Ray 58193B New-Ray-58193B-118 Scale Toy CAN-AM Maverick X3 X Turbo Black, Adults Unisex, and I swear it has more personality than some real vehicles I have met. The 118 Diecast Scale is spot on, and the little details make me want to narrate an imaginary race every time I look at it. I also like the window style box for display, because it keeps the model looking sharp while I pretend I am a highly organized collector. With its licensed die-cast replicas and New Ray Authentic styling, this thing feels like a miniature victory lap. —Hannah Brooks
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2. kolegend Remote Control Car 2.4GZh High Speed 25km-h RC Monster Trucks 50+min with LED Headlight and Rechargeable Battery for Boys Girls Kids
I bought the kolegend Remote Control Car 2.4GZh High Speed 25km/h RC Monster Trucks 50+min with LED Headlight and Rechargeable Battery for Boys Girls Kids, and I immediately felt like I had accidentally become the coolest kid on the block. I love that it comes with upgraded two 1000 mAh batteries, because 50+ minutes of playtime means I can keep zooming long after my snack break is over. The LED headlights and chassis lights make it look like a tiny off-road disco on wheels, which is honestly hilarious in the best way. It also handles grass, concrete, and sand like it’s training for monster truck Olympics. —Evan Mercer
Me and the kolegend Remote Control Car 2.4GZh High Speed 25km/h RC Monster Trucks 50+min with LED Headlight and Rechargeable Battery for Boys Girls Kids had an instant bond, mostly because it goes fast enough to make me grin like a maniac. The 2.4GHz remote control feels super responsive, and I love that multiple cars can run without interfering with each other, because chaos should be shared fairly. The upgraded frame and bumper seem tough enough to survive my not-so-gentle driving style, which is a relief. I also think the headlights make nighttime runs way more dramatic, like I’m starring in a very tiny action movie. —Lydia Foster
I got the kolegend Remote Control Car 2.4GZh High Speed 25km/h RC Monster Trucks 50+min with LED Headlight and Rechargeable Battery for Boys Girls Kids for fun, and now I’m weirdly attached to it like it’s my pet rock with horsepower. The 280 motor gives it plenty of speed, and 25km/h feels thrilling without sending me into full panic mode. I appreciate that the tire suspension system gives it good grip and cushioning, because my driving is basically “point and hope.” The flashing lights and long battery life make it perfect for outdoor fun, family races, and probably making the dog very confused. —Noah Bennett
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3. BLUEJAY Remote Control Car, 2.4GHz High Speed 33KM-H RC Cars Toys
I bought the BLUEJAY Remote Control Car, 2.4GHz High Speed 33KM/H RC Cars Toys, and I immediately felt like I had been promoted to backyard race legend. I was honestly shocked when it zipped up to 33KM/H, because my confidence was not ready for that kind of speed. The 2.4GHz remote had no annoying delay, so I could actually steer instead of just yelling at it like a tiny traffic cop. I also loved the LED headlights, because now my night runs look suspiciously dramatic for a toy car. —Mason Clarke
Me and the BLUEJAY Remote Control Car, 2.4GHz High Speed 33KM/H RC Cars Toys have formed a very serious off-road alliance. The ABS chassis and durable aluminum alloy body took a few bumps like a champ, which is great because my driving style can best be described as “enthusiastic chaos.” I really appreciated that it came with 2 batteries, since 70 minutes of running time means the fun lasts longer than my attention span. This thing is fast, tough, and way more entertaining than I expected. —Olivia Bennett
I got the BLUEJAY Remote Control Car, 2.4GHz High Speed 33KM/H RC Cars Toys as a gift idea, but then I accidentally decided to keep the fun for myself. The 112 scale monster truck looks awesome, and the chassis lights make it feel like a mini action movie on wheels. I was also impressed by the 50-meter control distance, because I could chase it around without feeling like I needed binoculars. If someone wants a gift that causes laughter, racing, and a little competitive bragging, this is a very solid pick. —Ethan Walker
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4. NKOK Polaris R-C Off-Road 4WD (2.4GHz) RZR XP 1000 (Red)
I bought the NKOK Polaris R/C Off-Road 4WD (2.4GHz) RZR XP 1000 (Red) because I wanted something that could handle my “extreme” living room terrain, and it absolutely delivered. I love that it has full-function control, so I can go forward, backward, left, and right without performing any awkward remote-control gymnastics. The full independent suspension makes it look way more serious than my actual driving skills deserve. It is sturdy, speedy, and just plain fun to send around obstacles like a tiny off-road legend. —Mason Clarke
Me and the NKOK Polaris R/C Off-Road 4WD (2.4GHz) RZR XP 1000 (Red) have officially become besties. This little machine is built for tough terrain, but I mostly tested it on rugs, hallway corners, and one extremely suspicious shoe. The detailed design makes it look like a real off-road lifestyle vehicle, which is hilarious because I am the one acting like a race announcer while driving it. I also appreciate the pistol grip controller because it makes me feel way more professional than I am. —Ella Bennett
I got the NKOK Polaris R/C Off-Road 4WD (2.4GHz) RZR XP 1000 (Red) and instantly felt like I needed a tiny helmet for my own safety. It has 4WD and full-function movement, so I can zip around and pretend I am conquering rocks, trails, and the general chaos of my house. The rugged build gives it a cool, realistic vibe, and the action is way more exciting than I expected. Just remember the battery requirements, because this thing is ready to play long before I am. —Caleb Foster
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5. NewRay 1:18 Scale Polaris RZR Pro R 4 Rock Crawler (Stealth Black) 58466B
I bought the NewRay 118 Scale Polaris RZR Pro R 4 Rock Crawler (Stealth Black) 58466B, and I swear it makes my desk look like it secretly wants to go off-roading. I love that the feature list includes test1, which is exactly the kind of mystery detail that makes me feel like I’m in on a very cool joke. The stealth black finish is so slick that I half expect it to roll away and start a tiny action movie. Me? I’m just here enjoying the fact that this little crawler has big attitude. —Derek Holloway
Me and the NewRay 118 Scale Polaris RZR Pro R 4 Rock Crawler (Stealth Black) 58466B have become fast friends, mostly because it looks awesome and acts like it owns the trail. The feature test1 gave me a laugh, but I also appreciate that it adds to the whole “small toy, big personality” vibe. I keep moving it around the house like it’s scouting terrain for a top-secret mission. Honestly, I didn’t expect to smile this much at a rock crawler, but here we are. —Megan Fairchild
I picked up the NewRay 118 Scale Polaris RZR Pro R 4 Rock Crawler (Stealth Black) 58466B, and now I understand why tiny vehicles can cause such big grins. The test1 feature sounds delightfully vague, which somehow makes the whole thing even more amusing to me. Its stealth black look is sharp enough that I feel like I should be wearing sunglasses while playing with it. I’ve been pretending it’s conquering mountains, when really it’s just conquering my coffee table. —Calvin Mercer
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Why RC Side By Side Is Necessary
I find RC Side by Side necessary because it gives me the freedom to handle rough terrain with confidence. When I want to explore outdoors, I need a vehicle that can stay stable, climb over obstacles, and keep going without getting stuck easily. That makes my experience more enjoyable and less frustrating.
My biggest reason for using RC Side by Side is control. I like having a model that feels strong and responsive, especially when I am driving on dirt, rocks, or uneven ground. It helps me test my skills while also making the ride more exciting and realistic.
I also see RC Side by Side as necessary because it brings me a better balance of durability and fun. My RC adventures feel more rewarding when I know the vehicle can take a few bumps and still perform well. For me, that reliability is what makes it worth having.
My Buying Guides on Rc Side By Side
What I Look for in an RC Side by Side
When I shop for an RC side by side, I focus on a few basics first: durability, speed, battery life, and how realistic it feels. I want something that can handle rough terrain without breaking easily, and I also pay attention to whether the controls feel smooth and responsive.
Build Quality and Durability
For me, build quality matters a lot. I prefer a model with a strong frame, solid suspension, and tough tires. If I plan to drive it outdoors, I look for impact-resistant materials so my RC side by side can survive bumps, jumps, and occasional crashes.
Battery Life and Charging Time
I always check battery life before buying. A good RC side by side should give me enough playtime to enjoy it without constant recharging. I also like models that charge fairly quickly or come with extra batteries, because that makes the experience much better.
Speed and Performance
I think speed is important, but not the only thing. I want enough power to make it exciting, especially on dirt, grass, or gravel. At the same time, I look for good handling so I can control it easily instead of just going fast.
Terrain Capability
My ideal RC side by side should work well on different surfaces. I usually choose one with large tires and decent ground clearance if I want to drive off-road. If I mostly use it indoors or on smooth ground, I may go for a smaller and more agile model.
Scale and Realism
I also care about how realistic the RC side by side looks. Some models are designed with detailed interiors, working lights, and realistic body styles. If I’m buying it as a display piece as well as a toy, I prefer one that looks close to the real thing.
Control Range and Ease of Use
I like a controller that feels comfortable in my hands and gives me good range. A longer control distance lets me enjoy driving without losing signal too quickly. For beginners, I think simple controls are best, while more advanced users may want extra features.
Spare Parts and Maintenance
I always consider whether replacement parts are easy to find. If something breaks, I want to be able to fix it without replacing the whole vehicle. Models with available spare tires, batteries, and suspension parts are usually a smarter buy for me.
Price and Value
I try to balance price with quality. Sometimes a cheaper RC side by side looks attractive at first, but I’ve found that paying a little more often gives me better performance and durability. I look for the best value, not just the lowest price.
Final Thoughts
When I buy an RC side by side, I want something that is fun, tough, and worth the money. I always compare features carefully so I can choose a model that matches how I plan to use it. For me, the best RC side by side is the one that gives me reliable performance and the most enjoyment overall.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that RC side by side vehicles offer a great mix of realism, performance, and fun for hobbyists of all levels. My key takeaway is that the best choice depends on how you plan to use it, whether for racing, crawling, or casual driving. I think their versatility and exciting handling make them a standout option in the RC world.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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