Top Nitro RC Car Brands You Need to Know

Nitro RC cars continue to captivate hobbyists and enthusiasts with their realistic engine sounds and thrilling top speeds. As the market grows, numerous brands have emerged, each offering unique features and specifications to cater to different preferences and budgets. From industry giants with decades of experience to innovative newcomers making waves with cutting-edge technology, the selection can be overwhelming for both novices and seasoned racers alike. Below, we explore some of the best nitro RC car brands that stand out for their performance, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Illustration of nitro rc car

Best brands of nitro rc car in 2025

Traxxas

Traxxas is a leading brand in the remote control hobby industry, particularly renowned for its high-performance nitro RC cars. Known for models like the Nitro Rustler and Nitro Slash, Traxxas products are favored by enthusiasts due to their reliability and powerful performance. In 2024, Traxxas.com generated online sales revenue of $1,455,804, with a conversion rate of 1.50% to 2.00%, indicating strong consumer engagement. The brand's nitro-powered cars, such as the Traxxas Nitro Rustler and Nitro Slash, are priced competitively, with prices ranging from $335 to $350. Traxxas's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a top choice among RC hobbyists.

HPI Racing

HPI Racing, established in 1986, is a global leader in the radio-controlled racing car sector, renowned for its high-quality nitro RC cars that appeal to enthusiasts seeking an authentic and thrilling experience. With a global footprint spanning over 30 countries, HPI Racing commands a significant presence in the market, particularly in North America, which dominates the global Remote Control Toy Car market with a 36% share. The company's nitro-powered RC cars, fueled by a mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and oil, deliver higher speeds and a realistic engine sound, making them a favorite among hobbyists. HPI Racing's estimated annual revenue is $11.1 million, and the company operates out of a 45,000 square foot facility in Foothill Ranch, California. Their products cater to diverse segments, from beginner-friendly models to high-performance, hobby-grade options.

Losi

Losi, a pioneering brand in the RC car industry, has been a leader in producing high-performance nitro RC cars since its inception in 1980. Known for its innovative designs and durable products, Losi's nitro cars, such as those under the Team Losi Racing (TLR) brand, have dominated competitions, including the 1/8 scale nitro off-road category with the groundbreaking 8IGHT platform introduced in 2006. Despite the decline in nitro car market share to around 5% of total RC sales, Losi's nitro vehicles remain popular among enthusiasts who appreciate the sound, smell, and visceral feel of engine-powered RC cars. Losi's commitment to quality and performance has made its nitro cars a staple in the RC racing community. The brand's focus on full-scale racing inspiration and continuous innovation ensures its products remain competitive.

Kyosho

Kyosho is a renowned brand in the remote control (RC) car industry, particularly celebrated for its high-performance nitro RC cars. Established in 1963, Kyosho has a long history of producing top-tier RC products, including the acclaimed Inferno MP777, which won the 2005 Reader's Choice The Best Nitro Buggy Award and the 7th championship title at the IFMAR 1/8 Nitro Offroad Buggy World Championship. The company continues to dominate the 1/8 scale off-road scene with models like the MP10 nitro buggy and the MP10T truggy, which were updated recently. Kyosho's focus on Japan and other key markets, along with its successful Mini-Z series, has maintained its prominence in the RC hobbyist community. With a strong presence in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Japan, Kyosho remains a leader in the RC car market. For more information on the company, visit their official website.

Team Associated

Team Associated is a renowned brand in the remote control car industry, particularly noted for its high-performance nitro RC cars. The brand has a significant impact on the sport, having won numerous world championships in electric RC cars and maintaining a strong presence in the 1:8th scale offroad buggy segment. Despite some criticisms regarding their 1:8th scale program, Team Associated continues to be a major player, with Dan Hissam now leading their 1:8th scale efforts. The brand's products are popular among enthusiasts, and their market presence is expected to contribute to the growth of the RC car segment, which is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.73% over the forecast period.

Redcat Racing

Redcat Racing is a leading producer of high-quality nitro RC cars, known for its broad selection of gas-, nitro-, and electric-powered vehicles. Since its inception in 2005, the company has made a significant impact in the RC car world, particularly with its strong connection to Amazon, which accounts for a third of Redcat's annual revenue. By 2013, Redcat's revenue from Amazon had grown from $250,000 to over $1 million, and it was on track to more than double its Amazon revenue in 2015. Redcat's products, such as the Rampage MT and Shredder, are praised for their durability and performance, making them a favorite among RC enthusiasts. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has helped it expand its product line and maintain a strong presence in the hobby-grade RC market.

Tamiya

Tamiya is renowned as one of the best producers of nitro RC cars, known for their detailed and high-quality designs. The brand has a long-standing reputation, particularly among hobbyists, for its racing pedigree and fragile yet precise models. In the global remote control products-hobby market, Tamiya competes in a segment that is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.73% from 2022 to 2031, with the RC car sub-segment dominating the revenue graph. Tamiya's products cater to a diverse range of consumers, from entry-level enthusiasts to experienced hobbyists. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a staple in the RC car market. Explore more about their remarkable offerings on the official Tamiya website.

Thunder Tiger

Thunder Tiger is a leading brand in the remote control toy car market, particularly renowned for its nitro-powered RC cars. The company dominates the European car market and is also significant in the production of planes, boats, and copters. Despite electric RC cars gaining popularity, nitro cars from Thunder Tiger still maintain a dedicated fan base, with nitro vehicles making up about 25% of some RC sales. Thunder Tiger's acquisition of Team Associated in a deal worth $9.5 million against total sales volumes of $39.6 million highlights its financial strength and market influence. The brand's products are often in high demand, even in challenging economic conditions. For detailed discussions about Thunder Tiger's market presence, visit this RC car general discussion forum.

Arrma

Arrma, while not primarily known for nitro RC cars, has significantly contributed to the RC hobby industry with its high-performance electric vehicles. The dominance of nitro RC cars in the past, particularly from the late 1990s to the late 2000s, was led by brands like Traxxas, with their T-Maxx model being a landmark in RTR nitro cars. Arrma has focused on electric RC cars, which now outperform nitro cars in many aspects, such as speed and durability. For example, Arrma's 3S lineup offers top speeds of 45-50 MPH out of the box, making them highly popular among RC enthusiasts. Despite this shift, nitro cars still maintain a niche market, with about 5% of Traxxas' business dedicated to nitro vehicles. More information about Arrma's offerings can be found on their official website.

OFNA Racing

OFNA, although facing mixed reviews, has been a significant player in the nitro RC car market, particularly with their Force engines which are widely used by various brands, including HPI. However, user experiences vary, with some reporting issues like short engine lifespan and tuning problems, while others have had positive experiences, especially with models fitted by other manufacturers like Tamiya. Despite these inconsistencies, OFNA engines remain popular among some enthusiasts for their initial performance and ease of starting. The Hyper 21 and Force 28 engines are notable models, though they often require careful tuning and maintenance. As of recent years, the market share of nitro RC cars, including those from OFNA, has decreased to about 5% of total RC car sales, largely due to the rise of electric RC cars. For more detailed discussions and user insights on OFNA's engines, visit the RC Tech Offroad Nitro Engine Forum.