Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best toy cars for 2-year-olds should keep your little one engaged and be able to awaken their curiosity. These toys can range from remote-controlled ones to manual ones. As children play with a remote-controlled car, they learn to manipulate a button-based device, thus helping improve their fine motor and sensory skills and hand-eye coordination.
Keep scrolling as we bring you a list of the best toy cars in this post. We also tell you the benefits of these toy cars and give you a few tips on selecting one. The tried-and-tested toy cars on this list are colorful and come with features to entice toddlers. Moreover, they are made of safe materials.
Top Picks
18 Best Toy Cars For Two-Year-Olds To Keep Them Engaged In 2024
1. Best Remote Controlled: Liberty Imports My First Cartoon RC Race Car
The Liberty Imports remote control race car’s realistic honking sounds and flashing headlights provide hours of imaginative fun for two-year-olds. In addition, the car comes with three removable driver figures that your toddler can use for role-playing. The parent-recommended race car is made of high-quality ABS plastic and comes with a steering-wheel-shaped remote control with two forward and reverse movement buttons.
Pros
- Light and sound effects
- Easy to control
- Non-toxic
- Soft antenna
- Curved edges
- Develops hand-eye coordination
Cons
- Music may be loud
2. Best For Role Play: Prextex R/C Police Car And Race Car
The two-pack multi-colored remote control cars from Prextex come with removable driver figurines and are ideal for stimulating role-play and developing imagination in two-year-olds. The time-tested police and race cars in this set have different frequencies that allow them to be raced simultaneously.
The steering-wheel-shaped remote controls are designed for small hands and have a two-button operation for forward and reverse movements. Moreover, they have realistic racing and siren sounds that can be activated by pressing the figures down.
Pros
- Light and sound effects
- Enhances motor skills
- Develops hand-eye coordination
- Easy to control
Cons
- Turning corners may be challenging
Quick tip3. Best For Developing Fine Motor Skills: Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicle Set
Image: Melissa & Doug This soft vehicle set by the trusted brand Melissa & Doug has an internal rev-up mechanism that allows babies to reach high speeds with little effort. The four pull-back cars in this set include a fire truck, a school bus, a family car, and a police car. Each skill-building vehicle is designed to improve babies’ sensory, fine motor, gross motor, and communication skills. In addition, they come with a convenient carrying case for easy storage, and since the wheels are detachable, they are machine-washable. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to grasp
- Promotes motor skills
- Easy to use
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Not suitable for the carpet
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 8,919 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
4. Best With Light And Sound Effects: Holy Stone RC Cartoon Race Car
Holy Stone’s lightning-fast remote control race car includes music, honking sounds, and flashing lights that can be activated via buttons on the two-channel steering-wheel-shaped remote control. In addition, it comes with a detachable driver figurine that can be used separately for role-playing and cognitive development. The easy-to-drive car improves motor skills while being durable enough to withstand bumps and crashes. Here’s a review video to help you know more about this safety-tested product.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- No sharp edges
- Soft antennas
- Light and sound effects
Cons
- Music may be loud
5. Best Eye-Catching: Amy & Benton Toddler Toy Cars
The eye-catching Amy & Benton cartoon animal cars have vivid, vibrant colors that promote color recognition and stimulate children’s imagination. The four eco-friendly vehicles are crafted from high-grade ABS material and are the perfect size for small hands to grasp quickly. The press and go action enhances motor skills, and the variety of animals encourages story and vocabulary building.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Smooth edges
- No batteries required
- Attractive packaging
- Easy to use
Cons
- May not be durable
6. Best Impact-Resistant: Toy Life Remote Control Car
Image: Toy Life The Toy Life remote control car’s child-friendly design makes it ideal for two-year-old girls and boys. This long-lasting vehicle is made of BPA-free and high-quality ABS material. It includes an easy-grip steering-wheel-shaped remote control with a two-button operation and a soft child-safe antenna. In addition, it is impact-resistant and continues to roll after bumps and crashes. Pressing down on the driver activates the music, thus teaching the baby cause and effect while developing their motor skills.
Pros
- Light and sound effects
- Easy to use
- Curved edges
- Non-toxic
- One-year guarantee
Cons
- Music may be loud
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,236 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
7. Best With Voice Commands: VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Cool Vehicles
Image: Vtech These VTech smart wheels vehicles respond with phrases, songs, and lights at the press of the button on the windshield. This two-pack car playset includes a camo car and a race car of the right size for small hands to grasp and hold.
The light-up button activates music, phrases, sounds, and lights for educational entertainment. These time-tested car-shaped toys also encourage pretend-play and letter recognition.
Pros
- Sound and light effects
- Promotes role-play
- Stimulates imagination
- Enhances motor skills
- Builds vocabulary
Cons
- Sounds may be loud
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 1,489 positive reviews on Amazon.
8. Best Easy-To-Grasp: Kidzlane Pull Back Cars
Image: Kidzlane Kidzlane’s set of four pull-back cars jingle and rattle as they move, adding musical fun while improving the baby’s sensory skills. These are made of soft, high-quality plastic with smooth edges and non-scratching wheels that won’t damage floors. The plastic-made assorted vehicle set includes a fire truck, an ambulance, a school bus, and a police car to encourage vocabulary-building and role-playing. The pull-back action is simple for two-year-olds to use and improves motor skills.
Pros
- Easy to grasp
- Lightweight
- Pull back action
- Sound effects
- BPA-free
- 90-day warranty
Cons
- Wheels may not be durable
9. Best Friction-Powered: Moontoy Monster Truck Toy Car Set
Image: Moontoy Make your child’s playtime a whole lot of fun with this friction-powered Moontoy monster truck car set that comes with three wild animal figures: a crocodile, a bull, and a leopard. These toy trucks have a button that opens the animal’s mouth, revealing the teeth. Each car has a unique action such as back and forth, push and go, and pull back to promote motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These parent-recommended push cars are made of high-quality ABS material that is durable and long-lasting.
Pros
- Develops imagination
- Eco-friendly
- No sharp edges
- Fosters color recognition
- Non-toxic
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
Quick tip10. Best Rugged: Narrio Remote Control Monster Truck
The colorful graffiti on the Narrio remote control monster truck gives it a rugged, exciting look that two-year-olds will love. It comes with an easy-to-use four-channel remote control to activate forward and backward movement and turn right and left. Furthermore, the rubber tires are shock-absorbing and wear-resistant, making them suitable for any surface. The vehicle’s broad wheels allow it to travel at high speeds. It promotes eye-hand coordination as your child maneuvers it around obstacles and furniture.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Soft antenna
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to operate
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Remote control range may be limited
11.Best Educational:Zhihuan Soft Rattle Car
Zhihuan’s flexible cars are made of high-strength ABS plastic, which makes them impact-resistant and long-lasting. They have a large smiley ball under the hood and several small multi-colored balls in the wheels that spin around and make a rattling sound when the car moves. The bright contrasting colors are visually stimulating for two-year-olds.
Pros
- Easy-to-grasp and soft cars
- Non-toxic
- Impact-resistant
- Promotes hand-eye coordination
Cons
- Not scratch-resistant
12. Cute Stone Friction Powered Cars
Cute Stone’s push-and-go cars are friction-powered and require only one push to slide a long way. They include deer, rhinoceros, and dinosaur shapes to foster animal recognition and develop motor and cognitive skills. In addition, these easy-to-operate cars can produce music and flashlights with a single press of the face. These car-themed sensory toys are made of durable ABS material and have smooth, rounded edges, making them safe for two-year-olds.
Pros
- Easy to grip
- Non-toxic
- Light and sound effects
- Develop imagination
- Promote sensory skills
Cons
- Music may not last long
13.Best Abs Material:Nicmore Dinosaur Cars
Image: Nicmore Let your little ones have endless fun while learning with the Nicmore dinosaur car. The set includes a big dinosaur transporter that produces lights and sounds when its head is pressed and four pull-back cars in different dinosaur shapes that move smoothly. This car transporter can easily carry all the mini trucks and has a tailgate to unload the mini trucks quickly. Each toy is built with no sharp edges, thus making them safe for children. This toy set can be the ideal gift for your little dino enthusiasts.
Pros
- Improves creativity skills
- Made of high-quality soft plastic
- Child-friendly
- Produces lights and sounds
Cons
- May be smaller than you expect
14.Best For Gifting:Rokkes Dino Pull Back Cars
Image: Melissa & Doug The Rokkes dino pull-back cars are perfect for two-year-old boys and girls who enjoy action-packed, open-ended play full of new adventures. This set of four plush toy cars includes a fire truck, a police car, a school bus, and a taxi, each with a different dino image. It comes with a playmat that doubles as a storage bag for convenient carrying to play-dates. The wheels are removable, and the brightly colored cars are made of soft and easily washable cotton material.
Pros
- Easy to grasp
- BPA-free
- Non-toxic
- Develops motor skills
- Promotes imaginative play
Cons
- Not suitable for the carpet
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 8,919 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
15.Best For Safe Chewing:OBall Go Grippers Custom Rides
The squeezable design with holes on the hood makes the Oball go grippers easy for little fingers to grasp and maneuver. The flexible material is BPA-free and is safe for chewing. You can use this set of six cars in contrasting colors to fill goody bags or as stocking stuffers at Christmas. In addition, the car race set can be used for improving color recognition and vocabulary.
Pros
- Colorful design
- Non-toxic
- Impact-resistant
- Easy to use
- No sharp edges
Cons
- Paint may be smeared on some cars
"These cars glide smoothly, and their oval-shaped design has made it easy for my children to grip them. My children have spent hours playing with them, yet they remain scratch-free. Hence, they get my approval."
16.Best For Easy Cleaning:UNIH Plush Car Set
The UNIH plush car set includes a city map playmat that doubles as a storage bag. In addition, this set contains four pull-back vehicles; a taxi, a police car, an ambulance, and a school bus made of soft fabric with a sponge filling. The wheels are detachable to allow for easy cleaning of the cars. The bright colors and exciting shapes of these cars stimulate the baby’s imagination, while pulling and releasing improves motor skills.
Pros
- Easy to store and carry
- No sharp edges
- Lightweight
- No batteries required
- BPA-free
- Non-toxic
Cons
- May not be suitable for the carpet
"These toy cars flashing stoplights and pull-back mechanism have resonated well with my boy. He was also delighted that the set included a mix of vehicles. Plus, the included play mat, though small, has made storage easy."
17.Best Child-Safe:Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Race Car
The built-in Little People character featured in the Fisher-Price wheelies formula race car makes this vehicle a cool collectible to add to your child’s car collection. This brightly colored car is made of high-quality plastics that are child-safe and long-lasting. The hold and roll action makes it simple for two-year-olds, while the Wheelies character promotes imaginative play and story building.
Pros
- Easy to grasp
- Develops motor skills
- Enhances cognitive function
- High speed
Cons
- Size may be smaller than expected
18.Best Automatically Transforming:Modemode Transforming Dinosaur Car
Modemode’s transforming dinosaur car combines a car and a dinosaur in one to provide two-year-olds with action-packed entertainment. This two-in-one car is made of durable ABS plastic that can withstand bumps and rough play. It transforms automatically and does not require a remote. The music and colorful lights provide visual and sensory stimulation to children, encouraging them to dance.
Pros
- Sound and light effects
- 360-degree rotation
- Non-toxic
- Crash-resistant
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
"This transformer toy fascinates my kids with automated movements and transformations. It is sturdy enough for rough play, but I wish it had volume control for quieter playtimes. Still, I would definitely recommend."
How To Choose The Right Toy Car For Two-Year-Olds?
Here are some essential factors to consider when buying a toy car for two-year-olds.
- Age-appropriateness: Consider choosing toy cars based on your kids’ age. Look for toddler-safe options that are simple to operate and will not fall apart in your child’s hands.
- Materials: Ensure that the materials are non-toxic and BPA-free. The materials used must be child-safe and should not have sharp edges or choking hazards because children tend to put the toys in their mouths.
- Sounds and light: Toy cars with sound and light effects provide visual and sensory stimulation as well as encourage role-playing.
- Characters: The presence of animal or TV cartoon characters promotes story and vocabulary building in two-year-olds.
- Rolling action: The rolling action of toy cars can be varying. Some have a pull-back action, while others have a simple push-and-go movement. Choose the toys that will help stimulate your toddler’s motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Colors: Toys with vibrant colors and patterns are eye-catching and will easily hold children’s attention.
What Are The Educational Benefits Of Playing With Toy Cars?
These tiny toys, which all children love, have various educational benefits and develop motor skills.
- Characters arouse curiosity and foster creativity.
- Various types of cars, such as fire trucks, police cars, and school buses foster imagination and lead to story building.
- Promotes recognition of animals, vehicles, and sounds.
- Builds vocabulary and improves cognitive skills.
- Promotes eye-hand coordination and motor skills.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose has considerable experience writing and reviewing numerous articles on children’s toys and gifts. Here, she has compiled a list of the best toy cars for two-year-olds to help your children develop their creativity, cognitive abilities, and learning skills. Priti has further made this article informative by adding the pros and cons of all the recommended products and providing a handy buying guide to help readers make the right choice.
Getting a toy car for your two-year-old child can help keep them engaged while promoting their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Toy cars are designed for various age groups. Therefore, finding an age-appropriate toy car is crucial to ensure your child has a good time playing with the toy. You can consider buying different toy cars, such as trucks, police cars, school buses, etc., to allow your child to engage in imaginative play. A toy car that does not pose a choking hazard and is free of sharp edges ensures a safe playtime.
Infographic: How To Play With Toy Cars?
Children are creative; they always look for new things to explore and play novel games. Therefore, you can use the same old toys to play different games to stimulate their imagination while retaining their interest in the toys. Check out the following infographic to discover the various ways of playing with toy cars.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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