Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are searching for the best toy cars for 3-year-olds, here we have a detailed list of tried-and-tested toy cars for your adorable child. These best-selling toys from top toy car brands can help enhance your child’s imagination and motor skills and make them agile and sharp. They are also the right size for children to grasp and play with effortlessly and are made of quality materials to ensure their safety.
Keep scrolling through to learn more about the best choices for your three-year-old and keep them curious and make their playtime fun.
Top Picks
15 Best Toy Cars For 3-Year-Olds
1. Best Remote-Controlled: Prextex 2-in-1 Cartoon Police and Race Car Set
Prextex’s two-pack cartoon vehicles come with police siren sounds, honking music, and flashlights, creating a realistic situation. It includes one police car with a policeman action figure and one racing car with a race car driver action figure. The vehicles come with easy-to-operate remote controls and have different frequencies, making them easy to play with simultaneously. You need three AA batteries to operate the cars and two AA batteries for the remote control.
Pros
- Comes with removable action figures
- Fine detailing
- Smooth textured wheels
- Easy-to-access battery compartment
Cons
- May require too many batteries
- Wheels may not move counter-clockwise
2. Best Easy-To-Hold: Dinobros Dinosaur Toy Pull-Back Cars
Image: Dinobros This well-crafted dinosaur toy pull-back vehicle set for three-year-olds includes a T-Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaur, Pterosaur, and Velociraptor to add to your child’s toy car collection. The expert-approved cars are easy to hold and play with, and they are sturdily built. Learn more about this product in this video.
Pros
- Made of non-toxic plastic
- Suitable for indoors and outdoors
- No batteries required
- Flexible rubber wheels
Cons
- May not be break-resistant
- May be slightly smaller than expected
"These dinosaur cars are a hit with my kids, who love the fun design. They are durable, have a pull-back feature, and offer hours of entertainment. They have been a great addition to my kids' playtime."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 18,578 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
Quick tip3. Best For Developing Sensory Skills: Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Pull-Back Vehicle Set
Image: Melissa & Doug The kids’ pull-back vehicle set from the trusted brand Melissa & Doug consists of four safe and soft cars- a school bus, a family car, a fire truck, and a police car. Each toy vehicle has a rev-up mechanism that makes it easier for toddlers to accelerate with minimal input. Ideal for children aged nine months and above, this skill-building toy set helps develop multiple skills, such as sensory, motor, and communication. This video will provide you with added insights about the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Washable fabric surface
- Easy to grab
- Pediatrician-recommended toys
Cons
- May attract dirt easily
4. Best Friction-Powered: Sinyum Pull Back Vehicles
The 30-piece Sinyum set includes assorted multicolored vehicles made from plastic. These easy pull-and-go miniature cars are friction-powered and exhibit lovely patterns. With realistic details, the car toys are suitable for children aged from three to seven. They help build vocabulary and language development in kids and keep them engaged. Batteries are not required for operating these mini cars; they can easily accelerate across the floor with one pull back.
Pros
- Fast-moving
- Cars feature various bright colors
- Smooth wheels for easy maneuverability
- Enhances imaginative play
Cons
- Car shells may be slightly flimsy
- Stickers may peel off easily
Quick fact5. Best Easy-To-Use: Toy Life Remote Control Car For Toddlers
Image: Toy Life Suitable for toddlers aged three to four, the remote-controlled car from Toy Life comes with two simple buttons. This easy-to-use toy is safe, long-lasting, and is equipped with advanced RC technology without an antenna. Its steering wheel has baby radio music that your child can play and control with a special button. It will help enhance your kid’s imaginative skills.
Pros
- No sharp edges
- Easy to grip
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Baby-proof
Cons
- May require too many batteries
- Sound may be a bit loud
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,236 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
6. Best For Multi-Skill Development: Chicken Toys Car Toys With Play Mat
Chicken Toys’ collection includes six mini car toys, one city play mat, and three road signs. It helps enhance several skills, such as imaginative capabilities, curiosity, motor skills, and creativity. These skill-building toy cars for kids are made of premium-quality, non-toxic plastic. The city pattern mat has non-slip rubber material on its back, making it durable and safe. You can take this easy-to-carry set along for trips to keep your little ones entertained.
Pros
- Play mat features durable edges
- Herringbone lines on the bottom side of the play mat
- Pull-back cars
- Suitable for pretend-play
Cons
- Tires may be flimsy
- May be smaller than expected
"This play mat with pull-back vehicles is a great option for quiet playtime. The compact nature is perfect for travel, and I appreciate how durable it is and the fact that it fosters cooperative play among my children. An engaging option for keeping kids entertained on the go."
7. Best For Stimulating Imagination: Forty4 9-Piece Cars Toys
This set consists of nine toy cars for kids, each uniquely designed to help enhance your toddler’s imaginary skills and vocabulary. The colorful, embossed paintings on the toys add to their look. Apt for children aged three to five years, the pack includes eight pull-back cars and one big carrier truck. Your child can easily pull back the cars to make them automatically move forward. It helps improve your child’s cognitive skills.This set of sturdy nine-piece car carrier trucks is made of high-grade plastic material, making it long-lasting
Pros
- Smooth angle design
- Carrier truck can easily swivel and take turns
- Functional tailgate
- No batteries required
Cons
- Carrier button may jam
8. Best Long-Lasting: Mickey Mouse Disney Junior Diecast Cars 4-Piece Set
Image: Just Play The die-cast Mickey Mouse vehicles from Disney Junior are a pack of four characters seated in their roadster. The four characters include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Suitable for children over three years, this set lets little kids create their adventurous racing game. Made of heavy-duty metal, the cars are well-built and long-lasting.
Pros
- Detailed cars
- Smooth finish surface
- Ideal for imaginative play and roleplay
- Cute and bright colors
Cons
- Wheels may be squeaky
- May not be compatible with the roadster track
"My daughters love these metal Disney-themed race cars as they look like their beloved characters. The non-removable figures may limit creativity, but their strong construction is a definite plus. I even use these lasting toys as collectibles to display."
9. Best Visually Appealing: WolVol Off-Road Military Fighter Car Toy
Friction-powered and visually appealing, this military toy car can travel long distances and climb over hurdles. It features four different colored buttons and has been crafted from premium-quality plastic to ace the test of durability. Various sound effects such as motor starting, honking, driving forward, and backing up help keep the little ones intrigued. With two movable doors, this toy car can help enhance your child’s curiosity and imagination.
Pros
- Textured wheels to prevent tip over
- Realistic-looking
- Withstands wear and tear
- Features bright lights
Cons
- Headlights may appear flimsy
- May not be scratch-resistant
"The camo Jeep toy delights my kids with its fun features. The open-and-close doors, lights, and sound effects enhance their pretend play. The friction movement is neat and has impressed me and my kids."
10. Best For Developing Fine-Motor Skills: Kidzlane Pull-Back Cars For Toddlers
Image: Kidzlane The four pull-back cars from Kidzlane jingle when rattled, adding a musical touch to your child’s playtime. They enhance the development of fine motor skills along with sensory skills. Including a police car, a fire truck, a school bus, and an ambulance, the premium quality cars are lightweight and 100% safe for toddlers. They are free of hazardous chemicals, BPA, and lead.
Pros
- Burr-free edges
- Convenient to hold for tiny hands
- Doesn’t scratch floors or furniture
- Soft to touch
Cons
- Rubber tire may not withstand rough use
- Tiny parts may cause choking
"My son loves dancing to the pleasant jingle sounds that these cars emit. I've found that these toy cars move without a hassle on hard surfaces but require extra effort on soft areas such as a carpet. However, that is a minor hassle compared to the joy it brings to my child."
11.Best Educational Toy:Moontoy Toy Cars
Image: Moontoy The three-piece monster truck set comes with wild animal designs such as a bull, a leopard, and a crocodile. These expert-approved energy-saving toys are eco-friendly and don’t require batteries for operation. You can press a single button on the toy truck to open its mouth and reveal teeth that make the little ones happy. With big wheels that can swiftly move back and forth and are easy to pull and push, this toy can help unfurl your toddler’s imagination, improving their curiosity, creativity, and hand-eye coordination. Made from premium-quality thick plastic, the baby trucks are long-lasting and non-toxic.
Pros
- Free of sharp edges
- Boosts gross and fine motor skills
- Improves logical thinking
- Textured wheels
- BPA- and lead-free
Cons
- May be slightly noisy
- May be smaller than expected
"I gifted this set to my child as a birthday present,and the look on his face was priceless. The durable toys have survived cuntless hours of rough play, and the large wheels and exciting features continue to keep him entertained. The truck's push-and-go mechanism tend to get stuck on some occasions, but overall, the set has been a lot of fun."
12.Best Quality:Speedy Panther 36-Pack Pull-Back Car Set
The 36-piece pull-back mini toy car playset is available in six bright colors, and each toy car operates without batteries. Made from superior-quality ABS and organic die-cast, the toy cars are non-toxic and safe. An independent food-grade bag comes with each vehicle. Suitable as an educational toy, this set helps improve hand-eye coordination in toddlers, and the ability to recognize colors and shapes.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Smooth wheels
- Encourages group play
- Convenient to hold
Cons
- Cars may be very small
- Some parts may be flimsy
"I used these miniature pull-back cars as party favors for my kid's birthday, and they were a hit with his friends. Their shells may occasionally pop off, but this didn't seem to bother the kids, and I would recommend them as entertaining additions to goodie bags."
13.Best Classic Design:Haiboxing All Terrain RC Car
Image: Haiboxing Run this Haiboxing all-terrain RC car on grassland, bumpy roads, and sand with ease for an exciting experience. It is powered by an RC 380 motor and operates at a speed of 36 KPH. The remote control operates hassle-free within 280 feet. You can drive the car forward or reverse and apply brakes when you wish to stop. This RC car features double-sealed ball bearings and aluminum ringed shocks that protect against collision and bumps, offering hours of fun.
Pros
- High-grip tires prevent skid
- Splash-proof electronics
- Durable PVC body
- Strengthened traction
Cons
- Steering may make noise
- Battery may exhaust sooner than expected
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 6,251 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
14.Best Durable:Hot Wheels Fast & Furious Cars
Image: Hot Wheels Hot Wheels brings five well-designed street racer cars inspired by the Fast and Furious action franchise. Suitable for children of all ages, the set includes the 61 Impala, Ford GT-40, ’72 Ford Grand Torino Sport, Mitsubishi EVO, and the Nissan 350Z. These are durable and licensed collectibles.
Pros
- Each vehicle comes with a 1:64 scaling
- Features graphic deco
- Made of metal
- Can be maneuvered smoothly
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Design may be too simple
"These Hot Wheels toys have been a solid buy - my kids are fans of the Fast & Furious franchise, so they love them. I like the durable make, and these playful gifts make for a creative addition to piñatas."
15.Best ABS Plastic:Geyiie Toys Pull Back Vehicles
Image: Geyiie Stimulate your little one’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills with these pull-back cars. These die-cast toy cars come with fine detailing. Made of metal alloy and ABS plastic, these vehicles by Geyiie are safe to play with. They are durable and resistant to falling. Their plastic tires make the cars run smoother without wear. The set includes a police car, jeep, ambulance, city bus, taxi, beetle, classic car, and school bus, making it a perfect gift for a three-year-old.
Pros
- Has soft edges
- Non-toxic and environment-friendly
- No batteries needed
- Helps improve color recognition and other skills
- Safety tested
Cons
- May not work well on carpets
- May be slightly smaller than expected
How To Choose The Right Toy Cars For 3-Year-Olds?
Here’s a gift guide that you could refer to when buying a toy car for 3-year-olds.
- Built: Choose a toy car made up of long-lasting, premium-quality sturdy materials, such as metal or ABS plastic. Children can be careless with their toys at times; thus, it’s best to buy robust toys.
- Type of car: Friction-powered cars are considered better than RC cars as they do not require batteries for operation. Choose the toy car models based on your child’s needs.
- Portability: Opt for lightweight toy cars as these are easier to carry around and can be taken with you while traveling to keep your little one entertained.
- Multipurpose: Look for a toy car that is visually appealing and works well to help stimulate the development of various skills in your child. Several models available in the market can help develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, curiosity, and imagination of toddlers.
- Safety: Ensure the toy car you finalize for your toddler is free of harmful toxins, chemicals, BPA, lead, and phthalates. You may also explore green toys and do your part for the environment. Also, check the age suitability to ensure the toy you choose is appropriate for your kid’s age.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is it safe to let kids play with toy cars?
You can let your child play with toy cars even when they are one year old. Just look for features appropriate for their age. For example, choose a toy car with minimal features with no small parts that could be a choking hazard, while choosing a toy car with fascinating features like a good speed and a music system for your three-year-old child that can hold their attention for a longer period.
2. Do toy cars drive well on carpets?
Most of the toy cars come with easy-grip tires that can drive well on carpets.
3. Is there a way to change the frequency of RC toy cars?
The easiest way to change the frequency of the toy car is through RC crystal sets. Just replace the crystals according to your desired frequency in both the car and the remote control to change their frequency.
Keep your child entertained with a toy car while helping them improve hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and other motor skills. They can also learn social and communication skills while engaging in imaginative play. Before purchasing any toy for your child, it is crucial to evaluate parameters like material, type of car, weight, portable construction, and safety. Ensure the toy car is not made from toxic and hazardous elements that may harm your child in the long run. Available in various designs and colors, these tried-and-tested toy cars have several features like LED lights, musical sounds, and pull back feature to suit your child’s interests.
Infographic: What To Look For In Toy Cars?
As your child holds a toy car and moves them around, it helps strengthen their finger muscles and improve their fine motor skills. Additionally, there are several other benefits of playing with toy cars for children. Here’s an infographic to help you select a suitable toy car for your little one. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a trusted reviewer for kids’ toys and gifts. Using her knowledge and research skills, she suggests some of the best toys for three-year-olds from a wide variety of toys. She has considered toys that are age-appropriate for three-year-olds and will help them stay engaged for a long time. These toys encourage open-ended play and are known to offer endless fun and improve children’s thinking skills, language skills, social skills, and imagination skills. With a detailed description of each recommended product and a handy buying guide, Priti ensures all her readers are well informed before making a choice.
