Image: MomJunction Design Team
One of the best ways to alleviate your child’s boredom and let them engage in active play is by giving them the best toy cars for 5-year-olds. Your 5-year-old boy or girl can enjoy playing with a toy car similar to the way they enjoy playing with blocks.
Toy cars help improve children’s motor skills. Also, besides keeping children engaged, these toys can teach them about force, distance, STEM concepts, and more.
Your children might have a list of dream cars they want when they grow up, but for now, you can give them some of the top toy cars listed here. So, pick one from our list of a wide variety of parent-recommended products and put a smile on your child’s face.
Top Picks
11 Best Toy Cars For 5-Year-Old Kids
1. Best With Pull-Back Motion: ZHFUYS Bugatti Veyron Die Casting Toy Car
If your child is turning 5 soon and shows a keen interest in all things related to the automobile world, gift them this gem of a toy car from ZHFUYS. Not only is Bugatti popular worldwide for their sleek and opulent designs, but it’s their spectacular craftsmanship that makes them stand a class apart too. The doors of this popular toy car open and close, offering children a realistic experience. Additionally, the front and rear LED lights shine brightly and make playtime even more enjoyable. As the exterior of the toy car is crafted with premium and durable material and polished to perfection several times over, one can rest assured that it’s not going to see any damage or scratches any time soon! Let’s add the cherry on top, shall we? The car doesn’t need any batteries to operate and with a swift pull-back motion, it glides smoothly.
Pros
- Body built with good quality zinc alloy
- Driven by high-strength spring gears
- Age suitability—3 to 12 years
- Red and blue color options
- No formaldehyde
Cons
- The cars are not recommended for rough play.
"My little one was so excited to get this little toy car. Its functional light and sound features surprised me, and the spin-out action delights him. While a slight color inconsistency is notable, it is a great toy that keeps my child entertained."
2. Best With Light And Sound: Play22 Take Apart Racing Car Toys
Invoke the little mechanic in your kids and watch them creatively build cars with the Play22 Take Apart Racing Car Toys Set. The toy car playset comes with 30 pieces of construction set and 10 interchangeable modification car parts. Your little ones can improve their grip and dexterity as they hold the screws and tighten them with the drill. By playing with the cars they build, kids learn concepts like push-pull, slow-fast, inertia, and more. You can get this play car for children to keep them engaged in play and avoid their long screen time easily. This review video gives you more information about the construction vehicle.
Pros
- Construction set for two cars
- Play-learn concept
- Child-safe car paint
- Engine comes with lights and sounds
Cons
- Parental supervision is mandatory for small kids.
"My little one loves to take things apart, and this has proven to be the perfect gift for him. He loves its transformable features, and the electric drill is a thoughtful touch. It offers us some fun moments and is a solid pick for its play value."
Quick tip3. Best Lightweight And Compact: Narrio Monster Truck With Remote Control
It goes without saying that kids love RC trucks and love to watch them move around. If you plan to get one such toy for toddlers, you can buy the Narrio Monster Truck and let your kid take control of it. These trusted monster truck toy cars can be your child’s best pal and can be driven over concrete roads, garden lawns, and even on the floor inside homes. The black tires are shock-proof and water-resistant, and the battery-operated toy car is built with non-toxic ABS plastic to make it durable and sturdy. Your child will learn how to monitor the RC truck easily, thanks to the wireless remote control function that is easy to handle. With this toy truck, your child will have a realistic racing and driving experience and wholesome hours of fun.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Attractive graffiti design on the exterior
- Terrific horsepower
- Functions with four movement actions
Cons
- Runs on AA non-rechargeable battery type
- Battery lifemay be shorter than expected
4. Best Shock-Proof: Xiletao 2-In-1 Transforming Dinosaur Car
Juggling between the idea of getting a dinosaur or a car as a gift for your kids? Well, you can get both of them as the single perfect gift with the Xiletao 2-In-1 Transforming Dinosaur Car. Watch your kids get mesmerized when the car automatically turns into a dinosaur after moving for a while and again turning back into the original car form. The car has an anti-collision and shock-proof system that keeps it free from getting damaged as they collide with the walls. The power wheels automatically change direction on encountering obstacles. Moreover, the LED lights and music are appealing to the eyes and ears, and your kids will simply love it to bits!
Pros
- Non-toxic materials
- Environment-friendly paint
- Child-safe with smooth edges
- Anti-fall car body
Cons
- Some may find the car too small.
"This dinosaur transformer toy captivates my little one with its music and interactive transformation features. While its lack of volume control bothers me, it’s been a good find for keeping my little one entertained."
5. Best Durable: KidiRace Interactive Multiplayer RC Bumper Cars
If the dashing cars in amusement parks are your child’s favorite game, introduce them to this toy for toddlers. The KidiRace Interactive Multiplayer RC Bumper Cars come in a set of 2 cars that are controlled by 2 different remote controls. The kids crash and dash and win a score to have a good game. The rear engine of these tried-and-tested toy cars comes with spinning propellers that make them look realistic like the classic arcade bumper ones. Apart from learning how to use a remote control car, the kids learn about having cooperative playtime together and thoroughly enjoying it.
Pros
- Quality and durability-tested
- Builds motor skills in kids
- 4Ghz technology to race six cars at once
- Includes rechargeable batteries and wall chargers
Cons
- Comes with only one charger for both cars
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 9,528 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
6. Best With Anti-Collision Head: HahaGift Remote Control Monster Car
Get back into the era of dinosaurs with this dino-shaped HahaGift Remote Control Monster Car. This is one of the best RC cars for kids aged between three and six years. The orange color body and tough orange wheels make it very appealing to the eyes of little children. With durable tires, the monster car delivers the smoothest ride on any surface. With the simple design of the remote, this can be the first RC toy for many kids who are transitioning from pull-and-go cars to remote control ones.
Pros
- Anti-collision head
- Monster designed with eyes, ears, tail, and teeth
- For indoor and outdoor play
- Features an adjustable trimmer knob to keep the car in one direction
Cons
- Remote control might be a little slow to sync with car movement
"This dinosaur-themed toy car is a blend of prehistoric allure and vehicular fun and is a solid toy for encouraging imaginative play. It is robust, too, enduring a few accidental drops without any damage. I'm glad my little one finds it entertaining."
7. Best With Detailing: Kinsmart 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Taxi Cab
Not all kids love modern toys that are very new in the market. Some get attracted to vintage cars and old models too. If you have kids who get fascinated with old car models, the Kinsmart 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Taxi Cab is all that you will need. Tested and trusted by many reviewers, the yellow taxi of the 1957s is the 1/40 scale diecast collectible model. Kids can hold the car and move it to and fro. With this, kids get the basic idea of force and inertia and learn about actions like fast, slow, start, and stop. This car for toddlers can be an add-on to your kids’ car collection.
Pros
- A nostalgic toy for US citizens
- Pull-back action
- Openable doors
- Power wheels and body have classic detailing
Cons
- Might be a little delicate to play with
"I got this checkered Yellow toy cab for my grandson as a holiday gift, and he loved it! Everyone praised it for its remarkable craftsmanship, with opening doors and pull-back action."
Quick factWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 563 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
8. Best With Simple Gears: Noetoy Transparent Musical Car
Did you know that the concepts of numbers and gears could be easily taught to your 5-year-old boy or girl with a simple car? The Noetoy Transparent Musical Car comes with the best design and a transparent exterior to show kids how the car functions on the inside. Designed with simple gears, letters, and numbers, this skill-building toy can invoke observation and focus in kids. The transparent body is made of ABS plastic that comes with the best protection to keep the car strong and sturdy, making it an ideal gift for kids’ birthdays.
Pros
- Stimulation of cognitive and motor skills in kids
- Light to add more fun
- Teaches spatial awareness
- The universal driving ability makes it move around without stopping.
Cons
- Some may find the music too loud.
9. Best With Rubber Wheels: Tianmei Supercar Kids Toy
Another must-have die-cast toy model that goes into your child’s collectibles is the Tianmei Supercar Kids Toy. The alloy metal body of this supercar comes with a clean design and every bit of it has details. The front and rear covers of the cars, along with the doors, open up and give the child a realistic feeling of a true Tianmei. Press the front wheels lightly and the car’s front and rear LED headlights to lighten up. The realistic engine sound is an additional advantage that can make your little one enjoy it thoroughly.
Pros
- Pull-back action
- Rubber wheels for good grip
- Tail wing movement
- Comes with an open and close engine tail cover
Cons
- The car body may not be as detailed.
"I got this as my son's birthday gift, and he loves the working lights and engine sounds. The quality of this car is surprisingly good, and the pull-back feature is pretty smooth."
10. Best With Metal Body: HLXY Mini Racing Toy Car Set
Little things can bring a lot of joy, and the HLXY Mini Racing Car Set proves it right. Kids are fascinated by little racing cars and the pack of 6 such cars can make their day shine brighter. Fitting right into your little ones’ palms, these cars improve the finger grip in kids. They are powered by friction and move with a pull-back action. Your kids will not mind when they crash or fall, because these sports car-themed toys are strong, durable, and very quick. These cars can be ideally used as cake toppers or can even be given out as birthday and party gifts.
Pros
- Come in different colors
- No battery needed
- Metal body with ABS plastic bottom
- Can fit easter eggs or any small gift packs
Cons
- The pull-back action has very little strength and the cars do not go too far.
Quick tip11. Best Non-Toxic: CYKT 2-In-1 Robot Toy Car
Robots are the coolest toys for little children. How about getting a toy car that turns into a robot pal for your kids? The CYKT 2-In-1 Robot Toy Car has the unique ability to transform itself into a toy robot upon coming in contact with an obstacle, making it the perfect gift for parties. The robot also pops out if kids press the button given in the front part of the car. It takes this form for a while and quickly turns back into the car again. The body is crash-proof and very strong.
Pros
- 12 colors to choose from
- Built with ABS plastic
- Durable and non-toxic
- The car moves with inertia and there is no need for buying batteries.
Cons
- The toy could have been a little bigger.
"My little Transformers fan loves this toy. Its smooth transformation mechanism impressed me, and it is great for on-the-go play. I doubt it will last long, but it is a worthy pick for its entertainment value and the joy it brings to my little one."
How To Choose The Right Toy Cars For 5-Year-Olds?
Here’s a buying guide detailing the factors you should consider when choosing a toy car for your child.
- Safety: The first thing you need to look out for when buying a car toy for your 5-year-old kids is safety. Get a car that has no sharp and pointed edges. Avoid getting anything that can break and injure the kid. Look for a car that is painted with non-toxic paints that are child-safe. With this, you can be sure that the toy and its material will not cause any harm to your child. Heavy cars are not ideal for little children as they would try carrying them and may hurt themselves.
- Educational value: Toy cars offer a lot of learning just like any other educational toy. You need to just pick the right one. Some cars come with numbers and letters and even some rhymes. Choose car toys for kids that provide some additional activities for toddlers and learn-and-play features that your child may love.
- Physical development: Toy cars come with a lot of benefits for kids. If you are looking at boosting your child’s physical development, get toy cars that they can grasp easily or run around pushing them. RC toy cars can improve the finger grip in kids. Get such toy cars and watch a leap in your child’s physical development.
- Durability: Kids love to race cars and crash them while playing. If your child is not among those who collect cars and keep them in a case, get very strong and durable toy cars for them. There are toy cars that come with shock-proof and crash-proof bodies. Cars made of ABS plastic can be a great pick.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a proficient writer and reviewer of children’s toys and gift items. She does in-depth research to recommend the safest, most engaging, and educational toys for children. Here, she has listed the best toy cars for five-year-olds with the best ratings on online platforms and exceptional customer reviews. Priti has curated this list after deeply researching the features of each of these cars. Moreover, she also gives you tips on choosing the right toy car for the future racer in your house.
Children get intrigued by the world of automobiles, especially cars, at a younger age. If you’re planning to pick the best toy cars for 5-year-old kids, you need to consider more features than speed, design, and remote control. So, look for machines that are also educational and teach your children things like how engines work. The toy cars listed above are compact, rugged, durable, and sturdy. These amazing toy cars will help five-year-olds make beautiful memories and cherish them for the rest of their lives.
Infographic: How To Make Playing With Toy Cars Safe?
Cars are classic old-school toys that will never go out of style. Today, toy cars have become more realistic and come in multiple colors and designs. However, sophisticated toy car mechanisms demand extra safety. Check out the following infographic to learn how to make them safe for children.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- The Golden Age of Toy Car Making: 1920-1940
https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/2017/the-golden-age-of-toy-car-making-1920-1940
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