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Power wheels for grass
My daughters in their power wheels dune racer.

Power Wheels vehicles have plastic wheels that can slip and slide on wet grass. This feature can make it nearly impossible for children to operate their toy vehicles and have a blast. It can also get parents wondering, “What is the best Power Wheels toy car for grassy yards and play areas?”

The best Power Wheels for grass tend to have a maximum speed of at least 5 mph (8.04 kph). They also have contoured tires for improved traction. The best models are ATVs and dune buggies. When choosing a Power Wheels for grass, you’ll want to consider your child’s preferences, size, and weight.

I’ll review our top picks for the best Power Wheels toy vehicles for grass and discuss some of the most vital factors to consider when choosing a new Power Wheels toy. You can use this information to pick the best Power Wheels model for your budget, environment, and child.

Can Power Wheels Go on Grass?

Though Power Wheels vehicles tend to move more quickly on paved surfaces, many models are more than capable of moving on grassy lawns. These toys are designed to meet your child’s creative and practical play needs. 

The only reasons why it might fail when placed on grass are:

  • Low battery power
  • Steep ground elevation
  • Muddy conditions
  • Stripped plastic tires

Power Wheels vehicles tend to perform best when they’re fully charged, and they’re also better suited to flat terrain and dry conditions. Over time, the plastic tires on a Power Wheels toy car can become smooth, reducing the friction needed to roll across the grass.

Additionally, specific models tend to work better on grassy areas than others. These Power Wheels vehicles have impressive maximum speeds, more significant above-ground suspension, and larger, contoured tires. 

Such features help the Power Wheels toys run across grassy lawns with ease, but which of the many Power Wheels cars is the best for grass? 

Things To Consider When Choosing a Power Wheels Toy Vehicle for Grass

To choose the best option for you, you’ll first want to take a moment and consider the most crucial features to look for when selecting a Power Wheels vehicle for grassy areas. After all, there are several potential models from which to choose. 

Comparing each Power Wheels toy’s essential features could be the best way to choose the right one for your child. For example, when you’re picking your new Power Wheels toy, you’ll want to think about its:

  • Speed
  • Traction
  • Size and weight
  • Price

Power Wheels toy vehicles with more incredible maximum speeds are more likely to fare well on slick or bumpy grassy lawns. Additionally, those that offer improved traction are bound to work better on unpaved terrain. 

A Power Wheels vehicle’s size and weight can also affect how well it moves across the grass. Generally, lighter weight allows for more effortless momentum and movement. Naturally, parents will also need to consider the price. 

Let’s explore these features in slightly more detail to discover what you can expect when choosing a Power Wheels vehicle for your green yard or grassy play area.

Speed

The very first thing that you’ll want to check is speed. Some Power Wheels toys have a maximum speed of 2 mph (3.21 kph), while others have a top speed of 6 mph (9.65 kph). 

Generally, you’ll want to avoid the Jeep Wrangler and Ford F-150 models when selecting a model for grassy surfaces. These models often have a top speed of only 6 mph (8.04 kph), and you can do far better by choosing an ATV-style or dune-buggy-inspired Power Wheels toy vehicle. 

Traction

One of the most common complaints that parents and kids have about Power Wheels vehicles is a lack of traction. Each car, truck, and ATV features hard plastic wheels which can eventually crack or wear away. 

Parents can increase their Power Wheels toy’s traction (thus helping it move more quickly on grass) by choosing a model with contoured tires. When you select a Power Wheels toy vehicle with contoured tires, you’re saving yourself a ton of effort. 

Though these tires are still going to be plastic, their tiny grooves, holes, or concave portions may help grasp loose dirt, grass, or rocks to keep the toy (and happy children) moving forward. Power Wheels tires with higher levels of contouring tend to produce friction, helping aid in momentum.

Still, these tires can become weighed down by heavy components or kids. Consequently, parents should also think about size and weight before choosing a new Power Wheels toy.

Size and Weight

Though you might not be able to change either your child’s or your Power Wheels toy’s size or weight, it’s still vital to think about them. The heavier both are, the more trouble the toy might have when trying to work on grass. 

If you’re purchasing a toy for an older child, it might be better to choose a smaller, lighter vehicle. Though this might not seem like the best choice (after all, a six-year-old won’t have much use for a Power Wheels car two or three years down the line), it could be the wiser option when working with lawns and grassy yards.

Price

Your kids might pay you with hugs and kisses after getting a new Power Wheels toy car. However, it’s crucial that you feel comfortable with the amount you’re paying cash for that child-sized car. Choosing a Power Wheels model that’s within your budget isn’t too challenging, and I’ve prepared plenty of options that might work for you.

What Is the Best Power Wheels for Grass?

Best Overall: Power Wheels Baja Trailster

The Power Wheels Baja Trailster is an excellent option for unpaved surfaces. This toy vehicle is explicitly designed for off-road conditions, and it’s easy to spot such features when looking at it. It’s a sporty, dune-buggy-style model with an open roll cage and a short roof. 

The high backing helps keep children safe if the vehicle ever tips backward, a huge plus for parents hoping to select the safest model. The safety guards at the side of each seat also help keep riders safe and stable. The double seat is excellent for additional riders, especially if your child is between three and five years old.

With a maximum weight limit of 130 lbs (58.96 kgs), your kid will be able to use this Power Wheels buggy for several years, making the Baja Trailster a sound investment. Its contoured tires move quickly across grass, dirt, and pavement, and it’s suspended just high enough to avoid excess mud.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a Power Wheels toy vehicle that can handle rough, grassy lawns or dirt playgrounds, the Baja Trailster might be the ideal option for you. It’s durable, has fantastic traction, and has relatively high top speeds.

Pros

  • Double-seating capacity: Your child can take their sibling, a friend, or a favorite stuffed animal for a wild ride with the double seat found in this model.
  • Solid steel frame construction: Unlike most other Power Wheels toy vehicles, the Baja Trailster has a solid steel internal frame. This makes it one of the most durable options and one of the best for “off-road” adventures.
  • Tough, grooved tires: The Baja Trailster’s grooved tires help it gain traction on otherwise slippery surfaces, including grass.
  • Safety handles: Small riders can feel safer when roaming over unpaved surfaces thanks to the safety guard handles at each side of the Baja Trailster. 

Cons

  • Average speeds: While other models can reach maximum speeds of 6 mph (9.65 kph), this model can only move at 5 mph (8.04 kph). 
  • Higher cost: The Baja Trailster might be a fantastic option for grassy lawns and parks, but it’s also one of the pricier Power Wheels toy vehicles.

Best Budget-Pick: Power Wheels Racing ATV

If higher speeds are more critical than rugged design and double-seating capacity, the Racing ATV model might be a better choice. It can quickly reach a maximum speed of 6 mph (9.65 kph), the top speed for any Power Wheels toy vehicle.

Though it doesn’t have many additional features, it is one of the most budget-friendly Power Wheels options. Its friction-forward wheels make for easy driving on multiple surfaces, whether paved sidewalks or grassy yards.

However, this model only supports up to 65 lbs (29.48 kgs) in weight, and it has a low suspension height. As such, it might be better suited to younger riders and flatter surfaces. If your lawn has quite a few pebbles or sticks strewn about, this model might get stuck.

Bottom Line: If your budget is one of your top priorities, the Racing ATV could be an excellent buy. It features an impressive 6 mph (9.65 kph) top speed at about half the price of comparably fast Power Wheels models.

Pros

  • Higher maximum speed: This ATV-style toy has a top speed of 6 mph (9.65 kph).
  • An affordable option: The Racing ATV is one of the most cost-effective Power Wheels models, as it offers higher speeds for a lower price.
  • Designed for a combination of terrain: It can run smoothly on paved and unpaved surfaces.

Cons

  • Low maximum weight: It is not suitable for older or heavier children.
  • The front bar gathers debris: A low front bar quickly catches debris, causing stoppages and performance problems for riders.

Best Overall Value: Power Wheels Jurassic World Dino Racer ATV Ride-On

While the standard Power Wheels Racing ATV is a wise option for those seeking a grass-friendly toy vehicle, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing model. Kids that enjoy the power and capability of the basic ATV, but are looking for something a little more stimulating, are bound to love the Dino Racer ATV.

This Jurassic Park-themed Power Wheels ATV is, hands-down, one of the most remarkable models out there. The body of the vehicle includes velociraptor parts, including fearsome claws and a biting head. Though this ATV might be too scary for some riders, it’s bound to intrigue more adventurous boys and girls and help with imaginative play.

With contoured wheels and a maximum speed of 6 mph (9.65 kph), this Power Wheels ATV is one of the best for multiple terrains, including grass. It also happens to be an affordable option, which is why I believe it’s the best value pick.

Bottom Line: With a unique design and a powerful motor, this ATV-style Power Wheels vehicle is one of the fastest options. Thanks to its contoured wheels, it’s also one of the most competitive options for grassy terrains. Even better, it’s a creative toy that offers plenty of imaginative play.

Pros

  • Creative design for imaginative play: Standard ATVs can be fun to ride, but they don’t offer much imaginative play. This dinosaur-themed ATV has a mounted velociraptor head that drivers can control, making for exciting and fun playdates.
  • A fantastic value: Considering its power and design, this might be one of the best-value Power Wheels ATVs. Budget-mindful parents should snap this model up as soon as possible.
  • One of the fastest models: With a top speed of 6 mph (9.65 kph), this Power Wheels ATV is one of the speediest child-sized vehicles. It can run across a grassy lawn with ease.

Cons

  • It could be too scary: Some children might feel frightened of the velociraptor design.
  • It cannot support high weights: This model can only support up to 65 lbs (29.48 kgs) in weight, and larger children might not be able to ride it.

Best for Multiple Riders: Power Wheels Dune Racer Extreme

Sometimes, you just need a Power Wheels vehicle that can run on grass and support multiple kids. The Dune Racer Extreme is a solid option for parents needing a little additional passenger space, and it has some of the deepest and roomiest seats of any Power Wheels toy car.

Even better, this Power Wheels model is one of the most affordable. If you have more than two tiny tots, you might want to invest in more than one of these handy toys. While they can’t reach speeds above 5 mph (8.04 kph), they are perfectly capable of skimming across grass lawns and paved sidewalks. 

The Dune Racer Extreme is easy to get in and out of, which might be preferable for small kids. With a weight limit of 130 lbs (58.96 kgs), you can watch kids between the ages of three and seven cut loose and enjoy their time with this toy. Still, you should never use this Power Wheels buggy-style toy on uneven surfaces, as it lacks a roll cage. 

It’s also quite heavy, and the last thing you want is for it to flip over onto your child while they’re trying to go up a steep incline. If you live in an area with steep hills, you may want to choose a model with more safety features.

Bottom Line: If you’ve got a few young tots running around, you might want to invest in the Dune Racer Extreme. This Power Wheels vehicle has deep, roomy bucket seats and a 130 lbs (58.96 kg) weight limit to keep siblings playing all day long.

Pros

  • Large contoured wheels: This vehicle has massive plastic wheels to help maximum friction and keep it moving steadily along, even on slippery grass yards.
  • Deep seats: The Dune Racer Extreme has bucket-style seats that make for more comfortable seating. Older children might fit better in this model.
  • Secret storage space: You might not think that this buggy has a trunk, but you’d be wrong! Passengers will love showing off the hidden under-the-hood storage space, as well as keeping toys and snacks hidden there.

Cons

  • Few safety extras: While this dune buggy does include a pair of solid safety handrails on each side, there is no roll cage or high backing to help keep riders safe from accidental harm.
  • On the heavy side: This model weighs about 78 lbs (35.38 kgs), making it one of the heaviest Power Wheels toy cars. This weight could diminish maximum speeds and become a safety issue on steep terrain.

Best for Jeep Fans: Power Wheels Disney Pixar Toy Story Jeep Wrangler

If you’re trying to find the best Power Wheels toy vehicle for a small child or toddler, you’ll want to choose one that’s fun and engaging. Fast acceleration speeds might be the least of your concerns when choosing a toy car for your little one, though traction is still crucial for driving on grass.

The Toy Story Jeep Wrangler is one of the most interactive Power Wheels cars, and it can also move safely across paved and unpaved terrain. It could be an ideal option for younger children, as it comes with fun sound effects buttons. 

If your child doesn’t have any interest in Toy Story, you might be glad to know that there are several Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Common themes include sports, Disney characters, Hot Wheels, PAW Patrol, and Barbie. Simply choose the one with additional features or designs that suit your child’s interests! 

Bottom Line: Younger children (especially fans of Toy Story) will appreciate the bright colors and fun sound effects this Jeep Wrangler Power Wheels vehicle offers. Older children can also ride along, though this model’s suspension height leaves much to be desired.

Pros

  • Great for younger children: A three-year-old is more likely to be drawn-in with bright colors and memorable movie quotes, and this option provides both.
  • Capable of supporting 130 lbs (58.96 kgs): With a two-passenger limit, your little one could invite a friend to share in the fun while riding this Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler.
  • Made with Power Lock Brakes: When your child takes their foot off the acceleration pedal, the Power Wheels Power Lock Brakes kick in, ensuring a solid and safe stop each time.

Cons

  • It doesn’t appeal to all kids: Not all children like Toy Story or the other themes you can find throughout the Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler line. 
  • Not the best suspension height: You might spend time loosening sticks and leaves that pile up beneath this toy, as it has a very low suspension height. 

Best for Ford Fans: Power Wheels Ford F-150 Raptor

If your child is intrigued with the idea of hands-on outdoor play, they might enjoy a pick-up truck Power Wheels vehicle. The Ford F-150 has a usable tailgate and bed area perfect for creative minds and busy hands. 

However, one of the most appealing aspects of this toy truck is its incredible suspension height. If you’ve had trouble keeping sticks and bits of foliage from sticking to the front of your child’s Power Wheels car, you’ll fall in love with this model. It’s high enough off the ground to avoid the most common yard obstacles.

Another notable aspect of this option is the tire shape. This tiny Ford F-150 has some of the best multi-terrain tires of any Power Wheels vehicle. Still, it is one of the heaviest models, and thus it might not be able to move as quickly as other Power Wheels cars.

Bottom Line: Some kids prefer the playtime opportunities that come with owning a miniature F-150, and this Power Wheels toy doesn’t disappoint. It’s more expensive than other vehicle types, but it’s also one of the only models with a working tailgate!

Pros

  • Has a usable pick-up bed: Very few Power Wheels toy vehicles have working tailgates and pick-up bed storage areas. Children that are eager to load up their very own Ford truck with toys, dirt, or imaginary lumber will love this feature.
  • Dash storage: Equally rare is a Power Wheels dash storage space. This tiny compartment might not hold much, but it’s a fantastic way for kids to emulate the larger, real-life version. 
  • Great suspension height: Much like its real-life equivalent, this Ford pick-up truck sits high off the ground, allowing it a superior suspension height that helps riders avoid sticks, pebbles, and other common hazards. 

Cons

  • High price: This miniature Ford F-150 is chock-full of nifty features, but it’s also one of the most expensive Power Wheels toys.
  • Heavy construction: This toy pick-up truck weighs almost 100 lbs (45.35 kgs), making it a relatively heavy model. This extra weight might slow it down during operation.

Final Thoughts

I found that the best Power Wheels toy for grass is the Baja Trailster Ride-On Vehicle. I feel that this model outshines the others in several unique ways.

The Power Wheels Baja Trailster Ride-One Vehicle:

  • Is designed to handle more challenging, unpaved terrain
  • Has a large surface area to help increase traction
  • Is rugged enough to withstand “off-road” playtime
  • Has highly-contoured wheels for added traction

Still, you might find that a different model works best for your budget or your child’s preferences. Hopefully, one of our top picks will be your perfect match!