8 Best Power Wheels for Hills

Fisher-Price Power Wheels vehicles have been a long-time favorite among parents and children. However, these toy vehicles can be more than a little unimpressive when it comes to speed and power. Parents searching for the best Power Wheels for hills can spend forever trying to choose the most capable model.

The best Power Wheels for hills are fast (six miles per hour), have dependable braking systems, balanced frames, and sleek bodies. In terms of design, the Power Wheels ATVs and buddies tend to do the best on inclines and declines. Still, Power Wheels vehicles aren’t designed for steep surfaces.

Let’s help you keep your Power Wheels search short and sweet by revealing our top picks for the best Power Wheels for hills. I’ll also discuss the five major types of Power Wheels vehicles and how they differ. This way, you can pick the best option for you and your child!

What Are Power Wheels?

As you’re likely aware, Fisher-Price Power Wheels toys primarily consist of child-sized electric toy vehicles. These play cars range from sturdy Jeep Wranglers and Ford pick-up trucks to more adventurous dune buggies and ATVs. 

There are also a handful of Power Wheels toys that don’t fit into these categories, though they’re not nearly as popular. Many Power Wheels toys can reach speeds up to 5mph, though some (like the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Tough Trike) aren’t battery-powered. 

To find an option that can tackle hills and inclines, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the various Power Wheels builds. Don’t worry, though. There are only five general types of Power Wheels play vehicles, so getting to know them is a snap!

Types of Power Wheels Toy Vehicles

In the past, customers might have known Power Wheels for their convertibles and toy sedans, but times have changed. Nowadays, this toy line consists of five standard vehicle types. These types are:

• Jeep Wranglers
• ATVs
• Pick-Up Trucks
• Buggies
• Miscellaneous

It’s not uncommon to find a wide array of vehicle models within each of these categories. The Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler selection is the most expansive, with 16 different models from which to choose. 

Many of these toy cars feature notable brands or franchise characters. Of course, the types of stickers and colors on your child’s Power Wheels vehicle won’t affect its uphill ability. You can add as many flame stickers as you’d like to the side panels of a Power Wheels car—It still won’t move any faster.

However, the precise design of your kid’s toy car could affect its ability to travel up inclines. Consequently, we’ll need to take a quick look at these five Power Wheels vehicle types.

Jeep Wranglers

As mentioned above, there are more than a dozen different models of Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler electric rideable toy vehicles. This abundance can make it challenging for parents to choose the most capable and most powerful option. 

However, in the end, the real choice comes down to appearances. All Power Wheels Jeep Wranglers contain the same type of battery. They’re all about the same size, and there are minimal differences in vehicle body design and weight. 

As such, these playtime Jeep vehicles are identical on the inside, even if they look dramatically different. They can go up to five miles per hour, and most feature a small partial roll cage at the rear of the car. 

While this feature might not provide a ton of protection, it could be useful if your child’s vehicle clips backward while traveling uphill. Of course, that added weight to the back might also cause a flip in the first place. As such, an ATV might be the better choice.

ATVs

Besides Jeep Wranglers, ATVs are the most common type of Power Wheels toy vehicles. There are four designs from which to choose, but the aesthetics aren’t what make this option stand out. 

Out of all the Power Wheels vehicles, the ATVs are the fastest. They’re capable of going up to six miles per hour, which may make them a sound solution to neighborhoods with lots of gentle hills. 

Of course, the Power Wheels ATVs aren’t designed for tiny children. Instead, they’re an excellent option for children between the ages of about four and eight.

Pick-Up Trucks

If you’re looking for a miniature Ford F-150, then Power Wheels has got you covered. They have two such toy vehicles in their lineup. One is dark purple, and the other is white. There aren’t many differences between these two models besides color, windshield height, and hood decals.  

Still, these trucks can go up to five miles per hour. They also have Power Lock brakes to help them handle inclines and declines. However, thanks to a short flatbed in the vehicle’s rear, this option can be a little bottom-heavy. 

When going up a hill, extra weight in the back could make the truck pop a wheelie and flip upward. When going down a decline, the added weight might cause the vehicle to speed up and become impossible to slow down. 

However, with a weight limit of 130lb, your kids won’t be able to haul too many heavy things with these pick-up trucks, and that’s excellent news for concerned parents.

Buggies

Power Wheels offers two types of dune buggies. The first type comes in two colors. One is pink, and the other is blue. Those in the know can also find the elusive green version. The color is virtually the only difference between them. Both can reach five miles per hour when in drive and about two-and-a-half miles per hour when reversing. 

Both have weight limits of 130lbs. Notably, this design is one of the sleekest within the Power Wheels lineup. These play vehicles are also designed for older children that may have outgrown their old Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler or truck. As such, a buggy might be able to handle hills better than other designs (except for the ATVs). 

The standard pink-or-blue buggies don’t have a roll cage, though, which could be a problem for some parents. Fortunately, there is a third dune buggy option called the Baja Trailster, and this toy vehicle does include a back cage. Still, I’ll explore this buggy in greater detail soon enough.

Miscellaneous

Four Power Wheels toys don’t fit into the above categories. One is a non-electronic tricycle. The other three are battery-powered, but they’re a bit different from the usual sets of Jeep Wranglers, ATVs, pick-up trucks, and buggies.

Thomas the Train

The rideable Thomas the Train has a weight limit of 40lbs and goes a maximum speed of two miles per hour. Parents can place it along the included circular track to keep their tiny tots safe and secure. Slightly older toddlers can ride this slowly through the house without a track. Still, it won’t support much weight, and it cannot go up hills.

Barbie Dream Camper

This Barbie Dream Camper toy is shaped like a squat camper van. It’s a bit more back-heavy than the Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler options or ATVs. While it’s cute and it comes with quite a few accessories, it might be more liable to flip backward down a hill than other options. 

Wild Thing

Shaped like a motorized chair on wheels, the Wild Thing is an electric vehicle that can reach five miles per hour. However, it’s also notoriously tricky to operate.

The seat uses a pressure system to detect riders, but this system has been known to fail. The last thing you want is to have your child slide downhill when their toy vehicle’s battery suddenly shuts off. As such, this model also fails to meet the minimum requirements necessary for up and down travel.

Do Power Wheels Toys Struggle With Hills?

Before you invest approximately $300 into a Power Wheels vehicle for your child, it’s crucial to understand these electric toys’ limitations. While models with more powerful batteries can handle inclines better than those with small batteries (or no batteries), steep hills can still be a problem. 

In every Power Wheels owner’s manual, Fisher-Price makes it very clear that children shouldn’t use their toy car on steep inclines or unlevel surfaces. Going up a hill could be too much for the poor battery to take, and it could also cause the vehicle to flip over backward. It’s only too easy for small children to injure themselves this way.

Consequently, parents should always monitor and stick close by children going uphill or downhill on a Power Wheels toy. Otherwise, unintended accidents could occur. And with those accidents may come painful injuries. 

Still, some Power Wheels cars handle hills better than others. Many of the best Power Wheels for hills share similar traits, such as:

• Relatively high maximum speeds
• Robust braking systems
• Sleek and short body profile
• Balanced design

If you’re hoping to invest in the most capable Power Wheels toys for your child, you’ll want to keep reading. Our top picks for the best Power Wheels for hills are just below! While these options might not be able to tackle the steepest inclines throughout your community, they should be able to make it up gentle hills and large bumps in the sidewalk. 

Power Wheels Dune Racer Extreme Ride-On Vehicle

When it comes to scaling hillsides, many Power Wheels vehicles can struggle and eventually fail. The Dune Racer Extreme is a little tougher than those other models. While it might not be the fastest Power Wheels rideable toy, it is one of the sleekest and most durable options.

And unlike some of the more front-heavy or back-heavy toys, this vehicle is incredibly well-balanced. This design feature dramatically lowers the chance of accidental flips and spills. To make matters even better, there are metal sidebars beside the seats. 

These bars help riders and passengers stay stable and secure while they’re riding around. Should your child begin to feel some weight tipping, they can quickly grasp these sidebars for support, potentially pushing downward and redistributing their weight to keep the vehicle grounded. 

The included Power-Lock brakes also help riders to stay in control at all times. Overall, it’s tricky to find a better and more capable Power Wheels vehicle. Of course, if you’re searching for something a little bit speedier, you may want to check out a Power Wheels ATV instead.

Notable Features

• Capable of functioning on wet and dry surfaces
• Powerful motor ensures that the buggy functions on grass, dirt, and pavement
• The vehicle body is elevated off the ground, allowing for greater clearance
• Well-suited for children between the ages of three and seven

Power Wheels Racing ATV

Does your child have a need for speed? This Power Wheels Racing ATV could be the best and safest solution. With a maximum forward speed of six miles per hour, this toy vehicle is one of the fastest in the Power Wheels line. 

This rideable ATV toy is slightly more front-heavy than the Dune Racer, making it an excellent option for uphill travel. Thanks to the robust braking system, downhill adventures can be just as safe and fun. 

Like many of the Power Wheels buggies, this ATV features a good deal of space between the bottom of the vehicle’s body and the ground, allowing for plenty of offroading adventures. However, this model is a little lighter than the standard buggy. 

Parents should train their children to use this ATV on gentle inclines, not steep ones. Of course, that’s true no matter which Power Wheels toy vehicle you choose!

Notable Features

• Capable of reaching six miles per hour
• Can function in reverse at three miles an hour
• Suspended high enough off the ground for offroading
• Thick, durable wheels work well on many surfaces

Power Wheels Baja Trailster

When you need a heavier, more solid Power Wheels vehicle for your adventurous kid, the Baja Trailster provides. With a roomy front section capable of seating two children, this dune-buggy-inspired toy vehicle features a full-body roll cage, reflective plastic roll bar lights (nonfunctional), and grippable sidebar handles for added stability.

Unlike many other Power Wheels vehicles, the Baja Trailster has a steel frame. Should your child happen to tip over in this model, they may be better protected than in a Power Wheel Jeep Wrangler or ATV. 

This buggy isn’t quite as fast as the ATVs, with a max speed of five miles per hour. Still, this model is capable of safely handling gentle slopes, and that’s worth noting.

Notable Features

• Durable steel frame helps keep users safe and secure
• One of the heaviest Power Wheels vehicles at more than 100lbs
• Capable of supporting up to 130lbs in weight

Power Wheels Jurassic World Dino Racer

If your child has a passion for paleontology, they may love the Jurassic World Dino Racer. Not only can this ATV reach speeds of six miles per hour, but it’s also designed to look like a velociraptor. 

As such, this particular Power Wheels vehicle encourages both outdoor play and exceptional imagination skills. But the fearsome dinosaur head and tail do more than just scare away monsters and villains—These components also add a little stability to the vehicle.

Thanks to some smart design choices, this ATV is one of the most hill-friendly Power Wheels vehicles. Still, the maximum weight capacity is only 65lbs, making this option better-suited to smaller children.

Notable Features

• The design makes it look like your kid is rising a saddled velociraptor
• Moderately heavy for improved balance
• Added dino parts help to keep this ATV stable during usage

Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler

It’s time to move into the realm of the Power Wheels Jeep Wrangler lineup. If you’re hoping for a classic version that lacks all the pomp and circumstance of franchise-friendly models, then this basic model ought to do the trick.

It has two seats, can support up to 130lbs of weight, and weighs about fifty pounds. While the profile is a little tall, making it more susceptible to wind and terrain elevation changes, it’s a reliable option capable of reaching five miles per hour. 

Notable Features

• Small storage space in the back of the vehicle for toys and snacks
• An excellent choice for boys and girls aged three to seven

Power Wheels Hot Wheels Jeep Wrangler

If firehouse red isn’t doing anything for you, why not try a blue Power Wheel Jeep Wrangler? While this option is nearly identical to the classic one, it does have far more chrome plastic parts. Additionally, this model plays motor noises and a small selection of programmed songs.

Notable Features

• Plenty of shiny chrome to catch your child’s eye
• The automatic braking system engages when the foot is removed from the acceleration pedal
• It plays fun songs and sounds

Power Wheels Gameday Jeep Wrangler

If your little one is a sports fanatic with a thirst for offroading adventures, then the Gameday Jeep Wrangler could be a great buy. Its build is similar to the Hot Wheels model, except that instead of chrome accents, there are fun sports stickers and gear. 

The included sports net can hold toys and sports gear while your child is out and about. While the car is parked, this same net can unfold and become a target. This option could be fantastic for outdoor play and gentle hills.

Notable Features

• It comes with fun sports-related toys and accessories
• Produces sports sounds and car noises via a pretend radio
• The doors open and close for a real-life touch

Power Wheels Tough Talking Jeep Wrangler

Sometimes, the standard Power Wheels options can be a little boring. However, Fisher-Price upped their game when they made the Tough Talking Jeep Wrangler. This option has all of the classic model’s features and capabilities, but it also has a microphone.

Kids can speak through the microphone and hear their voices amplified over the car’s loudspeaker. They can also play with the programmed sound effects as they cruise the yard. While this isn’t the quietest option, it is a relatively powerful one that also provides some unique playtime opportunities. 

Notable Features

• It has a microphone and loudspeaker system
• Can play fun sound effects to help engage your child’s creativity
• It comes with stylish flame stickers on the front and sides

Conclusion

Power Wheels toy vehicles come in five general design types. These play cars, trucks, ATVs, and buggies can travel between two and six miles per hour. Some of these rideable toys only weigh about 20lbs, and others weigh in at more than 100lbs. 

While no Power Wheels vehicle should be used on steep inclines or declines, some may work better on gentle hills than others. The models that work best with hills tend to be those with the most significant maximum speed, body stability, and sleekest design. Our top picks reflect this trend, allowing you to pick the best option!