10 Best LEGO Technic Sets Reviewed in 2024
Selina Marie
Justina Fuller
One of the most fascinating products of Danish toymaker LEGO is their Technic line of playsets. Compared to the more traditional LEGO building sets, the Technic series provides a rare chance for kids to create and build something that is close to the real thing. It’s more like model building in which they get to assemble something that they often see in the real world, complete with realistic parts and mechanisms. If your kid already has several sets of LEGO, maybe it’s time he or she graduates to the more technically challenging yet equally fun and thrilling technology-inspired LEGO Technic. If so, then our 10 best LEGO Technic sets should help you find something specific for your child.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 43 hrs of research
135 piece set
Pull-back powered car
Pop-out engine
Compatible with other LEGO construction sets
Fast stunt car
10 Best Lego Technic Sets Reviewed
1. WHACK! Building Kit
135 piece set
Pull-back powered car
Pop-out engine
Compatible with other LEGO construction sets
Fast stunt car
Small pieces; can come loose, so make sure you keep an eye out if you have younger children/siblings who still put little toys in their mouths
It’s a great car with a build that is moderately challenging but by no means impossible or frustrating. Kids will also love playing with it once it’s finished, given that it can drive all on its own with its pull-power engine.
Read moreEase of Use
This set includes 135 pieces total and is most suitable for children between the ages of seven and fourteen. It’s compatible with all LEGO construction pieces to allow customization. Simply pull back, let go, and watch this car soar!
Educational Value
Construction and building toys allow children to expand their fine motor skills, dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and critical thinking. Then once the toy is built, they can enjoy all the fun of creative play with their new stunt car!
Design
Ready to hit Mach Five-speed? The WHACK! Building Kit from LEGO Technics is the best way to build a powerful and punchy pull-back car. Combine this car with the BASH set (#9 on our list) for a combination crash car with two engines. The WHACK is a stunt car with a sturdy front bumper and an oversized rear spoiler. It features wide black rims with low profile tires and an engine that pops out upon impact during a collision.
2. RC Tracked Racer Kit
Fun, challenging build
Comes with two motors
Receiver and remote control allow children to steer the car they built
Rebuilds into an off-road truck
Drives in all directions and performs 360-degree turns
Goes through batteries quickly
Car-obsessed but too young for their license? This ought to scratch that moto-itch for a while. Kids love race cars. RC cars are a big hit, but what’s even cooler than racing your own car around is building it, and then racing it around. This set is super hands-on in multiple ways, making for hours of fun.
Read moreEase of Use
This RC Tracked Racer Set allows children to construct their own race car capable of driving left, right, forward, backward and making 360-degree turns. The set is compatible with other Technic sets for creative building and contains 370 pieces total.
Educational Value
Kids will learn how to construct their own RC car, complete with motor and receiver. Not only will children work the usual skill sets flexed with building toys, but they’ll also get to learn about radio transmissions and the cause and effect of motors.
Design
Two medium LEGO power function motors keep this little guy zooming around, while a receiver and remote control give your child full control over the car, even after it’s built. Build ‘em and race ‘em: The fun doesn’t have to end where the instruction manual does with this set.
3. Bucket Wheel Excavator
Excavator and Mine Truck or Mobile Aggregate Processing Plant builds
Working conveyor belt
Rotating bucket wheel
Drives forward and backward
Biggest LEGO Technic set
Doesn’t run smoothly; a little jerky
It’s massive. This will take your family several days to complete. So if you’re looking for a project that requires some dedication to the long haul, this is a prime pick. It will challenge children, but it’s definitely possible and will give you lots of time to build and bond together.
Read moreEase of Use
Build an excavator and mine truck, or opt for the Mobile Aggregate Processing Plant. Hand-railed walkways and a carefully crafted cab show attention to detail in this model replica. Put your hard hats on and get to work!
Educational Value
With thousands of pieces involved in this build, the Bucket Wheel Excavator is certain to challenge even the most accomplished LEGO enthusiasts. Your child will sharpen their motor skills and problem-solving abilities over many hours, also teaching them the value of patience and hard work.
Design
Equipped with a multitude of LEGO power functions, this excavation set is the largest Technic set ever made, and one of the coolest. It features forward and reverse driving, a rotating bucket wheel, a moving conveyor belt, and a rotating superstructure. The 3,929 pieces involved in construction will keep your family busy.
4. Record Breaker
Great speed and power
Achievable build for children
Can be combined with Quad Bike to make Extreme Off-Roader
Sleek, aerodynamic design
Good size for small hands
Low to the floor; won’t go over ramps and jumps well
It’s a great little speedster that even young children seem to be able to manage. Kids as young as five were able to complete this build without much assistance or supervision, but it’s also not so easy as to bore the older crowd.
Read moreEase of Use
With a sleek, chic, aerodynamic design, the Record Breaker is a fan favorite. It, like many of the other LEGO Technics builds, is powered by a pull-back motor, but that doesn’t detract from the car’s speed or racing ability. A tinted canopy and detailed engine round out a solid, aesthetically pleasing design. Measuring over three inches high, eleven inches long, and two inches wide, it’s a good size for small hands to be able to manage
Educational Value
This set is a great, intermediate build, and allows for a separate construction design as well when bought in tandem with the Quad Bike set. Building sets challenge children’s physical dexterity and motor skills as well as their mental capacities.
Design
If you purchase the Quad Bike in this series, you can combine the pieces of both sets to create the Extreme Off-Roader as well. Lean and mean, this racing machine is bound to have your little ones eagerly setting up their tracks and testing their vehicle’s limits.
5. Stunt Truck
Powerful pull-back engine
Comes with stunt ramp
Stays together after construction, can handle some bumps and bruises
Combines with 42058 Stunt Model to make a power racer combi-model
Comes with sticker set for kids to design their car
Ramp is just cardboard; breaks easily
Pull it back, then let it soar. With this Stunt Truck Set, children will get to build their own pull-back stunt car and ramp. Checkered racing stickers let kids design their ride as they please. A durable front bumper and wide blue rims accompanying low profile tires make this Stunt Truck a force to be reckoned with.
Read moreEase of Use
It’s a low-piece count, so if you’re easing younger ones into the Technic line, this is a good place to start. The pull-back motor is super fun too and allows for all-day racing without wasting batteries.
Educational Value
Kids will get to work their logic skills and dexterity as they build this fun little stunt car. Once it’s complete, they’ve got more fun to look forward to, as they pull it back to engage the powerful pull-back engine, and watch it race and do stunts off of the included buildable ramp.
Design
Combine this set with the 42058 Stunt Pull-Back Model to create even more building and racing possibilities. Designed to be an appropriate build for children ages 7 to 14, this car is a great introductory to racing and stunt cars.
6. BMW R 1200 GS
Highly detailed replica
Can be rebuilt as a concept model
Synced with interactive 3D building app
Wheels are maneuverable
Two-cylinder boxer engine with moving pistons
Doesn’t include a seat for a rider
This detailed replica of the high-powered sports motorcycle was developed in partnership with BMW, so you can be sure you’re getting real authenticity. If you’re feeling extra fancy, download the interactive instruction manual app, and build from there.
Read moreEase of Use
It’s a great, highly authentic little set, perfect for budding motocross fans, and motorcycle aficionados alike. The set contains more than 1,000 pieces but isn’t too terribly difficult to put together, so you could build it with your kids or most likely leave them to their own devices.
Educational Value
This Technic set is a study in attention to detail. The interactive 3D building app is a fun way to engage children who are interested in both engineering and technology. Kids will learn to sort and problem-solve while working their motor skills.
Design
This set creates two different models and is recommended for builders ages 10 to 16. Handlebar steering, a front suspension system, aerodynamic windshield, dashboard, and exhaust are all byproducts of the collaboration, resulting in a model that feels true to its original inspiration. Other fun features include an opening top case, luggage panniers, and a kickstand.
7. Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Recreation Lego model of the ultimate Porsche
Features real life orange body color
Includes; red spring suspension, classic headlights, and tires (low profile)
All building blocks compatible with other Lego sets
Model measures at 6 inches tall, 22 inches long, and 9 inches wide
Parts come in four different boxes for assembly
Best suited for more advanced builders or experienced in Technic builds
Build the car that you have always dreamed of with this Technic Lego Set. This set is an authentic model of the Porsche GT car. It includes all the original designs; the rims with the low profile tires, all the icons, and even the red suspension system that you see on the cars driving around. The detailed orange body color is striking as the real model itself. Then there is the classic design of the headlights. That is what people most often associate the Porsche car design with and they have beautifully included all those details in this model.
Read moreEase of Use
Each of the elements of the Porsche GT Technic Lego model come boxed in a series of four boxes. It has been designed to allow the builder to work through the series of boxes one by one to create the model. The other cool thing is that the sequence of the build is also the real-life assembly process. It is through the details that this build truly is one of a kind process.
Educational Value
Putting together a model car is an experience that is like no other. The special thing about the process that takes place with building this model is that Lego has boxed it in a series. So when the set is received inside the builder will find four boxes. Each of the boxes is numbered and is an important part of the process. Building from one to four the build is just like the process that the factory goes through to construct the real-life car.
Design
Standing at over six inches tall this Porsche replica is just like the real car that you see driving on the streets. From the color of the body to the cockpit with all the details it is truly unique. One thing that makes it even more unique is the serial number that is included with each. Each serial number is unique to that car and only that car.
8. Ultralight Helicopter
Unique and designed with detailed real life details of an ultralight helicopter
Includes; opening cockpit, tail and main spinning rotors, and tail rudder that is controllable
Features a two in one design; both A and B model
Oversized model aircrafts
Provides engaging and immersive experience for builder
Very time consuming build, over 199 pieces
Best suited for kids over the age of 10 years old
Providing builders with an aerial adventure build like nothing else on the market. The cool thing about this build is that it is a two in one model. It comes with all the pieces to create two different models with all the same piece. The builder has the opportunity to build an ultralight helicopter and then when they are finished break that model down and build an experimental aircraft. Both models are oversized models of the real thing.
Read moreEase of Use
When this set was designed it has been created to target builders between the ages of 8 years old and 14 years old. The set is an age-appropriate build for children this age with some experience in building blocks. The interactive 3D design creates an acceptable challenge for children this age. With the challenge of the build comes the reward of the coolest looking airship they have ever created from Legos.
Educational Value
The experience that this Lego Technic set with the two in one design is a totally immersive and gratifying experience. From building the ultralight helicopter to creating the experimental aircraft this set will provide builders with an experience that is both rewarding and challenging. It will test their fine motor skills and ability to follow instructions.
Design
One of the neatest things about this set is the included 3D digital building instructions. The building instructions have the ability to become interactive through a downloadable app that can be installed on any smart device. This brings creating the models and learning to use the guide in full circle. It is truly an interactive designed experience that your little builder will love.
9. BASH! Building Kit
Powerful pull-back engine
High speed car; built to race
139 piece set
Can be combined with WHACK! set
Heavy-duty front bumper protects against impact
Children who don’t follow visual instructions very well may need assistance building this kit
The BASH car features the number one on its side and for good reason: it’s one of the fastest racers out there. Complete with a powerful pull-back motor, this car zooms right along once released.
Read moreEase of Use
It’s a great little race car and you can combine it with other LEGO Technics to make a sort of supercar. It’s super durable, so it can handle collisions and some rough play without busting apart permanently.
Educational Value
Building kits challenge children’s motor skills as well as their critical thinking and pattern recognition. Plus, once the build is finished, there’s a fun toy for imaginative role-playing!
Design
The sturdy front bumper and large rear spoiler make it durable enough to withstand impact as it darts around the house. The kit includes 139 total pieces for construction and is most suitable for children between the ages of seven and fourteen. Combine it with the WHACK! Kit (which you can find at the top of our list), to create a super Technic: the WHACK N’ BASH combination model. Assemble the mega model, or race them separately! Either way, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
10. Power Function Accessory box
Compatible with most Technic models
Bright lights function
Extra small parts for more variety
Easy on / off switch
Batteries not included
Not compatible with regular Legos
This is the glue that will combine all the pieces together. It’s what makes the Technic a marvelous piece of toy engineering.
Read moreEase of Use
While the Power Function Accessory Box is not really a Technic playset, it does bring to life all of the LEGOs we have in this list. You can consider the Power Function as the heart of each of these playsets, giving power to the LED lights, revving up engines, and even moving different parts of your favorite Technic model.
Educational Value
This awesome accessory will give your child’s Technic sets that extra oomph they need to be truly mesmerizing. It comes with everything you need to make any build completely mechanized, thereby increasing your child’s enjoyment. Take their learning experience to the next level by giving them the chance to explore how electricity can completely transform their creations. This addition of somewhat advanced features is a great way to broaden their total experience.
Design
The kit already includes a motor, a light cable, a battery box, and a switch as well as other electronic components to breathe life into your creations.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
Every single LEGO Technic set on our list had to pass a critical usability test; none of these LEGO sets are meant to just sit on a shelf for display. Unlike some other regular LEGO sets, these Technic models are all designed with the final result of play as the ultimate goal. After the time-consuming building process and reading instructions, every child wants to experience the full extent of their creations first-hand through play, which for them is the best reward. Each Technic set on our list was examined for maneuverability and hardiness; they can be pushed, “flown” through the air, rotated, bent or tilted in different directions, and wound up and released to race across the floor at high speeds. We also wanted each one to be sturdy enough to withstand getting banged around or dropped, which is pretty much guaranteed to happen during rough or exciting play. These Technic sets have a reputation for remaining intact despite some tough abuse, which means you’ll really get your money’s worth!
Educational Value
It was important that our list of LEGO Technic sets offer a wide range of challenges in the building process. When purchasing a toy for your child, always look for one that will not only entertain but also boost their cognitive development and critical-thinking skills. This can easily be achieved by choosing a LEGO Technic set that falls within the appropriate age range of your child. Each set is designed to offer just the right amount of challenge to the builder, while also stimulating their investigative nature. Some of these sets have significantly more pieces than others--the Crawler Crane, for instance, has a total of 1,401 pieces, the largest set on the list. The Stunt Truck, in contrast, is a quick and easy build at only 142 pieces. Depending on your child’s age, their experience with LEGO Technics, and the number of pieces, you can confidently choose a set that will be perfect in every way for your little builder.
Design
From a child’s point of view, having a toy that is visually stimulating and looks enticing is a huge part of the overall experience. Without cool graphics and colors, a child’s interest in a particular toy can quickly fade. Knowing this, the experts at LEGO have stepped it up a notch with these Technic sets. Almost all of them feature realistic decals that mimic the industry standards. The Fire Plane, Racer, and Stunt Truck, for example, all display symbols relevant to the job at hand, such as traditional stripping, colors, and numbers, specific to the industry. These seemingly unnecessary additions to the toy’s appearance are essential to a child’s long-term interest. Color is just one element, however; the shape and form of the toy is no less important. And that’s the great thing about our list--all of these Technic sets have dynamic, compelling silhouettes that inspire active play. The last thing any child wants is a toy that is bland, rigid, and immobile. Not so with these fantastic models!
Ease of Use Educational Value Design 
Building and construction play sets are beneficial for children’s optimum development. Numerous studies have already shown the importance of encouraging children to play with these types of toys if we want them to grow up as more well-rounded individuals. In case you’re wondering, here are some of the more common benefits of building and construction toys for the children of today.
It enhances the mastery of their fine-motor skills as they have to piece together different blocks to create a larger form. This also aids in the enhancement of their visual and motor coordination as they attempt to combine different blocks .It helps them develop their math skills, particularly in the area of geometry. They also get to learn the concepts of area, sorting, equivalents, and sizes. This can become an excellent foundation for the development of engineering skills.
It stimulates their creative-thinking potential. While LEGOs come with complete instructions on how to build a certain model, the unique design of the building bricks allow for the creation of an entirely different form of model. Children learn to experiment which is a fundamental requirement for effective problem-solving.
It teaches them about certain scientific principles such as the effects of gravity, the achievement of balance, and the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships. Experimentation with a variety of forms or models can also be an important scientific principle that kids can learn from playing with these kits.
It improves their social relationship skills by giving them the opportunity to narrate the things that they are creating or building. They can also play scenarios while in the process of building things.
If you want your kid to really harness his or her true cognitive potential, you’d better get him or her a LEGO Technic. Our selection of the 10 best LEGO Technic sets in 2019 should help you choose which one to give to your child.
Other Factors to Consider
Accuracy
To make sure your child gets the most beneficial learning experience possible, it was also important that each set closely resembled the real thing. From cranes to pick-up trucks and helicopters, these Technic sets were closely examined for realistic details in their design that take the play experience to a new level of engagement. Thankfully, the design engineers at LEGO take this issue just as seriously, which is why each item on our list boasts a myriad of mechanical features that rival most other build-it-yourself toys. Adjustable gears, flashing lights, moving pistons, and breakneck speeds are just some of the many capabilities of these Technic sets. It’s common knowledge that children learn by doing; they gain a unique understanding and appreciation for how something works when they are able to analyze it for themselves. The regular LEGO sets don’t offer this kind of intimate experience with engineering details, which is why we highly recommend these models.
Creativity
Since the Technic line of LEGOs is designed with the basic premise of representing real-life objects or things, we knew we had to make this as our primary consideration in choosing which among the hundreds of models will be included in the final list. While there are some models that may not have an equivalent in real life, we still had to look at just how real the final assembled model will look.
Brand
Unlike our other product reviews, we no longer looked at the developmental appropriateness of these toys as LEGO has proven, time and again, that it does know its way around kids. Nevertheless, we did evaluate the level of difficulty in the assembly of these models and compared it to the recommended age. At least, we can assure you that if you give this to your kid, he or she will be able to build it.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How do I know which Technic sets are compatible with the power function motor?
Many parents are eager to know which Technic sets are capable of being motorized for added enjoyment. Unfortunately, not all of the Technic sets are designed for this accessory. For most of the Technic sets on our list, it is fairly easy to see if it has room for the motor function by closely examining the toy. Other reviewers of this product have come to this same conclusion only after looking over the product. If there is no obvious place for a battery to be installed, then you can be certain that it will not be compatible with the power function motor. The LEGO website is also a great resource, where you can look up a toy by its product number for more details.
q: How do I know if I can attach a regular LEGO to the Technic set?
In order for a regular LEGO to attach to one of the more modern Technic sets, there must be a peg connection located somewhere on the Technic set. Unlike regular LEGOs which have an attachment feature for easy connection to other pieces, the Technic line was created to be its own independent entity with unique features and details. For this reason, it’s highly unlikely that the Technic sets can attach to a regular LEGO unless there is an obvious peg connection. By reading Amazon reviews, you can also find the answer to this question regarding a specific Technic set you are considering.
q: Can I buy my younger child a Technic set that is meant for older kids?
This will depend entirely on the individual child and your observations of their abilities. In some cases, a 6 year old has no problem building a set designated for 7 to 14 year olds, although it may take them a little longer. However, some parents on Amazon have reported that even their 8 year old has trouble deciphering the directions, so you’ll want to take this into account when making a decision. To make sure your child enjoys building their Technic set and to avoid frustration, it may be best to stick to the age guidelines recommended by LEGO. A set that contains hundreds of small parts could quickly overwhelm a younger builder, especially if it’s their first encounter with the Technic line.
q: Do all Technic sets come with an instruction booklet?
Yes, all new LEGO Technic sets come with an instruction booklet personalized for each model. In some cases, such as the two-in-one designs, the instruction booklet will only include the directions for the original build; directions for the second optional build can be found on LEGO’s website. Several parents on Amazon have asked whether the instruction booklet includes details about attaching the power motor function. This depends on whether the model is compatible with this function, and the best place to find this out is the LEGO website.
q: Which LEGO Technic sets will provide the best learning opportunities?
All Technic products offer ample opportunities for learning and education. But in terms of which ones offer the best learning possibilities, consider choosing one that will bring a new and unexplored dimension to your child’s play routine. Does he/she know everything there is to know about cars and how they’re built? Then why not buy them the Fire Plane Building Kit or the Motorcycle, which will give them something new to explore? Likewise, if it’s become clear that your child has advanced through less-complicated Technic sets with leaps and bounds, it may be time to challenge them a bit more with a set that has a higher number of pieces and functions.
q: How long do the Technic sets usually take to build?
The time it takes a child to build a Technic set can range anywhere from just a couple of hours to days. There are several factors that influence how long the building process will be; whether the child is an experienced Technic builder or not, their age, the number of pieces, and how much the parents assist in the assembly. You can generally expect even a somewhat experienced child to take at least an hour or two to build a model, as this seems to be a common report in Amazon reviews. For younger or first-time Technic builders, the process can sometimes take four hours or more.
Sources
- , The Learning Power of Lego, Online Magazine Article
- , Educational Benefits of Providing Toys To Children, Informative Article
- , Eight educational benefits of playing with Lego, Blog Post
- , Build, Create, Play: The Benefits of Playing with Building Toys, information page
- , Toy Design Aestheti, PDF
