Everyone in my family loves Hot Wheels. And while the product age recommendation for most of the Hot Wheels track sets on this list is for ages 3 to 10, I will say this: Grown men and women tend to get back into these track sets as they enter their late 20s and early 30s. Just ask my husband – and he’s way past his 30s! He has a Hot Wheel tracks collection that’ll make a five-year-old envious.
I know. I have one of those too!
My favorite track is the Hot Wheels Track Builder Barrel Box. This one is hands down the best Hot Wheels track for its price-range, and is a must-have for any beginner racer. It’s durable and can handle just about anything your kid can throw at it. Parents love the fact that it comes with a container to keep all the pieces and parts in.
BEST VALUE: Hot Wheels Track Builder Barrel Box
Comes with a container and everything your kid needs to get started. Includes a Hot Wheels vehicle, 6 barrels, and 2 additional track pieces. It even has an innovative launcher built into the lid. Makes a great gift. Travels well. Develops problem solving skills and experimenting with new options.
If it’s excitement you are after, try the Hot Wheels Corkscrew Crash Track Set. This set has three crazy, insane, corkscrew loops. Challenge your little ones (or big ones) to keep their car on this track with its three corkscrew loops. If not, they’ll land in one of the three wipeout zones.
BEST FOR LOOPS AND CRASH ZONES: Hot Wheels Corkscrew Crash Track Set
Enormous corkscrew track with 3 loops and 3 crash zones. 3 high-speed boosters power cars through the loops at top speeds. Racers love trying and trying again to get their vehicles around all three of the loops without crashing. It’ll keep kiddos busy for long periods.
Need more information? Below I’ll take a look at what to consider before purchasing your Hot Wheels tracks, and I’ll list my top picks for the best Hot Wheels race tracks for your kids today.
Table of Contents
- What Should I Look for When Buying Hot Wheels Tracks?
- Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Hot Wheels Tracks
- #1: Hot Wheels Track Builder Barrel Box (Best Value)
- #2: Hot Wheels id Smart Track Kit (Best Splurge)
- #3: Hot Wheels Corkscrew Crash Track Set (Best for Crash Zones)
- #4: Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage (Best for Ages 3-8)
- #5: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Epic Loop Challenge Play Set with Truck and Car (Best Low Cost)
- #6: Hot Wheels Mario Kart Bowsers Castle Chaos Playset (Best for Side-By-Side Racing)
- Can You Join Hot Wheels Tracks Together?
- Verdict: Your Best Hot Wheels Tracks
Finding the right toy track for your children isn’t as easy as just choosing straight off the shelf and going with it. You’ll want to do your homework and find the perfect fit for your kid.
Mattel’s Hot Wheels vehicles and their race car tracks are considered one of the most popular toys in the world. They were released in 1968 and now, over 50 years later, are still going strong.
But they’ve come a long way since their inception. No more of the boring mundane straightaways and same old cars. Now your junior track builder (or grownup) can enjoy configuring a trap door with crash zones or hairpin turns with a loop stunt here and there. Join your Hot Wheels track with another track for hours of fun.
What Should I Look for When Buying Hot Wheels Tracks?
There are a few things you’ll want to consider for your Hot Wheels with track purchase. Keep the following questions in mind while looking for the set for your little drivers. This will help you make the best decision for an ultimate track racing experience.
Are the Track Sets Age-Appropriate?
As I said, the product age recommendation for most of the Hot Wheels track sets on this list is for ages 3 to 10, but the adults in our family love them too.
Do You Have Enough Space?
Some of these products can take up quite a bit of space, so make sure you know how much room you have in your play zones for set up. Also consider if your children (or more likely, you) will be taking it down and putting it up after each session or if you’ll allow your little ones to leave it out and use it as a permanent toy in their bedroom or play area.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Hot Wheels Tracks
I took the time to do some extensive research to compare the different track sets, their prices, and their contents. I also took into account my kid’s and grandkids’ experiences with these toys and what I think they’d enjoy as both a parent and a child. Who knows what a kid wants and likes better than another kid, right? Even if that kid is now a grownup!
#1: Hot Wheels Track Builder Barrel Box (Best Value)
The Hot Wheels Track Builder Barrel Box is hands down, the best Hot Wheels track for its value. Your kids will love creating and recreating stunts quickly and easily. These track builder sets will inspire creativity and promote problem-solving while providing hours of fun. This product is at the top of my list because, not only does it come with a container and everything your kid will need to get started, it makes a great gift and travels well.
It Comes with a Container
There’s not much worse than stepping on a car that didn’t make it back into its spot when playtime is over. This set comes with a box, making it easier for cleanup and more convenient for storage. The box makes it portable and excellent for travel. Also, no more missing pieces. Who doesn’t love that?
Everything You Need in One Place
As I’ve just covered, the Hot Wheels Barrel Box comes with a container. What I didn’t mention is what is contained within that one box. Kids will find one Hot Wheels vehicle to race on a track of their own that consists of six barrels and two additional track pieces. It even has a launcher built into the lid. Imaginations will go wild with this one.
This set is a must-have for any beginner racer. It’s durable and can handle just about anything your kid can throw at it. Parents love the fact that it comes with a container to keep all the pieces and parts in.
#2: Hot Wheels id Smart Track Kit (Best Splurge)
If you’re looking to buy the most exciting track and money is not an object, this is, by far, the best Hot Wheels track when you want to splurge a bit. Your kids will have fun experimenting and competing with each other with this unique and safely connected platform.
The kit comes with two “id” race cars and 16 track pieces, complete with track connectors, curves, straights, ramps, a finish line, booster, and a loop, plus the Smart Portal. You have the option to purchase additional “id” cars separately. Build and master over 20 track layout designs.
This product is great for Hot Wheels fans who are addicted to their electronics. At least this way, when they’re using their devices, it’ll be for something more constructive than Facebook or TikTok.
Racers Can Level Up with a Connected Platform
This Hot Wheels track has a unique feature that other Hot Wheels tracks don’t. That is, kids can measure and track the laps, speed, and performance of their Hot Wheels “id” racing cars on their smartphone or tablet. Your favorite Hot Wheels track builder will enjoy being able to watch live on the app as they build their track.
This Set Has the Fastest Cars on this List
These race cars can travel at astounding speeds – up to 900 miles per hour (scale-speed). Watch as your kids compete to see whose car can go the fastest through the different configurations. My 23- and 21-year olds have quite the competition going on theirs!
Owners rave about this track. While parents are impressed with the size and ease of set-up, racers of all ages like the fact that they can play with their Hot Wheels while using their electronic devices. This is considered a win-win for parents everywhere.
#3: Hot Wheels Corkscrew Crash Track Set (Best for Crash Zones)
This track creates excitement and fun with its new twist on track play. Your young racers will enjoy watching as the high-speed boosters blast their cars through the three wild loops.
This Set Has Three Corkscrew Loops
As the name suggests, this Hot Wheels track has three crazy, insane, corkscrew loops. These loops will throw you for a loop. (Pun intended. You’ll see.) Trying to defeat gravity isn’t as easy as it seems, but you’ll have some time to yourself while your offspring spend hours giving it their best effort.
It Doesn’t Have Just One Crash Zone – It Has Three
Challenge your little ones (or big ones) to keep their Hot Wheels car on this track with its three corkscrew loops. If not, they’ll land in one of the three wipeout zones. Make it a game. Which of the cars can make it through the fastest?
Parents and kids alike say how neat this toy track is. Racers love trying and trying again to get their vehicles around all three of the loops without crashing. It’ll keep kiddos busy for long periods.
#4: Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage (Best for Ages 3-8)
One of my favorite picks is the Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage. This Hot Wheels race track is great for the younger drivers in your life. It allows your toddler or preschooler to use their imagination while developing strength and dexterity as well as boost their confidence by teaching them how to cope when frustrations arise. My three-year-old grandson loves this product. He spends hours parking vehicles in different parking spaces throughout the track.
Preschoolers and Toddlers Can Create Their World with Interchangeable Cities
With over 20 additional Hot Wheels sets, your kid can connect one track to another, transforming their Hot Wheels track into a world all their own. Watch as they spend hours connecting one set to the next, creating just the right city.
It’s Perfect for Storytelling and Nemesis Play
The Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage has comes with plenty of parking spaces for your kids’ favorite Hot Wheels cars. It even has a T-Rex, making it the perfect setting for fun stories filled with adventure.
Another great product by Mattel, parents agree that this track set keeps their youngsters racing and playing for hours on end. It’s a great way for them to advance and learn important development skills while playing.
#5: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Epic Loop Challenge Play Set with Truck and Car (Best Low Cost)
Who will win? Watch as your racers race their Hot Wheels cars against the included Monster Truck. It comes with a launcher and ramp for even more exciting fun!
This Set Comes with a Hot Wheels Monster Truck
For those of us with racers that love big things, there’s nothing better than a Hot Wheels Monster Truck. With its signature big and wide tires, these trucks are a huge hit.
It Contains the First Monster Truck Stunt Loop
Your kid will be the envy of their friends with this set. The giant Monster Truck Stunt Loop is the first of its kind in the Monster Truck world. Race around the loop and watch your Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and scale cars fly across the room. Word of advice: Don’t play with this set near anything breakable. I found this out the hard way when my 5-year old broke my laptop screen. In her defense, I probably shouldn’t have had it on the floor!
This is a fun track for kids of all ages. It’s pretty easy to assemble. The only negative comments are that it can be difficult to get the Monster Truck around the loop. But, as they say, “Practice makes perfect.”
#6: Hot Wheels Mario Kart Bowsers Castle Chaos Playset (Best for Side-By-Side Racing)
Your kids will spend hours trying to get past Mario Kart’s Bowser in this side-by-side racing track. It even comes with a Yoshi vehicle. You can purchase additional Mario Kart track sets for more fun. Rearrange the track and try different cars for new and exciting ways to beat Bowser.
Allows for Two Racers at Once
While most Hot Wheels race tracks only allow for one racer at a time, this track allows two people to play at once, making it a great addition to any household. No more fighting over whose turn it is to play, which is always a plus in my home. As a parent can only hear, “Is it my turn yet?” so many times before you want to poke your eyes out. Am I right?
It’s a Great Addition to the Mario Kart Play Sets
While this track is fun completely by itself, it’s even more exciting when you add it to one (or all) of the other Mario Kart playsets. Yes, they are sold separately, but they can be worth the investment if your kid is into Mario Kart. Choose from the Piranha Plant and Thwomp Ruins playsets along with the Mario Kart Circuit track set. Your Mario Kart wanna-be will thank you.
Parents are impressed with the uniqueness of this track. It’s a great track for Mario Kart lovers of all ages. They’ll spend hours trying to beat Bowser at his own game!
Can You Join Hot Wheels Tracks Together?
All of these race car track sets on this list have multiple add-ons that you can purchase separately, so it’s only natural to wonder if you can join your new purchase with your existing Hot Wheels tracks. And the answer is yes! All of the Hot Wheels tracks connect together.
Complete each of the best Hot Wheels track set for a whole new world of fun and excitement. Let your kids change up the track sets and configurations, creating hairpin turns and crash zones to their imagination’s content.
Verdict: Your Best Hot Wheels Tracks
If you want the best value for money, pick the Hot Wheels Track Builder Barrel Box .
If you need this for a toddler or preschooler, pick the Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage.
If you want to keep the spend under $20, pick the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Epic Loop Challenge Play Set with Truck and Car.
If you want two-player fun, pick the Hot Wheels Mario Kart Bowsers Castle Chaos Playset.
If you want the best of the best, pick the Hot Wheels id Smart Track Kit.
If you need a crash zone, pick the Hot Wheels Corkscrew Crash Track Set.
These Hot Wheels race tracks and car sets are great for any kid in your life. Just keep in mind that some require batteries. Read the specification labels when purchasing. It’ll tell you if batteries are needed and if they’re included with the products.
FAQs
Which is the biggest Hot Wheels track set? ›
Standing over 3 feet tall and storing over 140 cars, this is the biggest Hot Wheels playset ever! Fuel your kid's imagination exploring the different, exciting play zones, like the drive-up diner and car wash; the dynamic, moving parts, including a motorized elevator; a massive jet plane with a penthouse landing pad; ...
Do all Hot Wheels tracks fit together? ›Each track piece has connectors to make them compatible with other Hot Wheels playsets, meaning that multiple tracks can be combined to create the ultimate Hot Wheels course! (Additional sets sold separately.)
Do any Hot Wheels cars work on the track? ›Not all Hot Wheel cars run smoothly on all the tracks. Some Hot Wheel tracks are motorized to speed the car, finish the stunts, and reach the finish. Further, some tracks have a crash zone to collide the cars, while others feature a ramp.
What 2023 Hot Wheels are worth money? ›- Raijin Express • HW Haulers (“A” case assortment)
- Surf Crate • Surf's Up (“B” case assortment)
- BMW R nineT Racer • HW Moto (“C” case assortment)
- Mad Propz • Sky Show (“D” case assortment)
- Mod Rod • HW 55th Race Team (“E” case assortment)
- Donut Drifter • Sweet Rides (“F” case assortment)
Check for any classic Hot Wheels cars with “redlines,” or red stripes on the tires, made from 1968–1977 that are worth up to $200 USD. Look for the “Sweet 16” cars from the first production run, like the Custom Camaro or Custom Volkswagen without a sunroof, that are worth up to $200 USD.
What is the oldest Hot Wheels set? ›The Sweet 16. The first line of Hot Wheels Cars, known as The Original Sweet 16 was manufactured in 1967. These were the first of the Red Line Series, named for the tires which had a red pin stripe on their sides.
Can you combine Hot Wheels sets? ›All Hot Wheels track sets are compatible with each other so if you're starting someone out, look for a complete one with a lot of options, so they can add simpler track later on as they expand.
Which Hot Wheels are most expensive? ›The Hot Wheels version of the classic Cord 812 car was produced from 1971 to 1972 and came in many colors, including magenta, purple, gold and light blue. The hot pink color, named “berry,” is the rarest and most valuable, with one selling for $6,600 in an eBay auction.
How can you tell which Hot Wheels are special? ›These rarities are different from normal Hot Wheels in several ways. Super Treasure Hunt tell-tale signs are the «TH» on them, rubber wheels and Spectraflame paint. In addition, there's a golden flame on the packaging behind the car.
Can you mix and match Hot Wheels tracks? ›Can I combine multiple Hot Wheels sets? A. For the most part, yes. Many Hot Wheels sets are designed so that at least one section can be connected to another set.
Will Matchbox cars work on Hot Wheels track? ›
Talking about the history, while Matchbox was introduced in 1953 by Lesney Products, Hot Wheels came to the market in 1968, and in 1997 Mattel acquired Matchbox. Now, because the products of both the brands are manufactured by the same company, the Hot Wheels tracks go well with Matchbox.
Are Hot Wheels worth keeping? ›A collection of Hot Wheels cars from your childhood can turn into an excellent investment. It is not unexpected that collectors would have an interest in owning these Mattel items, given the fact that some Hot Wheels automobiles have skyrocketed in price and demand.
Is Mario Kart Hot Wheels track compatible? ›All Mario Kart die-cast vehicles are compatible with existing Hot Wheels track sets. Each sold separately.
How to tell 2023 Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt? ›The 2023 Treasure Hunts Series is part of the 2023 Hot Wheels line. Since 2013, Mattel has incorporated Treasure Hunts into other series instead of being their own series. Treasure Hunts are distinguished by the 'circle flame' symbol.
Who owns the rarest hot wheel? ›1 1969 Pink VW Beach Bomb – $175,000
While other colors were also produced, the pink one was the rarest of the bunch. It's now owned by collector Bruce Pascal who boasts the most expensive Hot Wheels car in the world and its value keeps going up.
Today, more than 16 Hot Wheels cars are sold per second across the globe and more than 6 billion have been produced to date, the company said.
Why are Hot Wheels sold out? ›During the pandemic, it was hard to find any of these models because of production issues, supply chain snarls, and other factors. But Hot Wheels can still be hard to find today, even though those issues have largely cleared up. That, collectors say, is because of resellers.
How many Hot Wheels are there ever? ›Mattel, Inc. Since 1968, more than 4 billion Hot Wheels® cars have been produced.
What does Hot Wheels best for track mean? ›This is a list of all the best for track cars that have been deemed by Hot Wheels on the packaging. This will show the first release where it was deemed this. This doesn't include FTE wheels or slogans for cars in a certain line, but if it is saying the car is Best For Track.
Can you get a Hot Wheels made of your car? ›It is so easy to customize that with your help, your child could customize their own car. A Hot Wheels Custom Car would make a fun birthday gift or an awesome stocking stuffer! To customize your own car visit http://www.hotwheelscustoms.com/!
Can you swap Hot Wheels wheels? ›
And of course, a Hot Wheels car body is very easy to paint once it's snapped off the chassis. But you don't even need to do that much work. Just swapping a Hot Wheels' wheels gives you a great return on your labor and dollar investment if you want to add a little custom flavor to a 1:64-sized car.
What are super Hot Wheels? ›Super Treasure Hunts are premium versions of the mainline vehicle that has Spectraflame paint and Real Riders (rubber) wheels.
What new Hot Wheels are worth money? ›- Porsche 935 – 2022 Toy Fair ($690)
- Twin Mill – Mobil 1 Sweepstakes ($620)
- Automobili Pininfarina Battista – Hot Wheels iD ($340)
- 4. ' ...
- Chevrolet Corvette C8.R – NFT Garage ($190)
- 1969 Chevy Camaro – 36th Annual Hot Wheels Convention ($140)
- Porsche Taycan Turbo S – Hot Wheels iD ($135)
Starting in 2008, Mattel began using base codes (also known as date codes) on Hot Wheels vehicles. These date codes can be used to identify when an individual vehicle was manufactured in the Hot Wheels factory. Date codes are typically found on the base and card of Hot Wheels vehicles manufactured since 2008.
How do you play favorite tracks on Hot Wheels? ›Once on the course select screen in this mode, players will see a button prompt on the bottom left that indicates "Community Tracks." This will bring up every custom track readily available in the game, including a section for favorites.
What age are Hot Wheels tracks for? ›As I said, the product age recommendation for most of the Hot Wheels track sets on this list is for ages 3 to 10, but the adults in our family love them too.
What is the warranty on Hot Wheels track? ›Hot wheels Track Builder Car And Mega Track Pack has the Hot wheels official manufacturer warranty. As an Hot wheels official retailer, all our offered Kids shop items are covered by a 2 years manufacturer´s warranty.
What's faster Hot Wheels or Matchbox? ›As you can see, in both cases the Hot Wheels won by no less than one car length in each race. But why are the Hot Wheels faster? If I had guess I'd say the wheels and axles. Axles and wheels vary even between similar Hot Wheels models, but the difference between a Matchbox and a Hot Wheels is pretty big.
Which one is better Matchbox or Hot Wheels? ›Matchbox tends to be more focused on realism being copies of the cars and lorries (Matchbox has far more lorries than Hot Wheels) that can be seen on the roads. Hot Wheels has more fantasy elements and the cars tend to be slightly modded or hot rodded from the base car.
Why do adults collect Hot Wheels? ›People collect them because of their immense love and interest in cars. Hot wheels manufacture cars which are scale models of many original cars. People who love to collect cars prefer hot wheels because it is not so expensive. The price of this die-cast toys has not changed much in almost 40 years.
What cars go with Mario Rainbow track? ›
The track set comes with two vehicles: an exclusive King Boo and Mario. Once the karts get racing, they may face banked turns or a wavy road and must pass through the Item Box randomizer to win! Lights and sounds announce the winner at the finish gate.
Can you play on other peoples tracks in Hot Wheels? ›Hot Wheels players are not limited to racing on their own custom tracks but can also access several community tracks that other players have created. These creations can be accessed via Hot Wheels Unleashed's 'Track Building' menu.
What age range is Mario Kart Hot Wheels? ›There are five secret cars to unlock in Hot Wheels Unleashed. Each car has a unique style and can only be unlocked by completing a secret mission. Players can obtain these cars by finishing all the time trials, beating every boss, beating every race, and unlocking all the game's secrets.
How do you pick rare Hot Wheels? ›These rarities are different from normal Hot Wheels in several ways. Super Treasure Hunt tell-tale signs are the «TH» on them, rubber wheels and Spectraflame paint. In addition, there's a golden flame on the packaging behind the car.
What vintage Hot Wheels are worth the most? ›Redline series - Redline Hot Wheels were manufactured from 1968 to 1977 and are considered the most collectible Hot Wheels from the vintage era. The quickest way to figure out if a car is a Redline is to check for literal red lines on the wheels, and then look for either United States or Hong Kong on the base.
How many unique Hot Wheels are there? ›Over 130 new variations of Hot Wheels designs are manufactured each year, and these colorful and unique designs are sold in over 150 countries. There are also over 20,000 different models in existence overall, making a complete collection something that's nearly impossible to acquire.
What is the oldest hot wheel? ›1) The first Hot Wheels car that was produced was a dark blue custom Camaro in 1968. You may recognize the Camaro name from Transformers movies; Bumblebee transforms into the muscle car while saving the day. Watch Bumblebee transform at The Children's Museum.
Are Hot Wheels going up in price? ›As the supply of Hot Wheels shrank through the pandemic, and more and more people had the opportunity to get into the hobby, collectors have started noticing that prices for their Hot Wheels are going up, according to a report from Jalopnik.
Are Hot Wheels a good investment? ›A collection of Hot Wheels cars from your childhood can turn into an excellent investment. It is not unexpected that collectors would have an interest in owning these Mattel items, given the fact that some Hot Wheels automobiles have skyrocketed in price and demand.