Traxxas UDR is a fan favorite in the RC world — and for good reason! It’s powerful, durable, and a blast to drive. But let’s be honest: it comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there’s a more affordable alternative that still delivers plenty of fun — THE Latrax Prerunner
Owned by Traxxas Latrax offers a lineup of budget-friendly RC cars that maintain the quality and performance you’d expect from the brand. Among these, the Prerunner stands out as a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy the RC experience without breaking the bank.
We’ve previously reviewed the Latrax Teton and Latrax Rally, which you can check out here and here. But today, let’s take a closer look at what makes Traxxas Latrax Prerunner a top contender in the world of affordable RC fun.
Design
latrax prerunner body
At first glance,Traxxas Latrax Prerunner looks like a hybrid between the Traxxas Slash and Traxxas UDR. It borrows the headlight design from the Slash while featuring a body style reminiscent of Traxxas UDR — a true mini-monster truck aesthetic.
The Prerunner comes with two stock color options: Black and Blue or Black and Red. For those looking to stand out, an aftermarket limited-edition body is also available separately.
chance to win starts now!
Buy your ticket now and be one step closer to winning a Traxxas UDR car before the draw
latrax prerunner Chassis
The Prerunner’s chassis is impressively robust for its size and price. Unlike some other Latrax models, the Prerunner includes:
- Oil-filled shocks
- High-torque brushed motor
- Waterproof electronics
- High-quality bearings
- Included battery and charger
And for those who love to tinker, it offers plenty of upgrade potential — from performance parts to visual enhancements.
latrax prerunner Review : Performance
This compact 4WD RC truck packs a surprising punch!
Equipped with a 370 brushed motor and waterproof electronic speed control, the Prerunner delivers fast, responsive performance. The 4-wheel drive system ensures traction and handling across various terrains — dirt, gravel, grass, and even light snow.
Driving Modes
If you’re considering this RC car for a child, don’t worry — it comes with three beginner-friendly driving modes accessible via the controller:
- Sport Mode – Full power (Forward / Brake / Reverse)
- Race Mode – Forward / Brake (no reverse)
- Training Mode – 50% Forward / Brake / 50% Reverse (perfect for kids)
These modes help you tailor the car’s performance to the driver’s skill level — a great feature for families.
Latrax Prerunner Upgrade
Like its siblings, the Latrax Rally and Teton, the Prerunner supports a wide range of upgrades:
- Aluminum suspension arms and shocks
- Metal driveshafts
- Upgraded bearings
- Custom body shells
- Caster blocks and other performance parts
Most parts are interchangeable between Latrax models, making it easy and affordable to maintain or enhance your RC experience.
What Could Be Better?
Basic Controller
The included controller is functional but minimal. It lacks advanced features like Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) and other high-end tuning options found in pricier models.
Standard Charger
The included wall charger gets the job done but takes up to 3 hours for a full charge. For faster turnaround, consider investing in a Traxxas fast charger.
No TSM
While it’s not a deal-breaker, the absence of TSM (Traxxas Stability Management) is worth noting. However, given the small size and easy handling of the Prerunner, it’s not essential.
Why You’ll Love the Traxxas Latrax Prerunner
- ✅ Affordable and dependable
- ✅ Compact and portable
- ✅ Comes with a battery and charger
- ✅ Upgradable with a wide range of inexpensive parts
- ✅ Perfect for both adults and kids
Being small isn’t always a downside — the Prerunner is easy to store, transport, and drive in tight spaces. Its lightweight build makes it a convenient and fun choice for any RC enthusiast.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few limitations, the Latrax Prerunner is a fantastic RC truck for beginners and seasoned drivers alike. It’s fun, fast, and affordable — and with its Traxxas heritage, you know you’re getting a quality product.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the Traxxas UDR, the Latrax Prerunner is absolutely worth considering.
What do you think? Would you choose the Latrax Prerunner as your next RC car? Let us know in the comments
