Many Traxxas Nitro RC cars have an electric counterpart, but the Traxxas Jato 3.3 stands out because it doesn’t. This makes it one of the least-known models in the lineup!
When people think about Traxxas Nitro RC cars, the Revo 3.3 often comes to mind because of its popularity. However, what many don’t realize is that the Traxxas Jato 3.3 is actually the fastest nitro RC car in their lineup.
But wait—speed is just one of the many secrets this RC car has to offer.
With all its features, is the Traxxas Jato 3.3 still worth buying in 2025? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Jato 3.3 and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
Let’s dive in!
The Design
Traxxas Jato 3.3 Body
The first thing you’ll notice about the Traxxas Jato 3.3 is its timeless, classic design. It resembles the Rustler Stadium Truck, doesn’t it?
Unlike newer RC cars like the Traxxas Sledge, which feature sharp edges, the Jato 3.3 embraces curvy edges throughout its body. Even the headlights sport a vintage design. Despite this throwback aesthetic, the overall construction stays true to what we’ve come to expect from Traxxas RC cars.
The body of Traxxas Jato 3.3 is smaller in proportion to the chassis, thanks to its long suspension arms, which give the car its wide stance. However, unlike some newer Traxxas models with clipless bodies, the Jato 3.3 uses four clips on each side to secure the body.
The Front
The Traxxas Jato 3.3 is packed with intricate details—not just in the front, but across the entire body!
At the front, you’ll find a bumper that extends over the body and connects to the chassis. Just above that, the classic-styled headlights and front grille come into view. While these parts aren’t functional, their design is striking.
The grille houses four headlights: two larger ones and two smaller ones. Adding to the aggressive look are the well-crafted stickers that give the car a bold and badass appearance.
The Middle and the Rear
The Middle
In the middle section of the Jato 3.3, you’ll notice a departure from what’s common in other Traxxas models like the Sledge and Maxx. There are no plastic skids to protect the top of the body.
On the left side, you’ll find the exhaust, which adds a cool aesthetic touch, though its blue color might not appeal to everyone.
One standout feature here is the motor. Since the body sits low, the motor is partially exposed, and Traxxas has cleverly designed a cutout in the body to accommodate it.
The Rear
At the back, the design gets even more interesting. The body features bold, muscular contours—yes, this RC car has “muscles”! If you’re a fan of muscle cars, you’ll definitely appreciate the aggressive aesthetic of the Jato 3.3.
The large spoiler at the rear is another highlight. Unlike the partially attached spoilers on models like the E-Revo, the Jato 3.3’s spoiler is a fully integrated, one-piece design.
Lastly, while the Jato 3.3 doesn’t come with a pre-installed wheelie bar, don’t worry—it’s included in the package. You can attach it to the receiver at the rear if needed.
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Traxxas Jato 3.3 Chassis
If you think the chassis of the Traxxas Jato 3.3 is the same as the Revo 3.3, you’re mistaken! The Jato 3.3 features a unique chassis design, making it stand out from other Traxxas models.
Of course, being a nitro RC car, its chassis electronics differ from those of electric RC cars. However, the rest of the components are largely similar to other Traxxas models, with some notable additions. Let’s break it down!
The Front
The front chassis design starts with the bumper we discussed earlier. Right behind it are the shocks—these are GTR shocks, known for their smooth operation and impressive durability due to their thick build.
Both the shocks and the shock tower are made of plastic, but they are sturdy enough to handle substantial pressure. The suspension arms, which are quite long as previously mentioned, are also made of plastic but are designed to be strong and flexible.
Now, let’s talk about the suspension system. The Jato 3.3 is equipped with sway bars on both the front and rear, helping the car stay balanced, especially when turning corners at high speeds.
But the real highlight here is the steering system—it’s unlike anything you’ll find in Traxxas electric RC cars. This system, called Zero Bump Steer steering geometry, ensures the front wheels always point forward, even after hitting large bumps that could otherwise misalign them.
Whether the suspension is moving up or down, the wheels remain perfectly aligned, giving you better control and stability on rough terrain.
The Middle and Rear
The Middle
The middle of Traxxas Jato 3.3, like most nitro RC cars, is packed with mechanical components—the heart of what powers this beast.
The first thing you’ll notice is the fuel tank, neatly tucked under the chassis. It features a well-designed fuel tank lid with an extended handle, ensuring your hands stay clean and free from fuel while refueling. The lid even closes automatically after refilling—a small but brilliant touch!
The fuel tank connects to the engine, which is attached to the exhaust pipe. The exhaust exits from the side of the vehicle, a design consistent with other Traxxas nitro models.
Next to the exhaust pipe is the receiver system, which is well-protected under a cover. Make sure to take note of its location, as it’s a crucial component of the Jato 3.3.
As for the starting system, it’s located in a large plastic bar on top of the chassis. This clever placement allows you to start the car easily, even with the body still attached.
The Rear
Moving to the rear of Traxxas Jato 3.3, you’ll find shocks that match the power and performance of those in the front.
Another key component here is the receiver’s battery, which is the last major part of the car—assuming you don’t have the wheelie bar installed. To protect the receiver battery, you have two options:
- Install the included wheelie bar at the rear for extra protection.
- Relocate the battery next to the motor for better weight distribution.
For beginners or those who want to keep things simple, Traxxas recommends using the wheelie bar. It’s easy to install and takes just a few seconds to set up
Inside the Traxxas Jato 3.3, you’ll also find several smaller parts, such as the servo and gears, which all contribute to the car’s exceptional performance.
Traxxas Jato 3.3 Performance
The Traxxas Jato 3.3 is a nitro-powered RC car equipped with a two-speed automatic transmission and a 3.3 racing engine. As a 2WD vehicle, it delivers incredible performance, reaching speeds of 65+ mph and hitting 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
Let that sink in—60 mph in 4.2 seconds! That’s the kind of acceleration you’d expect from high-performance cars like Porsches, BMWs, and Jaguars.
This isn’t your average RC car. It’s serious power packed into a small machine, and Traxxas makes it clear: the Jato 3.3 is not for beginners. It’s classified as a level 5 RC car, designed for expert drivers who know how to handle such raw speed and performance.
With the most powerful nitro engine Traxxas has ever built, the Jato 3.3 is a true beast on the track.
How to Start the Traxxas Jato 3.3
Starting the Jato 3.3 is surprisingly simple, thanks to Traxxas’s EZ-Start system. Here’s how it works:
- Use the included control box and plug it into the glow plug.
- Cover the exhaust pipe with your finger.
- Press the red button on the control box and hold it until the engine roars to life.
It’s that easy! If you’re new to the process or need a visual guide, be sure to check out a tutorial for additional help.
Traxxas Jato 3.3 Tires
While the Jato 3.3’s engine and speed grab the spotlight, its tires are equally impressive. This RC car is equipped with Anaconda® Performance Tires, designed for superior grip and traction both on-road and off-road.
Whether you’re racing on asphalt or tearing through dirt trails, these tires ensure a thrilling and reliable driving experience.
The Transmitter and Receiver
The Traxxas Jato 3.3 doesn’t just rely on raw power—it’s also packed with advanced systems to enhance your driving experience.
Traxxas Stability Management (TSM)
One standout feature is the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) system. This system helps you maintain control by automatically correcting the car’s direction when it starts to slide. Here’s how it works:
- If the car begins to skid, TSM adjusts the wheels in the opposite direction of the slide, helping the Jato 3.3 regain traction and stay on a straight path.
- This system is particularly helpful for avoiding crashes and keeping the car stable during high-speed maneuvers.
While many drivers love TSM, others prefer the challenge of driving without assistance. The good news? You can easily adjust the level of TSM interference or turn it off completely if you want to experience the untamed power of the Jato 3.3. (Pro tip: this is only recommended for expert drivers!)
Advanced TQi 2.4GHz Radio System
The Jato 3.3 also comes with the Advanced TQi 2.4GHz Radio System, which includes a Traxxas Link Wireless Module. This system allows you to connect your transmitter to the Traxxas Link app on your smartphone for even more functionality.
Using the app, you can access telemetry data from your RC car, such as:
- Motor temperature
- Speed
- Battery voltage
- And much more!
To enable this feature, simply install the Traxxas telemetry device on your transmitter, connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth, and download the Traxxas app. With this setup, you’ll have all the critical performance metrics of your Jato 3.3 at your fingertips.
Traxxas Jato 3.3 Upgrades
Whether it’s electric or nitro, every RC car offers a wide range of parts and upgrades—whether you’re replacing a broken component or improving performance. And the Traxxas Jato 3.3 is no exception!
In fact, the upgrade possibilities for this RC car are almost limitless. You can start with aluminum suspension arms, gears, servos, and even tires. Feeling ambitious? You can even swap out the motor for something more powerful.
What’s more, you can take things to the next level by converting your Jato 3.3 from nitro to electric. Have you ever considered that?
So, what upgrades would you add to your Traxxas Jato 3.3? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop your answer in the comments below!
Annoying Things About the Traxxas Jato 3.3
No matter how incredible an RC car is, there will always be some aspects that don’t appeal to everyone, even when the car is built to perfection.
When it comes to the Jato 3.3, I have no complaints about its performance or handling—they’re as good as it gets. However, one thing I feel could use an update is the body design.
Compared to Traxxas’s newer generation of RC cars, which feature sleek, modern designs, the Jato 3.3 has a more classic look. While this aesthetic certainly has its fans, I personally hope future versions of the Jato 3.3 will adopt a more contemporary design.
Other than that, this RC car is a powerhouse and truly delivers on all fronts.
Great Things About the Traxxas Jato 3.3
There’s a lot to love about the Traxxas Jato 3.3, from the intricate details in its chassis to the systems and features that make it incredibly easy to use.
Take the fuel tank handle, for example. It may not seem like a groundbreaking addition, but it’s a small feature that saves time and effort when refueling.
Another standout feature is the inclusion of Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) and Traxxas Link. These aren’t features you’ll find on every Traxxas RC car, so it’s a big plus to have them included in the Jato 3.3.
But what about you? What do you love most about the Traxxas Jato 3.3? Share your thoughts with me in the comments—I’d love to know!
Traxxas Jato 3.3 Price
If you’ve been following this review, you’ve likely already guessed that the Traxxas Jato 3.3 isn’t a cheap RC car—and you’re absolutely right!
This is a premium RC car, and it comes with a price tag to match. But remember, you get what you pay for—and in this case, you’re getting top-tier performance, speed, and features.
So, is it worth the price? Absolutely! The Traxxas Jato 3.3 offers incredible value for the money.
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Should You Buy It?
With its title as the fastest Traxxas nitro RC car, capable of hitting 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, the Jato 3.3 is not something you see every day.
For its price, it’s certainly worth every penny. So why not buy it? If you’re after speed, performance, and a thrilling RC experience, the Jato 3.3 is the perfect choice.
That said, if you’re looking for a larger RC car, you might consider spending a bit more to get the T-Maxx 3.3 or investing in the Revo 3.3, the ultimate big beast in the Traxxas lineup.
What’s your take on the Traxxas Jato 3.3? Would you buy it or consider one of the other models? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your opinion!
