Welcome to an in-depth look at the Traxxas Jato 4×4 VXL, a high-performance 1/8 scale brushless electric racing buggy that promises exhilarating speed and thrilling bashing fun.
As an avid RC enthusiast, I’ve had the chance to unbox, inspect, and take this beast for its maiden run, and I’m excited to share my detailed experience with you.
From the initial unboxing to the raw power on the dirt, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this rocket on wheels.
Unboxing the Traxxas Jato 4×4 VXL: First Impressions
The Traxxas Jato 4×4 VXL arrives in a bold, high-impact box that perfectly showcases its aggressive design language and standout features. I picked up the orange variant from Bakersfield Hobbies, though the model is also available in pink, green, and blue. The orange finish immediately pops — a vibrant hue enhanced by anodized orange shock towers and matching wheel nuts, creating a cohesive and eye-catching aesthetic.
Interestingly, the pink version features blue anodized shock towers, which didn’t quite match my taste, leading me to choose the orange. In hindsight, it was the perfect decision — the visual appeal of this color scheme is hard to beat.
Upon opening the box, you’re greeted by a thoughtfully packed layout that reflects Traxxas’ attention to detail. Inside, you’ll find:
- The fully assembled Jato 4×4 VXL
- A bag of spare parts
- A set of precision tools
- A warranty card
- A full-color, model-specific manual
It’s worth noting that the package does not include a battery or charger, so you’ll need to source those separately. However, the included manual is excellent — it covers everything from battery mounting options to setup instructions for the TQi receiver system and ESC (Electronic Speed Control).
The included toolkit is surprisingly comprehensive. It features:
- A proprietary wrench designed for the unique wheel nuts
- Suspension tuning tools
- Several hex wrenches
- A battery height adapter, which is a particularly thoughtful addition. This allows for a secure fit across a range of 4S LiPo battery sizes, ensuring versatility without compromising on stability during runs.
Key Features and Build Quality
Power and Speed
The Jato 4×4 VXL is a 4-wheel-drive, brushless-powered buggy engineered for both speed and durability. Its standout feature is the VXL 4S brushless power system paired with a 540XL motor, enabling it to reach speeds exceeding 60 mph. This performance places it alongside high-end models like the Traxxas Raptor R, but with the added advantage of 4WD traction and control.
Chassis and Suspension
The chassis and suspension components are primarily made from plastic, which helps reduce weight and keeps repair costs low. Despite this, the buggy delivers solid durability, and it’s likely that aftermarket metal upgrades will become available soon.
It comes equipped with fully adjustable oil-filled GTR shocks, heavy-duty suspension arms, and reinforced camber links. While the camber links are not adjustable out of the box, their design supports rough terrain and aggressive bashing.
Aesthetic and Build Quality
A standout aspect of the Jato 4×4 VXL’s build is the extensive use of anodized orange aluminum parts. Components like the motor mount, shock towers, and chassis stiffener are all anodized, enhancing both strength and visual appeal. These metallic accents provide a premium look and feel to the buggy.
Body and Aerodynamics
The lexan body features clipless mounts, making it easy to remove and install. Its lightweight design helps maintain optimal performance during high-speed runs. At the rear, a large, flexible wing is installed, providing aerodynamic stability at top speeds and during aggressive jumps.
First Drive and Performance on the Dirt
Once charged and ready, I took the Jato 4×4 VXL to a local dirt patch for its maiden voyage. The buggy instantly impressed me with its acceleration and top speed. Even at partial throttle, it moves quickly and feels responsive. The 4S power combined with four-wheel drive delivers excellent traction, allowing the buggy to corner with ease and maintain stability.
The suspension soaks up rough terrain well, and the oil-filled shocks provide good damping for jumps and bumps. The buggy’s low centre of gravity and wide stance help it stay planted during high-speed turns, reducing the chances of rollovers—except when launching off ramps aggressively.
When I opened the throttle fully, the Jato shot forward like a rocket, easily surpassing 60 mph as advertised. The big rear wing helps keep it grounded during these high-speed runs. However, the buggy tends to do wheelies off the line, so easing into throttle inputs is necessary to maintain control.
Handling and Control Challenges
Despite the impressive speed and handling, the steering servo failure limited my ability to fully explore the buggy’s potential. At times, the steering response became erratic or completely unresponsive, which made it difficult to keep the buggy on track during aggressive runs or jumps.
The buggy handled flat dirt and turns well, but the loss of steering control meant I had to take it easy and avoid pushing it too hard until I can install a more robust servo. This issue highlights the importance of upgrading critical components on high-performance RC vehicles, especially those designed for bashing and racing.
What I Don’t Like About the Traxxas Jato 4×4 VXL
Out of the box, the Jato comes with the Traxxas 2075 steering servo. It’s a digital, waterproof servo with plastic gears.
While some in the RC community have criticised this servo for its plastic gearing, my past experience with the same servo in my Traxxas Raptor R has been mostly positive. It has withstood rough bashing and heavy use without failing.
However, during my initial test run, the servo unexpectedly gave out, resulting in a loss of steering control. This was disappointing, especially considering the $530 price tag of the buggy.
The servo’s failure meant I couldn’t fully test the Jato on jumps or push its limits on the ramp I built. Despite this, I remain optimistic as I plan to upgrade to a metal-geared 2075X servo soon, which should provide better durability and performance.
Traxxas Jato 4×4 vxl Upgrades
Given the servo issue and my desire to get the most out of the Jato 4×4 VXL, I plan to make several upgrades:
- Upgraded Steering Servo: Installing the Traxxas 2075X metal-geared servo to improve durability and steering precision.
- Metal Turnbuckles and Camber Links: Replacing plastic parts with adjustable metal components for better tuning and strength.
- Battery and Charger Options: Exploring different 4S LiPo batteries compatible with the proprietary connector to maximize runtime and power.
- Additional Chassis Reinforcements: Adding aftermarket stiffeners and skid plates to enhance durability during jumps and bashing.
I’ll be documenting these upgrades and sharing follow-up videos and articles to help you get the best out of your Jato 4×4 VXL.
Final Thoughts: Is the Traxxas Jato 4×4 VXL Worth It?
The Traxxas Jato 4×4 VXL is an exciting entry into the high-speed, 4-wheel-drive RC buggy market. With a powerful brushless 4S system, adjustable suspension, and eye-catching anodized parts, it offers a thrilling driving experience for enthusiasts looking to push the limits.
While the initial steering servo failure was a setback, it’s important to remember that this is a hobby-grade vehicle designed for upgrades and customization. With some simple modifications—particularly upgrading the servo and adding metal tuning parts—the Jato can become a reliable and formidable racer or bashing machine.
At a retail price of around $530, it sits in the mid-to-high range for RC buggies, offering excellent speed and features for the price. For those interested, I recommend purchasing from reputable retailers like A Main Hobbies, who offer great customer service and fast shipping.
Whether you’re a seasoned RC driver or looking to step up your game, the Jato 4×4 VXL is definitely worth considering. Keep an eye out for my upcoming articles where I’ll showcase upgrades, repairs, and more high-speed runs that push this buggy to its full potential.
