Most Traxxas RC cars and trucks are either large or medium in scale. But have you heard about the Traxxas TRX-4M crawlers?
Since Traxxas primarily focused on medium and large-sized RC vehicles, they decided to introduce a smaller option. To do this, they took two of their most popular crawlers—the Traxxas Defender and Traxxas Bronco—and created 1/18 scale versions of them.
These smaller crawlers maintain the same design and appearance as their larger counterparts but in a much more compact size.
That said, do they offer the same chassis and performance? Are they worth investing in?
The Design
Traxxas TRX 4M Body
The Traxxas TRX 4M body is quite similar to its larger-scale RC counterparts, maintaining the same features and characteristics.
Whether you choose the Bronco or the Defender, you’ll enjoy impressive details such as door handles, folding mirrors, headlights, taillights, and other intricate components.
One standout feature of the Traxxas TRX 4M is its clipless body design. Achieving a clipless design at this small scale is remarkable and requires meticulous engineering.
Since the design mirrors that of the larger models, you can find full, detailed reviews of both the Bronco and Defender bodies for further insight.
- Headlights and Taillights: One of the standout features of the TRX 4M crawlers is their lighting system. The headlights and taillights are ready to shine—all you need is an aftermarket light kit to activate them. Interestingly, the smaller model offers a unique feature: secondary lights beneath the main headlights that can function independently of the primary lights.
- Folding Mirrors and Realistic Details: Despite the compact size, the TRX 4M retains realistic details like folding mirrors, functional door handles, a license plate, and other intricate elements.
- Clipless Body: Clipless bodies are rare in RC cars, even among larger models. Traxxas implemented this innovation in their big models and has now brought it to the smaller scale. Removing the body involves clicking the front and rear sections instead of the sides—a slight variation from the larger models.
What About the Chassis? Does It Match the Larger Models?
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Traxxas TRX 4M Chassis
While the body of the TRX 4M is a scaled-down version of the larger models, the chassis tells a different story. Certain components, such as motors and batteries, cannot simply be miniaturized.
In fact, the TRX 4M crawler is so compact that it’s smaller than a standard LiPo battery! The battery is actually larger than the car itself—an amusing and surprising fact.
The TRX 4M chassis has a distinct structure and system, engineered for user-friendliness without compromising quality. Despite its smaller size, the chassis is made with the same premium steel frame as its larger counterparts.
Once you remove the body, you’ll notice the chassis has a unique layout. It’s slim and elongated, with limited space, meaning components are arranged sequentially rather than side by side.
- ECM-2.5: The TRX 4M introduces the new ECM-2.5 system, combining the receiver and speed control into one unit. This user-friendly feature simplifies operation—you can turn the car on and off just by plugging or unplugging the battery.
- Motor: The motor is surprisingly large, taking up the entire front half of the chassis. Its size might even make you mistake it for the battery at first glance.
Despite its steel frame and numerous components, the TRX 4M chassis remains lightweight, ensuring excellent performance.
In addition to the ECM-2.5 and motor, the chassis includes several other components that contribute to the RC car’s performance. Overall, Traxxas has done an excellent job balancing innovation, quality, and user experience.
Traxxas TRX-4M Performance
When it comes to crawlers, it’s not about top speed—it’s all about their crawling capabilities and handling performance.
The TRX-4M crawlers, like the Bronco and Defender, rank among the best in the category!
They’re equipped with a powerful Titan® 87-turn brushed motor, an ECM-2.5™ Electronic Control Module, and full-time shaft-driven 4-wheel drive. Together, these features make them capable of conquering just about any terrain.
But that’s not all—here are some additional components:
Traxxas TRX 4M Parts
- Powerful Titan® 87-turn brushed motor
- ECM-2.5™ Electronic Control Module
- TQ™ 2.4GHz Transmitter
- Oil-Filled GTM™ Shocks
- Full-time shaft-driven 4-wheel drive
- Heavy-duty 2065T steering servo
- Highly detailed 1″ Replica wheels
- High-capacity 2-cell LiPo battery
These components play a crucial role in making these small-scale crawlers legendary and capable of tackling almost any terrain despite their compact size.
The electronic control module (ECM-2.5) offers three driving profiles: sport mode, trail mode, and crawl mode. You can easily switch between these modes depending on your preference.
Another impressive feature is the 45° steering angle, allowing this RC car to make tight turns effortlessly, even in small spaces.
Additionally, the gearing on the TRX 4M can be adjusted. However, alternative gear sets are sold separately and must be purchased aftermarket.
It’s also worth noting that all of these components are waterproof, enhancing durability and performance in various conditions.
Transmitter and Receiver
As previously mentioned, the TRX 4M combines the receiver and speed controller into a single unit, the ECM-2.5.
What about the transmitter?
The TRX 4M includes a TQ transmitter, which is compact and simple to use. Unlike the more advanced transmitter found on the TRX-4, this one is designed to be straightforward, with fewer options and features.
Most of the car’s functions and features can be controlled directly from the components within the chassis, making operation intuitive and hassle-free.
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TRX 4M Accessories and Upgrades
Typically, when Traxxas RC cars and crawlers are first released, there aren’t many accessories or upgrades available.
However, as time goes on, more aftermarket parts start to appear, offering plenty of options for customization.
Surprisingly, this isn’t the case with the Traxxas TRX 4M models. Right from the start, there’s a wide variety of aftermarket parts and upgrades to choose from.
You can find aluminum components, body panels in different colors, light kits, upgraded transmissions, shocks, servo mounts, covers, and so much more.
Essentially, you’ll have everything you need to enhance and personalize your RC crawler!
One standout accessory you won’t typically find with other RC cars is the utility trailer. It’s an incredibly realistic and impressive addition that you’ll definitely want to check out!
Things I Don’t Like About the TRX 4M
There’s no denying that the TRX 4M is packed with impressive features that truly stand out—many of which left me amazed! This review highlights plenty of those positives.
That said, nothing is ever perfect. One aspect I found disappointing was the transmitter. It would have been much better if it offered the same advanced features as the transmitters of larger-scale crawlers.
Aside from that, these RC cars are absolutely remarkable!
Things I Like About the TRX 4M
If you ask me—or anyone else—about this RC car, I’m confident many would point to the creativity and innovation Traxxas has brought to the table.
The ECM-2.5 system, the compact steel chassis, the light kit, and the detailed bodywork are all testaments to the incredible design and performance of the Bronco and the Defender models.
Despite its small size, the TRX 4M delivers just as much fun and excitement as larger models—and at a much more affordable price!
How amazing is that?
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TRX 4M Price
The price of the TRX 4M is undoubtedly one of the reasons why so many people are eager to purchase these RC cars. Unfortunately, it seems they’re already sold out!
As of the time of writing, you can only pre-order them, with deliveries expected to arrive in November—just in time for the holiday season.
This makes them an excellent gift, whether for kids or adults who are passionate about RC cars.
You can check the price and place your pre-order by clicking the button below:
Should You Buy the TRX 4M Crawler?
Power, quality, innovative design, and affordability—these are the key factors every customer wants in a product, and the TRX 4M delivers on all fronts.
These small-scale RC cars go far beyond being just another toy you’d find at a local toy store. Every part of the TRX 4M, from the body and chassis to the tires, reflects expert engineering and meticulous attention to detail.
In short, you’re not just buying an RC car—you’re investing in a masterpiece.
So don’t hesitate—this is more than worth it!
