Verdict: yes, the Traxxas Slash 4x4 is still one of the best first "serious" RC trucks you can buy, with one caveat: the current brushless VXL version is fast (Traxxas claims 50+ mph on 3S), and it doesn't include a battery or charger. If you'll respect the power and budget for a pack and charger, it's a truck you can bash, race and keep for years. If you want something gentler or fully ready to drive, look at the alternatives at the end.
Quick picks
| Our pick: best all-round 1/10 truck | Traxxas Slash 4x4 VXL | Amazon |
|---|
How we reviewed it
This is a spec-and-evidence review, not a hands-on test. We used Traxxas's Amazon listing for the current brushless Slash 4x4 (model 68454-4), checked October 3, 2026, Traxxas's own battery guidance, and the upgrade parts Slash owners are buying on Amazon right now as a signal of what owners change. Durability notes reflect long-running owner consensus, labeled as such. How we research.
We call this method How we pick. We never claim to have driven a truck we haven't.
Slash 4x4 VXL at a glance
| Model | Traxxas Slash 4x4 brushless (68454-4) |
|---|---|
| Scale and type | 1/10 4x4 short course truck |
| Power | Velineon VXL-3s, fan-cooled VX3 ESC, V3200 motor |
| Speed claim | 50+ mph on 3S LiPo, no gearing changes |
| Suspension | Composite GTR shocks with threaded collars |
| Durability | Factory Extreme Heavy-Duty suspension and driveline parts |
| Chassis | Low CG, battery and electronics mounted low |
| Body | Clipless latches |
| Size and weight | 22.36" long, 11.65" wide, 7.6" high; 5.8 lb (listed) |
| In the box | Truck, transmitter, maintenance tools, quick start guide |
| Not included | Battery and charger |
| Age | 14+ (manufacturer) |
Traxxas Slash 4x4 VXL
Traxxas positions this Slash as a no-compromise basher and racer, and the spec sheet backs it up: brushless 3S power with a fan-cooled ESC, a low-CG chassis for cornering, threaded GTR shocks for easy ride-height changes, and Extreme Heavy-Duty parts installed at the factory. It's also listed as waterproof. Note that this listing is new on Amazon, so it has few ratings yet; the Slash platform itself is one of the most widely owned trucks in the hobby.
- PowerVXL-3s, V3200 brushless
- Speed claim50+ mph (3S)
- ShocksGTR composite, threaded
- PartsExtreme Heavy-Duty
- Weight5.8 lb
- Battery/chargernot included
Why it stands out
- Fast, stable 4x4 that bashes and races
- Heavy-duty parts installed from the factory
- Enormous Traxxas and aftermarket parts support
Think twice if
- You want battery and charger included
- You're buying for a young or nervous driver; 50+ mph is a lot
What's good
It does everything
Short course trucks sit in the sweet spot between monster trucks and buggies: enough ground clearance for grass and rough dirt, low enough to corner hard, and fenders that protect the wheels. That's why the Slash works as a park basher, a skate-park truck and a club racer.
Parts support is unmatched
The Slash's biggest advantage isn't on the spec sheet. Traxxas parts are stocked by most US hobby shops, and the aftermarket for the Slash is huge. Among the most-bought Slash-related parts on Amazon this month were a 6780 complete center differential kit for select 4x4 models (1,000+ in the past month), the 5862 Big Bore shock set (1,000+ ratings; check fitment) and the low-CG chassis conversion kit.
Tuning is easy
Threaded shock collars make ride-height changes a quick job, and the clipless body latches release in seconds for battery swaps, both straight from Traxxas's listing.
What's not so good
- No battery or charger. Add a 3S LiPo, a balance charger and a LiPo bag to the price.
- A lot of speed for a first truck. Start gently and work up; the manual lists the supported batteries and any reduced-power modes.
- Wear items still wear. Owners commonly report replacing driveshafts, arms and steering parts over time on any hard-driven basher; the good news is they're cheap and easy to find. Replacement front heavy-duty driveshafts and a chassis dust guard are popular buys.
- Heat on long runs. The ESC is fan-cooled; an aftermarket VXL-3s ESC and motor dual fan set is a popular add-on (100+ bought last month).
Batteries and charging
The Slash 4x4 VXL is designed for up to 3S LiPo. The simplest route is a Traxxas iD battery with a Traxxas iD charger, which recognize each other and set up automatically. Aftermarket packs work too: some, like this OVONIC 3S 5000 mAh with XT60 and TRA plug, ship with a Traxxas-compatible plug. Check the pack's dimensions against the battery tray before buying. See the best RC car battery and RC battery connector types.
Traxxas's battery rules: never leave a battery unattended while charging, charge LiPo in a fire-retardant container on a non-flammable surface, never use a NiMH charger on a LiPo, always turn Low-Voltage Detection on when running LiPo, and store packs partially charged using storage mode (Traxxas Battery Basics).
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
| Buy the Slash 4x4 if you… | Skip it if you… |
|---|---|
| Want one truck for parks, dirt lots and the local track | Only have a small backyard; a GROM or Mini Maxx fits better |
| Value parts you can buy locally the same day | Want battery and charger in the box |
| Plan to upgrade and tune over time | Are buying for a child under the 14+ age rating |
| Might try club racing, where Slash classes are common | Want big-air 6S bashing; look at the Kraton 6S or Sledge |
The Slash's real competition is less another short course truck than the question of size. Many first-time buyers would be just as happy, and spend less, with a small-scale basher. But if you have room to run a 1/10 truck, the Slash's combination of stability, toughness and support is hard to beat.
Slash 4x4 alternatives
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Arrma's 4x4 short course truck | Arrma Senton 4x4 223S BLX (battery and charger not included) |
| A cheaper 2WD Slash | Traxxas Slash 2WD Brushless |
| A 2WD Arrma short course truck | Arrma Fury 2WD 223S BLX with DSC |
| To build your own | Traxxas Slash 2WD unassembled kit; see RTR vs kit |
| Smaller, cheaper, battery included | Arrma Mojave GROM or Traxxas Mini Maxx |
Tools worth having
The included maintenance tools get you started, but owners commonly add a proper driver set. Traxxas's TRX3415 tool set with pouch (3,100+ ratings, 300+ bought last month) is a popular choice. Our first 5 upgrades guide covers what to change first.
The bottom line
The Traxxas Slash 4x4 VXL is still the truck to beat for anyone who wants one RC truck that can do everything and last for years. Buy it if you're ready for 50 mph and will budget for a 3S battery and charger. If you want something gentler with everything in the box, start with a beginner truck and come back to the Slash later. It'll still be here, and so will its parts.
Specs from Traxxas's Amazon listing (68454-4) and Traxxas battery guidance, checked October 3, 2026. How we research · Affiliate disclosure