For any LEGO newcomer—any adult who's looking for an entry point into this incredible hobby—you can't go wrong with one of the car replicas. The newest models incorporate a bit of everything—a little Technic for the car's frame; an interlocking web of rods, studs, and gears for the steering, and some traditional bricks for the body and finish. It's a crash course on all LEGO fundamentals—all the innovative building techniques that the company has mainstreamed and popularized over the past decade.
As an upside, you'll also end up with something that "works." The best thing about LEGO vehicles is that they're fairly durable and contain numerous practical features—steering, of course, but also things like gear shifts, suspension, retractable headlights, and moving peripheral elements.
Whether you're into classic cars from the old days or the iconic vehicles from Hollywood blockbusters, IGN has you covered. Here are all the best LEGO car sets that you can buy in 2024.
Corvette
- Set: #10321
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 1210
- Dimensions: 4 in. (10 cm) high, 12.5 in. (32 cm) long, 5.5 in. (14 cm) wide
- Price: $149.99
A throwback to a bygone era, this sports car build is a scaled-down replica of a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette, and you have an option to build it with either a hard-top or an open-top. There's loads of detail on the exterior and interior, pop the hood, and you'll see that the engine bay has a radiator fan.
BMW M 1000 RR
- Set: #42130
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 1920
- Dimensions: 10 in. (27 cm) high, 17 in. (45 cm) long, 6 in. (17 cm) wide
- Price: $249.99
This is the biggest motorcycle set that LEGO has ever built (1:5 scale), and fittingly, the inspiration was BMW's only elite M (Motorsports) bike. Visually, its reds and blues are instantly recognizable, and it comes equipped with a 3-speed gearbox, chain transmission, and front and rear suspension.
Chevrolet Camaro Z28
- Set: #10304
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 1456
- Dimensions: 3.5 in. (10 cm) high, 14 in. (36 cm) long, 5.5 in. (14 cm) wide
- Price: $169.99
You can only find this exclusive set on the official LEGO website. Based on the iconic 1969 Camaro model, this set comes with a V8 engine and your choice of racing stripes. It even has a pair of fuzzy dice to hang on the rearview mirror.
Optimus Prime
- Set: #10302
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 1508
- Dimensions: Truck mode: 5.5 in. (15 cm) high, 10.5 in. (27 cm) long, 4.5 in. (12 cm) wide
- Price: $179.99
The Optimus Prime set does the impossible; it's a model that is equally convincing as both a truck and an Autobot. And it's sturdier than you might think; so long as you're reasonably gentle, you can transform it from one to the other with no breakage.
Mars Crew Exploration Rover
- Set: #40618
- Age Range: 10+
- Piece Count: 1599
- Dimensions: 9 in. (23 cm) high, 17 in. (44 cm) long, 8 in. (21 cm) wide
- Price: $149.99
LEGO has an aspirational approach to its space exploration builds, and this Mars rover, which imagines a future manned mission to the Red Planet, is a case in point. It contains an expandable truck bed, a working crane, and living quarters (including a shower, toilet, and treadmill) for the brave crew willing to make the nine-month journey.
Ghostbusters ECTO-1
- Set: #10274
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 2352
- Dimensions: 8 in. (22.5cm) high, 18 in. (47cm) long, 6 in. (16.5cm) wide
- Price: $239.99
One of the most iconic vehicles in cinema history, the Ghostbusters' ECTO-1 is a souped-up 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor. LEGO's homage comes with portable ghost sensors, a gunner seat that swings out for high-speed chases, and a mini ghost trap vehicle that ejects out the back.
Back to the Future Time Machine
- Set: #10300
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 1872
- Dimensions: 4.5 in. (12 cm) high, 14 in. (35 cm) long, 7.5 in. (19 cm)
- Price: $199.99
The Back to the Future Time Machine is a modified Delorean, and this set allows you to build all three versions—the original with a hook on its roof to harness clock tower lightning; the updated version that flies on fusion power; and the degraded Old West version, with vacuum tubes and whitewall tires.
Land Rover Classic Defender 90
- Set: #10317
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 2336
- Dimensions: 6 in. (16 cm) high, 12.5 in. (32 cm) long, 6 in. (16 cm) wide
- Price: $239.99
This is an off-road experience from the safety and security of your home. The Land Rover set includes your choice of engine (diesel or petrol), suspension and steering, and cool accessories like a working winch, mudflaps, and a toolbox for anything that needs tightening or fixing.
Batmobile Tumbler
- Set: #76240
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 2049
- Dimensions: 6 in. (16 cm) high, 17 in. (45 cm) long and 9 in. (25 cm)
- Price: $269.99
Three years ago, LEGO released a classic Batmobile based on the Michael Keaton films. This bulky Tumbler is inspired by the military-grade Batmobile from the Dark Knight trilogy with massive tires and a jet engine motor. It also comes with a LEGO minifigure of Heath Ledger's Joker, complete with his signature Glasgow smile. For more comic book-inspired ideas, check out the best Marvel LEGO sets.
Ferrari Daytona SP3
- Set: #42143
- Age Range: 18+
- Piece Count: 3778
- Dimensions: 5.5 in. (14 cm) high, 23 in. (59 cm) long, 9.5 in. (25 cm) wide
- Price: $449.99
It's the supercar of supercars. This set takes LEGO Technic to its most extreme and artistic. Its sleek design aside, the LEGO Ferrari has signature butterfly doors that open up and out, like you're about to be strapped in for launch. And of course, there's that classic, sporty-red paint job.
The only problem with this set (and most of these sets, for that matter) is the cost; it's luxury cars for luxury prices. And these prices send a message: that the sets are largely geared toward an adult audience with disposable income.
Yes, there are other vehicular sets that are kid-friendly, but they're the complete opposite of the best ones—overly simple, spare builds that do not challenge or engage anyone above a novice. What LEGO really needs is some mid-priced models in the $50-150 range, that give children and intermediate builders a great experience for less money. Sets like the retired Aston Martin are in short supply. That's a shame, because the LEGO system is equitable in its very essence. And cross-generational appeal is rarely cost-prohibitive.
For more of our picks, check out the best LEGO Star Wars sets and the best LEGO Harry Potter sets. We've also chosen our favorite Nintendo LEGO sets released so far.
Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He's also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.
