As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best LEGO technic set is, I’d recommend the Mobile Crane.
Except for stepping on one with bare feet, everyone loves LEGOs.
Thanks to their engineering and design, LEGO makes blocks that appeal to every age range, starting with mega blocks for babies to the complex block sets that entice adults.
While every type of LEGO encourages the development of STEM skills and creative thinking, the LEGO Technic sets really take it to a new level.
If you’re interested in levelling up the LEGO sets in your house, here is a comprehensive list of the best LEGO Technic Sets available.
Here are the LEGO Technic Set I will be reviewing:
- Mobile Crane
- Volvo Articulated Hauler
- Concrete Mixer Truck
- Technic Land Rover Defender
- RC Tracked Racer
- James Bond Aston Martin
- Stunt Show Truck and Bike
- Dragster
- Bugatti Chiron
- Liebherr Excavator
- Rescue Helicopter
- Catamaran
- Car Transporter: Truck and Trailer
- Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
- Ducati Panigale
Why LEGOs?
LEGOs are really one of the best toys ever created. With interlocking blocks and what feels like endless variations, LEGOs invite kids to create a world from their imagination. The blocks become whatever the builder wants, and the play has no limits.
In an effort at true compatibility, all of the blocks (in the same size group) are compatible with each other, so you can mix and match sets, always creating something new and expanding your options.
In addition to the creativity that LEGOS provide, there are several other benefits to LEGO play.
Teamwork and Social Skills
LEGOs can be played independently or with others. A toy where no one wins, everyone can play, and enough excitement to go around is priceless.
Kids work together while playing with LEGOs, communicating their ideas, and helping one another problem solve when an issue arises.
Problem Solving Skills
Out of the box, thinking comes naturally when playing with LEGOs. They don’t come in every shape, so sometimes you have to create new forms out of what you have, to get what you need.
LEGOs are perfect for developing problem-solving skills because you have all the tools you need, you just have to put them together in the right way.
Patience and Perseverance
Believe it or not, LEGOs can improve people’s patience. Building a LEGO set can’t be hurried. It is a deliberate process that rewards intense focus and concentration.
Many times, builders may get frustrated when things don’t go to plan, but the ability to undo and redo their work with relative ease helps keep the overall stress level low. Many people use LEGOs as a way to lower their anxiety.
The concentration and focus it takes to build a LEGO design keeps your energy focused on a task that you can control, making you feel more in control overall.
STEM Skills
Of course, LEGOs are a STEM toy. Mathematics, engineer, science, technology, yup, that’s all there, along with a healthy dose of creativity.
LEGOs mainly focus on spatial reasoning and awareness aspects of mathematics, as well as the fundamental basics of building and engineering. The more advanced sets add in those technology components and really take everything to the next level.
Technic Sets
LEGO added Technic sets to their offerings over 40 years ago. LEGO wanted to more beyond just bricks and plates. The original idea was to create more advanced building sets for older kids and adults. These sets included more complicated building systems, complete with features like beams, gears, motors, pins, and axles.
The Technic sets are all vehicle-based and inspired by their real-world counterparts. They include realistic working features. These inclusions led to their slogan “Build for real.”
And when you build a technic set, you’ll understand precisely what they mean.
Putting more “Tech” in Technic
Like everything, LEGO’s Technic sets have evolved with rapidly changing technology. While there are still many sets that lack motorized features and technology controls, LEGO created Technic sets that need batteries and connect to an app, extending the exploration across different mediums and changing the play opportunities.
The Control+ app creates an immersive play experience. It connects to many of the model Technic toys, adding authentic sounds and realistic movements to the play. It’s a remote control built into your device!
The Control+ app also comes with an online community and lots of data potential. The app will give you feedback on how you operated the vehicle and offer challenges for you to complete. It’s a new way to play with LEGOs.
My LEGO Technic Set Reviews
These reviews hit the high points of the best LEGO Technic sets, giving you the piece count, age range, and perks of each one.
Mobile Crane
The Mobile Crane is another gem among the construction-themed LEGO Technic sets. With 1,292 pieces to put together, the build is challenging without being tiresome and is perfect for the ten and up age range.
After you’ve put the crane together, a whole other level of play begins. The crane has four outriggers, each that are individually controlled, and a super high telescopic arm. In addition to the concrete pillar included, the arm can hoist other items, including those up to one pound in weight.
The Mobile Crane is incredibly realistic, with many intricate features that make it among the best Technic builds.
Pros
- Impressive size: 30” arm, 18” long
- 1,292 pieces
- Realistic replica offers creative play opportunities
- Right amount of challenge to build
Cons
- Plastic pins at pivot points
- Not remote controlled
Volvo Articulated Hauler
This hauler is the perfect LEGO Technic set for the kid (or adult) who loves construction vehicles. Builders will get up close and personal with all the intricate ins and outs of construction vehicles while putting together their model.
It’s intricate, with 2193 pieces. The high piece count isn’t off the charts, but it does make it better suited for ages 11 and up. The older ages are also likely to appreciate the V6 engine and other realistic features that give this set a little extra kick.
The finished product will be about 23 inches long, and thanks to the Control+ app, you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat of the machine itself, moving and grooving.
Pros
- 2,193 Pieces
- Intricate ins and outs of construction vehicles
- 7” high, 23” long, 7” wide
- V6 engine, just like real haulers
- Automated gearbox
- 11 years and up
Cons
- Too complicated of a build for younger kids
Concrete Mixer Truck
This concrete mixer truck has a rotating mixer drum, making it look and move just like the concrete mixers you see in real life.
The Concrete Mixer Truck Technic set has only 1163 pieces, making it on the simpler end for the Technic category. As a result, kids who are a little younger (around nine) can put this one together and make their concrete dreams come true.
The finished product is over 16 inches long, the perfect size for creative play. In addition to all the parts you need to put together the mixer, this set includes 100 1×1 LEGO bricks to use as the concrete. You can put them in the drum using the funnel and hear it move around as it runs, just like the real thing!
Pros
- Smoothly working features
- Works well for 9 and up
- 1,163 pieces
- Includes bricks to use as concrete
Cons
- Not a lot of function
Technic Land Rover Defender
If you love authenticity, then look no further than the Technic Land Rover Defender. LEGO partnered with Land Rover to ensure that this collectible model had all the details that make the Land Rover special.
The model includes working steering, a 4-speed sequential gearbox, All Wheel Drive, a detailed 6 cylinder engine, a working winch, and several other unique features that make it a standout.
There are even forward folding seats!
With a piece count of 2,573, the Land Rover Defender works best for ages 11 and up. Once assembled, it’s not only fun to play with, but it’s intricate enough to make it a collectible item to display on your shelf.
Pros
- Highly authentic
- Collectible model
- 2,753 pieces
Cons
- Not remote controlled
RC Tracked Racer
The RC Tracked Race is ready to rumble. This LEGO Technic set has a lower piece count than many, with only 370 pieces to assemble. Younger kids, probably around eight and up, will be able to put this together, but it might not be as stimulating as some of the more challenging sets for older LEGO enthusiasts.
Once built, the RC Tracked Racer is fully motorized and has a remote control function. Kids will love driving in multiple directions, including being able to turn all the way around and run over obstacles in the path.
To manage your expectations, this one’s size is smaller than some of the other Technic models, measuring only 8 inches long. Still big enough for fun, but it might be a let down to kids who have put together larger models.
Since it’s a collector’s item, the price is higher than some of the other sets, but it’s an excellent buy just the same!
Pros
- Fully motorized
- Remote controlled
- Drives forward and backward
- Makes 360 turns
- 370 pieces
Cons
- Not super challenging
- On the small side
James Bond Aston Martin
The Aston Martin LEGO set gives you a license to build. Inspired by the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 featured in the Goldfinger movie, this collectible item is packed full of details and some extra 007 gadgetry to boot!
The set only has 1,295 pieces, but it is complex to put together and is geared more toward older teens and adults. In fact, it might just be the perfect gift for the car enthusiast in your life.
Older builders will appreciate the build’s complexity and find features such as a rising bullet shield, a working ejection seat, and a rotating license plate to be well worth their time and efforts.
Pros
- Inspired by the 007 Goldfinger movie
- Fun details and workable features
- Intricate and complex
- Excellent gift potential
- Well-engineered with attention to detail
Cons
- Geared toward collectors
- Complex build for the piece count
- Non-motorized
Stunt Show Truck and Bike
I’m always up for a good two for one deal, and the Technic Stunt Show and Bike fits that bill and then some. The 610 pieces can be assembled to create a stunt bike as well as a stadium truck set, the ultimate in versatility.
Kids won’t get bored with this LEGO set. The build is challenging but not frustrating, and once assembled, both the truck and the bike have pull-back functions, making play more exciting and fun.
From a motorcycle stunt show to the wheels of a rig, this set delivers for kids ages eight and up. Just wait for the cheer you’ll hear when the bike makes its first jump through the ring of fire!
Pros
- 2-in-1 build with bike and truck options
- 610 pieces
- Pullback function for truck and bike
- Encourages interactive play after build
Cons
- No remote control
Dragster
The LEGO Technic Dragster is one of my personal favorites on the list. For kids who have recently graduated from Duplos to LEGOs, this set is a perfect introduction to the Technic series.
The 225 pieces are substantial without being overwhelming, and the end product is incredibly rewarding. Once kids are done with the assembly, they will get to play with the dragster and practice popping wheelies and racing.
Since younger kids have shorter attention spans, it’s perfect that this is a 2-in-1 set that can go from a dragster to a hot rod with a quick rebuild.
Pros
- 225 pieces
- Ideal for younger builders
- 2-in-1 build: dragster and hot rod
- Pull-back play
- Perfectly sized for race-play
Cons
- Too simple for experienced builders
Bugatti Chiron
The Bugatti Chiron LEGO Technic set is serious business. Developed in partnerships with Bugatti, this model is built at a 1:8 scale and is a fantastic recreation of the real deal, impressive enough for the most serious car collector.
With 3,599 pieces, the build is intense and challenging. However, the details are well worth it in the end. It really captures an automobile feeling with a sophisticated W16 engine replica and instructions that are similar to the assembly method of a real Bugatti.
The little details are sure to excite car enthusiasts, from the full-functioning gearbox to each model’s unique serial number.
Pros
- 3599 pieces
- Intended for serious builders
- Works for play and display
- Includes collector’s display
- 1:8 scale model
Cons
- Not remote controlled
Liebherr Excavator
For a high-level construction Technic set, try the Liebherr excavator. This kit is perfectly engineered with a construction manual that lays everything out piece by piece, leading to a smooth build process.
And thank goodness for that manual, because 4,108 pieces is a lot of pieces! It will take significant time to assemble and is best for high-level builders. However, if your younger kids want to get involved, there is plenty of playtime once the excavator is put together.
Using the Control+ app, you can drive, move, lift, and so much more. Kids and adults will feel like they’re operating a real excavator, just on a smaller scale.
The price tag on this piece is high, but the hours of fun and play might be worth the investment for serious LEGO enthusiasts!
Pros
- Connects to App
- Realistic build
- 4,108 pieces
- Over 25” long once built
Cons
- App control prevents motors from working in other builds
- High price tag
- Tracks are a little loose
Rescue Helicopter
The LEGO Technic Rescue Helicopter allows younger builders to get it in on the Technic fun. It’s a bit more technical than the typical LEGO city builds, allowing children to work on more advanced STEM skills through their explorations.
There are a few challenging parts of this build, so your kiddo might get frustrated if they’re used to breezing through the assembly. However, the challenges can be overcome with a little persistence (and possibly with some parental assistance), and it’s worth it in the end.
Both the helicopter and plane have a tactical vibe to them once put together, making them more realistic toys that will encourage your child to engage in creative play.
Pros
- 325 pieces
- 2-in-1 build set: helicopter and plane
- Geared toward ages 8 and up
- Perfect challenge level for not too big kids
Cons
- Stretcher doesn’t fit through the side door
- Rotor knob hard to access
- No remote-controlled features
Catamaran
The Catamaran LEGO Technic set takes LEGOs from dry land to the water, opening up a whole new world for exploration.
The 404 piece build is just challenging enough for kids ages eight and up, and you once again have a 2-in-1 option with catamaran and model speedboat assembly options. The manual is detailed and specific, allowing kids to tackle it on their own without the need for a lot of parental assistance.
While the build itself is fun and exciting, it’s the play that comes next that sets the set apart.
The Catamaran sailboat will actually float in the water. It has two daggerboards to help with stability, and kids will love experimenting with the sail angles and rudder steering to get the full sailing experience in miniature.
Pros
- 404 pieces
- Really floats!
- Realistic features: sails and rudders
- 2-in-1 kit
Cons
- Best for young, experienced builders
- No remote-controlled features
Car Transporter: Truck and Trailer
While not for beginner builders, the LEGO Technic Car Transporter entices more experienced LEGO enthusiasts with a 2-in-1 set that uses intricate assembly to create realistic features and functions.
There’s a lot of pieces to this one, but they can be put together to create not just one, but two different builds to make the building fun keep on going.
Once assembled, the car transporter has decks that raise and lower and the set is compatible with other LEGO Technic cars for more extended play options.
While the original set isn’t remote controlled, experienced builders could potentially cross-build sets to connect to the LEGO app and create new ways to play.
Pros
- 2493 pieces
- 2-in-1 build: car transporter and truck and show cars
- For kids ages 11 and up
- Compatible with other LEGO Technic cars
Cons
- No remote-controlled features
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Chevrolet Corvette LEGO Technic set brings the assembly of a classic car into your home, with everything you need to make a realistic replica model.
Once assembled, car enthusiasts and LEGO lovers will both enjoy the working steering and visible moving pistons, in addition to the look and function of the low-profile tires. The completed build measures about 11” long and is a perfect fit to use with the LEGO Technic Car Transporter set featured above.
Just in case all that wasn’t good enough, you can also rebuild this set into a powerful Hot Rod model using the same pieces. Neither of the cars is motorized, but both can be pushed back and forth to make the wheels and the pistons move for imaginary play.
Pros
- Complex build without too many frustrations
- 579 pieces
- Perfect for kids aged 9 and up
- Reasonably priced set
Cons
- Hot Rod instructions only accessible on the website
Ducati Panigale
With so many options for car enthusiasts, it’s only right that we include a motorcycle option on this list! The LEGO Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R has everything LEGO lovers and bikes would want in a build.
With 646 pieces, the set is challenging without being overwhelming and works for builders aged ten and up.
Much like some of the higher-end car models, the instruction manual and design have been made to imitate the real-life Ducati as closely as possible, giving the assemblers a closer look into the inner workings of a bike.
This set doesn’t have any remote-controlled features, but includes front and rear suspension for realistic movement during play and is perfectly scaled to replicate the original.
Pros
- Finished product works as a model or toy
- 646 pieces
- Ages 10 and up
- Replica made to scale
- Two-speed gearbox
Cons
- High price for a smaller set
Everything is Awesome
In reality, every single one of these sets is awesome, but the overall best LEGO Technic set is the Mobile Crane. The piece count is high enough, without being too complicated, it has a reasonable price, and it’s super fun to play with once assembled.
Whether you go for the Mobile Crane or another Technic set, you’ll enjoy the benefits of LEGOs every time you pick up a block.
By the way, if you’re looking for a place to keep these legos, check out our reviews of the best lego storage solutions.