What could be more fun than a bunch of LEGOs built to some of the best themes possible? LEGO Technic sets and kits add motors, gears, lights, and movable parts to some fantastic LEGO machines.
LEGO Technic sets are really fun to build and play with, but it is important to note that some sets will be wrong depending on the age of the person you are buying for. We’ve ranked our favorite LEGO Technic sets by each age group.
What is a LEGO Technic set?
Technic was started in 1977 as a way for LEGO to put motion and more complicated features into LEGO sets. Since 1977, LEGO sets have continually added more features and have taken Lego sets to a new level. Technic sets can contain motors, pulleys, gears. These sets also show off more details. A LEGO Technic car model will not only look good, but might show off the motor, or have a pull back mechanism that propels the car forward.
What is important when choosing a LEGO Technic set?
- Set complexity
- Number of pieces
- Cost of the set
- Mechanisms of the set
Newer Technic Sets
These Technic sets are either new for this year or are still a good value based on the number of pieces.
Caterpillar D11 Dozer (42131)
If you are a fan of gold mining like I am, then you have seen what a D10 or D11 dozer can do. The show “Gold Rush “features these great big dozers. A D11 is amazing at moving dirt but this big dozer costs over $2,000,000. This monster dozer has the ability to move almost 58 yards of dirt! They burn fuel at about 8 gallons of fuel per hour.
Features and Functions of the D11 Dozer
This complicated LEGO set is almost as great as the real machine and is absolutely huge. The mechanics on this set are complicated and amazing. The build is so complicated that there are actually tests where a few pages into the build you can check to see if you have built the set correctly.
Some of my favorite features about this model are the controls. They are good but complicated; the model and the controls both have an 18+ LEGO rating. That being said, this is a fun build that is perfect for adults and teens alike. This brand new Technic set is new for 2021.
Number of pieces: 3854
Our recommended ages: 14-years-old and older
Dimensions: Height: 11″ (26cm) Width: 23″ (57cm) Length: 15″ (37cm)
Pros:
- Large scale
- Tons of mechanical details
- Multiple moving features
Cons:
- This set does not use a lot of different types of pieces
- Blade on set is slightly different than actual
LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron 4208
Words cannot describe just how big and amazing this Lego set. This set contains a whopping 3599 pieces and measures 22” (56cm) long, over 5” (14cm) high, and 9” (25cm) wide. Kids age 13 and up will love this set, but I’d recommend a teen to be about 15 or 16 if they are going to finish this set by themselves.
Features and Functions of the Bugatti Chiron
The Bugatti contains a functioning 8 gear box and is just loaded with great features like custom wheels and a spoiler that can be moved up and down. Just make sure you set aside a full work day to build this set. The steering wheel works the front wheels. Moving the car will cause the pistons to go up and down in the motor. The spoiler can be raised and lowered with a key that is included. This is probably my favorite LEGO Technic set. Although this LEGO set is fairly expensive, in this case you definitely get what you pay for.
Number of pieces: 3599
Our recommended ages: 14-years-old and older
Dimensions: Height: 5″ (13cm) Width: 9″ (23cm) Length: 22″ (56cm)
Pros:
- The custom Bugatti wheels and grill look amazing
- Great looking spoilers and tons of detail
- Functioning 8 gear box
Cons:
- Doors can be just a little flimsy
- Takes a long time to build
- Build looks better from the side than above
Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 (42115)
LEGO has done it! This Lamborghini set is stunningly beautiful. This collaboration between LEGO and Lamborghini brings the Sián FKP 37 to life. The Sián FKP 37 is a hybrid V12 sports car that is capable of going over 220 mph (350 km/h).
Features and Functions of the Lamborghini set
This LEGO Lamborghini is loaded with great LEGO Technic features. Some of my favorite features include the v12 motor, which can look like it is moving through a few of the Technic pieces. Other great features are the striking wheels and the working suspension.
Probably my favorite mechanism is how the doors work. By pushing a button just behind the seat, these scissor doors spring into action like the Delorian from Back to the Future.
Number of pieces: 3696
Our recommended ages: 14 and older
Dimensions: 5” (13cm) high, 9” (25cm) wide, and 23” (60cm) long
Pros:
- Great functional mechanics
- Impressive wheels and details
- Sleek car lines
Cons:
- Not quite as good of a build as the Bughatti
- Some lime green color variations across the set
LEGO Top Gear Rally Car Kit 42109
This great looking Top Gear Rally Car is brand new for 2020. It touts a set build of just 463 pieces. It is a moderate 10″ long by 5″ wide and 3″ tall. At over $100 this set is definitely not a lot of parts for the price. What it lacks in piece build it adds in LEGO play experience. This set is a good mix of a tech build and fun remote or in this case LEGO Technic app controlled race car. This race car not only can be steered to go forwards or backwards, but can also break or accelerate. To go with this great driving experience the Rally Car has some great sound effects. I’d recommend this set for a tween that likes LEGOs but isn’t quite ready for a Bughatti or Porshe 911 Build.
Number of pieces: 463
Our recommended ages: 10-years-old and older
Dimensions: 15” (38cm) long, 10” (25cm) wide, and 4” (10cm) high
Pros:
- Great looking car, that can be LEGO app control
- New gear train developed for multiple functions and speed
- Car is good set to build and play with
Cons:
- Not a lot of parts for the costs
- Set is not compatible with LEGO power functions
Technic Record Breaker 42033
Ready, set go! This aerodynamic set is off to the races with record breaking speed. This set looks like it is ready to the Bonneville Salt Flats and race for land speed records. The feel of this set is really good with good aerodynamics and everything so low to the ground.
Features and Functions of the Record Breaker
This set can be combined with LEGO Technic set 42034 to make a great racing truck. Like some of the less expensive and simpler racing sets, this also has a pullback mechanism that allows the car to go forward after winding it up. It also can be built into a separate race truck. I’ve added a video below of a real life speed racing test for a similar real life car.
Number of pieces: 125
Our recommended ages: 7-years-old and older
Dimensions: 10” (25cm) long, 6” (15cm) wide, and 2” (5cm) high
Pros:
- Really looks like a high speed vehicle with its aerodynamics
- Can be built into two vehicles
- Great themed vehicle
Cons:
- Pretty simple set for the cost
- Very small number of pieces at 125
- Mechanism not a lot of fun
LEGO Rally Car 42077
This car has a great presence and is a very good looking car, thought not as nice or as big as the Porsche and Bughatti reviewed above. However, it is much less expensive than those sets and still has tons of features that LEGO fans will enjoy. This car LEGO set contains 1005 pieces, and the rally car measures over 9” (24cm) high, 16” (42cm) long, and 8” (21cm) wide. The alternate build Buggy measures over 6” (16cm) high, 14” (36cm) long, and 8” (22cm) wide. I would recommend this set be built by teens ages 13 and up or with an adult.
Features and Functions of the Rally Car
The back of the rally car can be raised and lowered to give access and show the back mechanism. There is a nice looking engine, but it is not super detailed. The hood front can be raised to show off some cooling fans. Overall, this set is a good value and a fun set for the price.
Number of pieces: 1005
Our recommended ages: 12-years-old and older
Dimensions: 16” (41cm) long, 8” (20cm) wide, and 9” (23cm) high
Pros:
- Great look and feel that captures the spirit of a real life rally car
- The Technic and curved LEGO pieces really give good curve to the car
- Has a good looking second build buggy
Cons:
- Set is not wobbly but not sturdy either
- Mechanisms and gears are a little boring
- Some aspects of care are not very realistic
Legacy Technic Sets
Legacy sets have been retired out of LEGO production. These sets are tons of fun, but all of them are expensive for the number of pieces and for the type of set.
LEGO Extreme Adventure 42069
This purple Extreme Adventure truck looks like it was designed by Tony Hawk, with its skateboard, action camera, and extreme sports graphics and feel. This set contains 2382 pieces, and the main truck measures over 11″ (30cm) high, 17″ (44cm) long, and 9″ (25cm) wide. An alternate mobile base vehicle measures over 7″ (19cm) high, 18″ (47cm) long, and 7″ (20cm) wide. I’d recommend this build for ages 12 and up.
Features and Functions of the Extreme Adventure Vehicle
The primary build is definitely better than the alternate build on this one. It just looks and functions better. The doors are spring loaded and work with a clever mechanism. This vehicle has great suspension and is one of its key features. The vehicle runs on 4 tracks that seem a little gimmicky but would work well in the snow. Overall, if you have a kid who is an extreme sports fan and a LEGO fan, this set would make a great gift.
Check out these crazy snowmobile jumps and tricks.
Number of pieces: 2382
Our recommended ages: 12-years-old and older
Dimensions: 15” (38cm) wide, 4” (10cm) high, and 23” (58cm) long
Pros:
- Is well themed for the extreme sports fan
- Can be built into two different builds
- Has a functioning winch at the front
Cons:
- Some of the doors feel a little flimsy
- Might have worked better with wheels rather than tracks
- Some features are not very realistic
LEGO RC Tracked Racer 42065 Building Kit
This remote control car, I mean LEGO set, is a great example of what LEGO can do with design. The set contains 370 pieces and is significantly more advanced than the smaller sets up above. It measures over 3” high, 8” long, and 6” wide. RC Off-Road Truck is over 5” high, 7” long, and 6” wide. I’d recommend at least age 9 for this set because it contains a lot more moving parts and complex mechanisms than the intro Technic sets.
Features and Functions of the RC Tracked Racer
This car is a 2-1 model, which means it is designed to work as both a remote controlled track car and an off-road truck. This is one of the most unique features of this set is that the tracked racer can be controlled by remote control. The cab can be lifted to show the mechanism of the track. This set would be great fun for both boys and girls alike.
Number of pieces: 2382
Our recommended ages: 12-years-old and older
Dimensions: 6” (15cm) wide, 3” (8cm) high, and 8” (20cm) long
Pros:
- A remote-controlled set
- Great 2-1 options
- Track build is very unique and shows how this real-life feature works
Cons:
- A little expensive for the amount of pieces
- Remote-controlled wires are a little visible when built
Technic Container Yard 42062
This great Technic LEGO set has not only a functioning truck that can be moved and turned, a container that can be loaded and off-loaded, but it also contains a boom truck. It contains a medium number of pieces, with 631. It is amazing how much LEGO gets done with this small number of pieces.
Features and Functions of the Container Yard
This set can be built into two different configurations. The first configuration has a yellow boom truck that has two different extending functions. One mechanism pushes the boom forward, and the other extends the boom up. The container truck can be turned from the top of the cab. Cargo on this one is simple but clean. A new container truck is the second build, and I actually like the look of this truck better. The yellow truck forms a Container Straddle-Carrier which is common in shipping yards.
Number of pieces: 631
Our recommended ages: 7-years-old and older
Dimensions: 15” (38cm) high, 3” (8cm) high, and 10” (25cm) long
Pros:
- Really is two separate sets in one box
- Boom mechanism expands to allow boom extension
- Good value
Cons:
- Model is not as clean looking as other sets
- Set is lacking some cosmetic details compared to other sets
- It can be a little difficult to rotate the boom truck
Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure 42063
This great looking motorcycle was a collaboration between LEGO and BMW engineers. The bike looks and feels fantastic. With front and rear suspension like you would expect in a real motorcycle this bike is quite realistic. This bike measures 7” high, 13” long and 3” wide. It is made of 603 pieces. I’d recommend 9 and up for this motorcycle build or at least with some adult supervision if bought for someone younger.
Features and Functions of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure
It can be driven and steered by moving the handle bars. The bike is driven by a simple gear chain that is visible as you move it. The kickstand even works on this set. Not only is it fun to play with, but it would also make a good display piece. Also can be built into a secondary hovercraft type vehicle.
Number of pieces: 603
Our recommended ages: 9-years-old and older
Dimensions: 10” (25cm) high, 3” (8cm) high, and 15” (38cm) long
Pros:
- The BMW emblem just pops and this bike looks great
- Has a few simple but very functional mechanisms
- Can be built into two different models
Cons:
- The alternate model build is somewhat lacking
- The suspension is a little soft
- The LEGO set is missing some of the style of the actual bike
LEGO Airport Rescue Vehicle 42068
Cue the siren, and this rescue vehicle is off to the races to save the day. This airport rescue vehicle is 1094 pieces and looks great in fire engine red. It measures over 16” high, 21” long and 5” wide. With the boom retracted it measures 6” high.
Features and Functions of the Airport Rescue Vehicle
This vehicle has two alternate forms and both look good. The second build has a smaller truck and cart. I think I like the look of the second truck a little better than the first. This set has lots of good looking decals that add to the detail of the rescue vehicle. The boom on the top can be moved up and out, and it can be rotated by operating a knob. By pushing a switch up or down you can switch between the two options. There are tons of other details and movable parts inside and out.
Number of pieces: 1094
Our recommended ages: 9-years-old and older
Dimensions: 10” (25cm) high, 4” (10cm) wide, and 19” (48cm) long
Pros:
- The set is them well
- So many subtle details such as movable side doors
- Can be built into two different models
Cons:
- Set feels a little small in size for the number of pieces
- The boom is not very sturdy
- Feels not as clean looking as some sets
Technic Hovercraft 42076
This is definitely one of my favorite medium Technic build sets. It has two great builds, and both look and feel great. This set is a little more complicated than most in the 9-11 category. I’d recommend this set for kids 11 and older or if built with an adult.
Features and Functions of the Hovercraft
The first and main build, as shown above, is a great looking hovercraft and a small off-road truck. The second build has three different vehicles including a smaller jet boat, a helicopter, and a loading truck. Unlike some other sets, the alternate builds in this set are as fun as the main build. I love the look of the all of the propellers. Moving the hovercraft across the ground will turn the wind propellers. There are small wheels at the bottom of the set that drive the propellers while moving.
Number of pieces: 1020
Our recommended ages: 7-years-old and older
Dimensions: 7” (20cm) high, 6” (16cm) wide, and 15” (40cm) long
Pros:
- Really good value with 1000 pieces
- 2 great alternate builds
- Tons of great details and mechanisms
Cons:
- Propellers can be a little wobbly while moving
- Some features on alternate builds seem a little flimsy
LEGO Technic Porsche 911 GT3 RS 42056
This LEGO Porsche is absolutely stunning. LEGO engineers and Porsche engineers worked together for over a year to develop this great looking set. The set is a whopping 2704 pieces and measures over 6” high, 22” long, and about 9” wide. This is probably my second favorite Technic set. I’d recommend this set for teens ages 15 and up. I’ve included a fun youtube video of an actual Porsche 911 GT3 so you can compare the LEGO set to the real car.
Features and Functions of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Some of the key features include a working suspension, custom printed wheels, great curved lines, and a fantastic looking spoiler. This Porsche has a four gear options on the power train. Unfortunately, many of the working parts on this Technic car set are buried on the inside. However the builder can still enjoy these great mechanism by understanding how this Porsche is built.
Number of pieces: 1580
Our recommended ages: 13-years-old and older
Dimensions: 6” (15cm) high, 9” (23cm) wide, and 22” (56cm) long
Pros:
- The custom Porsche wheels and spoiler look clean and sporty
- Functioning gear box with 4 different gears
- Looks great as a display model
Cons:
- No way to see the complicated mechanisms inside the vehicle
- Takes a long time to build
- Is an expensive set, but not per part
Bucket Wheel Excavator 42055
This excavator is the largest Technic set ever made, at 3929 pieces. It is amazing in both look and function. The set measures measures over 16” high, 28” long, and 11” wide. There is an alternate build of a processing plant for this set as well that measures over 8” high, 34” long, and 8” wide and over 12” high if the boom is extended. I definitely prefer the original build, but it is nice to have options for both. I’d recommend this set for ages 14 and up, though I would definitely recommend at least 2 people for the build.
Features and Functions of the Wheel Excavator
This set is absolute massive in size. It has some of the best mechanisms of any set here. Because of the size of this set, I’d recommend building it with someone else. This set can move on its tracks, but it is slow moving. The best part of this set by far is its functions. The bucket wheel excavator set has a few powered functions that operate the buckets and move the conveyor belt. You can also put a mini figure in the cabin in the front. It can pick up real LEGOs and let them go along the path of the conveyor. Overall, this is a great set that shows off some cool mechanisms.
Number of pieces: 3929
Our recommended ages: 14-years-old and older
Dimensions: 7” (18cm) high, 19” (48cm) wide, and 23” (58cm) long
Pros:
- The power functions look great and the excavator can really move parts
- Size and scale of this set is massive
- The set has two builds, both with great mechanisms
Cons:
- Motor is not super strong to pick up pieces
- Set is a little wobbly when it is rotated
- Functions are good, but would have liked 1 or 2 more
Volvo EW160E Excavator 42053
The Volvo EW160E Excavator was designed with the help of both LEGO engineers and Volvo construction. This set contains 1166 pieces, and the main build measures 11″ high, 18″ long, and 7″ wide. An alternate vehicle build, a great looking Volvo fork lift, measures 6″ high, 9″ long, and 4″ wide. I’d recommend this be built by ages 13 and up.
Features and Functions of the Volvo EW160E Excavator
This vehicle looks and feels like a piece of professional construction equipment. Functioning power features use hoses and hydraulics to pick up pieces.
Number of pieces: 1166
Our recommended ages: 12-years-old and older
Dimensions: 11” (28cm) high, 7” (18cm) wide, and 18” (46cm) long
Pros:
- Excavator looks great
- Bucket power functions allow this excavator to move parts
- Has a good looking second build fork lift
Cons:
- Would have preferred a window instead of bars on cabin
- Cannot rotate 360 degrees
Heavy Lift Helicopter 42052
This LEGO Technic heavy lift helicopter looks like it is ready to get to work. This set contains 1042 pieces and measures over 8″ high, 23″ long, and 20″ wide. It is a good build for someone 12 or older. Overall, this helicopter feels sturdy and great and would make a great buy.
Features and Functions of the Heavy Lift Helicopter
Some of my favorite features include the great looking offset helicopter blades. The set features a spring-like landing mechanism. The blades can be turned by the power functions operated by a motor that can be turned on with a switch. A separate switch can be turned on to activate the blades; the blades spin but only in a safe manner. Cargo can be loaded through the back door that drops opens. A second smaller cargo door can also be activated with a switch. A winch can be deployed so this heavy lift helicopter can load items in. The second helicopter build is a tandem rotary helicopter with blades that operate on separate rotors. Rudders and other features can be moved by manual actions.
Number of pieces: 1041
Our recommended ages: 12-years-old and older
Dimensions: 4” (10cm) high, 15” (38cm) wide, and 23” (58cm) long
Pros:
- Has 6 great looking blades that work with the power functions
- Lots of functioning opening and closing parts and 3 other power functions
- Cargo area can store other items
Cons:
- Winch doesn’t have a lot of power
- Tail and blade functions work but are a little clunky
Here are some of the top real life heavy helicopters if you want to learn more about helicopters.
