16 Best LEGO Technic Sets 2021

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).

The outside of this sports car has very unique aerodynamic angles to make this sports car fast and striking. With an exterior of carbon fiber, this sports car is worth the $2,600,000 price tag…that is if you have that kind of money...

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: