Traxxas TRX 4M | Which is better - Defender vs Bronco?

The new Traxxas TRX-4M has created quite a lot of excitement in the small-scale RC crawler world.
Which is a better performer - the Defender, or the Bronco?? I put them both to the test to see for myself!
Video timeline:
0:00 Intro
0:30 Bench Comparison
6:38 Crawling Comparison
14:01 Results
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[@Lensr]

Hey, just wanted to say I appreciate you posting your 3d print models for everyone to use!! I'm super excited to print them out and have some killer indoor obstacles

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! Hope you like them!

[@ron486]

Couldn't decide which one I liked better so I bought them both. And they're both amazing little Riggs. It looks almost the size of a 1/24 scale but handles itself like a 1/10 scale. Enjoyable to drive.

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree! Glad you are having fun with them!

[@frankyboi45]

You make great content man! I followed the old timers on youtube, but i believe you are part of the new gen to take over... Congrats!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@flyingclint589]

Great review! Really shows the strengths and weaknesses.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@harveyswick6520]

I got the brass wheel nuts, just put them on the front, and added 2 wheel weights under the hood on the defender........weight bias is now perfect. It performs extremely well. Thank you for the great review.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad that is working for you!

[@AlexNoheda]

Awesome comparison! Thank you! 🤙

[@RoadsideRC]

Hope it was helpful!

[@AlexNoheda]

@@RoadsideRC It was! 🙂

[@scuffleburgoutdoors]

Very nice comparison , thanks for the video !

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for watching!

[@CrazyQuadBrothersP3]

Just ordered the bronco this afternoon. Looks like fun! Great in-depth view bro! Enjoyed the video! 👍🏻

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the kind words.

[@Macgyver46]

Awesome, thanks for clearly showing the difference. A friend wants to get these for some kids and this could effect their enjoyment.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad I could help!

[@nielsjuhr594]

They are set up more for trail runs. If you want to crawl, you'll need to gear down in the transmission, better crawling and less binding. The MT tires will help you as well. Otherwise, they are a lot of fun.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for your thoughts! I don't see much difference between trailing and crawling - in either format, I want more performance! Certainly some mods are coming to these trucks!

[@petejones6827]

the binding does not come from the motor fyi videos have been wrong its when you turn 100% either way the tires rub on the steering linkage its set up to tightly some hex extensions fix this issue i have zero crawling issues with stock gearing if im not turned as far as it can go if you do it becomes jumpy as your rubbing the tires and its gripping on the linkage people really should do more investigating before they make baseless claims

[@andrewleonberger8609]

@@petejones6827 Mods and slight adjustments go with any thing for different drivers and RC enthuses. Good words from someone who sound patience with a new vehicle. Do you modify parts or ever custom make them?

[@petejones6827]

@@andrewleonberger8609 for my FMS i had to take two sets of shocks to make one that would work. im very new to rc and customizing anything like this the truck took me 2 weeks to even get shocks on cause i didnt realize when you lift a trcuk the steering gets all out of whack, was a cool learning experience for me

[@andrewleonberger8609]

This helps out a bunch. Thanks for your support. Im new to the sport.

[@andrewleonberger8609]

Both look great. Nice driving. cool curse. Leaves for scale? Performance upgrades for both would be a rad comparison . Im excited for my pre ordered gray defender. Looking at wheel weights or BB's. I have material for major body modifications. Removing some plastic, and metal parts down low will be fun upgrades. Is any one experimenting with bent X frame rails. I just saw the tank tracks. Defender all the way.

[@RoadsideRC]

I hope you have fun with it!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Not really a fan of either of these bodies. I wish they’d do a 79 bronco and a square body blazer version

[@RoadsideRC]

You know they will be coming out with more soon!

[@andyb9994]

That's what I'm waiting for, I would like to see the Chevy K10.....or the blazer, 79 bronco would be awesome as well...anyway I'm gonna wait a while to see if any of those dreams come true...👍👍

[@MIKEC2000]

Agree, only had the defender available where I am and I hate that body.

[@thinbluelinepics5688]

They really need other body’s

[@BK33REVIEWS]

I agree can't wait until they come out with old school bodies

[@GreatLakesRC]

Awesome video Troy! I really wanted the defender since I recently got an SCX24 Bronco, but after seeing this I think I want the Bronco 😂

[@RoadsideRC]

Good choice!

[@mgscheue]

I think they both did quite well considering it’s clearly a course designed for 1/10 scale vehicles.

[@Friskee62]

I purchased my TRX4M Bronco in Orange yesterday. I used the stock tires w/ Hyrax foams on stock wheels. Works great on our course which is pretty tough to navigate. I cut down the front & rear bumpers. Rolled down the driver and passenger windows. Tossed out the roof rack and spare tire. Modified the battery tray, tossed out the rubber that secures the battery. All Velcro now, batt and tray. Have upgrades coming in a couple of days. High clearance brass links and brass skid plate. I have a brass front diff cover installed. Buying the Bronco is a positive buy, especially for the slow crawl gears that I installed...

[@RoadsideRC]

You dove right into that truck! Glad you are having fun!

[@flhandster4395]

Great video. That Land Rover looks orange in the video. I got a bit stoked at first and then disappointed when I realized it was a lighting issue. Oh well. Thank you for sharing!

[@RoadsideRC]

They do sell clear bodies - it can be whatever color you want it to be.

[@michaelkav6345]

Hey Troy. On Friday I picked up a green Defender and a white Bronco. Already installed a light kit in Defender. I think some weight, and more aggressive tires would make quite a difference. I love mine though. And they are so quiet!

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Many mods to come for these trucks!

[@ethanh3421]

Yeah, they’re super quiet…. Until you give it throttle 😂😂

[@michaelkav6345]

@@ethanh3421 No but really they do sound different tho 😂

[@ethanh3421]

@@michaelkav6345 I’m not complaining at all, I’ve honestly never had a problem with loud esc noise however everyone saying it’s really quiet is plain lying. That esm is super loud when under any throttle at all… not a complaint just an observation.

[@hmhobbies]

@@ethanh3421 quieter than my slash which I’m used to, which is loud

[@cante199]

Best comparison on the tube for sure. I’m new in this scaler world. I’ve just bought the Defender, basically because I like it really much. The exterior and the red paint make it really cool 😁 About performance, Bronco base is way better I know.. otherwise I can see a slightly advantage for Def on the rocks, maybe due to the tyres compound.. not sure about it. On the wooden, Bronco is other level. Much more grip and better angle of attack + more front weight make another job. I think I will enjoy modifing my Def step by step, trying to reach the Bronco’s performance 😂 actually this is the game.. Thank you for video, big hi from Italy

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! Sounds like your head is in the right place. Good luck with the build!

[@chinooks_]

purchasing the brass wheel weights for the defender was a good idea on my part, sits that front end right down, also changing the steering link to a brass one helps alot

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@JoergPelzer]

Bought Bronco today and fun outside. Amazing small crawler

[@RoadsideRC]

They really are!

[@Rcloverofficial]

Superb 👍😎

[@mattabe86]

Struggling with which one to get. Been obsessed with Defenders since I was a kid and owned a 1:1 for awhile. Currently have the 1:10 TRX4 Defender, but May go with the 1:18 Bronco for its performance. Thanks for the comparison!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jackpanula9975]

Hey same dilemma what did you end up with

[@mattabe86]

@@jackpanula9975 both…

[@jackpanula9975]

@@mattabe86 i went for the defender he looks got me

[@robinkesterlives]

I went obsessive over these super fun crawlers when they came out. I did the Defender pickup conversion, did a bone stock rig, ended up with a comp rig, and have another in the box for a lcg project. Luckily I got into drift and stopped buying TRX4Ms :D

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! Sounds like you were having fun though! I never fully went down the modding rabbit hole with these.

[@robinkesterlives]

@@RoadsideRC Dont do it, do it, run away :D

[@Brian_Mowry__BMOW71]

Great review and comparison! I believe these little guys are gonna be great with a little modification. I bought the Bronco and I liked how it drove. Looking forward to watching more to see what you have planned for them!

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Already did the metal links and shocks (video coming soon). They are fun for sure, but certainly more trails oriented vs hard-core crawler.

[@rcjoe406]

I have the blue bronco gonna upgrade and fully modify...but when they come back in stock getting a defender to trail run with the trailer 👌 🙌

[@RoadsideRC]

Makes sense!

[@rcjoe406]

@@RoadsideRC I must be losing it but after looking at my stock blue clean bronco..I need a white one to modify sand an paint an leave my blue one perfect 🥰 lol...good times either way

[@richardbonch]

Great video. Thanks. Are the bodies interchangeable between the two chassis?

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - 100% swappable as the mounting and chassis is the same. Only slight issue is the bumpers are different, but that isn't a big deal.

[@rcfan2018]

great comparison, the landy have the same problem , like his big brother , i'ts to heavy wight on the rear! i removed the spare tyre, and put just 5 gramms steel on the steering servo, also i mountet the electronics more in front of the chassis, up to the motor. the performance is much better now! sorry for bad english, greetings from CH

[@RoadsideRC]

You are right! It is all about where the weight is!

[@chinooks_]

i got the defender purely for the looks of it, more scale then the bronco. and the defender in the dark green just looks so so nice. performance wise its still really good too

[@RoadsideRC]

The Defender does look good - that is for sure.

[@All_RC_Fun]

I need to head up there one day. I’ll hit up Family Hobbies in Smyrna and Extreme Hobbies in Spring Hill when I’m local but Cookville is still kinda local. But I’d likely go for the Defender since I have the 1:10 version.

[@RoadsideRC]

I am a big fan of Cookeville Hobbies. Perhaps stop by one day while on your way to Big Buddhas!

[@prostreetcamaro]

It appears a simple bumper change is all that is needed to fit a bronco body on a defender. Just looked up the parts side by side and unless I am seeing it wrong, that is all that is needed. Along with the front light holder. $10 total in parts.

[@RoadsideRC]

You are correct!!

[@MLS752]

Love the new bronco but the Land Rover is the one I picked up. I just like the old skool crawler look. I had to make so many upgrades to mine to make it good.

[@RoadsideRC]

It really does look good!

[@patricklavoie8719]

Thanks for the video Troy! With the batteries being a single plug and USB charged. Is there a way to tell if the battery is safely at 3.8v for storage?

[@RoadsideRC]

The only way is with a multimeter. You can probe each end to see what the cell voltages are.

[@patricklavoie8719]

@@RoadsideRC Yeah that makes sense. I kinda hope there’s lipo cutoff at 3.80 to remove the guesswork.

[@jeffreyyerdon6014]

Nice to see you compare the trucks to each other, instead of against the SCX24.

[@RoadsideRC]

I plan to do that also! Thanks!

[@SYST3M_OVERIDE]

Glad I got the Bronco. Only thing that really sucks is there's a lot more aftermarket parts for the Defender like metal bumpers than there is for the Bronco.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yeah - the Defender is certainly popular in that area.

[@kirbyjeffery4773]

I like the bronco but would have to go with the defender wheels and tires . I believe the Defender would be great with a little bit of suspension tuning and weight transfer to the front of the truck like i have done in my 10th scale . But I believe out of the box it's the bronco for the win

[@RoadsideRC]

Sure seems like it for me!

[@richardbeckett4583]

I’m with iowabudgetrcbashers. I’d like to see the old bronco on one. I think the tires/foam hurts performance as well as not having weight down low

[@RoadsideRC]

Better tires and weight down low are always ways to make crawlers perform better - 100% true!

[@beng.6417]

I just love the look of the Defender. Are the bodies interchangeable? Would mounting the Defender body on a Bronco chassis work without mods and would that improve the approach angle?

[@YavorM-Yash]

The chassis are the same. Swapping the bodies would change nothing. And you'll need to swap the bumpers too.

[@Macgyver46]

The chassis is the same. Just body, fenders and tires are different.

[@V8chump]

You can buy the opposite body from whatever version you bought and change them out on the fly. The bodies come with front and rear bumpers so nothing to worry about. Just swap bumpers and toss whichever body you like on, basically get both trx4m for the price of an extra body since they’re exactly the same chassis

[@flhandster4395]

@@V8chump Good to know. Are the stand alone different bodies already available from Traxxas?

[@billyb5057]

interesting comparison of these mate seems out the box they both have issues *leaving a like👍Au👀✅fully watched*

[@RoadsideRC]

And you know I will be working to fix them!

[@beng.6417]

I notice how they have bushings out of the box. Is it even worth installing ball bearings if I plan on using this with the low gear and in some water given that bushings are little to zero maintenance?

[@RoadsideRC]

I personally prefer bearings.

[@petejones6827]

THEW BFG TIRES GRIP SOOOOO GOOD FOR ME

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes, I need new tires for sure.

[@lowrevsrc]

I was trying to listen to the gearbox on the defender over the soundtrack. It sounded like the defenders gears were slipping after a section. Did you strip a gear ? The bronco was definitely quieter

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope! No gear issues. Have run the trucks a lot since without issue.

[@lowrevsrc]

@@RoadsideRC cool 🤙

[@aureliusprimus]

🤣🤣 very nice video ! Bronco for ever !! 🤣🤣

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I think an even lighter body would even do better!

[@aureliusprimus]

@@RoadsideRC That's possible 😀

[@flhandster4395]

Quick question. Do you know if the notable difference you pointed out on the weight proportions ring true consistently on the 1:10 scale Bronco and Defender? Does the 1:10 Defender tend to wheelie up in the front when crawling up steeper inclines like the 1:18 scale in this video? PLMK. Thank you for your time.

[@RoadsideRC]

The 1:10 Defender is known for having the worst body...ever. :) I am not sure how the 1:10 Bronco body is.

[@flhandster4395]

@@RoadsideRC Oh really…!?!?!?! Ugh. Do you have either of the 1:10 TRX4’s yourself?

[@RoadsideRC]

@@flhandster4395 I owned the Defender - it was my first crawler! Almost drove me away from crawling! Couldn't go over anything. Now, I have the Sport - it is MUCH better.

[@flhandster4395]

@@RoadsideRC Oh Wow. That’s good to know. I’ve watched many videos and not many talk about this issue in the 1:10 scale reviews. I’m seeing several comments on the 1:18 Defender being a constant rollover king. 😱 Thanks for sharing.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Great side by side comparison, BRONCO allday!!

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree!

[@bigkennyg.621]

I got the bronco ( blue ) and the trailer but it was a hard decision for me ( I could only afford one) the defender looks really good I might get one in a few months

[@V8chump]

Just get a defender body. They are the exact same chassis and the bodies come with front and rear bumpers so you can just swap back and forth at will for 40$

[@RoadsideRC]

No real reason to get more than one, honestly. I have plans for the second one for the channel - that is the only reason I got two.

[@philthy5058]

I think they should've done a trx4m sport

[@RoadsideRC]

These kind of are a "sport" version since there is no 2-speed or unlocking diffs.

[@BadmashKing8]

Defender looks way better in my opinion!

[@RoadsideRC]

It does look good. N

[@maximumrpm1868]

👍👍

[@jasonshifley7248]

Is it just the lighting or is the defender orange?

[@RoadsideRC]

Lighting. It is more red in person.

[@jaywill530]

I'll cast my vote for the Bronco.

[@RoadsideRC]

It really is better!

[@gadgetmantwincities]

They have wheel weights and Mickey Thompson tires you can get

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Many mods to come!

[@ttech5212]

Lol i zip tied a 9v battery to my defenders front bumper. Basically free mod and it now out preforms my bronco lol

[@RoadsideRC]

But if you did the same thing to your Bronco...

[@ttech5212]

​@@RoadsideRCsweet mother of God!

[@Rcdude2007]

So I have a question is a stock trx4m better then a Axail scx24

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes

[@Rcdude2007]

@@RoadsideRC ok then I will put it on my Christmas list btw is music city rc already closed or when does it close

[@maxbuckley9762]

Still... even with its falls my brain still keeps looking at the rover saying (buy one!!!) Lmao

[@RoadsideRC]

That is fine! It does look great.

[@jasonhansen782]

I can finally afford a Land Rover ,My buddy has broken horse .2 hours at hobby shop .. Yeah rover it's a battle now . Love the community that we bring and just good airplane fun . that bronc going down Lolz

[@RoadsideRC]

Good luck! Hope you have fun!

[@chinooks_]

you forgot to add how theres three different modes set on the ESC, Sport mode, Trail mode, and crawl mode, maybe these different modes would have an effect on the defenders capabilitys

[@RoadsideRC]

I covered those in a different video. Both vehicles have all three modes, and don't impact the basic physics of the heavy body.

[@chinooks_]

@@RoadsideRC oh yeah I see it in your playlist now, noted sorry for the confusion

[@hunterhall3976]

great video!. If you were just starting crawling, would you choose the SCX24 or the TRX 4m? I'm having a hard time deciding where to start my crawling journey!

[@RoadsideRC]

Honestly - I suggest most folks go to 1:10 scale. Unless your area is unique, you will find many more people to crawl with, more events planned around, and more interesting obstacles to challenge all at 1:10 scale. And with the announcement of the new Element Sendero SE at just $299...you are not that much more expensive than what these smaller vehicles are priced. If you do want to stick to smaller scale, then I would 100% go TRX-4M over the SCX24.

[@MIKEC2000]

I agree, just getting in to RC and got a few mini crawlers but now am really wanting 1/10. Really these minis are only fun on home made mini courses

[@mitchelllatimer3121]

Where do you get black body

[@RoadsideRC]

It was one of the standard options.

[@granat4659]

man its crazy how much cheaper these are for you guys, here in the uk they're £179 or $218 which is soo much more expensive

[@RoadsideRC]

You are right - that is a LOT more. That sucks. Are some of the other manufacturers' products closer to the same price?

[@allyoucando8486]

The Bronco will have the best performance, still need some upgrades, is a great match for both

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree.

[@andyb9994]

I thought I was the only person who liked the Bushido 🤔

[@RoadsideRC]

I do like it! It was not as small as I thought though.

[@pothole0222]

Thanks for the comparo Troy! I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of the smaller scale crawlers (though I am DETERMINED to get a small scale drifter :) )… I’ve bought and sold 3 different SCX24s because I just couldn’t find the love for them. Buuuuuuut, now that there’s a small scale course at The Ranch I’m gonna give it another shot. Buying a 24 from T-Rex and the wifey ordered a Bronco trx4m for me for Christmas. I’d have gone with the Bronco 10 times out of 10 just because I bleed Ford Blue, but it’s kinda nice to know that the out of the box performance is also just that little bit better!

[@RoadsideRC]

We will see you on the 1:24 course!

[@philsonnenberg6092]

Thing is neither of them are very good crawlers really. To me the Defender does just as good a job but looks so much better doing it. Not a Found On Road Dead fan so the Defender is the one I have. Looking for a Jeep body in the long run.

[@RoadsideRC]

Correct - neither are setting any records straight out of the box. Still, the Bronco has a slight edge.

[@maxbuckley9762]

This is a great video thank you very much for sharing For as much as I love a good land rover I think your right on this one the bronco outshines in all aspect apart from the looks department with them stupid bug eye lamps Personally I'd like the say the land rover is more of a simple scale trail truck(nothing too crazy) but you could still get it to crawl over stuff just not over crawling like the bronco due to that weight distribution/ approach angles It's not completely incapable but definitely lacking none the less and that weight distribution difference is dramatic when you consider what that would be like in full scale

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you. Honestly, neither are hard-core crawlers. Some serious mods would need to happen to get them there.

[@maxbuckley9762]

@@RoadsideRC yeah so more or less just decent little trail buddies pretty much

[@zanderflander7880]

Traxxas trx m needs a Jeep Wrangler body, then I’ll buy one.

[@RoadsideRC]

I bet someone will make that body for them.

[@MrDEGSYTOMO]

couldnt you just add some weights to the front of the defender ???

[@RoadsideRC]

You can add weight to both trucks...

[@TIMExBANDIT]

Bro you skipped that you flipped the bronco, and you skipped the part where the bronco struggled on the same part of the defender, put that part of the video back in! I see your bias! Great video though!

[@RoadsideRC]

Hmm. Can't really tell if you are joking or not. For others who read this - nothing was left out of the video. This is 100% honest comparison.

[@legobricklucas4307]

Bruh, they are just the same but the only diff are the bodies

[@RoadsideRC]

Body, bumpers, and tires. Those things make a big difference in performance.

[@rustneversleeps2]

and only $150. .. expectations...

[@RoadsideRC]

They really are great for $150!

[@dustinmcclelland15]

Too bad you can't get them anywhere!!

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree!

[@JustRCCrazy]

I try to watch your content because the titles sound interesting. But I basically can't stand you. I've tried over and over. I don't dislike you as much as the RCSAYLORS because I dislike them for totally different reasons. It's your voice that gets me. I know that probably sounds weird. It's the way that you inhale that just drives me nuts. I'm sure you're a good guy though, quite unlike the RCSaylors. Anyway, hopefully I'll get over it. By the way another channel got a difference of 24 grams on these 2 trucks the Defender being heavier like your conclusions.

[@RoadsideRC]

Well, that is a first. Never had anyone complain about breathing before... You should talk to my wife about my snoring! :) Used to be really bad until I got a Cpap.

[@gaffle7646]

These “M” models seem like a waste of money.

[@RoadsideRC]

I do tend to prefer the 1:10 size vehicles.

[@mgscheue]

Not if you want smaller crawlers.

[@gaffle7646]

@@mgscheue if you further downsize the RC model, you’ll have to downsize the terrain you traverse. Anything above a pebble will send these M-models tumbling…

[@ll.7927]

@@gaffle7646 not true u obviously don’t have one. They are pretty damn capable. N it’s for ppl who don’t want another big ass rc taking up space. That u can play around with in the house. Also it’s a cheaper starting point to get into crawling. That whAt it was for me. I don’t think I would buy anything bigger

[@gaffle7646]

@@ll.7927 I’m gonna check it out at my local Hobby shop. The price is attractive though.