Choosing the right vehicle for each stage in Hill Climb Racing can dramatically improve your performance and coin earnings. Here’s the definitive guide to the best vehicle for every map.
Countryside
Best Vehicle: Jeep or Race Car
The Countryside is where everyone starts, and the Jeep is perfectly suited for its gentle hills and moderate obstacles. Once you’ve unlocked the Race Car and upgraded it, it becomes the speed king of Countryside, allowing for massive distances.
Why it works: The terrain is relatively smooth with predictable hills. The Jeep’s balanced stats make it reliable, while the Race Car’s speed lets you fly over obstacles.
Upgrade Priority: Engine and Tires for maximum speed and grip.
Desert
Best Vehicle: Monster Truck or Tank
The Desert’s steep dunes and soft sand require power and stability. The Monster Truck’s large wheels provide excellent traction, while the Tank’s weight keeps it grounded on steep climbs.
Why it works: Large wheels or heavy weight prevent getting stuck in sand. The Monster Truck can climb almost vertical dunes, while the Tank powers through everything.
Upgrade Priority: 4WD and Engine for climbing power.
Arctic
Best Vehicle: Snowmobile or Monster Truck
The Arctic’s icy surfaces and deep snow make traction crucial. The Snowmobile is specifically designed for these conditions, while the Monster Truck’s power can brute force through snow drifts.
Why it works: The Snowmobile’s skis provide excellent gliding on ice, and the Monster Truck’s weight prevents sliding on slopes.
Upgrade Priority: Tires and 4WD for maximum traction on ice.
Highway
Best Vehicle: Race Car or Super Offroad
The Highway features long stretches of road with occasional jumps and obstacles. Speed is king here, making the Race Car the obvious choice. The Super Offroad is also excellent with its combination of speed and stability.
Why it works: Smooth surfaces allow for maximum speed. The Race Car’s aerodynamics and powerful engine let you maintain high speeds for incredible distances.
Upgrade Priority: Engine first, then Suspension for landing those high-speed jumps.
Cave
Best Vehicle: Tank or Monster Truck
The Cave’s tight spaces, low ceilings, and uneven terrain require a vehicle that can handle constant bumps and obstacles. The Tank’s low profile and heavy weight make it ideal, while the Monster Truck can climb over most obstacles.
Why it works: The Tank’s weight keeps it stable on uneven ground, and its low height prevents hitting the ceiling. The Monster Truck simply crushes through obstacles.
Upgrade Priority: Suspension and 4WD for navigating rough terrain.
Moon
Best Vehicle: Moon Lander or Motocross Bike
The Moon’s low gravity completely changes the game. The Moon Lander is purpose-built for this environment, but the Motocross Bike’s light weight and responsive controls also work excellently.
Why it works: Light vehicles perform better in low gravity. The Moon Lander’s design specifically accounts for low gravity physics, while the Motocross Bike’s agility helps with mid-air corrections.
Upgrade Priority: Suspension for landing control, then Engine for momentum.
Volcano
Best Vehicle: Monster Truck or Super Offroad
The Volcano features extreme terrain with lava pools and steep rocky slopes. You need a vehicle with excellent climbing ability and high ground clearance.
Why it works: The Monster Truck’s massive wheels clear most obstacles, and the Super Offroad’s balanced stats handle the varied terrain well.
Upgrade Priority: All-around upgrades, focusing on 4WD and Suspension.
Beach
Best Vehicle: Dune Buggy or Motocross Bike
The Beach has soft sand and water sections. Light, nimble vehicles perform best here. The Dune Buggy is specifically designed for sand, while the Motocross Bike’s speed helps maintain momentum.
Why it works: Light vehicles don’t sink into sand as much. The Dune Buggy’s wide tires distribute weight effectively on soft surfaces.
Upgrade Priority: Engine and Tires for maintaining speed on sand.
General Tips
- Always fully upgrade your chosen vehicle before attempting serious distance runs
- Practice with each vehicle to understand its unique handling characteristics
- Some stages have multiple viable options - experiment to find your personal favorite
- Consider your playstyle - aggressive players might prefer different vehicles than conservative players
The Ultimate All-Rounder
If you had to choose just one vehicle to upgrade for all stages, the Monster Truck is your best bet. While it’s not the absolute best on any single stage, it performs well on all of them, making it the most versatile choice for players who don’t want to switch vehicles constantly.
Remember, the “best” vehicle also depends on your skill level and playstyle. These recommendations are based on optimal performance, but you might find success with different vehicles based on your personal preferences!