Toys for toddlers have come a long way over the years. Every time you turn around, they’re becoming more realistic, allowing kids to do more things as they play.
One toy that certainly falls into that category is the steering wheel toy.
These toys are fun for kids because they make them feel like they are in the driver’s seat. They have a steering wheel and are ready to hit the open road or at least the few feet in front of them.
But, not all steering wheel toys are the same. They have different accessories and geared towards different age groups. So, it’s essential to know what to look for as you search for the best steering wheel toys for toddlers.
In this article
- Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Choices:
- What Is A Steering Wheel Toy?
- What To Look For In A Steering Wheel Toy
- 10 Best Steering Wheel Toys for Toddlers in 2024
- Our Reviews of the 10 Best Steering Wheel Toys for Toddlers in 2024
- 1. VTech 3-in-1 Race and Learn
- 2. BEST LEARNING My Spin and Learn Steering Wheel
- 3. Battat Geared to Steer Interactive Driving Wheel
- 4. VTech Turn and Learn Driver
- 5. Steering Wheel Toy “My Little Driver”
- 6. Simulated Driving Controller Portable Simulated Driving Steering Wheel
- 7. CASDON Sat Nav Steering Wheel
- 8. Taf Toys Car Wheel Toy
- 9. TOMY John Deere Busy Driver
- 10. Fisher-Price Rollin’ & Strollin’ Dashboard
- The Bottom Line
Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Choices:
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | VTech 3-in-1 Race and Learn | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | BEST LEARNING My Spin & Learn Steering Wheel | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Battat – Geared to Steer Interactive Driving Wheel | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
What Is A Steering Wheel Toy?
Steering wheel toys do not allow kids to “drive along” with an adult, but many also teach numbers, letters, colors, shapes, and other skills at the same time. They develop kids’ skills as they play. As you sift through the different steering wheel toys, you’ll notice that many of them have cause and effect features.
If kids push one button, something else happens, like another part of the toy lights up or plays music. These types of toys are uniquely entertaining for younger kids.
Steering wheel toys also help kids to develop hand-eye coordination, just like adult drivers! They also learn about direction as they turn the wheel a certain way. While kids think they are just playing, they are really developing many other skills in the process.
What To Look For In A Steering Wheel Toy
There are several things to consider as you search for the best steering wheel toy for toddlers. Keeping the following things in mind will help you choose the most appropriate and fun toy.
Safety
No matter what type of toy you’re looking for, safety always comes first. As you look at the various steering wheel toys, look for ones made from safe plastics and materials. You want to be sure that they meet government standards for chemicals like phthalates that can be dangerous for kids.
It’s also important to take a close look at the battery compartment. Be sure it screws shut so that kids can’t open it and get to the batteries inside.
Also, if your child brings their toy into the car to get the real “driving” experience, you want to be sure it isn’t too heavy. A child can hit their hand on it and get hurt.
Age
Always check the recommended age for the steering wheel toy that you’re buying. If you buy one made for younger kids and your child is older, they’re going to get bored.
If you buy a toy that is too advanced for a younger child, they will get frustrated.
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Where The Toy Will Be Used
Some steering wheel toys are specially made for a car or car seat. Read the packaging so that you get the toy you intended. Many toys can be used in a car, home, or wherever you choose.
Also, many toys are not intended to be attached to a car seat because they pose a danger. Again, read all instructions and materials that come with the toy to be sure your child is playing with it where they’re supposed to be.
Now that we’ve gone through the basics of steering wheel toys, it’s time to look at the best steering wheel toys for toddlers in 2024.
10 Best Steering Wheel Toys for Toddlers in 2024
- VTech 3-in-1 Race and Learn
- BEST LEARNING My Spin and Learn Steering Wheel
- Battat Geared to Steer Interactive Driving Wheel
- VTech Turn and Learn Driver
- Steering Wheel Toy “My Little Driver”
- Simulated Driving Controller Portable Simulated Driving Steering Wheel
- CASDON Sat Nav Steering Wheel
- Taf Toys Car Wheel Toy
- TOMY John Deere Busy Driver
- Fisher-Price Rollin’ & Strollin’ Dashboard
Our Reviews of the 10 Best Steering Wheel Toys for Toddlers in 2024
1. VTech 3-in-1 Race and Learn
VTech hits it out of the park once again with another toy that’s both fun educational. Let’s start with the fun stuff. This steering wheel toy lets kids pretend they are racing a car, jet, or motorcycle.
So, parents should never hear “I’m bored.” There are also nine different courses to explore. Kids can repeat their favorite ones or cycle through them. Either way, there is plenty to entertain them.
The gear shifter plays real racing sounds, so kids will feel like they’re really driving the vehicle. The controller also vibrates to enhance the driving experience even more.
Now for the educational benefits, the steering toy teaches letters, spelling, numbers, shapes, and more. The controls also help with hand-eye coordination.
Parents will also like the volume control and automatic shut-off since kids aren’t always the best at remembering to turn their toys off. It’s also priced right.
There aren’t any drawbacks with this except for that you may not want your child to bring it in the car in the event you need to stop suddenly, and they bang their head.
Pros:
- Teaches hand-eye coordination, shapes, numbers, and letters
- Comes with car, jet, and motorcycle
- Volume control and automatic shut-off
- Priced-right
Cons:
- Not meant to bring in the car
2. BEST LEARNING My Spin and Learn Steering Wheel
My Spin and Learn is one of the best steering wheel toys for toddlers because it has plenty of features for the little ones to enjoy. It’s geared towards kids ages 6 to 36 months.
The big takeaway here is that it is interactive and lights up. Your kids are not only entertained, but they also get to improve their hand-eye coordination.
It has three different play modes to keep kids engaged. They can touch or spin to learn about colors, shapes, and feelings. Songs can be played for kids to enjoy. Parents will love that the toy has won multiple awards for being a fun learning toy.
The only drawbacks here are that it is a little pricey for what it offers and that kids will outgrow it and become bored.
Pros:
- Teaches colors, shapes, and feelings
- Three different play modes
- Helps with hand-eye coordination
Cons:
- On the expensive side
- Kids may get bored and grow out of it quickly
3. Battat Geared to Steer Interactive Driving Wheel
Wherever your child may be, kids can play with the Battat Geared to Steer safely just about anywhere.
The realistic sounds of turning the key to rev the engine and honk the horn will make kids feel like they are indeed in the driver’s seat. There are even signal lights and sounds. The interactive features will really amplify the experience.
The game mode is fun for kids but is also educational at the same time because it will help them learn about colors. It’s also great for kids to have a sensory play experience and work on their fine motor skills.
This toy is recommended for kids ages two and up. It’s reasonably priced for what it offers.
Pros:
- Realistic sounds
- Helps with fine motor skills
- Lets kids have sensory play
- Reasonably priced
- Great for car rides
Cons:
- Older toddlers could get bored easily
4. VTech Turn and Learn Driver
Here’s another winner from VTech as your child has fun pretending to drive using this steering wheel toy.
It has three different play modes so your child can choose to learn in animal, driving, or music mode. This is great to bust boredom by having the toy do the same thing over and over again.
Kids can also use their imagination as they play with a traffic light, and signal level to pretend they are driving to their favorite destination. When kids use the steering wheel, the dog character moves back and forth. Kids will find this fun and entertaining.
This toy is aimed toward kids ages six months to three years old and is reasonably priced. As kids reach the three-year mark, they may begin to get bored with this toy. Then it’s time to upgrade!
Pros:
- Three different play modes
- Fun dog character on steering wheel
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Kids may get bored as they reach three years old
5. Steering Wheel Toy “My Little Driver”
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a steering wheel toy for young toddlers in the car or the stroller. It has a durable velcro strap that can attach to a stroller, car seat, high chair, or just about anything else.
It’s made from BPA-free plastic parts and has a secure battery compartment, so it’s super-safe for younger kids. There’s a mix of lights, sounds, and a mirror, as well as interactive switches to keep things interesting. Older kids may get bored, but this is an excellent choice for the younger set.
Kids can pretend they are driving, just like mom and dad! Some parents may find this toy a little on the expensive side for what it offers and for the age set.
Pros:
- Fun for younger kids
- Made from safe plastics
- Good for the car ride
Cons:
- Older kids may get bored
- On the expensive side
6. Simulated Driving Controller Portable Simulated Driving Steering Wheel
This is a fun toy that looks like the real deal. Kids will undoubtedly feel like they’re in the driver’s seat with this toy! It even comes with turn signals and buttons to represent the different signals on a traffic light.
Besides helping kids use their imagination, it also helps to develop motor skills. Since it’s lightweight, it’s also perfect for bringing in the car.
The recommended age set for this toy is anywhere from three months to twelve years old, although older kids likely won’t find this toy as entertaining as younger kids. Since kids can use it for a while, this toy is reasonably priced.
Pros:
- Features make kids feel like they’re driving a car
- Reasonably priced
- Helps develop motor skills
Cons:
- Although the age set is three months to twelve years, older kids may not find it as entertaining
Here’s another toy that resembles a real steering wheel. Kids can use various commands to interact with the wheel. This toy lauds itself as the world’s first toy Sat Nav steering wheel. As the wheel tells kids to turn left or do other driving tasks, it will give a positive or negative comeback depending on how the child responded.
It has realistic motoring sounds that include a horn, a revving engine, gear change, and braking. Kids can “drive” as they also use their signaling buttons.
This toy is aimed at kids ages three and up. Since it has various voice commands, it should keep kids occupied for quite a while. Kids can bring this in the car or use this at home. For all the bells and whistles it offers, this toy is reasonably priced.
Pros:
- First Sat Nav steering wheel
- Interactive steering wheel
- Realistic sounds
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Best for older toddlers. It may be too advanced for younger kids.
8. Taf Toys Car Wheel Toy
Here’s another steering wheel toy that’s good for the car and smaller kids.
They can imitate the driver’s actions while being entertained in the car. This hooks onto the back of headrest and allows kids to see themselves in a mirror as they “drive.” It even lets them switch gears.
The sounds, lights, buttons, and music will keep your kids entertained on those long car rides. Again, this toy is best for smaller kids because older kids would get bored. It’s also a bit on the expensive side for what it offers.
Pros:
- Lights, sounds, and music will keep kids entertained
- Realistic features allow kids to feel like they’re driving
Cons:
- Not intended for older toddlers
- Expensive for what it offers
9. TOMY John Deere Busy Driver
Here’s another fun, realistic toy steering wheel for kids that will make them feel like they’re in the driver’s seat. It has realistic sights and sounds, as well as interactive levers and knobs.
Kids will feel like they’re moving a real John Deere vehicle as this is also a licensed John Deere product.
It’s geared towards kids ages eighteen months to five years, but it may be better for kids in the younger part of that group. Some parents may find this toy a bit on the expensive side, but others may not seeing that kids can play with it for a while.
This toy is probably best played with at home, not in the car.
Pros:
- Realistic sights, sounds, and levers
- Licensed John Deere product
- Geared towards kids 18 months to 5 years old
Cons:
- Although the recommended age group is 18 months to 5 years, older kids may get bored
10. Fisher-Price Rollin’ & Strollin’ Dashboard
Here’s another fun choice to keep younger kids occupied. Kids can play with this at home, in the car, or while in the stroller. It has a lion steering wheel that plays short, fun songs for kids.
There’s also a clicking zebra gear shifter with rattle beads that kids will love. It also has a “rear view” mirror to engage kids.
We like this toy as a beginner steering wheel toy for kids. While it won’t entertain older kids, it will keep the younger ones occupied, especially in the car. It is a bit pricey for what it has to offer.
Pros:
- Fun for younger kids
- Can be used in the car, stroller, or at home
- Lights, sound, and music to entertain kids
Cons:
- Not intended for older kids
- A bit expensive for what it offers
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the best steering wheel toy for toddlers, keep in mind the age group you’re shopping for as well as the features. That’s why we ended up choosing the VTech 3-in-1 Race and Learn as our top pick.
It has enough features to keep kids entertained while also teaching them at the same time. Kids will feel like they’re driving by shifting gears and pretending to drive different types of vehicles.
On the educational side, the steering toy also teaches letters, spelling, and numbers. Since it’s recommended for kids ages three to six, it’s a toy that will last for a while. VTech is known for making fun, educational toys, and this one is no different. It checks all the boxes for a great steering wheel toy for kids.
It all comes down to what age group you’re shopping for, what features you’re looking for, and how much you want to spend on a toy. Many of the steering wheel toys for toddlers on this list are reasonably priced if you’re planning on giving one as a gift.
Remember, kids want entertaining toys, so be sure to look for one that is fun while including many of the features that parents look for as well.
