From Barbie convertibles and Hot Wheels dune racers to ATVs and go-karts, the iconic childhood favorite is getting a major makeover for 2026. There was something pretty exciting about getting behind the wheel of a POWER WHEELS® for the first time. Suddenly, the driveway became a highway, the backyard turned into an adventure, and kids had their very own set of wheels. For many parents, those little battery-powered cars were a memorable part of growing up. Now their children are about to experience that same thrill, with a whole lot more choices.
Sakar International has teamed up with Mattel to introduce an all-new POWER WHEELS collection for Fall 2026, bringing fresh designs, familiar characters and a wide variety of vehicles to one of the most recognizable names in children’s ride-on toys.
And this isn’t just a new version of the classic little car. The collection features more than 20 different 6V and 12V vehicles, including convertibles, dune racers, ATVs, go-karts, motortrikes, beach cruisers, SUVs, race cars, four-wheelers and even a kid-sized lawn mower.
Barbie, Hot Wheels and American Girl Get Their Own Wheels
Hot Wheels Barbie 6V Dune Racer
One of the most exciting parts of the collection is the introduction of vehicles inspired by some of Mattel’s biggest brands.
Barbie fans can take their adventures outdoors with a Barbie 6V Dune Racer, while Hot Wheels enthusiasts can finally experience the excitement of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle inspired by the miniature cars they’ve been racing across living room floors for years.
The American Girl 12V Convertible brings another beloved brand into the mix, offering a different kind of driving adventure for young fans.
It’s a clever way to bring familiar toys into a completely different play experience. Instead of imagining the adventure with a doll or toy car, kids get to become part of it.
More Than Just Another Toy
With so much of childhood entertainment revolving around screens, there’s something refreshing about a toy that encourages kids to head outside.
POWER WHEELS has always been about more than driving around the driveway. These vehicles give children opportunities to develop confidence, practice coordination and enjoy a little independence while creating their own adventures.
Power Wheels – 12V Go Kart
One afternoon, the backyard becomes a racetrack. The next, it’s a neighborhood expedition. A child behind the wheel of a miniature SUV might be heading off on an imaginary road trip, while another riding a tiny lawn mower is busy pretending to take care of the family yard.
It’s imaginative play with a motor, and that’s part of what has made POWER WHEELS so memorable across generations.
6V or 12V? Finding the Right Ride
The new collection offers both 6V and 12V vehicles, giving parents different options depending on their child’s size, experience and the type of riding they’ll be doing.
Generally, the 6V models provide lower-speed driving experiences that can be well suited to first-time riders. The 12V models offer more power, with certain vehicles designed to handle tougher outdoor terrain.
According to Sakar International, the announced Fall 2026 retail lineup is recommended for children ages 3 and older, although parents should always check the individual vehicle’s height, weight and operating guidelines.
Power Wheels – 12V Dune Racer
Battery life is another important consideration. As a general guide, 6V vehicles typically provide approximately 45 to 60 minutes of riding per charge, while 12V models can offer around 45 to 90 minutes. Charging generally takes 8 to 12 hours, depending on the model and battery.
Of course, riding time will vary depending on the terrain, the child’s weight and how the vehicle is being used.
A Big Gift Without One Big Price Tag
A ride-on vehicle has always had a certain wow factor when it comes to gift-giving. It’s the kind of present that can make a child forget about everything else under the tree.
But not every family has the same budget, and the new POWER WHEELS collection reflects that.
Prices start at approximately $48 for a Motortrike and extend to $350 for premium Dune Racers, with a range of vehicles and price points in between.
The collection is scheduled to arrive at major retailers beginning in September 2026, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, Sam’s Club, BJ’s and Mills Fleet Farm.
That gives families plenty of options, whether they’re shopping for a child’s first ride-on toy or looking for something a little more adventurous.
A Childhood Classic With Plenty of Road Ahead
The return of POWER WHEELS is especially appealing because it connects two generations through a familiar childhood experience.
Parents who remember cruising around in their own little battery-powered cars can now watch their children discover the same excitement, only with a much bigger selection of vehicles and designs.
And Sakar International isn’t treating this as a one-time launch. The company has plans to continue expanding the collection with new vehicle styles, features and potential collaborations.
For a brand that has already been part of so many childhood memories, the next chapter looks like it could be a pretty exciting ride.
The new POWER WHEELS collection begins arriving at participating major retailers in September 2026, with prices ranging from $48 to $350.
We had some questions for Kelley Davison, VP of Licensing, Sakar International!
L.A.’s The Place Magazine: What inspired Sakar International and Mattel to introduce this new generation of POWER WHEELS vehicles?
Kelley Davison: POWER WHEELS has been part of childhood for generations, and we saw an opportunity to build on that incredible legacy for today’s families. The new collection is about giving a new generation of kids that memorable first driving experience, encouraging them to get outside, build confidence and create their own imaginative adventures. Working with Mattel, we wanted to honor what families have always loved about POWER WHEELS while introducing fresh designs and experiences for today’s young drivers.
LATP: What are the biggest differences between the new collection and the POWER WHEELS vehicles parents remember from their childhood?
Davison: The spirit of POWER WHEELS is very much the same: imaginative outdoor play, independence, and the excitement of getting behind the wheel. What’s new is the breadth and variety of this collection. The 2026 lineup includes many different 6V and 12V ride-ons, ranging from convertibles and dune racers to motortrikes, beach cruisers, race cars, SUVs, ATVs, Go Karts, lawn mowers and 4-wheelers. Each has been thoughtfully designed with kid-friendly features and realistic driving details, giving today’s families many different ways to experience POWER WHEELS.
LATP: What distinguishes the 6V vehicles from the 12V models, and how should parents decide which is appropriate for their child?
Davison: The new collection includes both 6V and 12V models, with options ranging from first ride-on experiences to vehicles designed for young explorers. All of the Fall 2026 vehicles included in the announced retail lineup are recommended for ages 3+. Parents should always consult the age recommendation and product-specific guidance for the individual vehicle when selecting the best option for their child, including height and weight recommendations.
LATP: What special design features make the Barbie, Hot Wheels and American Girl vehicles unique?
Davison: One of the exciting things about the collection is the opportunity to bring some of Mattel’s most iconic brands into the POWER WHEELS experience. The Fall 2026 lineup includes Barbie and Hot Wheels 6V Dune Racers, as well as an American Girl 12V Convertible, allowing kids to take brands they already know and love into a completely new form of imaginative outdoor play. Each vehicle brings the personality of its respective brand into the POWER WHEELS lineup while delivering the kid-friendly design and realistic driving experience at the heart of the collection.
LATP: What safety features have been incorporated into the new collection, particularly for younger or first-time drivers?
Davison: The collection includes both 6V and 12V options to help families choose a vehicle suited to their child’s size and driving experience. The 6V models generally offer lower-speed driving, making them a great starting point
Power Wheels delivers the kind of excitement that never seems to go out of style. For kids, it’s the thrill of independence and adventure; for parents, it’s the joy of watching their little drivers make memories along the way.
