The 1/18-scale crawler segment is more alive than ever, and Hobby Plus is proving that even budget rigs can deliver premium fun. The CR18P Evo V2 Convoy is the latest evolution in the CR18 lineup, and it’s aimed squarely at hobbyists who want serious trail capability without the hefty price tag. Priced at just $129.99, this brushed crawler delivers a surprising amount of performance, style, and upgrade potential. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dive into scale crawling or an experienced RC fan looking for a fun compact trail rig, the CR18P Evo V2 has a lot going for it—and a few things to keep in mind.
PRODUCT FEATURED
CR-18P Evo V2 Convoy
By: Hobby Plus
Kit Type: Ready To Run 1/18 Scale Crawler
Part Number: HBP1810504-OR
Price: $129.99
Buy: https://bit.ly/44kZDWW
Requires: 4 AAA’s
Visit: https://hbplusrc.com/
Watch Our CR-18P Evo V2 Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/94UELqyHT3I
Body
Hobby Plus didn’t hold back on the aesthetics. The Convoy body looks great out of the box, with scale realism that stands out but is also performance oriented. Available in orange or green, the new body includes clear windows, chrome bumpers, a chrome grille, and even a detailed light bar. While the light bar doesn’t come pre-lit, LEDs are factory-installed in the headlights
and taillights, and the rest can be upgraded later. The larger wheel arches not only enhance the visual appeal but improve functionality by preventing tire rub during articulation. The new hinge system—borrowed from the Rock Van body—eliminates body clips and makes accessing the chassis fast and easy.
Chassis
Under the body, the Evo V2 features an aluminum plate chassis similar to what was introduced with the Evo V3, offering durability and a rigid base for crawling. While the layout may look familiar to CR18 veterans, key changes help lower the price while maintaining capability. The hinged front body mount and rear clip system is both secure and convenient. The layout is tidy, and everything is well protected within the compact dimensions. It’s a solid foundation for trail adventures or even future upgrades, with thoughtful design choices throughout.
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
The suspension setup is where this small truck begins to impress. Equipped with large-bore, oil-filled shocks that feature aluminum caps and preload collars, the Evo V2 soaks up rough terrain with ease. Articulation is smooth and predictable, ideal for trail driving and light crawling. The semi-gloss chrome wheels pair with soft, grippy lug-style tires that work well on dirt trails and moderately loose surfaces. Though they may lack bite on slick rocks, they’re perfect for the kind of outdoor trail action the Evo V2 is meant for. For those who want to get serious, Hobby Plus offers brass ring upgrades to add weight and improve grip.
Drivetrain
Hobby Plus put effort into strengthening the drivetrain in this model. The CR18P Evo V2 features centered metal gears throughout, including the two-speed transmission and portal axles—both the ring and pinion, and the portal gears. This is a major durability upgrade and a highlight of the model. The portal axles give the truck outstanding ground clearance for its size, allowing it to crawl over rough terrain with minimal snagging. The center driveshafts are now upgraded to a beefier design, enhancing overall drivetrain longevity. One downside is the use of bushings instead of full ball bearings, but a bearing kit is available if you want to take the extra step.
Electronics
Out of the box, the Evo V2 comes ready to run with a familiar and effective electronic setup. The system includes a compact 2-in-1 ESC and receiver unit, minimizing 
space usage while keeping wiring neat. The radio is a FlySky unit with simple trims and DIP switches for tuning. A mini steering servo sits up front on the axle, offering responsive steering and a tight turning radius. However, during testing, the two-speed shift servo failed after just one battery pack, which was a disappointment. On the positive side, the included brushed 180-size 55-turn motor paired with the 2S 600mAh battery delivers smooth low-end control and trail-worthy speed in high gear.
What’s Included
The CR18P Evo V2 comes nearly ready to hit the trails right out of the box. Inside, you’ll find the fully assembled truck with electronics pre-installed, a USB charger, a box wrench, and an instruction manual. The only thing you’ll need to add are four AA batteries for the transmitter. It’s a simple setup that gets you driving quickly
without headaches. For beginners or casual drivers, this is a big plus.
Additional Notables
This model isn’t just a cosmetic or mild refresh—it represents real progression in the CR18 line. Compared to earlier models, like the original 
CR18 and the Evo, the V2 brings updated drivetrain strength, enhanced body details, and much better suspension. Compared to the Evo V3, the only real trade-off is the lack of a brushless system—but you save a good chunk of cash, and can upgrade later if desired. The servo-on-axle setup improves steering feel, and the included LED lights add nice realism for night-time trail runs. It’s a great blend of fun, function, and upgradeability.
Performance Evaluation
On the trail, the CR18P Evo V2 shines where it matters. In low gear, the throttle response is smooth and measured, making it ideal for tackling roots, rocks, and trail debris with realism and control. The quiet transmission and motor are a pleasant surprise at this price point, and the suspension handles uneven terrain gracefully. High gear is where the truck comes alive, providing a brisk walking pace that lets you cover ground quickly or chase it around for a little adrenaline. During testing, it climbed loose dirt hills, powered through shallow stream beds, and even handled a full submersion without shutting down. The only significant hiccup was the failure of the two-speed shift servo, which is unfortunate, but potentially covered under warranty.
Wrap-Up
The Hobby Plus CR18P Evo V2 Convoy is a trail rig that delivers excellent bang for your buck. At $130, it’s hard to beat the value—especially considering the metal drivetrain, realistic body, capable suspension, and solid electronics. It’s not perfect—bushings instead of bearings and a vulnerable shift servo are drawbacks—but they don’t outweigh the strengths of the platform. For anyone looking to get into RC trail driving with a scale-looking rig that’s ready to perform and upgrade as your skills grow, the Evo V2 should be on your shortlist.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Great value at $129.99
Durable all-metal drivetrain
Functional body design
Excellent trail performance and ground clearance
Smooth low-speed throttle and high-speed trail capability
Easy to upgrade and customize
Cons:
Uses bushings instead of bearings
Two-speed shift servo failed during testing
Tires could be better for rock crawling
LED light bar non-functional without upgrade
Final Verdict:
For the price, the Hobby Plus CR18P Evo V2 Convoy punches way above its weight. It’s a fun, trail-ready crawler that looks the part, handles terrain with confidence, and leaves room for future upgrades. Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into the hobby, this little rig will put a smile on your face. Just keep an eye on that servo.
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