Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has given us countless incredible mechanics over the years, but few have captured the imagination like Vehicles. Introduced in Kaladesh, Vehicles offer powerful, flexible additions to any deck — but which ones are truly the best? Whether you’re a seasoned Planeswalker or just starting your journey, understanding the top Vehicles can completely transform your strategy.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the best Vehicles MTG has to offer. Buckle up — it’s going to be a wild ride!
Table of Contents
Sr# | Headings |
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1 | What Are Vehicles in MTG? |
2 | Why Vehicles Matter in MTG Strategy |
3 | Top 10 Best Vehicles in MTG History |
4 | #1 Smuggler’s Copter |
5 | #2 Skysovereign, Consul Flagship |
6 | #3 Heart of Kiran |
7 | #4 Parhelion II |
8 | #5 Esika’s Chariot |
9 | #6 Weatherlight |
10 | #7 Aethersphere Harvester |
11 | #8 Consulate Dreadnought |
12 | #9 Colossal Plow |
13 | #10 Peacewalker Colossus |
14 | How to Build a Deck Around Vehicles |
15 | Conclusion: Are Vehicles Right for You? |
16 | FAQs |
What Are Vehicles in MTG?
Vehicles are a special type of artifact card introduced in Kaladesh. Unlike regular artifacts, they need to be “crewed” by creatures to become artifact creatures themselves. Their unique interaction between creatures and artifacts opens up tons of exciting gameplay options.
Think of Vehicles like ships in a naval fleet — the ship exists, but it’s the sailors who bring it to life!
Why Vehicles Matter in MTG Strategy
Vehicles are flexible:
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Defense: They can sit as artifacts, safe from sorcery-speed removal.
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Offense: When needed, they can swing in as powerful creatures.
In a way, Vehicles act like a “sleeper agent” in your strategy — appearing passive until it’s time to strike. This duality makes them irresistible to creative players!
Top 10 Best Vehicles in MTG History
Ready to hit the gas? Let’s roll through the ten best Vehicles ever printed in MTG. Each of these game-changers has left a mark in casual play, competitive formats, or both.
#1 Smuggler’s Copter
Often called “The Loot Scoot,” Smuggler’s Copter dominated formats until it got banned in Standard!
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Cost: {2}
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Crew: 1
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Abilities: Flying, loot (draw then discard) when attacking or blocking.
Its cheap cost and easy crew requirement made it nearly impossible to match in early-game speed and efficiency.
#2 Skysovereign, Consul Flagship
The king of midrange Vehicles:
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Cost: {5}
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Crew: 3
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Abilities: Flying, bolts a creature or planeswalker for 3 when it enters or attacks.
Skysovereign is like an airborne tank, decimating creatures and finishing games quickly.
#3 Heart of Kiran
If you’re playing a Planeswalker-heavy deck, Heart of Kiran is a no-brainer:
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Cost: {2}
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Crew: 3 (or loyalty from a planeswalker!)
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Abilities: Flying, Vigilance.
Its ability to crew with planeswalker loyalty is pure genius, maximizing board value.
#4 Parhelion II
Massive, glorious, and utterly over-the-top:
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Cost: {8}
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Crew: 4
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Abilities: Flying, First Strike, Vigilance. Creates two attacking 4/4 Angels!
Though it demands a lot, Parhelion II feels like launching a nuclear strike in MTG. One swing often spells the end.
#5 Esika’s Chariot
One of the best value Vehicles ever printed:
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Cost: {4}
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Crew: 4
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Abilities: Create two 2/2 Cat tokens when it enters, and copy a token when it attacks.
Esika’s Chariot provides immediate board presence and incredible synergy with token decks.
#6 Weatherlight
This historic ship does more than just look iconic:
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Cost: {4}
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Crew: 3
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Abilities: Flying; search your deck when it deals damage.
Weatherlight turns combat into card advantage — the holy grail of MTG.
#7 Aethersphere Harvester
Flexibility and resilience wrapped up in a neat {3}-mana package:
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Cost: {3}
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Crew: 1
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Abilities: Flying; gain energy to gain lifelink.
Aethersphere Harvester shines against aggro decks, stabilizing life totals while pressuring opponents.
#8 Consulate Dreadnought
A budget powerhouse:
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Cost: {1}
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Crew: 6
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Abilities: None special — just a 7/11 wall of doom.
Perfect for slower strategies, Consulate Dreadnought can absorb damage and intimidate attackers.
#9 Colossal Plow
Simple, funny, and surprisingly powerful:
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Cost: {2}
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Crew: 6
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Abilities: Generates {W}{W}{W} and 3 life when attacking!
Pair it with untapping effects for hilariously big turns and massive mana generation.
#10 Peacewalker Colossus
The Vehicle enabler we needed:
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Cost: {3}
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Crew: 4
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Abilities: {1}{W}: Turn a Vehicle into a creature without crewing.
Peacewalker Colossus smooths Vehicle decks, allowing plays that would otherwise be impossible.
How to Build a Deck Around Vehicles
Building around Vehicles demands:
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Low-Crew Creatures: Cards like Toolcraft Exemplar or Veteran Motorist shine.
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Synergy Spells: Cards that benefit from artifacts or Vehicles, like Inspiring Statuary.
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Plan B: Since Vehicles can be clunky alone, having a secondary win condition helps.
A good Vehicle deck feels like a team — every piece works together toward victory!
Conclusion: Are Vehicles Right for You?
If you love dynamic gameplay, clever decision-making, and unexpected victories, Vehicles are your perfect ride. They might not always be the easiest to pilot (pun intended), but mastering Vehicles brings immense rewards.
Ready to crew up and take off? Your Vehicle awaits!
FAQs
1. What happens if a crewed Vehicle becomes tapped?
Once a Vehicle is crewed, it behaves like a creature — meaning it taps when attacking or using tap abilities.
2. Can you crew a Vehicle during your opponent’s turn?
Yes, as long as the Vehicle has not already been tapped, you can crew it anytime you have priority.
3. Are Vehicles affected by summoning sickness?
Vehicles themselves aren’t creatures unless crewed, but if they become creatures, they will suffer from summoning sickness unless they’ve been under your control since the start of your turn.
4. Can a creature crew more than one Vehicle?
No, once a creature is tapped to crew, it can’t crew again until it untaps.
5. Are Vehicles still artifacts when not crewed?
Absolutely! Even when not a creature, a Vehicle remains an artifact on the battlefield.