[10] GamePro called the gameplay too slow, and additionally criticized the pixelization, lack of detail, and low frame rate.

[20] Sega Saturn Magazine's Rad Automatic was pleased with the concept, noting, "Instead of just having to take corners and go really fast, in Hardcore you have to read the track, take the lines of least resistance, avoid too-steep slopes, not fall over and not bounce around too much."

However, he found fault with the execution, citing the slow gameplay, low frame rate, clipping, and lack of inertia during collisions.

[19] Reviewing the PlayStation version, GamePro commented that "the basic action and squirrelly handling prevent 4x4 from building addictive gameplay.

[21] A reviewer for Next Generation said the game successfully simulates the handling of a 4x4 truck, but that the narrow tracks allow a player to easily block opponents from passing them once they get in the lead, greatly reducing the racing excitement.

[13] IGN said that "The trucks themselves handle very well" and "the physics of the jumps and bumps are very nice", but that the graphics are "incredibly grainy", and the narrow circuits are a problem.