LEGO City 60501 Lava Land review

LEGO City 60501 Lava Land is more than just a Power Miners fan's dream come true. It's a genuinely fantastic set that stands out in the summer 2026 selection, innovating where it matters. 

60501 Lava Land is the theme’s latest referential roller coaster, clearly paying tribute to Power Miners through the bulk of the build and two minifigures, mirroring the tribute 60421 Robot World paid to Exo-Force in 2024. However, where that model splits focus by referencing other older themes in a generic modern sculpture, 60501 Lava Land is Power Miners through and through.

The core of the build is the roller coaster and the volcano feature it spirals around. It’s hard to ignore the identical layout from 60421 Robot World, but at least this model innovates on it.

Instead of just featuring a spiral of track winding in and out of the structure, 60501 Lava Land’s roller coaster is built to spin a cog on the volcano, causing it to erupt as the train makes its way around. Setting aside the health and safety concerns, it’s a genuinely fun innovation to the existing layout, which doesn’t impede the motion. 

This is just one example of how the LEGO City design team has improved the foundation that 60421 Robot World laid. Other upgrades include the diverse landscape, with pools of magma and flames that bring to mind several other safety concerns. 

Thankfully, this is the whimsical world of LEGO City where such rules don’t apply. The underground and volcanic nature of the model extends throughout the build, though the rear is much sparser than we’re used to.

There’s only one arcade machine, as well as some displays for crystals and tools. Whether it’s the coaster’s queue line or Lava Land’s entrance, it’s just barely enough. What the set lacks in this space, though, it makes up for in other areas. 60501 Lava Land features a snack stand for rock candy, using the same pieces from Power Miners for the edible treat.

Right next to that stand is the set’s second ride. The motion of this flat spinning attraction is far simpler than that of the coaster, but anything else to interact with beyond the coaster is much appreciated. The vehicles used in this ride also pay tribute to specific sets from Power Miners. 

The LEGO Power Miners representation in 60501 Lava Land is vast, but not overwhelming. The most recognisable references include the flat ride, the Crystal King figure, and two of the eight minifigures.  

This ensures that the set can properly pay tribute to the retired range but is not specifically backed into a corner. 60421 Robot World used a similar tactic, but with a generic modern structure making up most of the model rather than something calling back to Exo-Force. 

Speaking of the set’s minifigures, the two staff members are by far the best in the build, but another of the uncommon sunflower lanyard pieces is always useful to have. Overall, and at £89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99, 60501 Lava Land has been a joy to build and interact with. It’s easily the best themed LEGO roller coaster ever made by a wide margin. Despite a familiar layout, it takes the opportunity to innovate and improve.

LEGO Power Miners minifigures not included in 60501 Lava Land.

60501 Lava Land will be released on June 1, 2026, for £89.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 with 1,165 pieces and eight minifigures.