There is no single “best” car for every event in Forza Horizon 5: a nimble road racer, a high-speed S2 car, and a dirt specialist serve different purposes. This shortlist focuses on six cars recommended for distinct activities, plus the three cars available to new players at the start. It is a role-based selection, not an official ranking or a controlled performance test.
How to choose a car in Forza Horizon 5
Match the car to the surface and event before chasing top speed. Technical road routes reward control and braking; speed traps and some S2 races give more room to exploit outright speed; dirt and cross-country demand confidence on loose or uneven ground. Class, tune, assists, and difficulty also change how a car feels, so a stock-car recommendation is a starting point rather than a guarantee of results.
The official Forza car roster listed 902 cars as of its March 26, 2026 update. Acquisition routes vary: a car may be in the Autoshow, available through Wheelspins or Backstage, tied to a seasonal route, or part of DLC. Check the individual roster entry for current availability; inclusion on the roster does not mean every car is free or equally easy to obtain.
Six picks for road racing, dirt, and free roam
These six activity picks reflect GamesRadar+’s editorial recommendations, not an official leaderboard or comparable lap-time testing. Confirm each car’s current acquisition route in-game or on the roster before planning around it.
#1 Best Overall
![Forza Horizon 5 – Premium Edition – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SeBIPzMvL._SL160_.jpg)
- REDEMPTION INSTRUCTIONS: Go to "Your Orders" and click "View Order" to receive install code. Xbox: Microsoft Store App --> Redeem --> Input code. Window: Xbox App --> Store --> Redeem --> Input code.
- The Premium Edition includes the Welcome Pack, Car Pass, VIP Membership, Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels expansion, and Forza Horizon 5 Rally Adventure expansion.
- NEW RALLY ADVENTURE EXPANSION - Drive purpose-built rally monsters and conquer the rugged Sierra Nueva. Feel the intensity of massive dust trails and deformable roads in 10 new cars. Play on March 29th, 2023.
- Explore a world of striking contrast and beauty. Discover living deserts, lush jungles, historic cities, hidden ruins, pristine beaches, vast canyons, and a towering snow-capped volcano.
- Take on awe-inspiring weather events such as towering dust storms and intense tropical storms as Mexico’s unique, dynamic seasons change the world every week. Keep coming back for new events, rewards, and new areas to explore.
| Car | Best fit | Why drive it | Trade-off or caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Forza Edition | Road racing and open-world activities | GamesRadar+ highlights its handling, acceleration, launch, and braking. The Forza Edition also has a skill-chain bonus. | The Forza Edition is distinct from the standard Sesto Elemento. Verify which edition you can obtain; the recommendation does not establish a current price or unlock route. |
| 2020 Koenigsegg Jesko | S2 races and speed traps | GamesRadar+ describes it as one of the fastest cars out of the box, making it a natural high-speed option. | That is an editorial judgment, not a controlled benchmark. A reported highway speed from the guide is anecdotal, not a guaranteed result. The source does not state an acquisition route. |
| 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Welcome Pack | Straight-line acceleration and drag-style runs | The guide describes the Welcome Pack version as pre-tuned for speed and launch. | Its weight can make it cumbersome on technical street routes. The recommendation specifically concerns the Welcome Pack version, not necessarily the standard car. |
| 1991 Hoonigan Ford Escort RS Cosworth WRC | Dirt racing and cross-country | GamesRadar+ recommends it for loose-surface events and cross-country. | The guide says it is given after the first Showcase event; check the current in-game reward details. The source does not provide a class or tune specification. |
| 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR | Mixed road and dirt use | A useful choice if you want one recommendation spanning both surfaces. | The Welcome Pack A-class version is separate from the standard version. This recommendation is not the same as the opening starter-car choice. |
| M12S Warthog CST | Dirt and free roam | A change of pace from conventional road cars, with GamesRadar+ including it among its dirt and free-roam choices. | The source does not specify a tune, class, or current acquisition route. Check the roster and your edition for availability. |
Three cars new players can choose at the start
Playground Games’ April 24, 2025 first-drive guide says the opening choice is among three cars before the first Showcase event. These are useful options for getting underway, but the starter list is not evidence that one is a must-drive endgame pick.
- 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe C8
- 2021 Ford Bronco
- 2020 Toyota GR Supra
The official guide calls this moment, “It’s time to find your perfect starting car.” Choose based on what you want to drive first; the available evidence does not establish a single best starter for every player or activity.
Rank #2
- Lead breathtaking expeditions across the vibrant and ever-evolving open world landscapes of Mexico with limitless, fun driving action in hundreds of the world’s greatest cars.
- Explore a world of striking contrast and beauty. Discover living deserts, lush jungles, historic cities, hidden ruins, pristine beaches, vast canyons, and a towering snow-capped volcano.
- Immerse yourself in a deep campaign with hundreds of challenges that reward you for engaging in the activities you love. Meet new characters and choose the outcomes of their Horizon Story missions.
- Take on awe-inspiring weather events such as towering dust storms and intense tropical storms as Mexico’s unique, dynamic seasons change the world every week. Keep coming back for new events, challenges, collectibles, and rewards, and new areas to explore. No two seasons will ever be the same.
Which car should you drive first?
- For road handling and a broad mix of activities: try the Sesto Elemento Forza Edition, if you have access to that edition.
- For high-speed S2 events or speed traps: take the Jesko, while treating top-speed claims as tune- and situation-dependent.
- For straight-line acceleration: the Taycan Turbo S Welcome Pack is the specific version highlighted, but it is less suited to technical streets.
- For dirt or cross-country: consider the Hoonigan Escort; for a more unusual free-roam option, try the Warthog.
- For both road and dirt: the Lancer Evolution X GSR is the mixed-terrain pick, with the Welcome Pack A-class version distinguished from the standard model.
- If you have just started: choose among the Corvette, Bronco, and GR Supra based on the kind of driving you want to try first.
The game launched on November 9, 2021, and Xbox lists it for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, and PlayStation. The official Forza page describes more than 40 content updates and identifies the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions among the add-ons. Platform, edition, and add-on availability can differ, so check the current store listing for your platform before buying or looking for a specific car.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FORZA HORIZON 6 LIMITED EDITION — Explore breathtaking Japan with the XBOX Wireless Controller – Forza Horizon 6 Limited Edition. Inspired by the winding Touge roads of Japan, this controller blends high-performance style with festival flair.
- FESTIVAL-INSPIRED DESIGN — Watch the translucent top case and triggers unveil dynamic lighting effects of a vibrant pink and green XBOX button. Bold pink thumbsticks, multi-color ABXY buttons, and a Horizon logo stamped on the battery door seal the look.
- RACING-READY GRIP — Lock into the open-world driving action with black and pink diamond-patterned grips and textured triggers built for every moment on the road.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can explore Japan from neon-lit streets to mountain passes without stopping to recharge.*
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.**
Rank #4
- Tauchen Sie in eine immersive Kampagne mit Hunderten von Herausforderungen ein, die Sie dafür belohnen, dass Sie das tun, was Sie lieben
- Treffen Sie neue Charaktere und bestimmen Sie den Ausgang ihrer Horizon-Story-Missionen
- Bezwingen Sie unglaubliche Wetterereignisse wie die gigantischen Sand- oder intensiven Tropenstürmen, während Mexikos einzigartige und dynamische Jahreszeiten die Welt jede Woche verändern
- Schauen Sie regelmäßig für neue Events, Herausforderungen, Sammlerstücke, Belohnungen und neue Gebiete zum Erkunden vorbei. Keine Jahreszeit wird der nächsten gleichen
- Schließen Sie sich mit anderen Spielern zusammen und stellen Sie sich gemeinsam Horizon Arcade für eine fortlaufende Serie unterhaltsamer und abgefahrener Herausforderungen, die euch Action ohne Menüs, Ladebildschirme oder Lobbys bietet. Treffen Sie in Horizon Open und Tours neue Freunde & teilen sie Ihre Kreationen
Rank #3
- PREMIUM UPGRADE — Includes VIP Membership, Welcome Pack, Time Attack Car Pack, Car Pass, Italian Passion Car Pack, and two Premium Expansions. Requires Forza Horizon 6 base game or Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- VIP MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS — Enjoy a 2x Credit boost to race rewards, 3 VIP-Exclusive Forza Edition cars, a weekly bonus Super Wheelspin, and special Vanity Items.
- WELCOME PACK — Features 5 special pre-tuned cars and a Car Voucher, which can be used to claim any car available from the Autoshow.
- TIME ATTACK CAR PACK — Receive 8 legendary cars ideal for mastering every turn and corner at the Time Attack Circuits located around Japan.
- ITALIAN PASSION CAR PACK — Introduces 4 great new Italian cars in Forza Horizon 6 post-launch, perfect for cruising, racing, or exploring.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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