The Sony PlayStation 5 has been the undisputed king of gaming consoles since its launch in November 2020. Many PlayStation exclusives will entice gamers, such as Horizon Forbidden West, The Last of Us Part II, and Astro Bot, among other titles. The PS5 is also a fantastic platform for playing racing games, and here is a list of the best PS5 racing games. There’s something for everyone, ranging from track-based simulators to open-world explorers and creative experiences. There’s also the possibility of taking on the role of a driver by using PlayStation VR2.
In this article, our team has whittled down the best PS5 racing games available. This list will be updated regularly when new games are released. The big franchises like Gran Turismo and the F1 series are obvious choices, but we’ve discovered some hidden best PS5 racing games in this list.
For more information regarding the best PS5 racing games, please refer to our list of contents.
10 Best PS5 Racing Games
1. Editor’s Pick: Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo is a non-sports game for each generation on the Sony PlayStation. It is the console’s best PS5 racing games, Gran Turismo 7, which gives driving enthusiasts and professionals alike an array of features. The game was originally released in 2022. The game offers free updates with over 500 vehicles to drive. A few tracks were added over time, and thanks to an upcoming Spec III update, it’s not likely to see support ending.
Available on both PS4 and PS5, the latter version shows GT7 in its most vibrant light. 4K resolution with 60 frames per minute (fps) gameplay for players with an authentic experience, and this is before they get into the PSVR2 features. However, that accessory is certainly expensive. It’s a constantly changing weather system and time of day, and a variety of options for customization and custom race configurations. Replayability is almost at an all-time high this time around.
Why It’s Great
- Industry-leading realism and physics
- Massive car collection with free updates
- Dynamic weather and time-of-day system
- Excellent VR support on PSVR2
Cons
- Always-online requirements can be frustrating
- PSVR2 is expensive
- Career progression can feel grindy for casual players
Also read: 10 Best Crossplay Games for PS5, Xbox, PC & Switch
2. Forza Horizon 5
You’re not thinking that this is an official PlayStation list that includes Forza Horizon 5, the blockbuster racing game for Xbox and PC. The most popular racing game of the generation broke through barriers and exploded onto the PS5 in April 2025, and brings with more than 800 vehicles. This isn’t a track-based racer. Instead, players will be able to explore an imagined “Greatest Hits” version of Mexico through snowstorms, battling the elements, and soaring up snowy mountains to become the top racer during Horizon Festival.
FH5 is pure automotive entertainment. It’s not the most authentic driving game, as players can drive over cars in a quarter-mile jump and then continue driving afterward. It has its foundations in real-world conditions, meaning every car drives differently. Add in the changes in the seasons and times of day, and not forgetting numerous different surfaces, and you’ll have a lot to see in the best PS5 racing games.
As always, customization plays a significant role in FH.5 Players can alter or tune their vehicles to their hearts’ content and offer their goods through an auction house in the game. The racing games on PlayStation 5 are as complete as it gets, though two expansion packs take players to separate island areas, namely Rally Adventure and Hot Wheels.
Why It’s Great
- Huge open world packed with variety
- Enormous vehicle roster
- Excellent online integration
- Two polished expansions (Hot Wheels & Rally Adventure)
Cons
- Arcade handling may disappoint sim fans
- Less structured progression compared to track racers
3. F1 25
As you’d expect, F1 25 contains all the driver teams and official vehicles and circuits from this season. As in previous years, F2 is also included, and the developer is also bringing in certain F3 drivers as icons for drivers. Many tracks have been laser-scanned to provide better accuracy. Also, for the first time in this best PS5 racing games series, gamers can drive in the opposite direction.
What makes F1 games so interesting is their in-depth and precise career mode. Players can follow a storyline (“Braking Point”) and stay with their team for several seasons. The development budget is allocated to various areas of the automobile, and players can earn more points the more active they are on the race weekend calendar. It’s a captivating gameplay loop that keeps players coming back to play more.
Why It’s Great
- Official F1 license with laser-scanned tracks
- Outstanding career and management modes
- Reverse track layouts add freshness
- Realistic race-weekend immersion
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Annual release means smaller improvements year to year
4. Art of Rally
Are you looking for something less cliche than all these actual-world titles? Perhaps something a bit more artistic? Enter Art of Rally, the best PS5 racing games by Funselektor Labs. It is set in a time when Group B was never discontinued. The game is quite complicated, which means that players will be returning to master each of the different vehicles. The majority of these classic cars are recognizable, and the sound effects, from the squeaking brakes to roaring tires, bring them to life.
Why It’s Great
- Unique art style and soundtrack
- Challenging, skill-based gameplay
- Deep respect for classic rally cars
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Limited appeal for arcade or sim fans
5. Need for Speed Unbound
Need for Speed has existed in one form or another for more than 30 years. The most recent installment of the series has been dubbed The Need for Speed Unbound, an elegant reimagining that blends real-world images with comic book and pop culture influences. It’s not for everyone, but it’s innovative and fresh.
The race is played in Lakeshore City, a broad parallel to Chicago. Street racing is the most popular event as players build “heat” by avoiding the police and gaining notoriety. Making sure to earn those points is the secret of success in Lakeshore City.
With over 140 vehicles to choose from and an extensive customization feature, Unbound is one of the best racing games for PS5 gamers who are looking to add more variety to their racing experience.
Why It’s Great
- Stylish, fresh visual direction
- Fun, accessible arcade handling
- Deep customization system
- Large vehicle selection
Cons
- Art style may not appeal to everyone
- Story can feel repetitive
6. The Crew Motorfest
Returning to open-world racing, we’ve got the 2023 edition of the Crew Motorfest. The third game in the franchise skips the scaled-down USA setting and instead opts for slightly less scaled-down versions of Hawaii’s O’ahu and Maui islands. More than 600 vehicles are available to the players. But where Motorfest is apart from the crowd in its diversity. Sure, cars are cool, but what about bikes that are both dirt and super versions? Perhaps you could consider planes? What about a boat or two? Motorfest has you covered in this best PS5 racing games.
The game is based on Playlists that cover the usual race-style events, as well as additional quests and difficulties.
Why It’s Great
- Huge variety of vehicles
- Beautiful island environments
- Playlist-based progression keeps things fresh
Cons
- Driving physics aren’t as refined as competitors
- Map feels smaller compared to earlier Crew games
7. MotoGP 25
Hey, we love cars a lot, but we do not want to leave bikers out in the frigid winter weather. For them, there’s MotoGP 25, the official racing game of the MotoGP series. Participants can play as their favorite MotoGP riders while they race throughout the championship. Participate in every race weekend, forming relationships and developing alliances throughout the process.
In addition to the main stage, there are motard flat track, motard, and minibike rides that you can master. Players can also use a new Arcade Mode, which offers an easy, quick game experience like arcades of the past. Unlike other best PS5 racing games, MotoGP 25 also features livery and suit editors that players can use to show their talents.
Why It’s Great
- Official MotoGP license
- Arcade and simulation modes included
- Deep customization and livery editors
Cons
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Limited appeal if you prefer cars over bikes
8. EA Sports WRC
For a long time, Rally racing has held us awed by the challenges it poses to the drivers and co-drivers. It’s difficult to find a game that can truly capture the excitement, but EA Sports WRC can do that, and it’s not surprising since it’s the final official title released in conjunction with the World Rally Championship.
The WRC series was created from the ashes of the critically-acclaimed DiRT series. WRC does what other entries on this list accomplish to encapsulate the entire series on which it’s built. There are 78 cars on the list, which range from the top Rally1 class all the way to the Junior WRC, plus 68 classic cars. Participants can take on 18 different rally locations, which is more than 100 stages. As a unique option in this best PS5 racing games, players can create their own cars to challenge in the championship.
Why It’s Great
- Authentic rally physics
- Huge amount of content
- Car builder adds creative freedom
Cons
- Demanding difficulty
- No future official WRC sequels planned
Also read: Top 10 Ad Free Games to Play in 2025
9. Wreckfest
There’s a bit of cheating in this case, since the next two games are also listed on our best PS5 racing games. However, when the games are this good, you cannot afford to ignore them.
The first one comes from Wreckfest. The title isn’t just an ingenious ploy. It’s real. Race wheel-to-wheel with vehicles designed for the ultimate derby of destruction while you race through figure-eights, loops, and traffic that is coming your way. There will definitely be a few crashes. Yes, they’ll be massive.
Wreckfest doesn’t come with just aesthetic glory, either. This title has a deeper meaning. The game offers improvements and customisation that allow players to build their own wrecking rig. Racing is competitive yet fair. Also, there are many difficulty levels.
Why It’s Great
- Excellent crash physics
- Chaotic, fun gameplay
- Great multiplayer experience
Cons
- Not for realism purists
- Visuals aren’t as sharp as newer titles
10. Crash Team Racing – Nitro-Fueled
Realists are aware that, as fantastic as MarioKart was, the original PlayStation featured an arguably more powerful Kart Racer as its mascot. Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled is a fully crafted recreation of not only the original PS1 title, but also the lesser-known PS2 sequel. The same drivers and karts that you’ve played, and a constant flow of (free) updates that follow the same vein.
The gameplay is similar–slide to earn boosters, gather, and then use different weapons and power-ups during the fast laps. That’s why this game is an enjoyable experience. A surprisingly deep story mode can unlock content for the committed, and anyone can race against their teammates online. Beware of the sly appearance for speed: being truly fast at CTR requires at a minimum the same amount of talent as other best PS5 racing games on this list. Whoa!
Why It’s Great
- Tight, skill-driven kart mechanics
- Tons of free post-launch content
- Deep single-player and online modes
Cons
- High difficulty ceiling
- No native PS5 upgrade
Best PS5 Racing Games – Comparison Table
| # | Game Title | Racing Style | Best For | Key Highlights | Difficulty Level | PSVR2 Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gran Turismo 7 | Simulation | Realism & immersion lovers | 500+ cars, 4K/60 FPS, dynamic weather | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ✅ Yes |
| 2 | Forza Horizon 5 | Open-World Arcade | Exploration & fun | Huge Mexico map, 800+ vehicles, seasons | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ❌ No |
| 3 | F1 25 | Simulation | Formula 1 fans | Official teams, career mode, laser-scanned tracks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ❌ No |
| 4 | Art of Rally | Indie / Arcade | Artistic & skill-based racers | Minimalist visuals, classic rally cars | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ❌ No |
| 5 | Need for Speed Unbound | Arcade Street Racing | Customization & style | Comic-style visuals, police chases | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ❌ No |
| 6 | The Crew Motorfest | Open-World | Vehicle variety lovers | Cars, bikes, boats, planes | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ❌ No |
| 7 | MotoGP 25 | Simulation | Motorcycle racing fans | Official MotoGP license, arcade mode | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ❌ No |
| 8 | EA Sports WRC | Simulation Rally | Hardcore rally fans | 100+ stages, car builder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No |
| 9 | Wreckfest | Arcade / Destruction | Chaos & multiplayer fun | Physics-based crashes | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ❌ No |
| 10 | Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled | Kart Racer | Competitive casual play | Skill-based kart racing, online | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ❌ No |
Our Final Thoughts on the Best PS5 Racing Games
As I mentioned list of the best PS5 racing games. But, with the new consoles in place, I expect to discover enhanced versions of my top games along with some new additions to this list. If you want more options, check out the list below of top PS5 games for kids — many of them are cross-platform games that are accessible on PlayStation consoles. Enjoy and drive safely… Or play it all out and fully charged; they’re games, after all.
FAQs: Best PS5 Racing Games
Which PS5 racing game is best for beginners?
For beginners, Forza Horizon 5 and Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled are great choices because they feature accessible controls and fun gameplay.
What is the most realistic racing game on PS5?
Gran Turismo 7, F1 25, EA Sports WRC, and MotoGP 25 fully support popular racing wheels like Logitech and Thrustmaster.
What is the best PS5 racing game for multiplayer?
Gran Turismo 7, The Crew Motorfest, and Need for Speed Unbound are among the best PS5 racing games for online multiplayer racing.
Can you play PS5 games on PS4?
No, PS5 games cannot be played directly on a PS4 console because PS5 titles require PS5 hardware.
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