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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Gran Turismo 7 is the best all-round PS5 racing game for players who want track racing, car collecting and room to grow into simulation-style driving. It is not the right answer for everyone: choose Forza Horizon 5 for open-world exploration, F1 25 for a Formula 1 career, or EA Sports WRC for rally stages. This ranking weighs driving style, solo and multiplayer options, licensed content, accessibility and whether a game benefits from optional wheel or VR equipment—not a single universal score.
Best PS5 racing games ranked
- Gran Turismo 7 — best overall and for track racing. A broad circuit-racing package with car collecting, tuning, structured events and online play. Best for players who want a satisfying entry point with deeper sim-style driving to explore.
- Forza Horizon 5 — best open-world racer. Its Mexico setting, varied biomes, changing seasons and weather, car collection and Horizon Arcade favor free-form exploration and events over a circuit-simulation focus.
- F1 25 — best for Formula 1 career play. Choose it for the licensed F1 setting, My Team 2.0 and the third Braking Point chapter. It does not include the real-world 2026 season’s cars, rules and regulations, according to TechRadar’s current roundup.
- EA Sports WRC — best for rally and mixed surfaces. It centers on rally driving across dirt, snow and asphalt, with WRC, WRC2 and Junior WRC cars described as coming from the 2023 season. Its Builder and Moments modes offer alternatives to the core rally events.
- The Crew Motorfest — another open-world choice. Set on O’ahu, it is an exploration-focused option for players who want driving beyond tarmac as well as road racing.
The order is an editorial recommendation, not an objective performance score. The games serve different kinds of racing, so the best choice depends on whether you want circuits, open roads, Formula 1 or rally.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Gran Turismo 7 Standard Edition - PlayStation 5 | $42.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - PlayStation 5 | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Wreckfest (PS5) | $24.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Rennsport - PlayStation 5 | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Fast & Furious: Arcade Edition - PlayStation 5 | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
1. Gran Turismo 7: best overall
For a buyer unsure which PS5 racer to start with, Gran Turismo 7 is the strongest general recommendation in this group. PlayStation lists a range of modes—including GT Campaign, Championships and Driving School—alongside detailed car tuning, split-screen racing and online play. That combination gives it structured solo progression, ways to learn and options for racing with others.
PlayStation describes a roster of over 420 cars. Treat that as the platform holder’s feature claim, not an independently audited count. The game is most at home on circuits and suits players who enjoy collecting and refining cars as much as completing races.
#1 Best Overall
- With the return of classic cars, iconic tracks, and fan-favourite modes like GT Simulation and Sport Mode - Gran Turismo 7 is the complete Real Driving Simulator, 25 years in the making.
- Find your line. Whether you're a racer, collector, tuner, designer, photographer or arcade fan - immerse yourself in the facets of automotive culture that matter most to you.
- Connect and compete. Join an international community of drivers to share race strategies, tuning tips, livery designs and photos, before taking to the track to go head-to-head.
Its accessible controls can welcome newcomers, while its simulation depth gives more experienced players room to improve. A compatible racing wheel and pedals are optional, not a prerequisite; confirm compatibility for the exact hardware and game version before buying. PlayStation’s game guide presents GT7 as the track-focused choice, while Traxion’s January 2026 list and GamesRadar’s current PS5 guide also place it at the top of their recommendations.
2. Forza Horizon 5: best open-world option
Pick Forza Horizon 5 if you would rather roam a large setting and discover events than focus mainly on circuit sessions. PlayStation describes its Mexico setting, multiple biomes, dynamic seasons and weather, extensive car collection, campaign and Horizon Arcade. Traxion likewise identifies it as an open-world leader.
Rank #2
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
That makes it a complement to GT7 rather than a direct substitute: the appeal is exploration and varied driving, not the same track-simulation emphasis. It is the clearest fit here for casual free-roaming as well as players who enjoy a broad menu of events.
3. F1 25: best for Formula 1 career play
F1 25 is the pick for players who want a Formula 1 setting and career-focused modes. PlayStation highlights My Team 2.0 and the third chapter of Braking Point, giving the game both a team-management angle and a story-led option.
Rank #3
- Awesome cars - old, banged-up, patched-together cars that simply ooze style! From old American heavy-hitters to agile Europeans and fun Asians, you won't find anything like this in other gamesMeaningful customization - change not only the look of your cars but also upgrade their body armor!
- Multiplayer - wreck your friends online and take racing to the limit while chasing for Demolition dominance!
- Challenge modes - have hilarious fun with crop harvesters, lawns mowers, school buses, three-wheelers and more!
- 1 player game Network Players 2-16 - Full game requires PlayStation Plus membership to access online multiplayer
There is an important season caveat: TechRadar says F1 25 does not feature the real-world 2026 season’s cars, rules and regulations. If matching the current championship is essential, do not assume the game reflects the 2026 season simply because it is being considered in 2026.
4. EA Sports WRC: best for rally
For rally stages and changing surfaces, EA Sports WRC is the dedicated choice among these games. PlayStation describes driving on dirt, snow and asphalt, and identifies WRC, WRC2 and Junior WRC cars from the 2023 season, alongside Builder and Moments modes.
Rank #4
- ULTRA-PRECISE / ULTRA-REALISTIC: Every single detail is crafted with meticulous precision, from ultra-realistic physics to lifelike car models and authentic sound down to the exhaust note. RENNSPORT delivers an authentic racing experience, developed in close collaboration with car manufacturers and professional drivers to ensure all cars look, feel, and drive true to life.
- MORE THAN 14 OFFICIAL TRACKS: Travel the globe and master legendary, laser-scanned tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps, Nürburgring, Daytona, and Fuji International Speedway. Then take on unique community content like Crest Da Cauras and Singapore’s Orchard Road, each offering demanding layouts and breathtaking scenery.
- MULTIPLE CARS INCLUDED: Get behind the wheel of fan-favorite GT3s like the Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) and Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo, or push cutting-edge hypercars like the BMW M Hybrid V8.
- ONLINE MULTIPLAYER (2 - 24 PLAYERS): Join online leagues, special events, and improve your racecraft by facing AI in our Championship mode or chasing down milliseconds on the global Time Trial leaderboards.
- CROSSPLAY (PC / XBOX / PS5): Compete with friends or face your rivals across all supported platforms through native cross-play. *RENNSPORT requires internet connection to play.
The season attached to that roster description matters: it is not evidence of a roster current to 2026. Choose this over the circuit-focused games when rallying and mixed-surface driving are the priority.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. The Crew Motorfest: open-world alternative
The Crew Motorfest offers another route for players drawn to open-world driving. PlayStation describes its setting on O’ahu and driving that extends beyond tarmac. Consider it if exploration is the main attraction and you want an alternative to Forza Horizon 5’s Mexico setting.
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- High-Speed, Adrenaline-Fueled Arcade Racing - Race across high-intensity tracks in licensed supercars with cinematic style, drifting, nitro boosts, and precision driving that captures the thrill of the original arcade classic.
- The Top Tier Arcade Racer, Brought to Console - Experience the full-throttle thrills of the arcade game at home, now optimized for consoles and with the same explosive action that made the original a fan favorite in arcades.
- Race Iconic Vehicles - Hit the road in 8 legendary cars including the Dodge Charger, Corvette Z06, Shelby GT500 KR, Ford GT, Bronco DR, Jeep Wrangler, and more.
- Customize Your Look, Your Way - Style your ride with custom vehicle color schemes that let you stand out on the track and represent your personality.
- Race Together in Local Multiplayer - Grab a friend and hit the track with 2 players in split-screen local multiplayer, bringing the arcade rivalry home with side-by-side action and nonstop competition.
Which PS5 racing game should you buy?
- Choose Gran Turismo 7 for circuit racing, car collecting, tuning and a mix of accessible controls and simulation depth.
- Choose Forza Horizon 5 for open-world exploration, changing conditions and varied events.
- Choose F1 25 for Formula 1 career modes, keeping its 2026-season limitation in mind.
- Choose EA Sports WRC for rally driving across dirt, snow and asphalt.
- Choose The Crew Motorfest for a different open-world setting and driving beyond tarmac.
For split-screen or online play, GT7 is the one in this shortlist whose listed features explicitly include both. If multiplayer is your deciding factor for another game, check its current PS5 product details for the specific mode you need before purchasing.
PlayStation Store has an official PS5 listing for Gran Turismo 7. Physical availability, editions and prices can vary by region and retailer, so check the specific listing before buying.
Quick Recap
Sources
- PlayStation Store: Gran Turismo 7
- PlayStation: The best racing games on PS4 & PS5
- Traxion: The 10 best PS5 racing games in 2026
- TechRadar: The 8 best racing games in 2026
- GamesRadar+: Best PS5 games
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.
