The 10 best PS5 racing games in 2026

With the PlayStation 5 now over five years into its lifecycle, its racing game library continues to expand. Sony’s console is home to so many driving games that it can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve compiled a handy list of the 10 best PS5 racing games that should be in your collection.

Racing games are also a great showcase of the PS5 Pro‘s capabilities, with many enhanced for Sony’s more powerful console, offering improved fidelity and higher frame rates.

Whether you prefer ultra-realistic simulators or casual arcade games, here are our picks for the top 10 best PS5 racing games you can play in 2026. We’re only including native PS5 games in this list – backwards-compatible PS4 games are not eligible.

Honourable mentions

As always with top 10 lists like this, several racing games didn’t quite make the grid but still deserve an honourable mention.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is a solid entry in the acclaimed arcade racing series, with new vehicle types, abilities and outdoor environments. GRID Legends on the other hand is an underrated circuit racer with a variety of racing classes, a novel story mode with live-action cut scenes featuring Doctor Who himself, Ncuti Gatwa, and more accessible handling than Gran Turismo 7.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, Ride 5 is effectively the Gran Turismo of bike games, featuring hundreds of licensed motorbikes. Meanwhile, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 offers the most intense racing experience on two wheels as you hurtle down the famous Snaefell Mountain course at terrifying speeds or explore the surrounding country roads at your leisure in an open world.

While it lacks officially licensed cars and locations, Art of Rally‘s low-poly presentation, relaxing vibes and slidey car handling is simply sublime.

If you’re looking for something different, Inertial Drift: Twilight Rivals Edition stands out with its unique twin-stick drift controls and stylish presentation reminiscent of Ridge Racer.

Meanwhile, Distance is a unique blend of driving, platforming and horror survival, arriving on PS5 six years after its initial PC release, and World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing 24 is a superb sprint car racer.  

10. EA Sports WRC

EA Sports WRC sees Codemasters and EA take over the World Rally Championship game licence from KT Racing and Nacon, ushering in a new era of official rally games with mixed results.

Switching to Unreal Engine 4 enabled Codemasters to create some of the most authentic and challenging stages ever seen in a rally game, with the longest lasting nearly 35 km. As you would expect from a developer with a rich rally game heritage dating back to the original Colin McRae Rally, the car handling and audio design is masterful, easily trumping KT Racing’s WRC Generations.

The car selection is a rally enthusiast’s dream, from the latest Rally1 hybrid monsters to classics like the legendary Group B Audi Sport quattro S1, Colin McRae’s iconic Subaru Impreza 555 and lesser-known fan-favourites like the Mitsubishi Galant VR4. You can even create your own car from scratch in EA Sports WRC’s unique build mode.

Unfortunately, moving to the aforementioned Unreal tech is just as much a curse as a blessing. EA Sports WRC’s murky visuals fall short of expectations, and the PS5 version still suffers occasional frame rate drops and screen tearing. Although we found it to be nowhere near as bad as the initial stuttering PC launch, it lacks the visual polish we’ve come to expect from Codemasters’ racing games.     

While it lacks an official WRC licence and the stages are noticeably shorter, Dirt Rally 2.0 arguably outshines EA Sports WRC in some respects. Powered by Codemasters’ in-house Ego engine still used in the F1 games, it not only looks sharper and cleaner but also features official FIA rallycross racing. If only DIRT Rally 2.0 had a native PS5 release.

After launching in 2023, live service updates have added new cars and locations. But with Codemasters’ rally game team sadly disbanding, there won’t be a sequel. While Nacon has acquired the license rights, EA Sports WRC remains the only current rally game with officially licensed cars and locations until the next “reimagined” entry arrives in 2027.  

9. Redout 2

WipEout was once a prominent fixture of the PlayStation lineup, but the series has been dormant since 2017’s Wipeout Omega Collection. Luckily, Redout 2 is a worthy successor to the beloved futuristic racing series.

Developed by Italian indie studio 34BigThings, Redout 2 delivers everything you could want from a futuristic racer – a genre that is sorely underrepresented on PS5 in WipEout’s absence.

As you navigate the gravity-defying tracks, your ship’s speed is so mind-meltingly fast it should be measured in Mach numbers.

Mastering these anti-gravity courses requires skill and precision, with the ability to strafe using the left analogue stick and adjust your ship’s pitch with the right stick. Meanwhile, you must pay attention to your boost bar to prevent your ship from overheating and exploding, adding an extra layer of challenge.    

It’s a steep learning curve, and Redout 2 can be relentlessly difficult as a result – but that’s what makes it so compulsive.

It’s a shame that Redout 2 fell under a lot of players’ radars. If you’re a fan of futuristic racers and pining for a new WipEout-style game, Redout 2 deserves a place in your PS5 games library.

8. Horizon Chase 2

If you’re looking for a more casual racing experience, there are plenty of arcade-style indie racers to choose from on PS5. But, for us, Horizon Chase 2 takes the crown.

Building on the hit Horizon Chase World Tour mobile racer and its predecessor’s PC and console port, Horizon Chase 2 was originally an Apple Arcade exclusive before being ported to PS5 over a year later.

Inspired by old-school arcade games like OutRun, the retro-style racer sees you tear across vibrant locations, from the lush jungles of the Amazon rainforest to an active volcano in Japan. Compared to the original, the cars and environments are more detailed without losing their retro charm, while the smoother handling makes the driving more enjoyable.

Once again, the soundtrack is terrific, with new songs from legendary Barry Leitch, who composed the iconic soundtracks for the Top Gear games, complementing the fast-paced gameplay.  

On the downside, Horizon Chase 2’s campaign is shorter than its predecessors, and it’s unclear if post-launch DLC will add new cars and locations like the original.

However, hunting blue coins scattered on each track adds replay value, with a bonus location set on the moon unlocked for collecting all 349 coins. Removing the requirement to top up your fuel by collecting canisters also makes the campaign far less frustrating.

Whenever you want to enjoy a quick blast of pure, unadulterated arcade racing, Horizon Chase 2 is heartily recommended.

7. F1 25

Despite introducing an overhauled Driver Career Mode, F1 24 was a misstep for the series, thanks to its lack of innovation and maligned car handling. It was so underwhelming that we previously recommended F1 23 over F1 24.

Thankfully, F1 25 is a course correction for the series. Vehicle handling is noticeably improved, with cars that feel more intuitive and satisfying to drive at speed, whether playing on a controller or wheel.

Meanwhile, My Team boasts its most significant revamp since the fan-favourite mode was introduced in F1 2020. You now play as a team manager rather than a driver owner, managing a pair of drivers simultaneously while juggling resources.

This leads to some interesting scenarios where you can favour one driver over the other, affecting your team’s relationships. Combined with new upgrade systems for car development and department upgrades, F1 25’s My Team is a meaningful step forward.

Braking Point, the story mode introduced in F1 2021, also makes a welcome return after being absent in F1 24. While the gameplay scenarios are similar, the plot takes a surprising turn, causing drama for the Butler family, culminating in a satisfying conclusion for the Braking Point trilogy.

Outside of Braking Point, there are also some extra scenarios inspired by the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, along with three reverse circuit layouts, but these are throwaway additions.

While it remains to be seen if Codemasters and EA retain the F1 game license, F1 25 will receive live service support until April 2026, with six season updates adding new challenge events and cosmetic rewards. Feature-packed, F1 25 is a confident entry and Codemasters’ best F1 game since F1 2020. 

6. Assetto Corsa Competizione

Normally reserved for the PC crowd, hardcore racing simulations are seldom seen on consoles. Assetto Corsa Competizione is a rare and welcome exception. Simulating the official GT World Challenge, Assetto Corsa Competizione’s commitment to realism makes it daunting for new players and you’ll need a racing wheel setup to get the most out of it.

The original PS4 port was plagued with performance issues, but that’s fortunately less true on PS5, especially after a spate of post-release patches. Not only does the PS5 version boast better graphics and a more stable frame rate, but DLC like the Challenge Pack is only available for the current-gen version.  

With Assetto Corsa EVO’s console port potentially years away, Assetto Corsa Competizione is hands down the most realistic racing simulator on Sony’s current console, with true-to-life driving physics, dynamic weather effects and laser-scanned tracks.

5. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

While the PS5 has seen plenty of mascot kart racers, none are in the same league as Mario Kart. That was until the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, which is a worthy challenger.

In a well-executed twist, Sega’s kart racer features Travel Ring portals that seamlessly transport you to a new location after the first lap. The colourful circuits are well designed, with a mix of new and classic locations that longtime Sonic fans will appreciate, though Green Zone is a glaring omission.

As you would expect in a Sonic racing game, the character roster comprises the titular blue hedgehog alongside fan-favourites like Tails, Knuckles and Amy. There are also cameos from Sega franchises, including Yakuza’s Ichiban Kasuga and AiAi from Super MonkeyBall, along with other IPs such as Minecraft, SpongeBob SquarePants and Pac-Man, with more characters and locations set to arrive in 2026 via free updates and the season pass.  

Adding to the variety is the triumphant return of transforming karts, which let you switch between land, sea and air vehicles in designated zones.  

While CrossWorlds is accessible for casual players, the gadget system adds an extra layer of depth, allowing competitive players to kit out their kart with an array of offensive and defensive perks. These range from starting the race with an instant speed boost to attacking opponents with spin drifts.     

CrossWorld’s frenetic pace and chaotic racing evoke the energy of old-school arcade racers, making it ideal for family multiplayer sessions in four-player split-screen. It’s unquestionably the best kart racer on PS5, finally filling the Mario Kart-shaped void on Sony’s console.

4. The Crew Motorfest

The Crew series was renowned for its staggering scale, allowing players to explore the entire US in an enormous open world. And so, it was surprising when The Crew Motorfest was announced with a significantly smaller map set on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Luckily, the gamble paid off, resulting in a more polished and focused experience.

Like Forza Horizon, Motorfest is set around a sprawling car culture festival, and can sometimes feel like a derivative clone of the Xbox’s rival series as a result. This isn’t a setback for PS5 players though, as Microsoft’s open-world driving games are forbidden fruit on Sony’s console.  

However, Motorfest’s different structure sets it apart from its rival. Themed playlists celebrate a diverse range of car cultures, with cameo appearances from YouTube influencers like Blackpanthaa, Supercar Blondie and former Donut Media host James Pumphrey.

Graphically, the island of Ohau looks stunning, with its blissful beaches and stunning sunsets. Motorfest was already one of the best-looking current-gen racing games, but the PS5 Pro update adds an extra layer of polish, with denser environments and improved reflection effects.

Vehicle handling is a step up from The Crew 2’s floaty driving physics, and you can continue progress from the last game by importing cars from your garage.

The Crew Motorfest keeps getting better thanks to regular updates, with Season 5 recently adding the volcanic island of Maui to explore and the police-themed Chase Squad expansion.

With its gorgeous graphics, frequent live service updates and an unmatched vehicle variety spanning cars, boats and planes, The Crew Motorfest is a formidable rival to Forza Horizon 5. 2026 is also set to be a seminal year for Ubisoft’s open-world racer, with the addition of a track editor, NASCAR racing and RC cars in Season 9.

3. Wreckfest

Thanks to strict licensing requirements, vehicle damage modelling often leaves a lot to be desired in racing games with real cars. Not so in Wreckfest, former FlatOut developer Bugbear Entertainment’s brilliant destruction racer. Battering opponents is not only allowed but encouraged in full-contact races and arena events.

Even though it’s now over five years old, Wreckfest’s soft-body damage technology is unsurpassed on PS5. The driving physics are surprisingly involving too, whether you’re sliding around in a beaten-up estate car or trying not to tip over a three-wheeler.   

Wreckfest took a long time to arrive on consoles following the initial early access PC release in 2013, when it was known as Next Car Game. But it was worth the wait, with the PS5 version upgraded with higher resolution textures and a reliably smooth frame rate despite the copious amounts of on-screen chaos.  

With Wreckfest 2 set to dial up the destruction on consoles following its Early Access release, post-launch updates for the original smash-em-up have dried up, but the lengthy campaign and an active online player base more than make up for this. With up to 24 players causing carnage, Wreckfest’s online racing is delightfully chaotic when you’re in the mood to cause some mayhem.  

2. Forza Horizon 5

The idea of Forza, a firmly established Xbox and PC-only franchise, switching lanes onto the PlayStation was unfathomable. But with Microsoft bringing first-party franchises to other platforms, Forza Horizon 5 is now on PlayStation 5 – and it feels right at home.   

To say that its launch was an unequivocal success is an understatement: Forza Horizon 5 reportedly sold two million in its first month and is consistently one of the best-selling games on the PlayStation Store. Not bad for a game that came out four years ago.

While there are plenty of alternative open-world racers on the platform, it’s clear that PlayStation players have been clamouring for Forza Horizon – and it’s easy to see why.

Despite being four years old, Forza Horizon 5 still looks like it just rolled out of the factory like a shiny new car. Visually, it still looks sensational and is enhanced for PS5 Pro.

With nearly 900 vehicles, its car list is genre-defining, ranging from modern hypercars like the Mercedes-AMG One to rugged off-roaders and old-school classics. From hidden car barn finds to cross-country races, the abundance of activities to complete can get overwhelming.

Above all, Forza Horizon 5 is thoroughly good fun, whether you’re tearing through twisty roads in your favourite sports car, beating speed trap records or climbing up a volcano.

That said, Forza Horizon 5 isn’t flawless. The map design is uninspired, while car rewards are overly generous. Winning new cars as random Wheelspin prizes gives you a dopamine hit, but it doesn’t feel rewarding.

Charging £84.99 / $99.99 / €99.99 for the Ultimate Edition, which also includes two expansion packs, seems egregious for a four-year-old game, but you can sometimes get a discount in PlayStation Store sales. 

It may not be the best Forza Horizon game, but its unrivalled car selection, outstanding visuals and fun free roaming make Forza Horizon 5 the best open-world racer on PS5 – at least until Forza Horizon 6 eventually comes to Sony’s console.  

1. Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo has always been the pinnacle of PlayStation racing games, and the latest entry, Gran Turismo 7, is no exception. When it comes to console racing, GT7 is class-leading, with spellbinding 4K visuals, realistic yet intuitive driving physics whether you play on a wheel or DualSense controller, and a gargantuan collection of meticulously modelled cars.

Its predecessor was a departure from the series, with Gran Turismo Sport focusing on esports and ranked online racing, foregoing a traditional single-player campaign at launch.

GT7 returns to the series’ roots, bringing back used car dealerships and tuning while introducing the somewhat esoteric GT Café. Admittedly, it can feel like a glorified tutorial at times, with quest-style missions requiring you to collect specific cars, and it’s shorter than previous Gran Turismo campaigns.

Since it launched in March 2022, a raft of free updates have added new cars, tracks and campaign events. Its most significant update, however, introduced the human-like Sophy AI agent, a game changer for racing driver AI.

With two million active players, post-release support seemingly isn’t slowing down, with the launch of Gran Turismo 7’s first premium DLC, the Power Pack, bringing 50 curated challenges, including 24-hour endurance races, alongside specially modified cars and the latest Sophy AI.

If you have a PSVR2 headset, GT7 offers one of the best virtual reality racing experiences. It’s also an effective showcase of the PlayStation 5 Pro, with in-race ray tracing at 60fps and an 8K graphics mode for the privileged few who own a compatible TV.

It may not reach the same heights as the first four genre-defining games in the series, but if you’re remotely interested in cars and own a PS5, Gran Turismo 7 is essential.

Do you agree with our top 10 best PS5 racing games list? Let us know in the comments below.