The chaos of rally in Forza Horizon 5 is exhilarating. It's about hurtling down dusty roads, sliding through mud, and the ever-present thrill of losing control...all while pushing your car to the absolute limit.
Speaking of car, Forza Horizon 5 features over 40 rally vehicles! These are divided into four types: Classic Rally, Modern Rally, Monster Rally, and Retro Rally. Want to see how these cars rank within their types? Check out our rankings!
Table of Contents
Best Classic Rally Cars in FH5
Relive the golden age of rallying in Forza Horizon 5! Get behind the wheel of legendary classic rally cars, pushing their limits on unforgiving courses – just like the racing heroes of the past.
1. Ford Escort RS 1800 MK II
Ford Escort RS 1800 MK II Offers high potential for customization and upgrades..
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Tune it well, and its powerful engine combined with rear-wheel drive makes it an absolute drift monster. This translates to both competitive potential and immense sliding fun for more casual players.
It boasts excellent straight-line speed once you learn to finesse its powerful rear-wheel-drive nature.
The "tail-happy thrills" mentioned also translate to high potential for skilled drifting, which can score extra points during events.
2. Ford Escort RS 1800
Ford Escort RS 1800 strength lies in its direct, responsive handling characteristics.
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This makes it ideal for precision driving, maximizing cornering efficiency, and demanding more advanced techniques from Forza veterans to extract top performance.
The emphasis on handling finesse is perfect for players who appreciate mastering smooth driving lines and maximizing grip through corners. It also indirectly hones your reaction time for Forza's diverse weather and surface changes.
3. Lancia Stratos HF Stradale
Lancia Stratos HF Stradale boasts exceptional cornering grip thanks to its balanced mid-engine configuration.
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This stability gives it an edge on high-speed dirt tracks where maintaining precise lines is crucial, as well as making it a more forgiving rally car overall.
Its balanced design translates to exceptional overall performance, without a major weakness to exploit. This also makes it a great benchmark for testing your tuning skills, revealing even minor setup changes.
4. Ford Escort RS 1600
Ford Escort RS 1600 focuses on momentum and lightweight agility.
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Players who are less experienced with classic rally cars might find it more approachable thanks to its predictable handling and ability to stay at speed through corners without brute force.
Being a more forgiving rally car doesn't make it useless for advanced players. Its focus on lightweight agility makes it a fun choice for tight, technical challenges like some of the Horizon Festival's drift zones.
5. Renault Alpine A110 1600s
Renault Alpine A110 1600s offers excellent handling and cornering performance with a slightly playful nature due to its rear-engine layout.
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Offers satisfying rewards to drivers who like to master throttle control and controlled slides coming out of corners at maximum speed.
While potentially tricky, the rear-engine slide potential opens up expert driving techniques. Mastering these gives you a competitive edge in both races AND showcases, adding a visual flair to your victories.
6. Mini Cooper S
Mini Cooper S is pure, unadulterated fun comes from its tiny size and surprisingly punchy acceleration.
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Its go-kart handling gives it the ability to navigate tight, technical routes with unmatched quickness and responsiveness. Just like driving a go-kart in FH5, the joy comes from its ability to change direction rapidly.
Being a natural pick for tight tracks means it's great for more than just rally! This also applies to events like Gymkhana or Street Races, giving it broader applications in Forza Horizon 5's varied modes.
7. Volvo 242 Turbo Evolution
Volvo 242 Turbo Evolution known for Turbocharged power gives it surprising acceleration for its boxy stature.
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More rugged than some of the more fragile classics, it shrugs off rough terrain more easily, offering more breathing room while navigating bumpy dirt courses.
Its turbocharged nature means a satisfying burst of power when exiting corners, letting you take advantage of any straight section immediately after a turn.
It rewards those who can handle both smooth cornering and sudden acceleration.
8. Abarth Fiat 131
Abarth FIat 131 focus is on agile cornering ability.
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Drivers who master keeping the engine at its ideal RPMs will enjoy extracting speed from its momentum-focused playstyle. It doesn't offer outright power but provides a satisfying challenge within the Forza classic rally field.
Keeping the engine at maximum potential makes it well-suited to "momentum builds" where linking chains of drifts and high-speed sections becomes key. Mastering this is not only fast but very stylish within the world of FH5.
Best Modern Rally Cars in FH5
Forza Horizon 5's modern rally cars are an adrenaline-fueled spectacle. The roar of turbocharged engines, bursts of flames, and incredible speeds turn every race into a breathtaking showcase of power and control.
1. Subaru STI S209
The Subaru STI S209 reigns supreme in Forza Horizon 5 due to its incredible traction.
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Its handling feels surgically precise, letting you confidently attack corners and maintain your line over bumps and loose surfaces.
It accelerates with ferocity, and that top-end speed can give you a dominant edge in longer rally events.
Additionally, the S209's advanced AWD system makes it surprisingly competent on paved roads, giving it a surprising edge in mixed-surface events.
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR
The Evo X GSR is a force to be reckoned with. Its punchy engine delivers excellent acceleration, allowing you to rapidly build speed.
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This speed, combined with sensitive handling, makes the Evo X GSR highly responsive. Mastering this car will translate to quick times and an aggressive driving style.
Despite its focus on power, the Evo X maintains surprising composure over harsh terrain, minimizing speed loss due to bumps and jumps
3. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR
The Evo IX MR is a demanding car perfect for seasoned drivers.
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It needs finesse, but that translates into unmatched responsiveness for those with the skill to control it. Expect razor-sharp cornering and the ability to aggressively drift at will, giving you fine control over its trajectory.
This car also feels notably lightweight, which translates to quicker braking and better agility in tight, maneuver-heavy courses.
4. Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2005)
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI delivers classic Subaru traits in Forza Horizon 5.
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It has a low center of gravity and grippy handling, making it feel planted to the road, even during intense cornering.
It's the kind of car that inspires confidence and makes pushing the limits on rally courses feel less intimidating.
Additionally, its iconic engine rumble provides a satisfying auditory experience that heightens the overall driving enjoyment.
5. Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2004)
The 2004 Impreza is ideal for Forza Horizon 5 drivers who prioritize control over raw power.
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It exhibits similar precise handling to the 2005 model but with a less aggressive driving experience. Ideal for both beginners and veteran racers who prefer a smoother rally style.
Excellent brakes provide additional confidence when it comes to late braking and precise line adjustments.
6. Subaru WRX STI (2015)
The 2015 WRX STI brings a more planted and refined feel to Forza Horizon 5.
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You'll feel more stability than its older counterparts, allowing you to take more aggressive lines with less risk of veering off course. Its increased power is especially noticeable on straights and longer dirt roads.
The refinement makes this car more consistent across various racing types and gives it a comfortable driving feel.
7. Subaru WRX ST (2011)
Similarly balanced to the 2015 model, the 2011 WRX STI in Forza Horizon 5 is designed for smooth transitions.
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It prioritizes predictability and a comfortable drive rather than extreme grip and cornering aggression. Think of it as the middle ground for any drivers looking for a rally experience without the difficulty of older Subaru models. This balanced approach makes it a solid choice for those still refining their rally skills.
8. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR
The Evo VIII MR delivers a raw, powerful rally experience.
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It feels twitchier than the Evo X GSR but delivers thrillingly quick responses under skilled control. It excels at drifting techniques, particularly through tight bends, allowing skilled Forza drivers to carve out the fastest racing lines.
Tuning this car to focus on acceleration turns it into a monster on short dirt tracks, making it a force in those close, burst-heavy sprints.
Best Retro Rally Cars in FH5
There's a special thrill to tackling dirt tracks in Forza Horizon 5's retro rally cars. Experience their unmistakable style, raw power, and the pure joy of mastering these beloved machines from a bygone era.
1. Ford Escort RS Cosworth
The RS Cosworth dominates tarmac rallies with its power and drift-friendly handling. Its rear-wheel-drive bias can be tricky on dirt, but the right upgrades and skilled driving make it formidable on mixed-surface events.
2. Lancia Delta HF Intergrale Evo
The Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo is the king of dirt tracks thanks to razor-sharp responsiveness and unshakable all-wheel-drive grip.
With upgrades, it becomes a relentless contender in off-road sprints and technical cross-country events.
3. Peugeot 205 T16
The Peugeot 205 T16 is a lightweight beast that transforms into a cornering weapon in Forza Horizon 5.
Tuning unlocks its incredible acceleration for short course dominance. Mastering its agility is key to tackling twisty routes.
4. Lancia Delta S4
Lancia Delta S4 raw power is its game. Taming its monstrous turbo engine is vital; the all-wheel-drive system helps reign it in.
Thrives on tracks with plenty of long straights and mixed surfaces where its sheer speed overcomes handling quirks.
5. Audi Sport Quattro
Audi Sport Quattro is balanced and composed, with an all-wheel-drive system that delivers confidence-inspiring grip.
It particularly excels on fast-paced tarmac courses but remains an overall strong contender thanks to its adaptability.
6. Subaru Impreza 22B STi
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi is an all-rounder with legendary handling and potent acceleration.
Upgrades transform it into a grippy force to be reckoned with across various rally disciplines and terrains. Lacks top-end specialization but consistently competitive.
7. Lancia 037 Stradale
The Lancia 037 Stradale highlights its rear-wheel-drive thrills with exceptional cornering speeds when controlled by careful throttle management.
Tarmac is its kingdom, but the right tune allows decent performance on dirt. Requires finesse for maximum fun.
8. Subaru Legacy RS
The Subaru Legacy RS adapts well to Forza's challenges, delivering capable performance on dirt tracks and maintaining steady form through unpredictable mixed-surface events.
A comfortable, user-friendly choice for longer races where consistency matters.
9. Renault 5 Turbo
Don't underestimate its size! The Renault 5 Turbo amplifies its short wheelbase advantage, granting incredible agility.
Perfect for technical courses and bursts of speed; can shine off-road and through the tight city courses found in Mexico.
10. Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205
The Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 is a dependable speed demon with all-wheel-drive prowess.
May not be the most thrilling vehicle, but with upgrades, it delivers consistent race times across various terrain types.
11. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR
The Lancer VI GSR is sharp and precise, making it a top contender on courses demanding meticulous cornering.
Upgrades amplify its responsive steering and agility. It prefers controlled tarmac routes over chaotic dirt paths.
12. Toyota Celica GT-Four RC ST185
The Toyota Celica GT-Four RC ST185 model prioritizes grip but delivers a slightly rawer handling experience than its more refined sibling.
In skilled hands, it can perform admirably, although mastering its limits is key.
13. Ford Racing Puma
The Ford Racing Puma feels surprisingly planted for its modern design, showcasing excellent cornering capability on most surfaces.
Thrives on tighter course designs and technical tarmac races where responsiveness is crucial.
14. Mazda 323 GT-R
The Mazda 323 GT-R prioritizes predictability for those long, grueling rally events.
Upgrades focusing on control help overcome its slight lack of punch during rapid acceleration. Excels on maintaining grip during diverse surface changes.
15. Nissan Pulsa GTI-R
The Nissa Pulsar GT-R features explosive acceleration makes up for its less nimble handling.
Great for those short rally segments in Forza Horizon 5 where rapid speed shifts are vital in mixed-terrain or circuit runs.
16. Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
The Galant VR-4 Lacks the agile feel of some competitors but makes up for it with an emphasis on high-speed stability.
Upgrades increase its potential for blistering straightaway bursts, particularly during tarmac rallies.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the title of "best" rally car in Forza Horizon 5 comes down to your preferred driving style and the specific race environments you favor. The beauty of the game is its sheer variety.
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End of Rally Car in FH5.