Gran Turismo 7 on PS4: detailed analysis of the car simulator

The release of the seventh part of the legendary car simulator series became a landmark event for fans of the genre. However, in 2026, when new generation consoles have long been on store shelves, the question of launching Gran Turismo 7 on PS4 remains surprisingly relevant. Many gamers are still using the base version of the PlayStation 4 or the Pro model and are in no rush to upgrade to the PS5, wanting to get the most out of their existing hardware.

Polyphony Digital tried to make the cross-gender project as accessible as possible, but the technical limitations of Sony's 2013 hardware have not gone away. In this article, we will look at exactly how the game behaves on the old platform, whether we should expect compromises in the visuals, and how deep the simulation is for owners of the previous generation of consoles.

It is worth noting that Polyphony Digital did not create a separate version of the game with reduced content. Gran Turismo 7 is a single product that simply scales differently depending on the power of your system. This means that the number of tracks, cars and racing modes available on PS4 is identical to the PS5 version, which is a rare and welcome exception in the current industry.

Technical features and graphics on the base console

The simulator launches on a standard PlayStation 4 without the lengthy loading times typical of previous projects in the series, but the visuals undergo significant changes. The picture resolution changes dynamically, often dropping to 1080p and lower during tense moments of the race to maintain a stable frame rate. The textures of car bodies and road surfaces become less detailed, and the number of objects on the track is reduced.

The operation of the lighting and reflection system deserves special attention. There is no ray tracing on PS4, so reflections on wet asphalt and glossy car paint look more static and “baked in”. Shadow quality (shadow quality) is also reduced, which makes the picture look flatter compared to the PS5 version, where the light behaves physically correctly.

⚠️ Warning: On the base PS4 (non-Pro), the game may have difficulty maintaining a stable 30 frames per second in replay mode or when split screen between two players.

Despite the compromises, the game's art director Kazunori Yamauchi managed to maintain the recognizable style of the series. The cars look great even at reduced settings, and the weather and time of day change smoothly, creating the necessary atmosphere. For many fans it is audiovisual series and the sound of the engines is more important than the polygons, and in this aspect the game on PS4 does not disappoint.

Performance: FPS and stability

The main issue for owners of older consoles remains performance. Gran Turismo 7 On PS4 it runs at 30fps target mode. Unlike the versions for PC or PS5, where you can unlock the frequency up to 60 or 120 Hz, here the developers strictly fixed the limit to ensure the stability of the physical model.

During races in single-player mode, drops below 30 FPS are practically not observed, with the exception of rare moments at the start, when many cars appear on the screen at the same time. However, the situation changes when using split screen mode. In this mode, the resolution drops even more, and the load on the processor increases, which can lead to micro-freezes.

Model owners PlayStation 4 Pro luckier: the console uses Boost mode, which allows you to maintain a more stable framerate and slightly improve the quality of textures. However, miracles do not happen, and the gap in smoothness between console generations is noticeable, especially in fast racing at high speeds where reaction is important.

• 🎮 Basic PS4: stable 30 FPS in most scenarios, drops are possible in replays.
• 🚀 PS4 Pro: Improved stability, better anti-aliasing, but still 30 FPS.
• ⚡ Loading: Track wait time on PS4 can take up to 20-30 seconds, which is significantly longer than on PS5 SSD.

Version comparison: PS4 vs PlayStation 5

The difference between generations becomes obvious when compared directly. If you are used to Gran Turismo Sport or earlier parts on PS4, then the seventh part will seem like a step forward even on the older console. However, after seeing the PS5 version, you will understand how much you have hit the ceiling of the hardware capabilities of the previous generation.

On PS5, the game offers ray tracing mode, instant loading times thanks to the SSD, and 120Hz support for compatible displays. On PS4, all these technologies are either absent or emulated with great losses. The audio track is also compressed, although 3D audio support is partially retained through software algorithms.

Parameter	PlayStation 4	PlayStation 5
Resolution	Dynamic (up to 1080p)	4K (2160p)
Frame rate	30 FPS	60/120 FPS
Downloads	15-30 seconds	Instant (<2 sec)
Detailing	Medium/Low	Maximum

It is important to understand that Polyphony Digital I didn’t sacrifice content for graphics. All cars, tracks and modes are available on both platforms. The difference lies solely in picture quality and smoothness. For players not spoiled by 4K and 60 FPS, the PS4 version is still a solid gaming experience.

Does the steering wheel work on PS4 in GT7?

Yes, most popular steering wheels such as the Logitech G29, Thrustmaster T80 and T150 are fully supported on PS4. Force Feedback works correctly, but the force of the feedback may be felt weaker due to the power limitations of the older console's USB ports compared to the PS5.

Gameplay and controls on the old platform

Management in Gran Turismo 7 on PS4 has not undergone any changes compared to other platforms. The physical model of tires and suspension remains the reference. However, due to the lower framerate, the feeling of speed and control over the car may be dulled. In fast corners, where every millisecond matters, the input lag on older TVs coupled with 30 FPS can become noticeable.

Using the controller DualShock 4 also has its own nuances. The adaptive triggers and advanced haptic feedback found on the PS5 DualSense are replaced with standard vibration. This doesn't make the game worse, but it does take away some of the feeling from the resistance of the gas pedal or the beating of the steering wheel when the wheels are locked.

However, the depth of the simulation remains at the highest level. You still need to monitor tire temperature, tire pressure, fuel consumption and brake wear. Aerodynamics works correctly, and the cars behave predictably, which allows you to use the game to practice real-life driving skills, albeit with adjustments for visual smoothness.

Content and game modes

One of the project's greatest strengths is the amount of content available. On PS4, you get access to the full Gran Turismo Café campaign, where you complete various book menus to build a collection of cars. This is a core mode that takes tens of hours to complete and is fully functional on the older console.

The online component also works without restrictions. You can participate in daily races, sports leagues and create your own liveries in the editor Livery Editor. The only limitation is that the number of cars on the starting grid in some online races may be artificially limited by the server to maintain connection stability on weak devices.

• 🏆 GT Café: main story mode with over 100 car collections.
• 🌐 Online championships: weekly updates of tracks and race conditions.
• 🎨 Livery Editor: create a unique design for any car (works slower on PS4).

We should also mention the VR mode, which, unfortunately, is completely unavailable on PlayStation 4. Owners PlayStation VR first generation will not be able to immerse themselves in the cockpit, since the game requires computing power and tracking, available only in conjunction with PS5 and PS VR2. This is perhaps the most significant limitation of functionality for owners of old equipment.

Is GT7 worth buying for PS4 in 2026?

The answer to this question depends on your expectations and plans for the future. If you are still actively using PS4 and do not plan to buy a new console in the near future, then Gran Turismo 7 will be a great purchase. This is a deep, beautiful and meaningful simulator that, even in its stripped down form, surpasses most competitors on the market.

However, if you're planning on upgrading to a PS5 within a year, the purchase may not be worth it. The game supports cross-gender updating, but the graphical difference is too great to feel comfortable after the transition. Additionally, the game's support is shifting toward newer platforms, and future DLC may require more resources.

⚠️ Attention: Make sure you have enough free space on your PS4 hard drive. Installing the game and all updates may require more than 100 GB, which can be a problem for basic versions of consoles with a 500 GB drive.

The bottom line is that the game on PS4 is the “swan song” of the generation, made with love and respect for the fans. It's not technically perfect, but it gives the same driving emotions for which we love the series. If you're willing to forgive 30 FPS and less detailed visuals, you're in for one of the best driving simulators of the decade.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to play Gran Turismo 7 on PS4 without the Internet?

Single-player modes like GT Café can be played without a constant internet connection. However, for the initial installation, license activation and downloading the necessary vehicle data, the Internet is required. The game also requires periodic online license verification.

Does the Logitech G29 steering wheel on PS4 work in this game?

Yes, the Logitech G29 Driving Force wheel is fully compatible with PS4 and Gran Turismo 7. All functions, including Force Feedback, work correctly. Setting the sensitivity and strength of feedback is available in the game settings menu.

Is there a difference in the number of cars between PS4 and PS5?

No, the number of cars and tracks is identical on both platforms. The difference lies solely in the graphic design, loading speed and frame rate. All content updates arrive simultaneously for all platforms.

Is it possible to transfer saves from PS4 to PS5?

Yes, Gran Turismo 7 supports saving transfers. You can upload your progress from PS4 to the cloud (PS Plus subscription required) or to a USB drive, and then download it to PS5 to continue racing with the same cars and credit.