The most popular car games: ranking for all platforms

Games about cars have long ceased to be exclusively children's entertainment. Today it’s a whole world: from realistic simulators with damage physics to arcade racing with bright graphics and simple controls. The choice depends on the player’s age, platform (PC, console, smartphone) and goals: someone wants to feel like a professional pilot Formula 1, but for some, fun races with friends in Mario Kart.

In this article we have collected current rating of games about cars in 2026, taking into account popularity, graphics, gameplay and player reviews. We will pay special attention to projects that are suitable for children from 3 to 12 years old, as well as simulators for adults, where realism and detail are important. In addition, we will look at what parameters you should pay attention to when choosing - from motion physics up to multiplayer modes.

Whether you are looking for a game for your child to instill a love for cars, or want to immerse yourself in the world of motorsport, here you will find options for every taste and budget. And at the end of the article we will answer frequently asked questions: which game is the most realistic?, is it possible to play without a steering wheel? and How much do top simulators cost?.

1. Forza Horizon 5 - the best open world for racing

Forza Horizon 5 from Playground Games is not just a game about cars, but a full-fledged adventure through Mexico with dynamic weather changes, varied landscapes and more 500 licensed cars. The project stands out among its competitors thanks to:

• 🌄 Open world No Loading - Navigate from deserts to jungles without waiting screens.
• 🎨 4K/60 FPS graphics on consoles Xbox Series X|S and PC (if you have a powerful video card).
• 🏆 Regular updates: new cars, tracks and events every week.
• 👥 Co-op and PvP — compete with friends or random players.

The game is suitable for both beginners (thanks to simplified controls and tips) and experienced racers (with steering wheel support Logitech, Thrustmaster and pedals). Particularly pleased "Forzathon" system - weekly challenges that give rare cars and bonuses.

⚠️ Attention: On a PC, for comfortable gaming at maximum settings, you will need a video card of the highest level NVIDIA RTX 3060 or higher. Lags are possible on weak laptops.

2. Gran Turismo 7 - realism for motorsport fans

Gran Turismo 7 from Polyphony Digital is the standard of realism among racing simulators. The game was released exclusively for PlayStation 5 and offers:

• 🏁 170+ licensed tracks, including legendary Nürburgring and Laguna Seca.
• 🔧 Deep tuning system: from adjusting the suspension to replacing turbines.
• 🎯 Career mode with licenses, championships and historical races.
• 🖥️ VR support (via PS VR2) for complete immersion.

Difference GT7 from Forza - in physical model. Not only speed is important here, but also the correct choice of tire, setting the brake balance and even weather conditions. For example, rain on the highway Spa-Francorchamps requires a special approach to management.

Parameter	Forza Horizon 5	Gran Turismo 7
Platform	PC, Xbox	PS5 only
Physics realism	Arcade/semi-simulator	Pure simulator
Open world	Yes	No (only trails)
VR support	No	Yes (PS VR2)

⚠️ Attention: B Gran Turismo 7 There are microtransactions for buying cars. However, all cars can be earned in the game, it just takes longer.

3. BeamNG.drive — destruction and physics simulator

If you are interested not so much in racing but realistic behavior of cars in accidents, then BeamNG.drive is the best choice. This game is built on a unique physics engine that simulates:

• 🚗 Body deformation in case of collisions (up to the wheels being torn off).
• 🔥 Engine damage and transmissions.
• 🌊 Interaction with the environment (dirt, water, snow).
• 🛠️ Route editor — create your own crash test sites.

The game is suitable for driving basics training (for example, how a car behaves on ice) or just for fun - who hasn’t dreamed of causing a huge accident without consequences? B BeamNG there are also races, but the main focus is on soft body physics (soft-body physics).

4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - the best car game for kids

If you need a fun and safe game for children, then Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch - ideal option. There is no realism here, but there is:

• 🎈 Vivid characters from the universe Mario (Luigi, Peach, Bowser).
• 🏎️ Unusual vehicles: from karts to motorcycles and even flying cars.
• 💥 Fun bonuses: banana skins, shells, lightning.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 4 player mode on one screen.

The game is suitable for children from 3–4 years (with the help of parents) and teaches the basics of competition without aggression. Controls are as simple as possible: you can play with either a gamepad or Nintendo Switch Joy-Con in a horizontal position.

Install updates (version 2.3.0 and higher)|Connect additional Joy-Con for multiplayer games|Set up parental controls (limit online chats)|Use Smart Steering mode for the little ones-->

5. Need for Speed Unbound - stylish street racing

Need for Speed Unbound from Criterion Games returns the series to its roots - illegal street racing with police chases and tuning. Game Features:

• 🎨 Unique art style (a combination of realism and graffiti).
• 🚔 Dynamic chases with roadblocks and helicopters.
• 🔧 Deep tuning: From visual modifications to engine improvements.
• 🎵 Soundtrack with hip-hop, electronica and rock.

The game is suitable for teenagers from 12 years old (due to the theme of illegal racing) and for those who like arcade driving style with drift and nitro acceleration. Unlike Forza, there is no open world here in the classical sense - only a city lakeshore with fixed routes.

How to make money quickly in NFS Unbound?

The most effective way is to participate in night racing with a high difficulty coefficient. You can also sell excess parts on the black market (menu "Car dealership → Sale").

6. Assetto Corsa Competizione — simulator for professionals

If you dream of feeling like a pilot GT3 or GT4, then Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC) from Kunos Simulazioni - this is the most realistic racing car simulator. In game:

• 🏎️ Licensed cars from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini etc.
• 🌧️ Dynamic weather and change of time of day.
• 🎮 Support for steering wheels and pedals with feedback.
• 🏆 Official championships (for example, GT World Challenge).

The game requires serious preparation: Not only driving skills are important here, but also track knowledge, pit stop strategy and even psychological stability. For beginners, there is an "Assists" mode, where you can turn on tips on braking and trajectory.

7. Mobile games about cars: Asphalt 9 and Real Racing 3

Not everyone has a console or a powerful PC, but this is not a problem - there are also decent car games on smartphones. Two leaders:

• 📱 Asphalt 9: Legends - arcade racing with hyper-realistic graphics and more than 200 cars. Feature: auto acceleration (can be played with one hand).
• 📱 Real Racing 3 - simulator with real tracks (for example, Silverstone) and damage system. Cons: Lots of microtransactions.

Both games are free, but Real Racing 3 Progress is highly dependent on purchases. It is better to choose for children Asphalt 9 — there are fewer “donates” and easier management.

⚠️ Attention: On Android for Asphalt 9 We recommend a smartphone with a processor no weaker Snapdragon 730 or Kirin 980. On weak devices the game will slow down.

8. How to choose a game about cars: a checklist for parents and gamers

When choosing a game about cars, pay attention to:

1. Player age:
   • 3–6 years: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Hot Wheels Unleashed.
   • 7–12 years: Forza Horizon 5 ("Simple control" mode), Need for Speed Heat.
   • 13+: Gran Turismo 7, Assetto Corsa Competizione.
2. platform:
   • PC: BeamNG.drive, Forza Horizon 5.
   • Consoles: Gran Turismo 7 (PS5), Forza Motorsport (Xbox).
   • Mobile: Asphalt 9, Real Racing 3.

Playing style:

• Arcade: Mario Kart, Need for Speed.
• Simulator: Assetto Corsa, Gran Turismo.
• Sandbox: BeamNG.drive.

Also check system requirements (especially for PC) and availability Russian localization (in Forza and Gran Turismo it exists, but in BeamNG - no).

💡

For children under 10 years old, it is better to choose games with disabled online chat or with parental controls (for example, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about car games

🔹Which car game is the most realistic?

Assetto Corsa Competizione - for racing cars (GT3/GT4).

BeamNG.drive - for damage physics and general realism.

Gran Turismo 7 - for a balance between realism and accessibility.

🔹 Is it possible to play racing simulators without a steering wheel?

Yes, but using a gamepad or keyboard will be less precise. B Forza Horizon 5 and Gran Turismo 7 There are adaptive hints for the gamepad. For complete realism (for example, in Assetto Corsa) steering wheel is required.

🔹 How much do top car games cost?

Prices for 2026:

• Forza Horizon 5: ~3,000 ₽ (PC/Xbox).
• Gran Turismo 7: ~4 500 ₽ (PS5).
• Assetto Corsa Competizione: ~2,500 ₽ (frequent discounts up to 1,000 ₽).
• BeamNG.drive: ~1,500 ₽ (early access).

🔹 Which car games are suitable for girls?

Any! The stereotype that “cars are for boys” has long been outdated. Popular options among girls:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (bright characters, simple gameplay).
• Forza Horizon 5 (you can choose pink/purple cars and tune them).
• Hot Wheels Unleashed (creative tracks and car design).

🔹 Is it possible to play Forza Horizon 5 on a weak PC?

Minimum requirements:

• Processor: Intel i3-4170 or Ryzen 3 1200.
• Video card: NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD RX 470.
• RAM: 8 GB.

With these characteristics the game will run at low settings (30 FPS, 720p resolution). To play comfortably at 1080p/60 FPS you need a PC level RTX 2060 + Ryzen 5 3600.