Best Cars To Upgrade In Forza Horizon 5

Summary

• Forza Horizon 5 features over 850 upgradeable cars to suit every racing style, from street tuners to exotic hypercars.
• Affordable and versatile cars like the Acura NSX and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio are great options for upgrading and dominating races.
• The TVR Cerbera Speed 12, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and Koenigsegg Jesko are top choices for players seeking high-performance cars with amazing potential.

Forza Horizon 5 is one of the most popular racing games around, with its breathtaking graphics and amazing gameplay being an absolute joy to experience. The title is filled to the brim with many scenic vistas and amazing challenges to accomplish, and players are constantly incentivized to get the best cars around so that they can ace the many races in these games.

There are numerous cars that players can choose to own and drive in Forza Horizon 5, and the vast majority of them can be upgraded to improve their performance. That being said, upgrades are expensive, and players will have to think twice before selecting a car that is worth upgrading in the first place. The following vehicles should be right up their alley and justify the amount they invest in improving the car’s performance.

Updated January 22, 2025, by Vlad Mazanko: Over the years, Forza Horizon 5 has evolved into its best iteration yet, boasting a massive roster of over 850 upgradeable vehicles to match every racing style — more than any previous entry in the series. From street-ready, supercharged tuner classics to exotic hypercars and raw muscle cars, players can customize and fine-tune their rides across various performance classes. Beyond enhancing performance, players can even restrict upgrades to tailor specific cars for low-tier racing events they weren’t originally designed for.

In Forza Horizon 5, both mass-produced everyday vehicles and rare supercars can benefit from full widebody kits, boosting their visual appeal while improving performance stats like aerodynamics and downforce. This updated list includes even more of the best cars to upgrade in Forza Horizon 5.

1

Nissan GT-R Black Edition R35

A Great Supercar For Almost Every Racing Discipline

• Default Rating: S1 810
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 955
• Wide Body: Liberty Walk

The Nissan GT-R Black Edition is one of the best choices overall in Forza Horizon 5, offering high speed and acceleration without compromises in handling on the track. Starting in the S1 class, players can push this vehicle for great results even in S2, enjoying its unparalleled responsiveness while cornering.

Players can obtain the Liberty Walk wide body kit for the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, complete with a huge rear wing by the same brand, pushing this vehicle to its limits. With an aggressive low stance, the upgraded version of this car won’t leave a chance for any competitors in S1 Street Racing events.

2

Ford Mustang GT 2024

A Muscle Car With Flexible Upgrades And A Jaw-Dropping Bodykit

• Default Rating: A 739
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 998
• Wide Body: Triple Seven

As one of the most beloved cars already, the Ford Mustang GT is always a great choice, but the most recent 2024 variation can push that even further. Featuring an impressive Triple Seven wide body kit with a fascinating rear wing, this car is one of the most flexible ever.

Starting as an A-class vehicle, the Ford Mustang GT can dominate the A, S1, and S2 classes, going all the way to the top. Combining its classy, recognizable design with several modern upgrades, 2024’s Ford Mustang GT could be a crown jewel in any collection.

3

Ferrari 488 GTB

Powerful Enough, With Great Potential For Boosting Top Speed

• Default Rating: S1 863
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 983

Including the Ferrari 488 GTB might seem redundant since it’s already a powerhouse right out of the gate, capable of reaching a top speed of 223 mph. As the successor to the legendary Ferrari 458 Italia, this model perfectly embodies what a modern supercar should be, featuring a sleek and stylish design paired with a 3.9L twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

One of the standout aspects of the 488 GTB, aside from its relatively modest price, is its excellent upgrading potential. With just a few investments, players can push it almost to the top of the S2 class. Even better, its already impressive top speed can be significantly enhanced, reaching a jaw-dropping 260 mph — making it a standout contender in its budget segment.

4

Porsche 959

A Bit Pricey But Immensely Flexible And Rewarding Setup

• Default Rating: A 764
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 990

Few retro supercars boast a legacy as rich as the Porsche 959, a car that even claimed victory in its class during the Paris-Dakar Rally. In Forza Horizon 5, this iconic ride offers one of the most versatile setups available, excelling across a range of classes from A to top-tier S2, whether on or off-road. Its consistently impressive performance makes it a top pick for players looking to tackle any terrain with style.

With a top speed of 200 mph, the 959 showcases excellent upgrading potential, easily climbing to near the highest car ranks in the game. While its price tag might seem steep, true Porsche enthusiasts know it’s a fair trade for such an iconic, high-performing, and flexible supercar with nearly 40 years of automotive history behind it.

5

Lexus LFA

Blending Luxury, Power, And Flexibility In An Irresistible Package

• Default Rating: S1 810
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 961

The Lexus LFA is a fan-favorite in Forza Horizon 5, and that’s for good reason. While it made an appearance in Forza Horizon 4, it was notoriously difficult to acquire. Thankfully, the latest entry makes it far more accessible, being available for just 500,000 CR directly from the Autoshow. This price gets you a captivating combination of luxury and performance, featuring distinctive sound, precise handling, responsive braking, and a strong foundation for high-speed racing events.

With its default rating, the Lexus LFA is perfectly positioned for upgrades. Players can easily elevate it to the S1 900 performance tier, where it shines in competitive racing. While pushing it to the mid-S2 class is an option, it’s not always the most efficient choice. However, with proper tuning, the LFA can achieve an impressive top speed of over 270 mph, making it a serious contender for speed enthusiasts.

6

BMW i8

One Of The Most Groundbreaking Concepts That Lives Up To Its Potential

• Default Rating: A 764
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 963

The all-wheel-drive hybrid supercar BMW i8 stands out as one of the most innovative entries in the entire BMW lineup, showcasing cutting-edge design choices both inside and out. This bold concept delivers on its promise, offering a unique driving experience and excellent potential for upgrades.

It’s hard to believe that the BMW i8 turns 10 this year, as its futuristic design and capabilities still feel fresh and modern. Highly affordable in Forza Horizon 5, the i8 boasts unmatched driving dynamics and a respectable top speed of nearly 200 mph. It can climb as high as mid-tier S2 with upgrades, allowing players to significantly enhance its stats, whether it’s acceleration, braking, maneuverability, or even cross-country performance.

7

Bentley Continental Supersports

Promising And Powerful Grand Tourer With A British Temper

• Default Rating: A 769
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 942

The Bentley Continental Supersports stands out as one of the most promising grand tourers in Forza Horizon 5. Beneath its elegant and instantly recognizable design, this car hides immense potential. Massive yet luxurious, the Supersports is also one of the fastest Bentley road cars ever produced. Its 6.0L, 700-hp twin-turbocharged W12 engine effortlessly delivers a top speed of 210 mph, but that’s just the starting point for those ready to tweak and tune.

For players aiming to unleash its full power, the Continental Supersports can be upgraded to a staggering 1,300 hp and speeds exceeding 270 mph. Reliable across A, S1, and even S2 racing tiers, this grand tourer offers more than just speed. Its heft translates to predictable handling and controlled cornering, making it a rewarding choice for racers who value a balance of power and precision.

8

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

Punching Well Above Its Starting Class

• Default Rating: A 775
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 960

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a remarkable Italian A-class sports sedan that can nearly reach the top of the S2 class with a few performance upgrades. Its flexibility across different racing disciplines makes it one of the most versatile choices in Forza Horizon 5, allowing players to successfully compete through multiple performance tiers.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio pairs luxury with aggression — its exotic design and refined styling are contrasted by aggressive bumpers that hint at its power. With a top speed nearing 200 mph, it’s a powerful contender. In Forza Horizon 4, players could even obtain a special Forza Edition version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio, underscoring the potential of this model when upgraded to its fullest extent.

9

Audi R8 V10 Plus

Outstanding Performance With A Sleek Look

• Default Rating: S1 834
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 976
• Widebody: Liberty Walk

The Audi R8 V10 Plus has been a fan-favorite in racing games for years, and Forza Horizon 5 is no exception. Sharing its platform with the Lamborghini Huracan, this supercar starts in the middle of the S1 class but can be significantly upgraded using the Liberty Walk performance kit, which includes enhancements that boost its capabilities.

With the right upgrades, the Audi R8 can push close to the top of the S2 class, with a potential top speed nearing 250 mph. Combined with its sleek, sports-car silhouette and prominent air vents on the sides and rear, the Audi R8 V10 Plus is an untamed beast ready to be unleashed by skilled drivers.

10

TVR Cerbera Speed 12

Top-Tier Speed For Straight-Line Events

• Default Rating: S1 861
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 998

The TVR Cerbera Speed 12 is one of the few cars in Forza Horizon 5 that can be easily pushed to the top of the S2 class, despite starting as a mid-S1 vehicle. Even in its stock form, the Cerbera Speed 12 is a powerhouse capable of reaching 240 mph, making it a strong contender for a variety of racing events. However, with the right upgrades, this car becomes a true road monster.

One of the secrets to its success is the vehicle’s extremely low weight — just 2,150 lbs. Combined with an 800 hp engine that can be further improved with track-ready parts, the Cerbera Speed 12 is an investment that pays off for drivers seeking unmatched performance.

11

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

An Extremely Versatile, Modernized Classic

• Default Rating: S1 836
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 961

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 needs little introduction. It’s the most powerful stock Ford in history, appearing in numerous racing games with great success. Boasting a supercharged engine with 760 hp, a dual-clutch system for rapid shifts, and impressive balance, the Shelby GT500 is the pinnacle of the Mustang lineup. Yet this is just the starting point for enthusiasts who want to unlock the car’s full potential.

Priced at only 100,000 CR, the GT500 offers plenty of room for upgrades, allowing players to push it to the top of the S1 class or even into certain S2 races — particularly in drag racing. With an initial top speed of 210 mph that can be significantly enhanced, this muscle car is perfect for those who know how to maximize its style and raw power.

12

Acura NSX

Affordable And Easy-To-Get Street Racing Superstar

• Default Rating: S1 831
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 959

The Acura NSX is an affordable hybrid supercar that delivers impressive performance, allowing players to compete with vehicles nearly ten times its price. Priced at just 170,000 CR (and often available for less in the Auction House), this car can reach a top speed of nearly 190 mph, with strong acceleration and handling to match.

What sets the NSX apart is its potential for fine-tuning, making it versatile across various racing disciplines. Its 600 hp output can be upgraded significantly to enhance its overall performance. While it may not excel on the fastest circuits, the NSX’s cornering ability, aided by torque vectoring, ensures smooth and stable turns, making it a solid contender in street racing events.

13

Ferrari FXX

A Roaring Track-Focused Supercar With A Beastly Design

• Default Rating: S2 956
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 998

A classic car that still performs well to this day, players who want to experience one of Ferrari’s best vehicles firsthand should check this vehicle out. Not only does the Ferrari FXX look truly amazing, building on the impressive appearance of Ferrari Enzo, but it’s a blast to use as well.

That being said, some members of the Forza community dislike this car for how unbalanced it is, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. With a bunch of upgrades, this car can be pretty fun to use, breezing through crowds of racers in no time flat.

14

Radical RXC Turbo

An Extreme Track Toy For Conquering S2 Events Full Of Turns

• Default Rating: S2 928
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 998

The Radical RXC Turbo is easily one of the coolest-looking cars and one that Forza Horizon 5 players will love to use for short sprints and drag races. It may lack top speed, but it more than makes up for it with its supreme acceleration and handling.

This makes it the perfect car for racetracks with a ton of turns. Players shouldn’t expect it to perform very well on straight-line circuits, no matter how many upgrades are brought into the picture, but during more tricky racing events, it can prove invaluable.

15

Mosler MT900S

High-Performance Supercar For An Affordable Price

• Default Rating: S2 919
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 998

Speaking of amazing S2 cars, another great vehicle that comes to mind is the Mosler MT900S. The sheer amount of speed this car generates makes it well worth checking out for Forza Horizon players who want to reach unprecedented levels of speed.

It can be quite pricey to upgrade, but investing in Mosler MT900S is quite worthwhile. The vehicle is already fast as is, and upgrading its specs to the max makes it one of the best cars out there by a country mile. It is also very affordable, boasting a price tag of just 320,000 CR.

16

Mercedes-AMG One

Hybrid Sports Car With A Track Or Highway Mode Toggle

• Default Rating: S2 927
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 998

One of the greatest sports cars of all time, it goes without saying that the Mercedes-AMG One is one of the best cars in Forza Horizon 5. The car might have more wheelspin than most people would want, but players can easily make up for a bad start in any race with the car’s stronger attributes.

With upgrades, this vehicle turns into an all-rounded beast that players can rely on in any race. Of course, being a jack of all trades means that some tracks are better suited to other cars, the but Mercedes-AMG One will still serve seasoned racers pretty well regardless.

17

Koenigsegg Jesko

The Fastest Car In The Game That Can Go Even Faster With Some Upgrades

• Default Rating: S2 971
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 998

Players get a taste of the Koenigsegg Jesko during a pretty memorable challenge where they need to narrowly avoid as many cars as possible. It makes for a great time, with the incredible speed of the Jesko being the highest top speed most players will have experienced at that point in the game.

Players need to hoard a ton of cash before even thinking about buying this car, but the cost is well worth it. Additional funding for this car’s upgrades makes it a speed demon that will win most straight-line races with the greatest of ease.

18

McLaren 650S Coupe

One Of The Few Supercars With A Wide Body Kit Available

• Default Rating: S1 859
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 967
• Wide Body: Liberty Walk

The McLaren 650S Coupe is a rather affordable supercar in Forza Horizon 5 (420,000 CR) that proves more than capable for its price. Players can upgrade the vehicle to stay on top of the S1 class or push it even further, significantly boosting its top speed and acceleration capabilities.

It is recommended to purchase a Liberty Walk wide body kit for the McLaren 650S Coupe, along with a Forza rear wing completing its upgraded track appearance. The car is one of the few in its category allowing for such transformative upgrades, so it’s best to take full advantage and enjoy its enhanced performance across S2 class events.

19

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SV

A Rare Lambo With An Aggressive Track Bodykit

• Default Rating: S1 818
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 970
• Wide Body: Liberty Walk

The Lamborghini Murcielago is unique for being one of the few legendary Italian cars with more upgrades available, including visual body parts. On its own, the car is a decent representative of the S1 supercar class, but with some time spent in the garage, players can create something truly remarkable.

Lambo Murcielago can also benefit from a full conversion via a Liberty Walk wide body kit, along with a huge rear wing for extreme downforce. With some performance upgrades on top, players can unleash one of the most competent S2 supercars in Forza Horizon 5, competing head-to-head with much more expensive choices in that class.

20

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 2024

The Fastest Corvette Ever Made

• Default Rating: S1 834
• Max Upgrade Rating: S2 988
• Wide Body: Sigala Designs

Not only is the Corvette E-Ray claimed to be the ‘fastest Corvette ever,’ but its moderate price of just 181,000 CR and extreme flexibility in terms of performance and visual upgrades deserve one’s full attention.

For this car, a unique Sigala Designs carbon fiber wide body kit with an exquisite rear wing is available, which shouldn’t be missed. When fully upgraded, the Corvette E-Ray can perform as well as much rarer and more expensive cars in the S2 class. Given its price, this one should be in every player’s collection.