Best Off-Road Cars In NFS Heat

Key Takeaways

• Players need dedicated off-road cars in
  NFS Heat
  to excel in certain racing events or to evade cops more effectively at night by taking advantage of off-road routes.
• Vehicles like the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS, Porsche Panamera Turbo, and BMW X6 M are excellent off-road options.
• More affordable alternatives such as the Ford Focus RS, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, and Subaru Impreza WRX STI offer great handling off-road while being budget-friendly.

There are times in Need for Speed Heat when one needs to get their hands dirty and get their wheels muddy. In such cases, a pristine exotic or car show-ready tuner won’t cut it. Players have to prepare for the occasion with the right off-road car. Granted, just about any car in Need for Speed Heat can be outfitted with off-road parts, but others slide into the role (or the roll) naturally.

Having a dedicated off-road vehicle at the ready is also a great thing as rally-type races are quite common in Palm City. It also just so happens that purchasing cars just to test drive them can quickly become expensive. So if players want to save up on the grind but still get the best off-road cars in NFS Heat, then these rally roadsters will zoom them past the finish line.

Updated October 25, 2024 by Vlad Mazanko: The Need for Speed series has experienced its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, but no one can deny that Heat stands out as one of the brightest gems in the franchise’s modern era. The game’s day-and-night cycle, while making the experience feel more grindy and adding a roguelike element that was new to the series, delivered a fresh take on the racing genre. Despite the grind, the adrenaline-fueled thrill of competing in unsanctioned night races while building up your Rep is undeniably exciting.

Heat also offers a variety of racing events that demand different types of cars. For players looking to dominate off-road races and leave their competition in the dust, swapping out their fastest rides for something more suitable for cross-country dirt tracks is essential. The list has been updated to provide clearer details on each car’s specs, helping players make more informed choices for their off-road adventures.

1 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 1973

A Well-Rounded Porsche That Is Just As Fast As It’s Versatile

• Base Rating: 188
• Base Horsepower: 308 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 174 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 5.0 secs
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 16
• Cost: $86,000

If players have the money at Level 16, then they can forego the BMW or skip the Lancer Evo X because the Porsche 911 Carrer RSR is one of the most powerful and fastest racers inNeed for Speed Heat. It holds up well on its own, even in stock.

Players can simply change the engine to something with more horses once it starts getting outclassed by other Euro cars on asphalt roads. Off-road, it shines well with the right gear as it allows players to both drift and turn tightly, as is the case for most exotics in the game. And of course, one can’t deny how impressive it is regardless of the usage.

2 Volkswagen Beetle 1963

Cheap, Charismatic, And Holding Some Nice Potential To Become A Reliable Multipurpose Vehicle

• Base Rating: 100
• Base Horsepower: 101 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 105 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 7.5 secs
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 22
• Cost: $18,000

Why does this old air-cooled clunker from ’63 require Level 22? Because it’s actually one of the most impressive off-road cars in NFS Heat. Players will have to put the work into the upgrades and replace the engine completely, practically turning the whole car into a Mad Max machine.

After that, however, the old Bettle becomes a force to be reckoned with on dirt roads. Don’t be fooled by the measly top speed; this thing turns into a blunt mini-rocket upon an engine change. Also, the lightweight makes it a lot less sluggish to handle and control.

3 Volvo 242DL 1975 Sedan

Non-Obvious Yet Rewarding Choice For Old-School Fans

• Base Rating: 100
• Base Horsepower: 97 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 96 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 10.33 secs
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 22
• Cost: $24,000

If players want to mess about with a retro car that boasts solid performance on off-road events, then the Volvo 242DL ’75 will be right up their alley. There’s a reason why so many fans consider this vehicle to be one of the best off-road cars in NFS Heat by a country mile.

A few prudent upgrades are all it takes for this car to obliterate its opposition in style as it zooms past opposing racers. The 242DL may not look all that impressive, but players who judge cars by their looks will be in for a rude awakening when their state-of-the-art off-road sportscar can’t hold a candle to the might of this amazing off-road vehicle.

4 Dodge Charger 1969

A Classic Muscle Beast That Can Work Miracles On Every Terrain

• Base Rating: 127
• Base Horsepower: 425 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 143 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 5.40 secs.
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 2
• Cost: $41,500

Players don’t exactly need to venture too high up the level grind to afford one of the best off-road vehicles in NFS Heat. The old Dodge Charger is still a capable beast if players give it some much-needed love and attention. That means a big golden engine and transmission upgrades.

After installing those, the 1969 Dodge Charger will win most off-road races of the player with quite a bit of steering effort. But despite the handling difficulty, this car is still ideal for off-road racing since most cars handle badly in such a terrain anyway.

5 Volvo Amazon P130 1970

One Of The Cheapest, Solid Off-Road Choices That Requires Investments

• Base Rating: 100
• Base Horsepower: 115 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 108 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 11.80 secs.
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 22
• Cost: $19,000

The reason this car is only unlockable at level 22 (which is quite high for an old Volvo) is that it’s one of the best off-road vehicles in NFS Heat. In fact, the Volvo Amazon might just be on par with the old Volkswagen Beetle when it comes to off-road racing, provided they have the same level of upgrades.

The starting stats are quite pathetic for racing, sadly. So players will need to fork out some cash to torque up this Volvo, and that means saving some money for its hefty upgrade. Luckily, it’s not that expensive to purchase at only 19,000.

6 Porsche Panamera Turbo 2017

A Pricey Choice, But Even The Default Stats Speak Volumes

• Base Rating: 218
• Base Horsepower: 542 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 190 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 3.60 secs.
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 18
• Cost: $137,500

One can’t go wrong with a Porsche. That’s why the Porsche Panamera Turbo is a solid choice for players who want both style and speed in any kind of race, that still holds true for off-road with the right gear configuration. Being a Porsche, the top speed ensures that players can maintain huge gaps.

Meanwhile, the incredible base acceleration (which can be further improved) ensures that any off-road mistake doesn’t cost the players too much time when it comes to catching up. Sure, it’s not as pretty as the other Porsche models in the game, but it’s also not as expensive.

7 Dodge Challenger SRT8 2014

A Powerful Modern Muscle That Gets The Job Done

• Base Rating: 185
• Base Horsepower: 470 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 179 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 4.20 secs.
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 10
• Cost: $72,000

If players do want something more modern-looking than the boxy 1970s cars recommended above, then the Dodge Challenger SRT8 looks at least promising. Most muscle cars, after all, are great when converted into off-road vehicles. The Dodge Challenger SRT8 just happens to be a bit lighter compared to the pickup truck models.

Base acceleration is astonishing, as usual. That helps a lot when players don’t have the cash yet to upgrade the engines and transmissions. As a bonus, players can make it look like Mad Max’s car, which is fitting enough for an off-road machine.

8 Ford Focus RS 2016

One Of The Best Foundations For A Solid Rally Car

• Base Rating: 157
• Base Horsepower: 345 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 165 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 4.40 secs.
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 16
• Cost: $56,500

The Ford Focus RS looks well-equipped for off-road racing even in stock configuration, and it usually is. The acceleration is good enough to gain a good head start against other cars and the top speed is nearly as good as that of a Euro car.

The caveat is that it’s only unlockable at Level 16 and at that point in the game, there might be better-looking options. But at only $56,500, this cheap Ford car is still a worthy investment, especially if players only start tackling off-road races a bit later in their levels.

9 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X 2008

A Fan-Favorite Tuner Vehicle That Is More Than Suitable For Off-Roading

• Base Rating: 132
• Base Horsepower: 291 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 149 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 5.1 secs.
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 14
• Cost: $48,000

The Mitsubishi Lancer was a robust line of vehicles that were sadly discontinued in real life, but they have found a strong purpose in Need for Speed Heat. Because the Evo X is quite a beast, even with just a 2.0L engine on the first time players unlock them at level 14.

Like most cars, players can race with them right away after purchasing them without any upgrades, but players can be more confident off-road with the Evo X. Its system by default is calibrated for grip and handling. Plus, it’s not as expensive as European cars. Note that there are also several K.Z. bonus versions of this car that players can get in career mode for free.

10 BMW X6 M 2016 SUV

Off-Road Enthusiasts Just Can’t Go Wrong With One Of The Rare SUVs In Heat

• Base Rating: 188
• Base Horsepower: 567 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 174 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 4.0 secs.
• Unlock requirement: Rep Level 16
• Cost: $107,500

If players do want to graduate to something heavier and stockier, then a European model might do better. The BMW X6 M offers a lot more base horsepower right out of the dealership, giving it a better potential than previous off-road cars of lower levels.

It doesn’t exactly have the best top speed out of all the affordable off-road cars in Need for Speed Heat, but players can easily correct their mistakes and catch up after crashing thanks to the more robust acceleration.

11 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 2017

A Heavy Pickup Truck With A Dedicated Off-Road Drive Mode

• Base Rating: 104
• Base Horsepower: 308 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 110 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 6.5 secs.
• Unlock requirement: Rep Level 24
• Cost: $37,000

It’s a pickup truck, meaning it’s typically only for off-road races; so it certainly doesn’t have the Evo X’s versatility. However, the Colorado measures up well to its real-world counterpart as it’s one of Chevrolet’s best offerings when it comes to off-road performance.

The ZR2 also has an “Off-Road” mode which adjusts its calibrations depending on the specific terrain. It’s a lot more reliable compared to coupe racers converted into off-roaders because of this feature. Players will have to put in the upgrades in order for the Colorado to keep up well at Reputation Level 24 cars.

12 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2006

An Iconic Rally Car Can Prove Invaluable During High-Speed Chases In The Dirt

• Base Rating: 135
• Base Horsepower: 300 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 147 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 4.9 secs
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 20
• Cost: $52,000

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI ’06 is a good contender for an off-road car against the Chevvy Colorado. The Subaru not only unlocks a bit earlier, at Rep Level 20 but also has the advantage at stock due to its much lighter frame, allowing for faster acceleration and higher top speed.

The 2006 Impreza WRX model is a renowned rally car with stellar design and notable improvements to the previous model in the suspensions and the tires. That very well makes it more heavy-duty for some dusty and muddy races in Palm City. In any case, one can’t go wrong with either this or the Colorado. But those preferring a lighter vehicle with a bit tighter handling might want to opt for this Subaru.

13 Mazda MX5 Miata 2015

A Versatile Ride With Superb Handling On All Types Of Terrain

• Base Rating: 111
• Base Horsepower: 158 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 133 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 6.9 secs
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 20
• Cost: $31,500

Turns out the sleek and sexy Miata isn’t just for display and status— at least in Need for Speed Heat. When outfitted with off-road gear and the right engines, the Miata becomes a good staple for off-road races. As an added bonus, it’s also versatile and can be changed back to the asphalt setup.

What does propel the Miata to the top of the pack in off-road races is its low profile and impressive chassis. The handling is also superb regardless of the road, allowing players to make tight turns with ease without compromising speed too much.

14 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 2018

Who Knew This Exotic Ride Was That Impressive When Taking Off-Road?

• Base Rating: 187
• Base Horsepower: 362 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 180 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 4.4 secs
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 14
• Cost: $91,000

The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS ’18 is a stylish vehicle that both looks and feels fast. This car may seem like all style and no substance, but this isn’t the case at all. Instead, what players are treated to is a vehicle that can more than hold its own in most off-road tracks as long as players are prudent when it comes to upgrades and tuning.

In the right hands, the 718 Cayman GTS is a beast that handles like a charm and can maintain solid traction on tracks as long as its tires afford enough grip to the player. Players don’t need to worry about upgrading to a new car after acquiring the Cayman, which can help players win events in style as they race in one of the best off-road cars in NFS Heat.

15 Acura RSX-S 2004 Coupe

A Cheap Tuner Classic That Has The Potential To Become A “Go-Anywhere” Ride

• Base Rating: 105
• Base Horsepower: 200 bhp
• Base Top Speed: 134 MPH
• Base Acceleration (0 to 60mph): 7.7 secs
• Unlock Requirement: Rep Level 20
• Cost: $34,000

Reaching Rep Level 20 is no easy feat, and players must race around quite a bit at night in a fast car to avoid the cops unless they want all their hard work to be reversed in the blink of an eye. However, doing so is highly recommended if players want to gain access to a car that is perfect for most off-road events.

Of course, simply purchasing the Acura RSX-S ’04 isn’t enough to guarantee success. Players must invest in the appropriate car parts to ensure that they can boss most off-road tracks and soar past cars that are struggling to keep up with them.