One of the most impressive aspects of Playground Games' open-world romp, Forza Horizon 4, is its use of dynamic weather and changing seasons. Many have praised these features as a neat way to change up the gameplay and bring a more realistic, organic feel to the experience.
Still, despite its pretty, atmospheric scenery, there have been quite a few critics of the winter season.
These week-long stints of snow, ice, and sleet instantly make handling an issue with most cars, and the slippery conditions make races and various other events notably tougher. Thankfully, the game offers an abundance of distinct cars for different circumstances, all of which can be customized and fine-tuned.
So while there may not be as many ideal cars to pick from, there are certain vehicles well-equipped to deal with the winter, even without the need to tinker with the tires or rally suspension.
Updated July 26th, 2021 by Stephen LaGioia: Despite Playground Games bringing new content releases to a screeching halt in preparation for the epic 5th game in the FH series, there remains a plethora of content and cars to play around with in FH4. And with the winter season being such a prominent part of this seasonal racer, it seemed like a good idea to refresh and juice up this list with updated information and even more of the best winter cars in Forza Horizon 4. While waiting for Forza Horizon 5 to debut on November 9, 2021, why not take some of these cars out for a spin in Edinburgh?
15 Lancia Delta S4
Rally cars are typically ideal for winter driving, and this '86 Italian car shines as a solid example of this. Described as a "pure purpose built racecar," the Lancia is a sufficient sort of "Jack-of-all-trades" that drives smoothly and gets around fairly quickly, thanks in part to its terrific launch stat of 8.7 and acceleration of 7.1 (B 638 build).Â
Though it won't knock one's socks off, this well-built car is good enough in sharply getting from A to B in the slippery, snowy winter. It can be obtained at the Autoshow for 146,000 CR.Â
14 Opel Manta 400
Cheap and efficient, this RWD rally car is a pretty enticing option for those looking to save some dough, especially for fans of the winter season.
With decent statistics pretty much across the board, the Opel Manta serves as a smooth, reliable ride in most conditions. It's relatively lightweight which allows it to glide across slippery streets and wrack up those drifting skill points fairly easily too. This is tempered by the above-average handling stat of 6.8 (A 740), allowing drivers to stay in control for the most part. It can be purchased from the Autoshow for 100,000 CR.Â
13 Peel Trident
This retro microcar looks a bit silly and is certainly not going to win many races with its meager speed stat of 3.0 (D 100) and a top speed of just 47 mph. However, those looking for a calm and smooth ride through the snowy conditions may want to consider squeezing in the Peel Trident and taking in the gorgeous scenery of winter.
Being one of the smallest, most compact cars in existence, keeping a steady, even keel is almost a certainty here. Other than maneuvering through tight spaces, and amusing fellow drivers, braking is the Peel's best quality. This definitely comes in handy when buzzing across the slick, slippery roads and terrain. The Peel Trident costs 25,000 CR from the Autoshow.
12 Toyota T100 Baja Truck
With its thick tires and heavy-duty build tailor-made for offroad action, this Toyota truck can easily handle the often treacherous conditions of winter. What's more, its launch and acceleration truly excel — even with the A 800 build — ensuring it'll be able to plow through snow and ice with little sweat. Its solid handling and ample weight allow for a strong, steady ride across the rugged locales of winter.
It can be scored at the Autoshow for 500,000 CR.
11 Abarth Fiat 131
Though this simple, cheap car won't blow too many racers away, it's nonetheless a great choice for navigating the slick, often perilous winter roads and terrain.
The Abarth is a more-than-suitable rally car whose light build allows it to coast around smoothly and swiftly, enhanced by its great launch abilities 7.1 (D 449). It can be scored at the Autoshow for a mere 38,000 CR.Â
10 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
It may not be much to look at, but this is a very functional car in icy conditions — being equipped with all-wheel drive, even weight distribution, and ample torque when rounding corners. Its suitable grip and relative precision when it comes to steering will also make those fast, icy turns more manageable.
Its swift launch and acceleration make it a pretty smart choice when opting for Drag and smaller Street Racing showdowns. Though it never quite tops out at high speeds, this can actually be ideal when maintaining a handle in those more slippery conditions. The car can be bought at the Autoshow for 51,000 CR.
9 Lamborghini Diablo GTR
It may be a devil, but this beast tends to thrive in the snow and ice rather than in fire and brimstone. This '99 Italian supercar thrives in a great many areas thanks to its solid statistics across the board — and this includes the snowy, icy conditions of winter. The S2 upgrade produces a whopping 10 braking and 9.9 handling; both excellent numbers that can handle all that winter throws at it.
An upgraded version of this sleek vehicle proves particularly useful, as it yields aerodynamic improvements which beef up its engine and brings greater downforce. This means a generally more solid, stable drive during the accident-prone conditions of winter.
It's not easy to obtain the Diablo, but it can be spotted as a listed item in the Forzathon Shop, Auction House, or as a Festival Playlist reward. Its value is a solid 250,000 CR.Â
8 Porsche Macan Turbo
This 2019 car from Germany serves as a rather basic, yet functional car; and one that hits the ground running pretty quickly with its perfect launch statistic (in its A 720 build). Being a heavy-duty SUV, the car is pretty suitable for off-road driving in general, though it also thrives in snowy conditions.
The Porsche shines overall when it comes to performance, with all-wheel drive, seven-speed transmission, and a twin-turbocharged engine. It can be secured through either an Auction House listing, Forzathon Shop listed item, or Festival Playlist reward. It's valued at 105,000 CR.
7 Koenigsegg Agera RS
This Swedish hypercar from 2017 has been featured in the FH4 Car Pass since September 2018, and remains a draw for players in general. It's quite the speed demon with its perfect speed statistic (S2 996) and 9.0 launch, though players can also exploit its solid handling and picture-perfect braking during the winter.
The hazardous conditions of winter won't often deter the Koenigsegg, and despite being the fastest stock production car in the game, its 9.5 handling will enable drivers to keep things under control. Those who decide to brave races and speed-oriented missions in winter should look no further than this beast. Be advised that this epic car comes at a great cost, specifically 2,000,000 CR at the Autoshow, and requires the Car Pass DLC pack.
6 Ford F-150 Raptor
This 2017 production car is certainly built Ford tough, with its twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6, ten-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive. Being a fairly heavy offroader with suitable handling, this vehicle can deal with bumpy and slippery conditions pretty easily.
It's also a good option when seeking to get a leg up on opponents, given its respectable launch statistic of 8.5 (B 627). This heavy-duty vehicle can be secured at the Autoshow of 63,000 CR.Â
5 Bugatti Chiron
This French hypercar from 2018 comes laced with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as well as an eight-liter quad-turbocharged engine. It can truly hit the ground running with its perfect launch statistic and 9.8 acceleration.
Not only this, but drivers should be able to maintain control despite its quickness in icy conditions, thanks to its 8.7 braking and 8.3 handling. Its rear wing also aids in handling and granting a smooth, stable drive overall, while folding up during heavy braking for enhanced braking performance.
It's certainly not cheap at 2,400,000 CR, but well worth the investment; especially for those who favor racing in winter.
4 Hoonigan Ford Rs200 Evolution
This '86 production car from Ford has it going on when it comes to performance and sheer swiftness. Its 8.0 speed statistic makes it an optimal choice in races and online skirmishes, though it also handles quite well with 8.2 handling and 7.9 braking. Add this to the even weight distribution, ample tire grip, and all-wheel drive, and the Hoonigan makes for a smooth, reliable drive come rain, shine, or snow.
Those opting to knock out various PR Stunts and dirt races in the winter should especially opt for this master of the elements. The coveted car is a "Hard-to-Find" vehicle that can't be bought at the Autoshow, though it may come up as a Forzathon Shop item or Festival Playlist reward. It's valued at 500,000 CR.Â
3 Lotus Elise GT1
This Barn Find is a particularly great score in FH4, as it drives like a dream — even if it may not be quite as fast as it lets on. Like its Forza Motorsport 7 appearance, the Lotus Elise greatly stresses handling and rounding tight corners with ease.
Though its speed and acceleration are more tepid compared to hypercars of its ilk, the '97 UK car flourishes in terms of braking and handling. These traits, along with its adjustable downforce, make it a no-brainer when it comes to driving in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions.
Though it can't be bought at the Autoshow, it's valued at 1,800,000 Cr, making it an enticing option for selling at an Auction.
2 Hoonigan Gymkhana 9 Ford Focus RS RX
Assuming blistering speeds are no factor, this '16 Ford is pound for pound one of the best cars for handling rough and slick surfaces. Not only are its statistics mostly great across the board, but even its mediocre speed is offset somewhat by its perfect launch and acceleration.
Whether blazing through slippery asphalt or off-road terrain, the Focus RS RX offers a smooth, solid ride with its top-notch braking and handling. It's perfect for those more windy roads and turn-laden races. The car can be picked up at the Autoshow for 500,000 CR.
1 Toyota Land Cruiser Arctic Trucks AT37
As its name might reveal, this AWD offroader can handle the arctic tundras of winter with great ease. This is thanks to its even-keeled weight distribution, great handling, and well-treaded tires that can deal with thick snow and ice.
Not only this, but at a mere 83,000 CR, it serves as a functional, versatile car that won't break the bank.