Forza Horizon 5 often stresses lengthy races and intense challenges that keep players on the edge of their car seats. The game's thrilling, chaotic nature is perhaps best exemplified with Cross-Country events. These are a series of racing showdowns that typically span great distances and often throw curveballs at the player with diverse terrain, tough AI, and generally bumpy rides.
With so many unique elements and tricky bouts to deal with, picking the right ride for the job can be a daunting task—and involves more than just speedy cars. Luckily, there are plenty of great cross-country options to choose from in Forza Horizon 5.
Updated April 1, 2022 by Stephen LaGioia: Playground Games continues to rev up its epic open-world racer—most recently with the robust Series 6 Update. This slew of additions and gameplay tweaks introduces some cool new cars (including the Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400), along with colorful cosmetics and player Badges. But perhaps most significant is the new EventLab features, along with retooled, expanded Horizon Open online gameplay.
With focus shifting more towards user-made content and online gaming, having a fast and versatile car is all the more vital. And with a growing lineup to pick from, we felt it appropriate to tune up this list with a few more of the best cross-country cars in Forza Horizon 5.
15 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
A tried-and-true car since the days of Forza Motorsport 6 and Horizon 2, this German car from 2012 zips its way onto the scene in convincing fashion, by way of the Series 4 Update. It has the ability to hit speeds of over 200 mph without breaking much of a sweat, and revs up higher than 9000 rpm (revolutions per minute).
Strong numbers in launch, breaking, and acceleration make the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 well-equipped to handle a diversity of shifting landscapes. While oversteer can occasionally be an issue on more rugged terrain, the GT3 RS' light weight and solid build make it a great car for the cross-country chaos of FH5.
14 Ford Bronco 2069 R "Welcome Pack"
A standout inclusion from the five pre-tuned "Welcome Pack" cars (redeemable at the Autoshow), this beast excels in its ability to handle most anything that's thrown at it. While it's not the speediest example, this hefty Ford Bronco is built for endurance and reliable, even-keeled driving. It certainly helps that its offroad capabilities and launch speed are sky-high.
Amongst the handful of "Welcome Pack" vehicles—players who favor wild offroad rides and netting skill chains will want to strongly consider this truck.
13 Local Motors Rally Fighter
This unique American-made car is designed for offroad action, and can adapt to varying conditions, making it a great choice for cross-country. Described as being "tough as nails," this solid vehicle can power through rugged terrain with ease.
At the same time, the Rally Fighter still performs well enough on roads, thanks in-part to above-average speed, solid suspension, and beefy tires that ensure a smooth, swift ride. Get it at the Autoshow for 100,000 CR (credits).
12 Ford Racing Puma (Forza Edition)
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The US-made car from 1999 may not be the flashiest or most potent, but it gets the job done with a design that allows for a smooth and steady ride. This car manages to do a lot with a little; being inspired by Ford's high-performance RS cars like the Ford Escort RS Cosworth.
With a lightweight build, top-notch braking system, as well as great stats in offroad and acceleration, this Puma can really thrive in the lush locales of Mexico. The FE has been gifted to gamers as part of promotions and content packs.
11 Ford M-Sport Fiesta RS
Manufactured in 2017, this all-wheel-drive rally car has fast become a favorite when it comes to zipping across the many raceways of Forza Horizon 5. The lightweight car really hits the ground running, spurred by its 1.6L turbocharged I4 engine and 375 bhp (brake horsepower).
Superb capabilities in launch (9.7), offroad (8.5), and acceleration (8.7) allow players to leave opponents in the dust. It also helps negate the Fiesta RS's more tepid speed abilities (5.1 with the S1 808).
10 Land Rover Series III
While this UK classic won't exactly burn rubber when it comes to races, there are few better options for dependable offroad vehicles at a budget price. This versatile car is equipped with a solid suspension that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions; perfect for the diverse, ever-changing landscapes of cross-country races.
This is especially the case given its respectable handling and strong offroad rating of 7.2 (D 100). It could do with some tuning and upgrades, but it's a great offroad and cross-country option for an entry-level price of 20,000 CR.
9 Mini Cooper S
Compact in its build and mechanically solid, this '65 throwback from the UK excels when it comes to the rugged trails that FH5's cross-country bouts often yield. The economy car isn't built for speed by any means but is designed for performance and even-keeled driving.
These traits, coupled with its light weight and great acceleration make it ideal for the rough, turn-laden routes of cross-country. It's also quite cheap, with a price tag of only 30,000 CR at the Autoshow.
8 Jeep Trailcat
Built to withstand just about anything thrown at it, this heavy-duty truck truly thrives on the rugged, diverse tracks of offroad and cross-country races. This Jeep is equipped with a 6.2L twin-screw supercharged V8 and 707 bhp (brake horsepower) that allows it to plow through almost any terrain and leave opponents in the dust.
Add this to its thick, sizable tires, a great offroad stat of 10, and decent acceleration of 5.5, and the Trailcat's a no-brainer for traversing cross-country trails. Score this Jeep from the Autoshow for 75,000 CR.
7 Sierra RX3
With its rock-solid design and springy suspension, the 2021 Sierra RX3 is both dependable and fun for those rough and wild rides. This doesn't just apply to cross-country races, but also to more general offroad events, Danger Sign leaps, and online showdowns.
This reliable rally car can keep an even keel and maintain speed on bumpy paths, thanks to the shock-absorbing nature of its tires and suspension—along with a lightweight build. This car can be had at the Autoshow for just 45,000 CR, and rewarded for completing the "Unbeatable Cross-Country Racing" Accolade.
6 Porsche 911 Desert Flyer
True to its name, this '89 Porsche can fly across some rugged terrain and dirt trails with little effort thanks to its potent torque and capable engine. With upgrades and proper tuning, it distinctly thrives as a hypercar that can handle the chaos of offroad and cross-country scrambles.
It hits the ground running and doesn't easily lose momentum, making it ideal for those bumpy trails and jump-laden tracks. Players can score the Desert Flyer for 500,000 CR at the Autoshow.
5 BMW X5 M FE
With a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 and 547 bhp, along with large front brakes, this performance SUV is tailor-made for wild rides wrought with jumps and rough terrain. This is topped off with swift speed and ample grip for smooth handling around those corners.
The Forza Edition (FE) adds even more power and utility to this already awesome car, with superb ratings across the board including an offroad score of 4.4. While the default model costs 100,000 CR at the Autoshow, players will need the VIP Membership pack to secure the gem that is the FE.
4 AMG Transport Dynamics M12S Warthog CST
Just as Spartan Supersoldiers require durable offroad vehicles, cross-country races in FH5 similarly demand cars that can take whatever's thrown at them. Enter this iconic homage to the hit FPS Halo.
Much like the Spartans themselves, this fighting machine is laced with ample power, featuring an 8.0L twin-turbocharged V8 and 720 bhp. This is further enhanced by an all-wheel-drive system and a short six-speed automatic gearbox with manual override. This enables the vehicle to hit the ground running, accelerating from 0 to 60 in five seconds.
Factor this in with an excellent acceleration rating of 8.6 and offroad of 10, and this Hog is a real beast for off-roading. Players will need to save up for this classic, as its asking price is a steep 850,000 CR, but it's worth the investment.
3 1986 Hoonigan Ford RS200 Evolution
Cars bearing the Hoonigan brand have become a go-to for the chaotic driving of off-roading, multiplayer skirmishes, and cross-country romps. But there are few better options than the '86 RS200, which stands as a recreation of pro rally driver Ken Block.
The car's been juiced up since its debut in terms of power and performance, with more bhp and modified suspension laced with coilover shock absorbers. This makes the already-great off-roader more optimal than ever, especially with its superb acceleration that allows it to hit 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Purchase this classic car from the Autoshow for 500,000 CR.
2 Mercedes-Benz X-Class
Mercedes' 2018 debut of a mainstream pickup truck is an emphatic one, as the X-Class proves potent and versatile. The car has a rock-solid build and is laced with an offroad-capable body-on-frame chassis and a wide track for optimal handling.
Not only does it score an excellent 7.8 in offroad capabilities, but its speed and launch are both respectable as well, with a 4.4 rating on both fronts (D 368). This beast can get moving quickly and efficiently while powering through bumpy terrain. Get it at the Autoshow for 65,000 CR.
1 Ford 25 "Brocky" Ultra4 Bronco
This off-roader is based on the Ford Bronco variant driven by Formula Drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr—and players can replicate these winning ways when plowing through the rugged wilderness of cross-country races. The truck is augmented with a 7.0L naturally-aspirated V8, 600 bhp, and a heavy-duty TH400 transmission.
Couple this with its spongy tires and springy suspension, and these wild marathon drives can be a breeze. Boasting an offroad rating of 10, with launch and braking both hitting a solid 5.2 (A 748), this is one of the definitive cross-country cars. Get it at the Autoshow for 500,000 CR.
Forza Horizon 5 is available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.