TL;DR
- Rally (dirt racing) and cross-country are two different event types — know which one you are building for.
- Best budget rally car: 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI at 30,000 credits — the best value in the entire game for dirt.
- Best overall rally car: Subaru Impreza 22B STi — iconic, AWD, and the meta pick for A Class dirt racing.
- Best cross-country car (free): 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR Forza Edition (VIP Membership) or Ford Bronco R at 450,000 credits.
- Best cross-country car (Aftermarket): 2022 Subaru BRZ Forza Edition — perfect off-road stat on tarmac and dirt.
- AWD is mandatory for competitive rally. FWD and RWD builds are fun but will lose consistently to properly tuned AWD cars.
Dirt racing and cross-country events make up a massive portion of Forza Horizon 6’s Festival Playlist Seasonal Championships and Japan map events. If your garage only has road-racing hypercars and drift builds, you are leaving points on the table every week. The best Forza Horizon 6 rally and cross-country cars are purpose-built for loose surfaces, rough terrain, and the kind of unpredictable terrain changes that Japan’s mountains and countryside throw at you constantly. This guide covers the top picks for every class and every event type — from budget B Class rally starters to the fastest off-road Forza Edition machines in the game.
Forza Horizon 6 is available on Forza.net, Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Dirt Racing vs Cross-Country – Know the Difference
FH6 splits off-road content into two very distinct event types, and the best car for one is not always the best car for the other. Understanding the difference before you build is important.
Dirt Racing uses dedicated dirt tracks with defined course layouts, checkpoints, and barriers. The surface is loose and unpredictable, but the route is a proper circuit you can learn. Braking points, corner exits, and traction management matter most. Rally-spec cars — lightweight AWD machines with strong handling and good suspension — are ideal. Think World Rally Championship cars rather than trophy trucks.
Cross-Country is a completely different discipline. There is no set course. Races take you through open fields, rough mountain terrain, dried riverbeds, and sections with no road at all. Obstacles appear without warning. Elevation changes are extreme. You will hit jumps you cannot see coming. Suspension travel, ground clearance, AWD traction, and raw stability under abuse matter far more than handling finesse. Purpose-built off-road vehicles, SUVs, and heavy trucks dominate cross-country in ways they simply cannot at dirt racing.
Some cars handle both well. Most are better at one than the other. This guide covers the best picks for each.
Best Rally Cars in Forza Horizon 6 – By Class
Best Budget Rally Car (All Classes): 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI is the most important car in FH6’s rally category. At just 30,000 credits from the Autoshow, it is the best value buy in the entire game for dirt and rally events. Its AWD system, broad stat spread, and excellent tuning headroom let it stay competitive from B Class all the way through A Class without ever feeling outclassed. A good community tune from the Creative Hub turns this 30,000 credit car into a genuine Seasonal Championship weapon.
The WRX STI is also one of the most forgiving rally cars to learn on. Its AWD grip catches mistakes that would spin out a less capable car, and its power delivery is predictable enough that new players can build confidence quickly. If you are just starting to build a dirt-capable garage and have limited credits, buy this car first. Nothing else at its price comes close.
For the 2019 Subaru STI S209 specifically — earned as a Series 1 Winter Festival Playlist reward — see our Subaru performance stats guide.
Best A Class Rally Car: Subaru Impreza 22B STi
The Subaru Impreza 22B STi is the meta pick for A Class dirt racing. In the real world, only 424 road cars were ever built — it is a homologation special for WRC competition. In FH6, it produces 276 hp through a rally-tuned AWD system with a 58% front weight bias that strikes the ideal balance between traction and agility on loose surfaces. It is not the most powerful car in A Class dirt events, but its combination of power, weight, and chassis balance makes it consistently fast without demanding perfection from the driver.
The 22B is available from the Autoshow. It is one of the first A Class dirt cars worth prioritising. Its reputation in the Forza Horizon series is long-standing for good reason — this is the rally car the entire community gravitates to at A Class, and FH6 continues that tradition.
Best B Class Rally Car (Budget): 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR
The 2004 Lancer Evolution VIII MR is the other half of the classic rally rivalry, and in FH6 it sits alongside the WRX STI as one of the two go-to budget dirt cars. At 30,000 credits, it offers slightly higher stats than the base WRX STI — more power at 305 hp and a competitive off-road stat of 6.0. Its 60% front weight bias means it can push into understeer if you are not deliberate about your inputs, but drivers who manage that tendency will find it marginally faster than the WRX STI on technical B Class dirt circuits.
Welcome Pack owners also receive a pre-tuned A Class variant of the Lancer Evolution VIII MR as one of the pack’s included cars. If you own the Deluxe or Premium Edition, that pre-tuned version gives you an immediate A Class rally option without spending credits or doing any tuning work. Check your garage before buying from the Autoshow. For full stats, see our Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR guide.
Best B Class Rally Car (Handling): Toyota GR Yaris
The Toyota GR Yaris is a surprise standout for B Class rally events. It is the lightest rally car on this list at 2,888 lbs, and that weight advantage shows immediately on loose dirt. Its handling stat of 5.1 is the highest among B Class rally options, and its 59% front weight distribution keeps it planted through fast corners without the understeer tendencies the Evo VIII shows under pressure. For players who want a more forgiving, responsive B Class dirt car that feels natural to drive quickly without deep tuning investment, the GR Yaris is the recommendation.
It is also one of the most thematically appropriate cars for FH6’s Japan setting. Driving a Toyota GR Yaris on Japanese mountain dirt roads feels right in a way that is hard to quantify but easy to enjoy.
Best A Class Rally Car (Alternative): Ford Focus RS
The Ford Focus RS is the fan favourite alternative to the Subaru and Mitsubishi picks at A Class. Its combination of high speed, strong acceleration, and confident off-road handling makes it excellent for throwing through dirt corners at pace. Community testing consistently rates it among the top A Class dirt options and its 8.3 off-road stat is among the best of the non-dedicated off-road cars at this class level.
The Focus RS is a particularly good choice for players who find the WRX STI and Evo VIII feeling too similar and want a different character. It is scrappier, more front-heavy, and rewards commitment into corners rather than measured inputs. If you enjoy a car that rewards aggression on dirt, the Focus RS delivers it at A Class better than most options available.
Best A Class Rally Car (Precision): Peugeot 207 Super 2000
The Peugeot 207 Super 2000 is the most technical and rewarding rally car at A Class in FH6. It is the lightest option on this list at 2,425 lbs, carries the highest handling stat among the A Class rally options at 5.8, and comes on rally tyres from the factory. Its immediate, almost instant response to driver inputs makes it the most technically capable rally car at this level for experienced players who can exploit its precision.
It also has an excellent unlock story. Rather than buying it from the Autoshow, the Peugeot 207 Super 2000 is earned as a reward for completing the Pink Wristband event — one of the more satisfying free unlocks in the game. If you are working through the Wristband progression system and want a genuinely competitive A Class rally car as a reward, this is one of the best reasons to push forward. For more on Wristband progression, see our Wristband Progression guide.
Best S1 Rally and Dirt Car: 2022 Subaru BRZ Forza Edition
The 2022 Subaru BRZ Forza Edition is the dominant S1 dirt and off-road car in FH6. Despite being a low-slung sports coupe rather than a traditional rally car or SUV, it carries a perfect 10 off-road stat when properly tuned — and its lower centre of gravity prevents the rollovers and instability that heavier, taller vehicles suffer on technical dirt sections at higher speeds.
It is found exclusively as an Aftermarket Car at the Sotoyama Ski Resort location. At 450,000 credits, it is a significant purchase but delivers exceptional value — a dirt and cross-country weapon that also works on paved surfaces, covering two disciplines from a single build. If you are going to spend heavily on one off-road car, the BRZ FE is the most versatile investment available without premium DLC.
For Trailblazer and speed-focused cross-country events, the BRZ FE’s acceleration advantage over traditional off-road trucks makes it the fastest option through sections where terrain is rough but speed is what ultimately decides the result. For full stats, see our 2022 Subaru BRZ performance stats guide.
Best Cross-Country Cars in Forza Horizon 6 – By Type
Best Cross-Country Car Overall (Free with VIP): 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR Forza Edition
The 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR Forza Edition is the best overall cross-country car in FH6 and is completely free for players with VIP Membership. In the Unlimited Offroad class, it carries a 9.9 Off-Road stat and behaves like a trophy truck with hypercar acceleration underneath. On paper, an American muscle car designed for tarmac circuits clearing cross-country jumps sounds impossible. In practice, the Viper GTS ACR FE handles mixed terrain with composure that no standard production car in the game matches at its performance level.
Its hypercar-level acceleration and speed give it a massive advantage in cross-country events that open up on faster sections between rough terrain obstacles. It handles the transition between tarmac and off-road more seamlessly than any dedicated truck or SUV because it is genuinely fast on both surfaces. For players with the Premium Edition or VIP Membership, this is the default choice for cross-country before you have built anything else. For others, it may appear on the Auction House — check regularly.
Best Cross-Country Car (No DLC Needed): Ford Bronco R
The 2020 Ford Bronco R is the best cross-country car available without DLC in FH6. It costs 450,000 credits from the Autoshow, comes factory-fitted with heavy off-road tyres, and carries a perfect off-road stat of 10. At approximately 6,500 lbs, it absorbs terrain punishment that would send lighter cars into uncontrolled flight. Its AWD system and near-perfect 49% front-weight distribution deliver exceptional stability when crossing uneven, rocky ground.
The trade-offs are obvious from the weight. Direction changes feel slow. Its handling of 4.0 and acceleration of 3.2 reflect the mass. You will need to plan your lines early through technical sections because the Bronco R does not change direction quickly. But for raw, sustained off-road capability — massive jumps, river crossings, and rough countryside where nothing else keeps pace — the Bronco R is the most confidence-inspiring cross-country option without premium DLC.
Best B Class Cross-Country Car: Can-Am Maverick X RS Turbo R
The 2018 Can-Am Maverick X RS Turbo R carries a 9.8 off-road stat and is nearly impossible to beat on rough terrain at B Class. It is a purpose-built off-road buggy with virtually unlimited suspension travel, purpose-made off-road tyres from the factory, and AWD traction calibrated specifically for cross-country terrain. For B Class cross-country events, it leads the bracket and requires minimal tuning to be immediately competitive.
The Maverick X RS is not a car that crosses over into road racing effectively — its off-road focus makes it specialist equipment. But within cross-country events specifically, it is the best B Class vehicle in the game and one worth having in your garage specifically for B Class seasonal championships that require rough terrain performance.
Best A Class Cross-Country Car: Mercedes-Benz X-Class
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is the top A Class cross-country pick in FH6. It consistently performs across all types of cross-country races and track layouts at A Class, combining solid off-road capability with enough on-road performance to not get left behind on the tarmac sections. It is particularly forgiving for players who are new to cross-country events and want a stable, predictable platform that does not require precise inputs to drive fast.
Best D-B Class Cross-Country and Off-Road: Ford Super Duty F-450 DRW
The Ford Super Duty F-450 DRW is the best choice for D through B Class cross-country events. It is a heavy-duty pickup truck with strong off-road fundamentals and excellent clearance for rough terrain. The F-450 is the recommendation for players who are early in the game and need an off-road vehicle that works without extensive tuning investment. It covers cross-country events reliably across the lowest class tiers and transitions into a credits farming tool later when paired with its Forza Edition variant’s Credits Boost ability.
Best Rally and Cross-Country Cars by Unlock Method
Autoshow Buys (Credit Purchase)
- 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI — 30,000 credits. Best budget rally car in the game.
- Subaru Impreza 22B STi — A Class meta dirt pick. Available from Autoshow.
- 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR — 30,000 credits. Strong B Class rally value.
- Toyota GR Yaris — Lightweight B Class rally precision pick.
- Ford Focus RS — A Class dirt favourite with 8.3 off-road stat.
- Ford Bronco R — 450,000 credits. Best cross-country car without DLC. Perfect 10 off-road.
- Can-Am Maverick X RS Turbo R — 9.8 off-road stat. Best B Class cross-country.
Aftermarket Car Spawns (Map Locations)
- 2022 Subaru BRZ Forza Edition — Spawns at Sotoyama Ski Resort. 450,000 credits. Best S1 dirt and off-road car.
Wristband Progression Rewards (Free)
- Peugeot 207 Super 2000 — Pink Wristband event reward. Best A Class precision rally car.
Welcome Pack (Deluxe and Premium Editions)
- 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR (pre-tuned A Class variant) — Check your garage if you own Deluxe or Premium Edition. Ready to race on arrival.
VIP Membership (Premium Edition and Premium Upgrade)
- 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR Forza Edition — Best overall cross-country car. Free with VIP. 9.9 off-road stat.
Rally and Cross-Country Tips for FH6
AWD Is Not Optional for Competitive Dirt Racing
AWD is mandatory for competitive rally and dirt events in FH6. At Unbeatable AI difficulty in Seasonal Championships, any RWD or FWD build will struggle to keep pace with the AI’s AWD-calibrated speed through loose corners. A properly tuned AWD rally car will beat a faster RWD car on dirt every time because it can manage traction on corner exits that a rear-drive build simply cannot. If your rally car is not AWD, install an AWD conversion through the upgrade menu before entering any capped event.
Rally Tyres Make a Massive Difference
Switching to rally tyres is the single most important upgrade for any car you want to use on dirt. Rally tyres provide dramatically better traction on loose surfaces than standard road tyres. Many dedicated rally cars come with them from the factory. For road cars you are converting into dirt builds, fitting rally tyres should be the first upgrade you make — it costs very little PI and transforms how the car handles off-road.
Suspension Tuning Is Critical for Cross-Country
For cross-country events specifically, increasing ride height and softening the suspension dramatically improves stability over rough terrain. A car with stock road suspension settings will bounce, skip, and lose control over large bumps and jumps. Raise the ride height as high as the PI budget allows, soften the front and rear springs to absorb terrain impacts, and increase suspension travel. These changes may slightly hurt the car on tarmac sections but will significantly improve its performance on the rough terrain that cross-country events prioritise. For more on tuning fundamentals, see our car tuning and mechanical balance guide.
Use Community Tunes for Dirt-Specific Setups
Rally and cross-country tuning is a specialist discipline. Community tuners who focus specifically on off-road events publish dirt-specific tunes in the Creative Hub weekly. When searching for tunes, filter by the car name and look for keywords like “dirt,” “rally,” “cross-country,” or the seasonal championship type. A good community dirt tune on the WRX STI or 22B can shave seconds off your lap time compared to a general-purpose tune or stock setup. Do not overlook this — the difference between a road tune and a dedicated dirt tune on the same car can be as large as a different class.
Cross-Country Requires Different Inputs Than Dirt Racing
Cross-country rewards a completely different driving style than dirt circuit racing. On a dirt track, you carry speed through corners. In cross-country, you manage obstacles, commit to lines early, and absorb impacts rather than avoid them. A heavy truck like the Bronco R is slower in corners than a rally car but recovers from unexpected impacts without spinning out. Lean into the car’s strengths — use its stability and off-road rating to push through terrain rather than trying to drive it like a circuit car.
The Trailblazer PR Stunt Needs Speed, Not Off-Road Rating
Trailblazers in FH6 are sprint events through off-road terrain where the challenge is speed rather than endurance. For Trailblazers, the Subaru BRZ FE is a better pick than the Bronco R because its acceleration advantage makes it faster through the timed section. Heavy trucks score better off-road ratings but are slower through a flat-out Trailblazer sprint. Know the event type before selecting your car. For more on PR stunts, see our PR Stunts guide.
Best Rally and Cross-Country Cars in the Festival Playlist
Dirt Racing and Cross-Country Seasonal Championships appear regularly in the Festival Playlist. S1 and A Class caps are the most common restrictions. Here is a quick reference for which car to use:
- A Class Dirt Championship: Subaru Impreza 22B STi or Ford Focus RS
- B Class Dirt Championship: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR or Toyota GR Yaris
- S1 Class Dirt Championship: 2022 Subaru BRZ FE (Aftermarket) or tuned Subaru Impreza 22B at S1 PI
- A Class Cross-Country: Mercedes-Benz X-Class or Can-Am Maverick X RS Turbo R tuned to A
- S1+ Cross-Country: Dodge Viper GTS ACR FE (VIP) or Subaru BRZ FE
- D-B Class Cross-Country: Ford Super Duty F-450 DRW
For the full Festival Playlist guide and how to earn the most points from Seasonal Championships each week, see our complete Seasonal Events and Festival Playlist guide. For The Trial specifically, see our Trial guide for Series 2.
Best Rally and Cross-Country Cars – Final Summary
- Best budget rally car: 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (30,000 CR)
- Best A Class rally car: Subaru Impreza 22B STi
- Best precision rally car: Peugeot 207 Super 2000 (Pink Wristband reward)
- Best alternative rally car: Ford Focus RS
- Best S1 dirt car: 2022 Subaru BRZ Forza Edition (Aftermarket at Sotoyama)
- Best cross-country (VIP): 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR FE
- Best cross-country (no DLC): Ford Bronco R (450,000 CR)
- Best B Class cross-country: Can-Am Maverick X RS Turbo R
- Best A Class cross-country: Mercedes-Benz X-Class
- Best D-B Class off-road: Ford Super Duty F-450 DRW
For more on building a complete FH6 garage, see our best X Class cars guide, our best S1 class cars guide, our best S2 class cars guide, and our guide covering the best cars for every class in FH6. For the full car roster sorted by class, check our complete car list by class. And for more on where to find unlockable dirt-capable cars, see our Barn Find locations guide and our Legacy Cars and Loyalty Rewards guide.
