8 Best Cars in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2026

Blistering speed, jaw-dropping visuals, and a massive garage of over 130 vehicles make Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged the ultimate evolution of digital die-cast racing. This isn’t just a sequel—it’s a full-throttle overhaul that injects dynamic new moves, expanded vehicle types, and breathtaking themed environments into every lap. Whether you’re launching a Monster Truck over a flaming loop or drifting a futuristic HW Original through a Wild West mini-golf course, the game delivers cinematic-level excitement with intuitive controls that cater to both kids and seasoned racers.

On the track, performance shines with fluid 60fps gameplay and near-instant load times on PS5, making every race feel snappy and responsive. The inclusion of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks and entertainment-themed crossovers adds welcome variety, while the new special moves system lets players pull off gravity-defying stunts mid-race—though mastering timing takes practice. Tracks are now set in fully realized worlds like suburban backyards and desert towns, giving a sense of place missing in earlier entries. However, AI aggression can feel inconsistent, with some races devolving into chaotic pileups rather than skill-based competition.

Compared to the original Unleashed, this version is a content-rich upgrade that justifies its spot as the best overall in the series—especially for PS5 owners who want the full experience. It outshines the PS4 version not just in visual fidelity but in gameplay depth, though it lacks the PS5-exclusive track editor found in the first game. Ideal for families, casual racers, and Hot Wheels fans who want more cars, more worlds, and more ways to play—both solo and online. It doesn’t push the hardware to its limits, but for pure, unapologetic fun, it beats the competition with sheer variety and polish.

For fans craving classic Hot Wheels chaos without breaking the bank, the PS4 version of Hot Wheels Unleashed delivers a high-octane arcade experience at a wallet-friendly entry point. At its core, it captures the soul of the franchise—drifting through loops, charging boost with reckless slides, and racing at breakneck speeds where gravity plays both ally and enemy. The gameplay loop is simple but addictive: master the track, nail your drifts, and blast through obstacles to cross the finish first. It’s the kind of instant-gratification racing that keeps kids and nostalgic adults hitting restart.

Powered by the PS4’s reliable hardware, the game runs smoothly with solid 30fps performance and quick transitions between races. The track physics feel authentic to the toy line, with loops, corkscrews, and jumps translating well into digital form. However, the world is less detailed than its PS5 and Turbocharged counterparts, and loading times are noticeably longer. While the core mechanics—drift-to-boost, gravity-dependent racing—are fun, the lack of new content or online features compared to newer versions makes it feel dated. It’s best enjoyed in short bursts rather than marathon sessions.

When stacked against Turbocharged, this version is clearly the budget-tier option—it lacks the expanded vehicle roster, new moves, and visual upgrades. But for PS4-only households or younger players just discovering Hot Wheels, it’s a solid starting point that captures the thrill without complexity. It doesn’t offer the depth of its successors, but for pure, no-frills racing fun, it holds up better than expected on older hardware.

If your idea of racing paradise involves bending orange track pieces into impossible shapes, the PS5 version of Hot Wheels Unleashed stands as the king of creativity in the franchise. This edition turns players into track architects, offering a robust track editor that lets you stretch, twist, and layer pieces into gravity-defying masterpieces complete with boosters, loops, and interactive obstacles. The ability to share and download community tracks adds near-endless replayability, making every race feel fresh. For fans who grew up building real-life tracks, this is the digital dream realized.

Performance-wise, the game leverages the PS5’s power for snappy load times, smooth 60fps racing, and crisp 4K visuals that make every paint job and flame decal pop. The split-screen multiplayer is a standout, letting two players race side-by-side on custom or pre-built tracks—perfect for family game nights. However, the vehicle roster is smaller than in Turbocharged, and the lack of new stunt moves or themed worlds makes it feel slightly stale next to its sequel. The physics stay true to Hot Wheels’ over-the-top style, but advanced builders may hit design limitations in the editor.

Compared to Turbocharged, this version trades content volume for creative freedom—making it the best choice for builders, not completists. It’s ideal for parents and kids who love co-op play or creative players who want to design and share wild courses. While it doesn’t have the biggest garage, it offers the most imaginative potential, proving that sometimes, fewer cars can mean more fun.

For those taking their first spin into the world of die-cast collecting, this Amazon-exclusive 10-car pack is the perfect launchpad—packed with authentic detailing, bold liveries, and a diverse mix of trucks and cars that spark instant play. Each 1:64 scale vehicle is die-cast with metal bodies, offering that satisfying weight and durability parents appreciate and kids love to race across the floor. It’s not just a toy—it’s an instant display collection that fuels storytelling, from rescue missions to high-speed chases.

In real-world testing, the cars hold up to daily play, surviving drops, crashes, and backpack storage without chipping. The variety of body styles—from muscle cars to pickup trucks—ensures no two races feel the same, and the eye-catching designs keep kids engaged longer than generic toy sets. However, no specific themes or franchises are represented, so collectors seeking Nightburnerz or X-Raycers might feel underwhelmed. It’s also missing the premium deco of specialty packs, leaning more toward broad appeal than niche excitement.

When compared to the Japanese Vehicles multipack, this set wins on quantity and diversity, making it the best starter collection for new fans. It doesn’t have the cultural focus of the Streets of Japan set, nor the Netflix tie-in appeal of the Let’s Race pack, but it covers all bases for kids 3 and up. For value, durability, and playability, it outpaces smaller sets and lays the foundation for a lifelong hobby.

With precision-inspired design and metal-heavy construction, the Streets of Japan multipack is a love letter to JDM culture—packed with six authentic 1:64 scale replicas that celebrate Japan’s legendary automotive legacy. These aren’t just toy cars; they’re miniature tributes to engineering excellence, featuring elevated deco, sharp body lines, and metal chassis that enhance collectability and weight. For parents and fans who appreciate cultural authenticity, this set stands out in a sea of generic racers.

On the playmat or display shelf, these vehicles command attention with their distinctive styling—think sleek coupes, turbocharged sedans, and retro racers that mirror real-world icons. The all-metal bodies feel premium in hand, surviving rough play better than plastic-heavy competitors. However, the lack of character or media tie-ins may make them less exciting for younger kids who crave Let’s Race or Monster Trucks. And while the Japanese theme is strong, the randomized styles mean you might not get your favorite archetype on the first buy.

Compared to the Let’s Race Netflix-themed set, this pack trades animated appeal for sophistication and realism—making it better suited for older kids and adult collectors. It’s also a smarter pick than the Euro Style or ZAMAC themes for those who value cultural depth over flash. While it doesn’t have the size of the 10-car pack, it delivers more meaning per vehicle, proving that fewer cars can carry bigger emotional horsepower.

Bursting with animated energy and Netflix-fueled excitement, the Let’s Race 5-Pack pulls kids straight into the action-packed world of the Hot Wheels animated series. These 1:64 scale die-cast cars aren’t just toys—they’re characters in motion, featuring authentic details and vibrant designs that mirror the show’s high-speed storytelling. For parents seeking engaging, screen-to-play synergy, this set is a home run, turning binge-watching into imaginative racing adventures.

Each vehicle is built with a metal chassis and plastic body accents, balancing durability and design flair—perfect for ages 3 and up. The themed variety (think Nightburnerz, Mud Studs, HW Getaways) adds replay value, encouraging kids to collect multiple packs for cross-theme battles. In real play, the wheels roll smoothly on carpet and tile, and the compact size makes them ideal for travel. However, the plastic-heavy build doesn’t feel as premium as all-metal sets, and small parts pose a risk for toddlers.

Next to the Streets of Japan pack, this one wins on kid engagement but loses on collector appeal. It’s not aimed at adult enthusiasts—it’s built for young fans who want to race like their TV heroes. While it costs slightly more than some multipacks, it delivers unmatched thematic excitement, making it a top pick for gift-giving and first collections. For story-driven play, it leaves the competition in the dust.

Despite running on last-gen hardware, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged on PS4 is a surprisingly robust package that brings the full 130+ car roster, new stunt moves, and five expansive playgrounds to a console that shouldn’t handle them. The game pushes the PS4 hard, delivering detailed environments and fluid racing action that feel more at home on newer systems. For families still invested in PS4, this version is the best value for console owners who want the latest content without upgrading.

Performance is impressive but not flawless—expect 30fps lock, longer load times, and occasional pop-in during high-speed runs. Yet, the core gameplay remains intact: drift-to-boost mechanics, gravity-based tracks, and crazy aerial stunts all work as intended. The track editor is fully functional, letting players design and share custom courses, though building on the smaller screen can be fiddly. Online modes are stable, but matchmaking lags behind PS5 due to smaller player pools.

Compared to the PS5 Turbocharged version, this one sacrifices visual polish and speed for accessibility and completeness. It’s not as flashy, but it delivers nearly all the same content at a higher price point—making it a smart buy for budget-conscious families. While the PS5 version runs better, this edition proves the franchise’s reach, offering maximum fun on minimum hardware.

For gamers who want Hot Wheels in their backpack, the Nintendo Switch version of Unleashed is the ultimate portable racer—letting you drift, boost, and loop anywhere, anytime. The ability to switch from TV to handheld mode without losing gameplay makes it perfect for road trips, commutes, or couch co-op with kids. It captures the same gravity-defying physics and drift-to-boost mechanics as other versions, proving that arcade racing thrives on the go.

Performance is solid in handheld mode, with smooth 30fps action and responsive controls, though graphics take a noticeable hit compared to PS5. The small screen diminishes track detail, and precise track editing becomes tricky with limited real estate. Loading times are longer, and online play feels less stable than on home consoles. Still, the portability factor outweighs the compromises for many players—especially families who value play anywhere flexibility.

Against the PS4 version, it trades home console power for mobility, making it the best portable option despite technical drawbacks. It lacks the Turbocharged content, so it’s not the most feature-rich, but for parents and kids on the move, it delivers the core Hot Wheels thrill in a pocket-sized package. When fun needs to travel, it revs louder than the competition.