Forza Horizon 6 is all about variety. While it offers different race types and terrain, one of the more challenging experiences is racing on mixed surfaces. Mixed surface events typically combine dirt, gravel, tarmac, and other types of terrain, requiring a car that can perform well no matter the surface.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best cars for mixed surface events in Forza Horizon 6. I’ll break down the key factors to consider and offer practical advice based on the kind of races you’ll encounter.
What Are Mixed Surface Events in Forza Horizon 6?
Before we jump into car recommendations, let’s define what mixed surface events are. These races usually take place on tracks or sections that blend different kinds of terrain—think gravel roads, dirt trails, tarmac highways, and muddy fields all in one race. Unlike road races where it’s just asphalt, mixed surface events require cars that can handle a variety of challenges.
You’ll encounter mixed surface events in Horizon Adventures and specific story missions. The variety in terrain means your car needs to adapt to the changing surface conditions without losing control or speed.
What Should You Look for in a Car for Mixed Surface Racing?
When choosing a car for mixed surface events, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD): While rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars have their place, AWD cars are usually the best choice for mixed surfaces. AWD provides better grip, especially on dirt and gravel, and helps prevent spinning out when shifting between surfaces.
Suspension: A good suspension system is crucial. On mixed surfaces, your car will need to absorb shocks and bumps, which means having a suspension that can handle rough terrain without sacrificing stability on smoother tarmac.
Power and Torque: You want a car that’s fast enough on tarmac but also able to handle the low-speed traction demands of off-road sections. Too much power can result in uncontrollable slides, while too little can leave you stuck in the mud.
Tires and Traction: Tires are key when it comes to dealing with different surfaces. Certain off-road tires give you more grip on dirt and gravel, but they might not perform as well on tarmac. Ideally, you want a car with tires that can strike a good balance.
What Are the Best Cars for Mixed Surface Events in Forza Horizon 6?
Now let’s look at some cars that fit the bill. These are cars that can handle the demands of mixed surfaces, balancing speed, control, and handling in all conditions.
1. Audi RS7 (2024)
Why it’s great for mixed surfaces: The Audi RS7 is a powerhouse of a car with AWD, making it a great pick for races that include tarmac and gravel. Its adaptive suspension system helps smooth out the rough stuff while keeping things responsive on smoother roads. The RS7 is fast enough to make good use of its speed on straight stretches of tarmac but also handles off-road sections without too much struggle.
Tips: Since the RS7 can be quite powerful, it’s important to tune it to avoid oversteering, especially on corners with mixed surfaces. Consider adjusting the suspension to soften it for better handling over bumps.
2. Ford Bronco R
Why it’s great for mixed surfaces: The Ford Bronco R is built for off-roading, but it doesn’t neglect tarmac handling. With a rugged suspension and the ability to tackle dirt, gravel, and mud with ease, it’s one of the most reliable cars for mixed surface events. The Bronco R’s AWD system ensures a steady grip on nearly every surface you’ll face.
Tips: This car has a fair amount of weight, so it’s important to manage speed on tighter turns, especially on off-road sections. But with a bit of tuning, it can handle corners well.
3. Subaru WRX STI (2020)
Why it’s great for mixed surfaces: The Subaru WRX STI is a classic choice for mixed surface events. This car excels in dirt and gravel and is incredibly stable due to its AWD setup. It’s not just great for rally-style races but also performs on tarmac with decent speed. The car’s balance makes it ideal for players who want a dependable all-rounder.
Tips: Be mindful of how much you push this car on high-speed tarmac sections. It’s built for more technical, low-speed driving, so adjust your driving style to fit that.
4. Porsche 911 Dakar
Why it’s great for mixed surfaces: The Porsche 911 Dakar combines the sleek, high-performance nature of the 911 with off-road capability. It’s an excellent car for players who want the thrill of a sports car but with the utility of a car that can handle mixed surfaces. With AWD and a tuned suspension, the 911 Dakar can go fast on tarmac and grip well on gravel or dirt.
Tips: This car requires a bit of finesse, especially on the dirt. You’ll need to balance power and control carefully to avoid oversteering, especially when pushing through tight corners.
5. Toyota GR Yaris
Why it’s great for mixed surfaces: The GR Yaris is a rally-inspired car that’s nimble, fast, and incredibly responsive. With its AWD system and lightweight design, it’s great for tight corners and quick reactions, especially on mixed surfaces where you need to constantly adjust for terrain changes.
Tips: The GR Yaris is perfect for players who like to stay agile and quick. It’s not the fastest in a straight line, but its handling on off-road sections gives it a major advantage in tight races.
6. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2019)
Why it’s great for mixed surfaces: The Corvette ZR1 is an underrated car for mixed surfaces due to its powerful engine and surprisingly effective AWD system. While it’s a pure sports car on tarmac, it handles surprisingly well when you need it to, on dirt and gravel. The ZR1’s control on mixed surfaces comes from its advanced suspension system.
Tips: The key to getting the most out of the Corvette ZR1 in mixed surface events is keeping things balanced. The car’s power is impressive, but it can spin out easily on gravel, so it’s important to avoid sudden acceleration on off-road sections.
7. BMW M5 Competition
Why it’s great for mixed surfaces: The BMW M5 Competition is a high-performance sedan with a well-balanced AWD system. It provides excellent control and comfort on both tarmac and rougher surfaces. Its low center of gravity helps keep it stable, even on the trickiest parts of mixed surface tracks.
Tips: Focus on keeping the car’s stability in check. Though the M5 is a great all-rounder, its power can be overwhelming in tight corners, so it’s important to learn how to manage that torque.
Do You Need to Mod Your Car for Mixed Surface Events?
While stock cars in Forza Horizon 6 can handle mixed surface events reasonably well, you may want to consider modding your car for optimal performance. Modding your car gives you the flexibility to tweak things like tire pressure, suspension height, and power output to better suit mixed surfaces.
If you're looking for a shortcut, you can always grab a discount FH6 Modded Account, which allows you to access modded cars or fully tuned vehicles that can save you time and effort in preparing your ride.
Mixed surface events in Forza Horizon 6 require a well-rounded car that can handle a range of conditions. AWD is a major advantage, and suspension, tires, and power output are all factors you’ll need to balance. Whether you choose a powerhouse like the Audi RS7 or a versatile car like the Subaru WRX STI, there are plenty of options to suit your racing style.
Remember to experiment with car tuning to optimize performance based on the event type. By understanding what each car excels at, you can dominate mixed surface events without having to worry about losing traction or control.