GTA 6 Driving: 6 Ways Handling, Theft and Car Upgrades Change

GTA 6 driving is heavier and more physical than GTA 5. Rockstar says real race drivers helped tune the handling, and Rockstar North’s Rob Nelson said the cars have GTA 4’s sense of weight “only in the best way possible”. Upgrades now change how a car performs, not just how it looks. (Confirmed)

1. Real race drivers tuned the GTA 6 driving

Rockstar says actual racing drivers worked with the team on vehicle handling. (Confirmed)

2. GTA 4’s weight, without the frustration

Asked whether GTA 6 drives as “weighty” as GTA 4, Rob Nelson answered: “only in the best way possible.” (Confirmed, preview interview) GTA 4’s cars felt heavy and realistic but could be hard to control; GTA 5’s were lighter and more arcade-like. People who watched the Extended Look describe braking, cornering and crashes in GTA 6 as more physical than GTA 5. (Reported)

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3. Upgrades change performance

According to Rockstar’s comments around the Extended Look, customisation and upgrades affect performance and handling, not just looks. (Confirmed) The Ultimate Edition even adds two mod shops, Rideout Customs and One-eyed Willie’s at Lake Leonida. See GTA 6 editions.

4. Stealing cars is quieter (or louder)

In the Extended Look, Jason opens a car with a slim-jim tool and a timed meter instead of smashing the window. (Confirmed, shown) Previews also describe a phone app that scans a car’s value, locks and tracking before you steal it. (Reported)

5. Your car is evidence

In GTA 6, police track the vehicle you were seen in. Ditching it, swapping it or setting it on fire helps you lose them. (Confirmed, shown) The full system is explained in GTA 6 wanted system.

6. Driving details you’ll notice

• A 3D map in the corner makes city navigation easier. (Confirmed, shown)
• Convertible roofs fold down while you drive. (Confirmed, shown)
• Shooting out tyres stops pursuing police cars. (Confirmed, shown)
• Races include street cars, stock cars and dirt bikes. (Confirmed, shown)

Not confirmed yet

Fuel and refuelling, a full tuning menu and a vehicle count haven’t been shown or confirmed. (Not confirmed) We’ll update this after launch with our own hands-on impressions.

My take

Driving physics can make or break a GTA game. GTA 4 felt heavy, GTA 5 felt arcade-like, and I’ve always wanted something in between. From what Rockstar has shown, GTA 6 cars seem to have more weight and feel. As someone who made custom missions with chases in GTA 5, I know how much good handling adds. If police chases feel as intense as they look, I’ll be causing trouble just to test it.

GTA 6 driving: FAQ

Is GTA 6 driving like GTA 4 or GTA 5?

Closer to GTA 4’s weight, per Rob Nelson, but Rockstar says it avoids GTA 4’s frustrations.

Does GTA 6 have first-person driving?

Rockstar hasn’t confirmed first-person mode for launch. (Not confirmed)

Which cars are confirmed?

See GTA 6 cars.

Watch the driving footage in Rockstar’s Extended Look on YouTube, and see the official GTA VI site. Launch date: 19 November 2026.