Summary
The twenty-second game in theNeed for Speedfranchise has been released on current-generation consoles and has received high praise from fans of the genre as well as returning players for the new features and mechanics that have been introduced.Need for Speed Unboundhits the scene as another radical overhaul of the game’s core structure adding new racing events,optional visual effects, and the ability to create a racing avatar.
However, the vehicle makes the racer, and players will need top-of-the-line cars to cut it in the competitive racing scene. Specifically, the drift events players will take part in will need vehicles that perform the best in that category. With this in mind, players will no doubt be looking for the best cars for drifting inNeed for Speed Unbound.
Updated on May 29, 2025, by Vlad Mazanko:Staying true to its live-service model, Need for Speed Unbound has received nine content updates (known as Volumes) over the course of two years. The latest update, Vol. 9, marked the conclusion of the game’s extended post-launch support — longer than any previous entry in the series — and came with several surprises, including the introduction ofmotorbikes and new game modes. For drifting enthusiasts, the standout update was Vol. 7, which focused on drifting, bringing entirely new drift physics and dedicated drifting events exclusively available in online mode.
To get started, players need to purchase a special performance part, the Drift Pro Tires, which unlocks a new universal handling model for any car. Once installed, these tires override the ability to manually adjust grip/drift balance, applying a standardized drifting mechanic across all vehicles equipped with them for use in Drift Pro Events. This means that the choice of car becomes less critical, allowing players to enjoy the new handling system with any vehicle.
However, for fans of the single-player career mode, the new Drift Pro mode and handling model aren’t available, making the choice of a suitable vehicle for traditional drift events more important. To make things easier, players should pay attention to car handling stats in the autoshow when buying a new vehicle. Opting for a car with 20% to 40% drift handling offers a solid starting point for drift events. Additionally, players can further fine-tune a car’s handling in the dedicated menu, even transforming grip-focused cars into drift-ready machines with the right adjustments.
20Chevrolet Camaro SS 350 (1967)
A Solid Entry Point For Drifting Newcomers
The1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS 350is a solid choice for any drift newcomer, providing an affordable and reliable foundation for turning this vehicle into a powerful drifting muscle setup.Starting in B class, this vehicle may lack the speed and acceleration needed for more extensive slides, but investing in its performance parts can help. This car has appeared in manyNFStitles and beyond, making it a classic choice for long-term racing enthusiasts.
Alternatively, players can choose the Dodge Charger R/T as one of their first and most affordable drift rides inNeed for Speed Unbound. This muscle car shares almost the same behavior on the road as the Camaro SS when properly tuned for drift events.
19Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X MR (2008)
Powerful A-Class Event Vehicle
Mitsubishi’s line of vehicles is a mix of style and performance that is very popular in racing communities both in and out of the professional scene. InNeed for Speed Unbound, theMitsubishi Lancer Evolution Xis an available vehicle priced at forty-eight thousand and sitting at B-tier with stock parts.
The Evolution X also comes with a strong base top speed of 157 mph and a five-second 0-60. Despite its initial grip setup, with appropriate tuning, it can have a big impact on any drift track. Alternatively, players can choose an older model, the Lancer Evolution IX, which is almost as good for drifting as this newer iteration.
18Ford Crown Victoria EN144 (2008)
Great Turning Potential
TheFord Crown Victoriais a great vehicle from the motor to the muffler. Made famous as the stock car for most law enforcement agencies, these are vehicles that show up in real life and in the majority of racing games. The Crown Vic packs a massive amount of power, making it suitable for several setups.
Outfitting the Crown Vic for drifting doesn’t take much, as its turning potential suits it from the start. At a base price of thirty thousand, it’s worth a little elbow grease to pull out some top-notch abilities from the car. Note that at one point in career mode, players get a chance to win a pre-tuned variant of this car with a wide body kit and a unique livery. All they have to do from there is tweak this custom car’s handling to optimize it for drifting.
17BMW M3 Evolution II E30 (1988)
Good All-Around Performance
A fusion of style and speed, theBMW M3 EvolutionIIis a rare sight to behold on the street but is more than capable of holding its own and turning corners with efficient and controlled drifts. This classic sports car is beloved by many racing enthusiasts, previously appearing in many otherNFSentries throughout the years.
With a strong setup and a close eye to detailed tuning, the M3 will surprise players who decide to give the vehicle a chance. While not as stacked as the rest of the cars on this list, the BMW M3 Evolution II will turn some heads and fill some pockets inNeed for Speed Unbound.
16Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 (2014)
Powerful Acceleration
Dodge has a long history of racing both on official tracks and in street-level competitions. While not represented thoroughly in the drift scene, theDodge Challengerdoes have a presence, hitting curves across the asphalt and keeping pace with some of the top contenders in the sport.
With a top speed of over 180 miles per hour, the acceleration of the Challenger is more than enough to hit a turn with maximum velocity and keep a smooth glide with the right build. In truth, any modern powerful Dodge can be purchased instead of the Challenger (such as the Charger SRT Hellcat or SRT Viper), offering that same monster acceleration and muscle handling that are ideal for drifts.
15Honda S2000 AP2 (2009)
Great Compact Construction
TheHonda S200is a great all-around vehicle with a powerful punch wrapped in a small package of pristine steel and acceleration. Thanks to its size, the Honda 2000 can have a big impact on the street in a number of events but can shine bright in drifting.
Able to hit a fast top speed, especiallywith the right parts equipped, the Honda 2000 can slide around a turn and get back on the straightaway at the driver’s discretion. With a few performance upgrades, this could be one of the most productive vehicles for drifting in the A+ class, scoring wonderful amounts of prize points, especially on the narrow mountain peaks in countryside areas.
14BMW M4 Coupé LCI F82 (2018)
Solid Performance In All Factors
BMW’s line of vehiclesis not well known for their racing capabilities. However, they are seen more often in drift competitions for their speed and control. TheBMW M4 Coupehas a sleek modern design similar to most modern cars, which sets it apart from other BMW vehicles.
InNeed for Speed Unbound, the M4 Coupe performs exceptionally in multiple events but will reach its full potential in the drift category. Having a top speed of 186 miles per hour, the M4 Coupe has superb handling and a 20 percent drift handling value that makes it perfect for hitting corners.
13Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition Z34 (2019)
Exclusive Modernized Edition Of A Legendary Drift Icon
Yet another Nissan with exceptional drifting potential, theNissan 370Z Heritage Editionbuilds upon the legacy of the 350Z, a staple in the drifting community. As the “younger sibling,” it’s no surprise that the 370Z performs just as impressively, sharing much of the same build with a few notable improvements.
What makes the Heritage Edition particularly interesting is its limited-production status — only 1,000 units were built and sold. While it doesn’t feature major performance or handling upgrades aside from an improved transmission and clutch, the model boasts a variety of aesthetic enhancements. These include redesigned exterior lights, smoked chrome door handles, and the exclusive Chicane Yellow Heritage Edition color with black stripe decals.
Bringing the 370Z Heritage Edition, equipped with a custom drifting build, to the track inNFS Unboundnot only showcases its impressive potential but also reflects the driver’s appreciation for rare and exclusive vehicles, making a bold statement while dominating the competition.
12Mazda RX-8 Spirit R R3 (2011)
A Reliable Drifting Setup You Can’t Go Wrong With
While Mazda may not have the same deep connection to the drifting scene as Nissan, some of its models, such as the legendary RX-7 and the equally notableRX-8 Spirit R, are among the top choices for drifting inNFS Unboundand beyond. The RX-8 Spirit R is almost identical to the base facelifted RX-8 model from 2004 but stands out as the final limited-edition version of this iconic vehicle. It includes a few performance tweaks along with exclusive interior and exterior details that enhance its appeal as a recognizable sports car.
A staple of theNeed for Speedseries, the RX-8 rose to fame inMost Wantedas Mia’s car, gaining a loyal fan base. While it may not be as synonymous with drifting as the RX-7, the RX-8 Spirit R’s potential shines with the right tuning inNFS Unbound, offering impressive sliding performance and precise control through its classic RWD setup.
11Buick Regal Grand National GNX (1987)
Great Foundation For Surprising Performance
To maximize the number of points scored in drifting events inNeed for Speed Unbound, players will need to optimize the amount of slide without losing control of their vehicle. A vehicle that can quickly rev up to top speed and fishtail on command is therefore ideal for such events, and players could do a lot worse than theBuick Grand National GNX.
The Grand National GNX is a tuned-up Grand National with more power than its predecessor. In the game, the GNX has a top speed of 185 miles per hour with a 20 percent drift value. With the acceleration of the GNX, drivers will reach the perfect speed right before hitting a corner, faster than most of the other great drifting cars in the game.
