Best PS2 Racing Games of 2025

Ethan Nicholls Avatar
Ethan Nicholls
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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PS2 racing games are a popular form of entertainment for gamers who enjoy the thrill of high-speed racing. These games offer a range of vehicles to choose from, including cars, bikes, and even boats. With realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, players can experience the adrenaline rush of racing on various tracks and terrains. Whether you are a fan of arcade-style racing or prefer realistic simulations, there is a PS2 racing game to suit your taste. With a variety of game modes, customization options, and multiplayer capabilities, these games offer hours of entertainment for racing enthusiasts of all ages.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Gran Turismo 4 for PS2 with Realistic Physics Cover #TOP 1
Gran Turismo 4 for PS2 with Realistic Physics
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Need for Speed: Carbon for PS2 Cover #TOP 2
Need for Speed: Carbon for PS2
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Burnout 3: Takedown Action Racing Game Cover #TOP 3
Burnout 3: Takedown Action Racing Game
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 PS2 Racing Games

#TOP 1

Gran Turismo 4 for PS2 with Realistic Physics

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Gran Turismo 4 for PS2 with Realistic Physics Cover
Gran Turismo 4 (PS2)

Gran Turismo 4 offers an enhanced gaming experience with a new physics engine, making cars easier to handle on the track. You will appreciate the incredible detail in over 500 vehicles, each featuring more than 5,000 polygons. With up to 100 courses available, from Nurburgring to New York City, you can explore diverse racing environments. Additionally, the game allows full customisation of vehicles, enabling you to tailor everything from racing tyres to gear ratios for optimal performance.

What We Like
Realistic car handling
Exceptional vehicle detail
Diverse racing courses
Full vehicle customisation
#TOP 2

Need for Speed: Carbon for PS2

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Need for Speed: Carbon for PS2 Cover
Need for Speed: Carbon (PS2)

Need for Speed: Carbon offers thrilling new race modes, including the Canyon Duel and Drift, which provide you with fresh challenges and excitement. You can race for control of the city, adding a strategic element to your gameplay. Customising your dream cars is made easy with the innovative Autosculpt tool, allowing you to personalise your vehicles to suit your style. Additionally, you can affiliate with different car classes, such as Tuner, American Muscle, or Exotic, giving you the chance to tailor your racing experience to your preferences.

What We Like
Exciting new race modes
Strategic city control racing
Personalised car customisation
Diverse car class options
#TOP 3

Burnout 3: Takedown Action Racing Game

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Burnout 3: Takedown Action Racing Game Cover
Burnout 3: Takedown (PS2)

Burnout 3 offers an exhilarating action racing experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The race mode features heart-pounding action, ensuring every moment is filled with excitement. You can also enjoy the crash mode, where you can unleash spectacular, high-speed destruction, adding a thrilling twist to your races. Additionally, you'll earn points not just for speed but for style, encouraging you to push your limits and showcase your skills. With single-player, multiplayer, and online modes, the fun never ends.

What We Like
Exciting racing action
Thrilling crash mode
Points for style
Multiple game modes
#TOP 4

Need For Speed Underground 2 Street-Racing Game

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Need For Speed Underground 2 Street-Racing Game Cover
Need For Speed Underground 2 (PS2)

Need For Speed Underground 2 offers an exhilarating street-racing experience. You can explore a vast city divided into five unique areas, making every race feel fresh and exciting. With hundreds of licensed aftermarket performance upgrades, you have the power to tune your car's performance to suit your racing style perfectly. The game features car models from popular manufacturers like Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, and Toyota, ensuring you can choose your favourite vehicle for the race. Whether you prefer single-player, multiplayer, or online modes, there's something for every racing enthusiast.

What We Like
Exciting street-racing gameplay
Massive city to explore
Extensive car tuning options
Variety of game modes
Licensed car models available
#TOP 5

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 for PS2

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Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 for PS2 Cover
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (PS2)

In Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, you can experience the thrill of outrunning the police in some of the fastest cars available. The game features immersive environments that change with the weather, allowing you to race through downpours and intense sunlight. You will also appreciate the spectacular crashes, complete with realistic damage that adds to the excitement. Additionally, the detailed reflections and lighting effects enhance the visual experience, making every race more engaging and enjoyable for you.

What We Like
Exciting police chases
Dynamic weather effects
Realistic crash mechanics
Stunning visual graphics
#TOP 6

Need for Speed Underground for PS2

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Need for Speed Underground for PS2 Cover
Need for Speed Underground (PS2)

Need for Speed Underground offers you 20 fully customizable, licensed cars, allowing you to personalise your vehicle to reflect your style. You can engage in unique racing events that provide thrilling challenges. With hundreds of ways to customise your ride, you can fine-tune performance and aesthetics to enhance your racing experience. The diverse urban nighttime environments create an immersive backdrop, making each race feel dynamic and exciting. This combination ensures you have an engaging and personalised racing adventure.

What We Like
Fully customisable cars
Unique racing events
Diverse environments
High-octane music
Online-compatible
#TOP 7

TOCA Race Driver 3 for PS2 with Box and Booklet

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TOCA Race Driver 3 for PS2 with Box and Booklet Cover
TOCA Race Driver 3 (PS2)

TOCA Race Driver 3 is an exciting racing game for the PS2 that comes boxed with a sleeve and a booklet. This means you receive everything you need for an authentic gaming experience. The game may show some usual wear and tear associated with used games, but this does not detract from the enjoyment. You can expect a thrilling experience as you race through various tracks and challenges, making it a great addition to your gaming collection.

What We Like
Includes original box and booklet
Exciting racing gameplay
Authentic gaming experience
Suitable for collectors
#TOP 8

Indycar Series 2005 PS2 Racing Game

Indycar Series 2005 PS2 Racing Game Cover
Indycar Series 2005 (PS2)

Indycar Series 2005 offers a thrilling racing experience with realistic driver AI and team tactics, allowing you to strategise like real IndyCar drivers. You can enhance your skills with insights from the Masterclass taught by Eddie Cheever Jr., gaining valuable knowledge on racing tactics. The game also lets you create personalised racing drivers and teams, giving a unique touch to your gameplay. Furthermore, the TV-style presentation immerses you fully in the IndyCar world, making every race feel authentic and engaging.

What We Like
Realistic driver AI
Masterclass by Eddie Cheever Jr.
Create personalised teams
Immersive TV-style presentation
Supports online multiplayer
#TOP 9

SBK-08 World Superbike 2008 for PS2

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SBK-08 World Superbike 2008 for PS2 Cover
SBK-08: World Superbike 2008 (PS2)

SBK-08 Superbike 2008 offers an accessible arcade mode, allowing you to jump straight into the action within seconds. For those who crave realism, the extreme simulation mode delivers a technically accurate experience that will satisfy even the most dedicated petrol heads. The game features four balanced racing styles, ensuring a genuine sense of progression and satisfaction as you improve your skills. With six diverse game modes, you can tailor your experience to suit your preferences and challenge friends around the globe.

What We Like
Easy pick-up-and-play
Realistic simulation mode
Balanced racing styles
Multiple game modes
#TOP 10

Space Race with Looney Tunes Characters

Space Race with Looney Tunes Characters Cover
Space Race (PS2)

Space Race PS2 offers an exciting gaming experience featuring beloved characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. With a total of 13 tracks, including 2 brand-new ones, you can enjoy racing in diverse environments. The game boasts 8 unique worlds, allowing you to explore various settings while you race. You'll also find wacky weapons from Acme that add a fun twist to gameplay, giving you the chance to gain an advantage over your opponents. This variety ensures endless fun, whether you play alone or with friends.

What We Like
Variety of beloved characters
Multiple exciting tracks
Unique game worlds
Fun wacky weapons
Single and multiplayer options
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the number 1 PS2 game?

The best-selling game on the PlayStation 2 is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. An action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North, San Andreas was originally released in North America on October 26, 2004, and went on to sell 17.33 million units worldwide.

2. Will PS2 games ever be valuable?

The PS2 will end up like the Sega Genesis in terms of value. As in, almost everything is dirt cheap, save a few eclectic titles. There's a possibility that the value will increase as the number of working systems declines, but history shows people will just want the Slim instead of the Phat.

Editor's Notes

During our ps2 racing game research, we found 157 ps2 racing game products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,674 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ps2 racing games list. We found that most customers choose ps2 racing games with an average price of £25.13.

The ps2 racing games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ps2 racing games, including Sony, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, SEGA, Codemasters. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 111 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ethan Nicholls Avatar

Ethan Nicholls is a developer from Manchester, and he is also a web content writer. Ethan is a first-class graduate from the department of electrical and electronics engineering, University of Surrey. Ethan has programmed series of software and games. When Ethan is not programming or developing software, he writes tips and tricks on passing tough levels in popular video games.