Forza Horizon 5 is still the undisputed king of arcade racing, and one question refuses to disappear from the community: Is there finally an S2-class car that can beat the Jesko?
S2-class racing is where Forza Horizon 5 becomes pure chaos—1,000+ horsepower builds, lightning-fast acceleration, and cars that punish even the smallest driving mistake. Over the years, balance updates, new car packs, and community tuning have reshaped the meta. Yet one name continues to dominate conversations: the Koenigsegg Jesko.
This guide breaks down the ultimate S2-class tier list for , ranking the strongest cars by real gameplay performance, not just top-speed numbers. We’ll cover highway runs, road circuits, technical tracks, tuning potential, and—most importantly—whether the Jesko is still untouchable.
What “S2-Class Dominance” Actually Means in
Many players assume S2 is just about top speed, but competitive FH5 players know better. In , the best S2 cars excel in three key areas:
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Acceleration and launch consistency
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Stability at extreme speeds
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Ability to handle corners without losing momentum
A car that only wins speed traps isn’t necessarily the best racer. The true S2 kings dominate multiple event types—from highway sprints to tight road circuits.
S-Tier: The Untouchable Elite
Koenigsegg Jesko – Still the Benchmark
The Koenigsegg Jesko remains the standard by which all S2 cars are judged. Even in , no other car combines top speed, acceleration, and tuning flexibility quite like it.
With the right build, the Jesko can exceed 300 mph on highways while remaining surprisingly stable. What truly keeps it at the top is versatility—it’s not just a speed-trap monster. Skilled drivers can make it competitive in road races, time attacks, and seasonal challenges.
Its weakness is control. The Jesko demands precision, smooth inputs, and confidence. But in the right hands, it still defines S2 dominance.
Verdict:
If you master it, nothing consistently beats it.
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport – The Controlled Challenger
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is the closest thing to a “Jesko alternative.” While it doesn’t reach the same extreme top speed, it offers exceptional stability and AWD grip, making it far easier to drive consistently.
In long road races and online events, the Chiron often outperforms the Jesko simply because it makes fewer mistakes. Its handling is predictable, launches are clean, and high-speed cornering feels far safer.
Verdict:
Slightly slower, but more forgiving—and deadly in skilled hands.
A-Tier: Cars That Can Beat the Jesko (Situationally)
Hennessey Venom F5 – Straight-Line Monster
The Hennessey Venom F5 is terrifying in short sprints and drag-style events. Its acceleration is explosive, and in races with minimal cornering, it can absolutely challenge—or even beat—the Jesko.
However, it’s less stable at extreme speeds and punishes over-correction. One mistake usually costs the race.
Best for:
Drag races, short sprints, speed traps.
Rimac Nevera – Acceleration King
Electric power changes everything, and the Rimac Nevera proves it. In S2, its instant torque gives it unmatched launch performance. On technical tracks with frequent corners, the Nevera can outpace hypercars with higher top speed.
Its limitation is obvious: it runs out of breath on long straights. Against a Jesko on highways, it simply can’t keep up.
Best for:
Technical circuits, tight road races, consistent lap times.
McLaren Speedtail – Smooth and Deadly
The McLaren Speedtail thrives in races where maintaining speed matters more than raw acceleration. It’s incredibly stable, forgiving, and perfect for players who dislike twitchy handling.
While it rarely wins outright against a Jesko on highways, it often places higher in online S2 races due to consistency.
Best for:
Road circuits, long races, clean driving styles.
B-Tier: Strong, but Meta-Dependent
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is one of the best all-rounders in S2. It lacks extreme top speed, but its acceleration and cornering make it incredibly competitive in ranked events.
It’s not a Jesko killer—but it wins races through consistency.
Lamborghini Sian
The Lamborghini Sian sits comfortably in B-tier. It performs well across most events but doesn’t dominate any single category. Players love it for its balance and reliability.
Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro
The Valkyrie AMR Pro excels on technical tracks with high downforce but struggles on highways. It’s devastating in the right race and average everywhere else.
C-Tier: Fast, but Outclassed
Cars in this tier are still very fast, but S2 competition is ruthless. These vehicles suffer from poor tuning flexibility, inconsistent handling, or outdated balance.
They’re fun, stylish, and viable for casual play—but rarely win against S- or A-tier cars in competitive environments.
Why the Jesko Still Rules in
The Jesko’s dominance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the ceiling. Other cars may be easier, safer, or more specialized, but none match the Jesko’s potential across all race types.
What keeps it on top:
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Unmatched top speed
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Flexible tuning options
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Competitive performance in multiple events
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Still favored by elite players
In Forza Horizon 5, skill plus Jesko remains the most dangerous combination.
Can Anything Truly Beat the Jesko?
The honest answer is: sometimes—but not consistently.
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On technical tracks, the Rimac Nevera can win
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In short sprints, the Venom F5 can surprise
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In long online races, the Chiron may finish higher
But across the entire S2 ecosystem, the Jesko still wins the war.
Choosing the Right S2 Car for You
If you’re chasing leaderboard glory, learn the Jesko.
If you want consistency and control, choose the Chiron.
If you love acceleration, go Rimac.
If you want balance, the SF90 or the Speedtail are excellent picks.
The “best” S2 car is ultimately the one you can drive at the limit without crashing.
Final Verdict
In the S2-class meta, the Koenigsegg Jesko is still the benchmark—and yes, it’s still the king. Other cars can challenge it in specific scenarios, but none have dethroned it across the full spectrum of Forza Horizon 5 events.
Until Playground Games dramatically rebalances S2—or introduces a true Jesko-level rival—the answer remains the same:
You can beat the Jesko.
But you can’t replace it.
And that’s exactly why it still defines S2 racing in Forza Horizon 5.