Although most developers do an admirable job these days of creating a driving system within each racing game to accommodate both wheel and controller approaches, my preference will always be that of a wheel. Specific titles lend themselves better to a controller, with the Need for Speed series and Grid series coming to mind. With that said, many titles offer an entirely different experience when utilized with a racing wheel peripheral. Gran Turismo 7 is one of those tiles. I have been lucky enough to race the latest release from Polyphony with multiple wheel options, and here are my favorite wheels that will seamlessly take your GT7 experience to a higher level — and do so in different ways depending on how eager you are to jump into the world of sim racing.
Best Steering Wheels For Gran Turismo 7
Entry Point
Logitech Driving Force G29
Initially released in 2015, the G29 is still a trendy and serviceable racing wheel eight years later and is an excellent entry-point wheel for those looking for a realistic experience on the track without breaking the bank.
The tagline for the wheel says it all: “Engineered for the perfect driving experience with dual-motor force feedback, stainless steel paddle shifters, and hand-stitched leather wheel. Adjustable floor pedals let you accelerate, brake, and change gears with the feel of an actual car.”
The G29 provides a highly compact experience for those with less space, can be unhooded and stored away quickly, and can be reattached again easily and be ready to go.
The wheel feels amazing after it initializes, and you will see the difference almost instantly, especially maneuvering around opponents and navigating tight corners and S-curves. I purchased a brand-new Logitech G29 wheel as a backup plan for racing games when I only want to clamp the wheel on the desk and drive.
The G29 wheel works flawlessly with GT7, and while it may not provide the same type of detailed precision and feedback as some of the other higher-priced wheels on this list, if you’re looking to open that door to the world of racing wheels, the G29 is an excellent choice for both GT7 and several other racing titles on the PS4/PS5 and PC.
The Logitech G29 can still be purchased directly from the company’s official site or several other large retail stores, such as Best Buy and Amazon, for around $200-$299 (USD).
Thrustmaster T80
While the T80 wheel has limitations, if you are genuinely jumping in the peripheral game for the first time, it’s a wheel that works well with GT7, is fully compatible, and won’t completely drain your bank account. Coming in at anywhere from $99 to $140, the T80 is a wheel that lets you dip your toe in the water and see if it’s a world you want to continue to play in.
According to Thrustmaster: “The T80 puts control right at your fingertips with its two digital gear shift paddles, 11 action buttons, and D-pad. This fully programmable controller has adjustable steering sensitivity for more precise control, and the natural linear resistance and automatic re-centering immerse you in the game.”
I have used the Thrustmaster T80, and while the quality of the product feels a bit reduced from my other entry-point wheel, once I had the wheel locked firmly into place, it was a comfortable experience, with the most significant drawback being the plastic feel of both the wheel and the base.
Again, if you’re trying to see if a wheel is a right move for you when approaching GT7 and racing, the T80 feels more like a quick lunch date and less like a marriage proposal.
Runner-Ups
Logitech G923
The successor to the Logitech G29 mentioned above, the G923 makes a list as a runner-up, primarily because of the improved force feedback and introduction of Logitech’s proprietary vibration system, titled “TrueForce.” The wheel also introduces RPM LEDs, a progressive brake spring, and the materials used to craft the wheel are slightly upgraded over the original G29.
There is nothing introduced in the G923 that I consider groundbreaking. Still, the improved precision and the addition of “TrueForce” lend themselves well to Gran Turismo 7, and the wheel carries a user-friendly “plug-and-play” style.
According to Logitech, The G923 offers, “exclusive TRUEFORCE feedback that connects directly to in-game physics for unprecedented realism. Premium build featuring aluminum paddle shifters, hand-stitched leather wheel, and pressure-sensitive brake system.”
If you already own a G29 that you’re currently using for GT7 that is still in stable condition, the upgrade is most likely worth it. Still, there will be times when both wheels will react almost identically, so understand what you are upgrading to, which is a slightly better physical and visual overall experience in Gran Turismo 7 that might deliver that final push you need to reach the podium.
Thrustmaster T300 RS – Gran Turismo Edition
The T300 RS GTE is a great mid-range wheel for someone looking to start taking sim-racing seriously without severe financial regrets. This also assumes you’re buying the base model, which can be purchased through the Thrustmaster website for around $460 for the PS5 GT-series wheel.
If you want to add the next upgrade level of wheel and pedals, you could easily tack on another $500. So, when some refer to this as an entry-level wheel, it’s all about perspective and your willingness to invest in your hobby for a better experience with GT7 and other racing titles.
Whether you choose the base or the upgraded model, the Thrustmaster T300 RS GTE is a great wheel. It provides an excellent overall experience with GT7, with my only complaint being that the wheel feels a bit small in my hands.
If you can handle the more petite wheel frame, then the Thrustmaster T300 RS wheel offers a precise feel when rounding the corners and navigating the road courses. Also, the dual-belt force feedback system provides a robust but quiet feedback experience.
Favorite Choice
Fanatec Podium F1
Some may disagree with this selection, but I have owned this fantastic system from Fanatec for almost two years, and this wheel has proven to be the most responsive and smoothest experience for me.
Yes, Fanatec products are pricey, and this wheel will most likely set you back roughly between $1,000-$1,500 to add to your library of peripherals. Still, you will know where that money was spent with the quality of handling, precision, and feedback.
Gran Turismo 7 is truly an experience on the road, with a large selection of wonderfully detailed tracks and over 150 incredibly detailed vehicles.
Sliding behind the Fanatec Podium wheel takes the overall experience with Gran Turismo 7 to another level, but there is a price associated with it. That said, Fanatec has zero issues with their claim that, “The Podium Racing Wheel F1 combines breakthrough technology with years of simulation hardware experience. Fanatec Direct Drive has no equal. It is the most realistic force feedback system ever on a console.” And for what it is worth, I agree.
Bottom Line
These are five of my favorite wheels in conjunction with Polyphony’s Gran Turismo 7. While the game was released in March 2022, if you’re as big of a GT fan as I am, you will be racing the latest release up until the next iteration, which I’m guessing will be right around the release of the PS6. Investing in a wheel can be oddly stressful, so do your research, decide what works best for you, and understand the level of passion you have before taking that financial leap.
Related: Best PC Racing Wheels for Gran Turismo 7 on PC Invasion
Published: Jan 16, 2023 02:30 pm