An Informational Guide to the Best Steering Wheels for Gran Turismo 7 (2025)

For many enthusiasts, Gran Turismo 7 is more than just a game; it’s a deep and immersive driving simulation. While a standard controller offers a functional way to play, using a dedicated steering wheel can fundamentally transform the experience, elevating realism and control. A quality wheel translates the game’s sophisticated physics into tangible forces, allowing you to feel the loss of traction, the texture of the road, and the weight transfer of the car.

This guide is a purely informational resource designed to provide a clear, objective analysis of some of the most popular Gran Turismo 7 steering wheels compatible with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. We will explore the technology that powers these devices, present a detailed comparison of key models, and provide an in-depth analysis to help you understand which option aligns best with your specific needs and setup. This is not a list of recommendations, but rather a factual overview to aid in your research. For those looking for the best sim racing wheel for PS5 in general, many of these principles will also apply.

Understanding Steering Wheel Technology for Gran Turismo 7

Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to understand the core technologies that differentiate steering wheels. These factors directly impact performance, feel, and price.

Drive Systems: Direct Drive, Belt-Drive, and Gear-Driven

The mechanism that generates force feedback is the heart of any racing wheel. There are three primary types:

• Gear-Driven: This system uses gears to connect the motor to the wheel. It is a cost-effective solution found in many entry-level wheels. While reliable, it can sometimes feel less smooth or “notchy” compared to belt-driven systems, and the force feedback details can be less nuanced.
• Belt-Driven: This system uses a belt and pulley system to transfer force from the motor. The result is a much smoother and often more detailed force feedback experience. Belt-drive is a significant step up from gear-driven systems and is common in mid-range wheels.
• Direct Drive: In a direct drive wheel, the steering wheel is mounted directly to the motor shaft. This method provides the most powerful, detailed, and instantaneous force feedback possible, as there are no gears or belts to dampen the effects. This is the technology used in professional simulators and high-end consumer products.

The Critical Role of Force Feedback (FFB)

Force Feedback (FFB) is the primary feature that simulates the feeling of driving a real car. It’s a system of motors that provides resistance and vibration through the steering wheel. Good FFB allows you to feel:

• The grip of your tires on the road surface.
• The understeer and oversteer when you lose traction.
• The bumps and kerbs on the track.
• The weight of the car shifting during turns.

Expert Insight: Some budget-oriented wheels use simple vibration or bungee cord systems for resistance. It is crucial to distinguish this from true force feedback, which uses motors to actively simulate torque and road feel.

Key Considerations: Rotation, Build Quality, and Pedals

• Rotation Angle: Measured in degrees, this indicates how far the wheel can turn from lock to lock. A 900° or 1080° rotation allows for more realistic input, similar to a real road car.
• Build Quality: Materials like metal and leather not only enhance the tactile feel but also contribute to the durability of the wheel base and rim.
• Pedals: A pedal set’s quality is just as important as the wheel’s. Look for metal construction and, for a more advanced experience, a “load cell” brake. A load cell measures braking force based on pressure, not travel distance, which is far more realistic than the potentiometer-based pedals found in most entry-level sets.

Comparison of Gran Turismo 7 Compatible Steering Wheels

This table provides a high-level, glanceable overview of the key specifications for the wheels discussed in this guide.

Detailed Analysis of Steering Wheels for Gran Turismo 7

Here, we’ll explore each model in greater detail, focusing on its technology and intended user.

Logitech G29 Driving Force

Overview & Core Technology

The Logitech G29 is one of the most popular entry-level force feedback wheels. It utilizes a dual-motor, gear-driven system to deliver force feedback. While not as smooth as a belt-driven system, its gear drive is known for its reliability and distinct feeling of forces.

Performance and User Experience

For players moving from a controller, the G29 offers a transformative experience. The force feedback effectively communicates the car’s behavior, and the 900° rotation adds a significant layer of realism. The integrated RPM/Shift indicator LEDs on the wheel hub are a unique feature in its class, supported by Gran Turismo 7. Its main competitor is often considered the Logitech G923, which adds TRUEFORCE haptic feedback for a slightly higher price.

Build Quality and Pedal Set

The wheel rim is wrapped in hand-stitched leather, providing a high-quality feel. The paddle shifters are made of stainless steel. The included three-pedal set is a major strength, though the progressive brake pedal is famously stiff, which some users find realistic while others find it challenging without a proper mount.

Key Specifications

• Drive System: Gear-Driven
• Rotation: 900°
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
• Materials: Leather-wrapped wheel, stainless steel shifters and pedals
• Pedals: 3-pedal set (Throttle, Brake, Clutch)

Ideal User Profile

The Logitech G29 is well-suited for beginners entering the world of sim racing or casual players seeking a significant upgrade from a standard controller without a substantial financial investment.

Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Edition

Overview & Core Technology

The Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Edition represents a step up into the mid-range. Its core is a dual-belt, brushless motor system. This technology provides significantly smoother, more fluid, and often more detailed force feedback than gear-driven alternatives.

Performance and User Experience

The dual-belt system eliminates the “notchy” feeling associated with gears, resulting in a more realistic and immersive experience. The forces are strong and nuanced, allowing drivers to better sense the limits of grip. The 1080° rotation offers ample range for all types of vehicles in Gran Turismo 7. The T300 base is also part of Thrustmaster’s ecosystem, allowing users to swap wheel rims.

Build Quality and Pedal Set

The GT Edition is officially licensed by Gran Turismo and features a detachable wheel with brushed metal spokes. Its key advantage over the standard T300 RS is the inclusion of the T3PA-GT three-pedal set, which features metal pedal heads and a conical rubber brake mod for progressive resistance.

Key Specifications

• Drive System: Dual Belt-Drive
• Rotation: 1080°
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
• Materials: Metal spokes, rubber grips, all-metal pedals
• Pedals: T3PA-GT 3-pedal set

Ideal User Profile

This wheel is an excellent choice for serious enthusiasts who want a higher fidelity force feedback experience and value the smoothness and detail that a belt-drive system provides.

Thrustmaster T150 RS

Overview & Core Technology

The Thrustmaster T150 RS is positioned as an entry-level force feedback wheel, competing directly with the Logitech G29. It employs a hybrid belt-pulley and gear system for its force feedback, aiming to combine the smoothness of a belt with the affordability of gears.

Performance and User Experience

The force feedback on the T150 is generally considered to be slightly smoother than purely gear-driven wheels, though perhaps not as powerful. It offers a full 1080° of rotation, providing flexibility for different driving styles. It delivers all the essential FFB cues needed to improve your driving in-game.

Build Quality and Pedal Set

The build of the T150 is more functional than premium, with a plastic wheel rim featuring rubber grips. A key distinction from the models above is its standard two-pedal set. The pedals are plastic and lack the progressive resistance of the G29 or T300 RS GT’s brake pedals. A “Pro” version is sometimes available that bundles a three-pedal set.

Key Specifications

• Drive System: Hybrid (Gear + Belt)
• Rotation: 1080°
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
• Materials: Plastic wheel with rubber grips
• Pedals: Standard 2-pedal set (Throttle, Brake)

Ideal User Profile

The T150 RS is a solid entry point for players on a tighter budget who want to experience true force feedback and are willing to forgo the premium materials and the third pedal of more expensive models.

HORI Racing Wheel Apex (RWA)

Overview & Core Technology

The HORI Racing Wheel Apex occupies the budget segment of the market. It is crucial to note that the RWA does not feature true force feedback. Instead, it uses a bungee cord system for resistance and a vibration motor (similar to a DualSense controller’s rumble) to simulate road effects.

Performance and User Experience

The experience is a significant step up from a controller in terms of ergonomics, but it lacks the critical communication that force feedback provides. The wheel will resist turning and vibrate, but it won’t actively inform you about understeer or traction loss. The maximum rotation is limited to 270°, which is more akin to an arcade racer than a simulator.

Build Quality and Pedal Set

The unit is constructed primarily of plastic. It mounts securely with clamps and offers a full-size wheel rim with rubberized grips. The included two-pedal set is basic but functional for acceleration and braking inputs.

Key Specifications

• Drive System: Bungee Cord (No FFB)
• Rotation: 270°
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
• Materials: Plastic with rubber grips
• Pedals: 2-pedal set

Ideal User Profile

The HORI RWA is for the highly budget-conscious player or a younger gamer whose primary goal is to have the physical form factor of a steering wheel and pedals without the cost associated with force feedback technology.

Thrustmaster T248

Overview & Core Technology

The Thrustmaster T248 is a modern entry-to-mid-range wheel designed to deliver next-generation features. It uses a new hybrid drive system (belt and gear) that Thrustmaster claims is 70% more powerful than the T150. Its standout features are its magnetic paddle shifters and the included T3PM magnetic pedal set.

Performance and User Experience

The T248 offers strong and clear force feedback with three selectable presets (FFB 1, FFB 2, FFB 3) that allow users to tailor the feel without diving into complex menus. The integrated digital dashboard is a major asset, capable of displaying race info like position, lap time, or gear. The magnetic paddle shifters provide an exceptionally crisp and fast-shifting action.

Build Quality and Pedal Set

The wheel features a premium design with leather wrapping on the outer-facing portion of the wheel. The main attraction is the T3PM pedal set. The use of H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensors means there are no potentiometers to wear out over time, increasing precision and lifespan. The brake pedal also offers four different pressure modes for user customization.

Key Specifications

• Drive System: Hybrid (Gear + Belt)
• Rotation: 900°
• Compatibility: PS5, PS4, PC
• Materials: Leather-wrapped wheel
• Pedals: T3PM 3-pedal magnetic set

Ideal User Profile

The T248 is for the new or intermediate user who values modern features like magnetic shifters, a high-quality pedal set, and an interactive display, and wants a powerful force feedback experience right out of the box.

Choosing the Right Wheel for Your Gran Turismo 7 Experience

A comprehensive sim racing setup guide would involve many components, but the wheel is the centerpiece. The ideal choice depends entirely on your goals and budget.

For the Casual Enthusiast

For players primarily looking to have more fun and a more immersive experience than a controller provides, wheels like the Logitech G29 or Thrustmaster T150 RS offer an excellent entry into the world of force feedback. They deliver the core experience needed to feel more connected to the car without requiring a significant investment.

For the Dedicated Sim Racer

Players who are serious about improving their lap times and want a more authentic, detailed experience should look towards belt-driven systems like the Thrustmaster T300 RS GT Edition. The smoothness and clarity of the force feedback can provide a competitive edge and a more satisfying driving feel. The Thrustmaster T248 is also a strong contender in this space due to its modern features and excellent magnetic pedal set. For those with a larger budget and dedicated space, investing in a solid best racing wheel stand or a full sim racing cockpit is crucial to get the most out of any wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Kenji Tanaka

With a background in mechanical engineering and over a decade in competitive sim racing, Kenji serves as our lead Sim Racing Physics & Hardware Analyst. He deconstructs complex topics like force feedback and suspension geometry, helping readers understand the crucial engineering behind a perfect lap time. Kenji’s passion is to translate real-world motorsport principles into actionable knowledge for the sim racing community.