Top Rally-Ready Car Brands for Thrill-Seekers

Rally racing combines intense speed with challenging terrains, demanding excellence not only from the drivers but also from the cars they handle. Over the years, various automobile brands have stood out as leaders in the rally racing sphere, delivering vehicles that balance power, precision, and durability. These brands have crafted models specifically tailored to withstand the rigorous demands of rally circuits, ensuring reliability and top-notch performance. For a closer look at the best brands making waves in the rally scene, have a look below.

Illustration of car for rally

Best brands of car for rally in 2025

Subaru

Subaru is renowned as one of the best producers of rally cars, with a rich history in the World Rally Championship (WRC) that includes three manufacturers' championships in 1995, 1996, and 1997. The Subaru Impreza, in particular, has been a cornerstone of their rallying success, winning a record 46 rallies and earning a significant following among rally enthusiasts. In the Global Rallycross series, Subaru's WRX STI cars have demonstrated competitiveness, securing four podiums in the last five rounds of the 2017 season. Subaru's commitment to performance and innovative engineering has led to the development of advanced all-wheel-drive systems and turbocharged engines, technologies that have also enhanced their production vehicles. The brand's legacy is further highlighted by the achievements of standout drivers like Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and Petter Solberg. For more details about Subaru's offerings, visit their official website.

Ford

Ford is renowned as one of the top producers of cars for rally racing, particularly through its Ford World Rally Team. The team has secured three Manufacturers' Championships in 1979, 2006, and 2007, and one Drivers' Championship in 1979 with Bjorn Waldegard. They have achieved 76 rally wins throughout their history. The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth was a notable model, contributing significantly to their success with multiple podium finishes and a win in Corsica. Ford's commitment to innovation and performance has made them a formidable force in the World Rally Championship.

Toyota

Toyota is renowned as one of the top producers of cars for rally competitions, particularly with its entry into the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017 after a 17-year absence. The Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT team, based in Finland and led by Tommi Makinen, has achieved significant success, including winning the Manufacturers title in 2018 and subsequent drivers' crowns with Ott Tanak and Sebastien Ogier driving the Toyota Yaris WRC. As of 2022, Toyota has secured six WRC Manufacturers Titles, solidifying its position as the third most successful manufacturer in the championship. This success underscores Toyota's commitment to motorsport and its ability to produce high-performance vehicles. The Yaris WRC has been a key factor in Toyota's rally dominance. For more details, visit Toyota in motorsport.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is renowned as one of the top producers of rally cars, particularly through its Lancer Evolution series, which dominated the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the mid-1990s to early 2000s. The Lancer Evolution III, IV, and V models were especially dominant, with Tommi Makinen securing four consecutive Driver's Championships from 1996 to 1999. Mitsubishi's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement led to significant advancements in car design and performance, such as the sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems and turbocharged engines. The brand's success in the WRC was highlighted by its single manufacturers' championship win in 1998 with the Lancer Evolution V. The Lancer Evolution VII, though slightly heavier and less performance-oriented due to emission controls, still boasted a 50% increase in chassis rigidity compared to its predecessor.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen stands as a formidable force in the world of rally cars, particularly with the Volkswagen Polo R WRC, which dominated the World Rally Championship from 2013 to 2016. This car secured 43 wins out of 52 rallies, a remarkable win rate of 82.7%, and helped Volkswagen Motorsport win four consecutive Drivers' and Manufacturers' championships. Sebastien Ogier, a key driver, won 31 rallies and four consecutive FIA World Rally Championships for Drivers during this period. The Polo R WRC's success was unprecedented, breaking several records including twelve successive wins and securing both the Drivers' and Manufacturers' championships in its debut season. This car's performance cemented Volkswagen's reputation as a top-tier manufacturer in rally racing.

Citroën

Citroen proudly stands as the most successful manufacturer in the World Rally Championship (WRC) history, boasting an impressive record of 102 wins and 17 world championships. This dominance is significantly credited to Sebastien Loeb, who played a pivotal role in 77.5% of Citroen's victories, clinching all of its championships. Among Citroen's fleet, the C4 WRC holds the title of the most successful car with 36 wins, closely followed by the Xsara WRC with 32 wins, and the DS3 WRC with 26 wins. Citroen has further secured eight manufacturer titles, with driving legends such as Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, and Dani Sordo adding to their triumphs. Between 2003 and 2012, Citroen's remarkable achievement of eight WRC titles underscores their unwavering excellence in the sport. For more insights on Citroen's top winners, you can visit this page on DirtFish.

Hyundai

Hyundai has established itself as a formidable force in the world of rally racing, particularly through its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The Hyundai i20 WRC, developed from a blank sheet of paper to a competitive rally car in just 12 months, has secured significant victories, including a 1-2 finish in Germany and multiple podiums since its debut in 2014. In 2019, Hyundai was crowned the WRC manufacturers' champion, reinforcing its reputation with four wins during the season. The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid, with its 380hp engine and 134hp hybrid power, continues to showcase the brand's technological and performance capabilities. Hyundai's commitment to motorsport is further highlighted by its Rally2 program, which enhances its global motorsport image.

Peugeot

Peugeot is renowned as one of the best producers of rally cars, particularly highlighted by the success of the Peugeot 205 T16, which secured 16 rally wins and two driver and manufacturer championships in the Group B era. This model, produced from 1982 to 1985, was the most successful Group B rally car, outperforming competitors like the Audi quattro despite a shorter competition period. The 205 T16's road-going version required the production of 200 units for homologation, and it featured a powerful XU8T 1-4 DOHC 16v engine. Peugeot's dominance continued with the 206 WRC, which marked their return to the World Rally Championship after a 12-year absence. Today, Peugeot's Rally4 family, including the Peugeot 208 Rally4, has delivered over 560 units, dominating the class with more than three-quarters of the cars produced by Stellantis Motorsport. Learn more about the Peugeot 205 Rallye.

Skoda

SKODA is renowned as one of the top producers of rally cars, with the SKODA FABIA Rally2 and FABIA Rally2 evo achieving unprecedented success, including over 1,710 victories and 4,116 podium finishes in 12,616 events worldwide by April 2022. These models, based on the third-generation FABIA, have dominated the WRC2 category since 2015, securing twelve world championship titles in driver and team categories. SKODA Motorsport has delivered more than 450 units of these rally cars to customer teams, making them the most frequently delivered Rally2 vehicles globally since 2016. The brand's rally cars have also claimed over 20 titles in European championships and numerous national championships. Additionally, SKODA is innovating with projects like the all-electric SKODA RE-X1 Kreisel rally car.

Mini

The Mini brand has cemented its reputation as one of the best producers of cars for rally racing, particularly highlighted by its historic wins in the Monte Carlo Rally. In 1964, Paddy Hopkirk drove a Mini Cooper S to victory, leveraging the car's front-wheel drive, low weight, and nimble handling to outmaneuver larger, more powerful competitors. This win was part of a three-peat for Mini in the Monte Carlo Rally, with Timo Makinen repeating the feat in 1965. The Mini's success was largely due to its ability to handle snowy and icy conditions, where its front-wheel drive and correct tire choice gave it a significant advantage. Despite producing only 70 bhp from its 1071 cc engine, the Mini Cooper S's handling and traction made it a formidable competitor. For more details, visit 1964 Morris Mini Cooper S Works Rally.