#1 : Fanatec Podium Monte Carlo
⭐ Rating: 9.9/10
✅ The ultimate rally steering wheel
“We love it for its visual immersion and high-end PS/PC compatibility.”
#2: Fanatec CSL Elite WRC
⭐ Rating: 9.7/10
✅ The official fans’ choice
“We love its WRC look, price and PC/console compatibility.”
#3: Moza CS V2P
⭐ Score : 9.6/10
✅ The balance between comfort and responsiveness
“We love its high-end finish, responsiveness and comfort in the hand.”
The rally championship is a far cry from what it was in the 80s, when Group B monsters competed on treacherous stages with little or no safety for drivers or spectators. Nowadays, the WRC is much more controlled, safe and limited in terms of power. Gone are the 600hp-plus engines, replaced by 4-cylinder turbochargers producing 380hp. This is respectable for the discipline, especially when you consider that cars rarely weigh more than 1,350 kg.
After this little detour into the world of real rallying, let’s turn our attention to sim-racing. The market for equipment dedicated to this discipline is rather crowded, I find, with options from virtually every brand, and we’re going to take a look at the best steering wheels available from the brands we all know.
#1 Le Fanatec CSL Elite WRC
Fanatec’s catalog covers absolutely everything in racing simulation, including GT, endurance, touring, F1, classic and rally racing. The CSL range includes the Elite WRC, an officially licensed steering wheel for the World Rally Championship.
The design is very racey, with the WRC logo on the brushed aluminum faceplate, a tire track on the mud at the bottom and eye-catching orange paddles. The wheel rim is in alcantara, also with orange stitching to keep the racing theme going.
At the top of the steering wheel is a small OLED display showing certain telemetry data. As for controls, the wheel features 14 in all and 2 paddles at the rear. As part of the CSL range, these are unfortunately not magnetic.
Which brings us to the price. This steering wheel costs €220, and is aimed at sim-racing enthusiasts and rally fans. Admittedly, it’s not the top-of-the-range steering wheel, but it shines for its excellent value for money and its integration into the Fanatec ecosystem, compatible with all platforms, something not found with the competition.
#2 Le Fanatec Podium Monte Carlo
Let’s continue with the Fanatec Podium Monte Carlo, developed in partnership with Sparco to celebrate the rally in Monaco. This Fanatec steering wheel is just sublime, with its alcantara and front button module.
There are no paddles on the rear wheel, and this is designed for maximum immersion in the race. The diameter is 33 cm, which I have to say is quite large, but the ergonomics are superb on rally stages.
The design is very sober, yet race-like. The button hub is officially licensed by the M-Sport World Rally Team, with a small OLED display on the front panel. Compatibility-wise, we’re superbly well served. Podium Monte Carlo runs on PC and Playstation, provided you have the right base, making it one of the best offers on the market in terms of versatility. Fanatec also offers a steering wheel that resembles the Monte Carlo and is Xbox compatible if you’re with Microsoft.
For the price, the Monte Carlo currently costs €700, and its ClubSport Rally Sweden Xbox variant €600. These are still the most expensive offerings on this list, but clearly the most suitable for rallying, whether on PC or console.
#3 The Moza CS V2P
Moza is a rather young brand, but one that has managed to make a name for itself in a highly competitive market. Among the wheels on offer is the CS V2P, a mid-range wheel of excellent quality.
The design is sober, with brushed aluminum on the faceplate, leather all around and forged carbon-fiber paddles. It’s truly beautiful, perfect for a bit of everything in sim-racing thanks to its 33 cm diameter. It’s true that it’s a bit large for rallying, but it’s easy to get used to after a while.
The CS V2P controls are on a kind of hub at the rear, very close to your fingers. Wheel ergonomics are good, especially with magnetic paddles that are large, so easy to use when racing. Moza’s QR is also present on the rear, and this is derived from the D1-Spec, making it compatible with more or less all the brand’s chainstays. Speaking of bases, you’ll have no worries on PC, and all on a wide selection of powers. On consoles, the story is very limited: apart from the R3, which is natively Xbox compatible, the other DD bases are not compatible with any home console.
And finally, the price. The CS V2P costs €280. Alternatively, you have the premium version of this steering wheel, the RS V2, with much more forged carbon fiber, and almost €200 added to the price.
#4 The Thrustmaster Evo Racing 32R Leather
Thrustmaster’s Evo Racing 32R is a versatile steering wheel in its design, and can do the job perfectly on WRC stages. The wheel is 32 cm in diameter, hence the name 32R, with leather all around. The shape is entirely round, with a minimalist design for the wheel and a slightly flashy hub.
The faceplate is brushed aluminum, with the brand’s logos in the center. On the hub, you’ll find the controls, with fluorescent yellow accents on all buttons and switches. At the rear are 2 large paddle shifters.
As for the platform, the Evo Racing 32R is compatible with all Thrustmaster bases, whether Direct Drive or belt-driven. If you’re a PC user, this steering wheel will cost you €300 up front, not including the base. But if you’re on a console, Thrustmaster’s offer is limited to Xbox and Playstation, with mainly dual-belt bases.
#5 The Simagic GTS
Like Moza, Simagic is a young brand, but with a very good sim-racing catalog. The GTS is a versatile steering wheel with a 30 cm diameter, making it ideal for rally racing.
The design is halfway between minimalist and racing, with black dominating and red accents, including stitching on the wheel leather. In the center are 11 controls and 2 magnetic paddles at the rear. Design-wise, I prefer the Moza, but the GTS is still a handsome steering wheel.
Worse than Moza, Simagic’s offering in terms of console-compatible DD bases is non-existent, limiting you to PC only. Not a problem for many, but Xbox and PS gamers are unfortunately left out in the cold.
The GTS currently retails for €400.
#6 The Logitech RS Round Wheel
Logitech took some time to complete its premium sim-racing catalog, and this didn’t exactly help the brand gain market share against the competition. Today, Logitech’s range isn’t perfect, but it’s at least diverse enough.
Among the wheels sold by this legendary manufacturer on the gaming scene, we have the RS Round Wheel, which is a stand-alone wheel, or bare-bone if you prefer. Visually, the wheel is very handsome, with aluminum on the faceplate and leather on the hoop. At the top, there’s a light gray band and black stitching all over the leather. It’s beautiful, and above all, minimalist, and I love it.
In the center of the faceplate is the Logitech logo, surrounded by slots for screws and controls. In fact, this steering wheel is bare-bone. You’ll need a hub to use it with the Direct Drive Pro Racing base. In terms of diameter, the RS is 29 cm, perfect for rally racing. What’s more, its completely round shape is ideal for blowing up stages all over the world.
Let’s check out now. The wheel costs €80, and the hub can be exchanged for €140 – €160. For compatibility, Logitech’s DD base is available in PC/Xbox and PC/PS versions, which is not bad and usual from the brand. However, the hub only works on PC or Xbox, which limits your choices if you’re with Sony.
Monte Carlo podium
The best rally glider in 2025
0 Comments