Are Teslas in Forza?

[MacMackenzie]

No, Tesla vehicles are not available in Forza Horizon 5 or the newer Forza Motorsport titles. Their absence is primarily attributed to complex licensing and commercial decisions, not technical limitations. Industry discussions and player community analyses consistently point to Tesla's specific marketing strategy as the core reason.

The last appearance of a Tesla was in Forza Horizon 3 (2016) and Forza Motorsport 6 (2015), which featured the 2014 Tesla Model S P85D. Since then, Tesla has been absent from the franchise. While developers like Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios have expanded car rosters with hundreds of vehicles from other manufacturers, negotiations to include Tesla in recent games have reportedly been unsuccessful.

The prevailing view, supported by discussions on automotive and gaming forums, is that Tesla's leadership views traditional video game placements as a less critical marketing channel. Unlike many legacy automakers who see gaming as vital for brand exposure to younger audiences, Tesla's direct sales model and sustained high demand may reduce its perceived need for this type of advertising. This shifts the licensing dynamic and can make agreements more challenging or a lower priority for Tesla.

From a practical licensing standpoint, agreements are time-bound. The deal that allowed Tesla in the mid-2010s games has likely expired. Renewing such a deal requires mutual interest and agreeable terms. If Tesla's commercial strategy does not prioritize in-game placement, it simply may not renew the license, leaving developers unable to include the cars regardless of fan demand.

Looking at the data of past inclusions clarifies the timeline:

Forza Title	Release Year	Featured Tesla Model
Forza Horizon 3	2016	2014 Tesla Model S P85D
Forza Motorsport 6	2015	2014 Tesla Model S P85D

Could Teslas return in the future? It remains possible but uncertain. The decision rests almost entirely with Tesla. If the company's marketing strategy evolves to value the immersive brand experience offered by racing games, a new licensing deal could be struck. For now, players looking to drive a Tesla in a current, high-fidelity racing game must look to other franchises that have secured the necessary licenses.

[LeBentley]

As a long-time Forza player since the early days, I really miss having the Tesla Model S in the game. It was a unique drive in Horizon 3—that instant, silent electric torque felt different from everything else in my garage.

Its disappearance is a clear licensing issue. Games don't just add cars; they need official permission. Tesla must have decided not to renew the agreement for the newer games. It’s a shame, because racing a modern Plaid model on the Mexico map would be incredible. For now, I keep hoping the situation changes with each new game announcement.

[HazelLynn]

I follow the automotive and tech industries closely, and Tesla's absence from Forza makes perfect business sense when you think about it. Tesla operates on a completely different marketing playbook than traditional automakers. Ford and Porsche spend heavily on advertising, including video game partnerships, to build brand desire.

Tesla doesn't buy traditional ads. Its marketing is Elon Musk's public persona, news cycles, and the products themselves. Paying to be in a video game might be seen as an unnecessary expense. Why allocate resources to a virtual advertisement when real-world demand already outpaces supply? This isn't about the game developers; it's a calculated decision from Tesla's side. They simply don't need Forza the way other brands do.

[VanElla]

Here’s the straight answer for anyone wondering: you cannot drive a Tesla in Forza Horizon 5.

They were in some older games but got removed. The reason is almost always about contracts and money between the game company and the car company. Those old deals ended and new ones weren't signed.

So, if you're booting up the latest Forza, don't expect to find a Cybertruck or a Model S. You'll have to choose from other electric cars like the Porsche Taycan or the Rimac Nevera instead. Maybe Tesla will come back someday, but it's not in the cards right now.

[LaMadeline]

Working in game development, I can shed some light on the “why” from a production angle. Securing car licenses is a massive, ongoing part of creating a racing game. It’s not a one-time fee; it’s a negotiation covering royalties, specific model years, and the term of the license.

When we reach out to a manufacturer, we need a willing partner on the other side. All evidence suggests Tesla has not been that partner for recent Forza titles. This could be due to internal red tape, a lack of a dedicated licensing department, or a strategic choice to decline.

It’s frustrating because we know players want these cars. The technical side of modeling a Tesla is no different from any other car. The bottleneck is purely legal and commercial. The license for the old Model S expired, and without a new agreement, we cannot legally recreate their vehicles, no matter how much we or the community want them. The ball is firmly in Tesla’s court.