NASCAR 25 Review

“The best NASCAR game in years — not perfect, but finally heading in the right direction.”

Introduction

NASCAR fans have waited a long time for a true return to form, and NASCAR 25 arrives on Xbox with that ambition squarely in its mirrors. It promises better handling, smarter AI, deeper career options, and the most immersive NASCAR experience to date. For the most part, it delivers — though not without the occasional pit stop along the way.

This isn’t a revolutionary leap for racing games, but it’s a clear, confident stride forward for the franchise. It feels grounded, authentic, and genuinely fun to drive — even if some of its systems could still use a little fine-tuning.

Visuals & Presentation

Visually, NASCAR 25 is a significant upgrade from its predecessors. Each track feels alive, with sunlit asphalt, detailed grandstands, and atmospheric lighting that captures the mood of race day. On Xbox Series X, it runs smoothly and looks clean, rarely dropping frames even in packed 30+ car grids.

That said, not every aspect meets the same standard. Menus are functional but uninspired, and damage modelling — a key element of the sport’s visual drama — remains too mild for what NASCAR fans expect. Cars pick up scuffs, but the chaos of multi-car wrecks still looks too controlled.

Audio, on the other hand, is excellent. The roar of engines, the rush of air from drafting, and the subtle tire squeals immerse you in the moment. Your spotter adds tension and realism, and the crowd reactions after close finishes give races a great sense of energy.

On the Track

Handling & Feel

This is where NASCAR 25 shines brightest. The handling is vastly improved, offering a realistic balance between accessibility and authenticity. Cars feel heavy but responsive, and the sense of traction is well conveyed through the Xbox controller’s rumble feedback.

Races now require a degree of finesse. Tire wear, fuel management, and drafting all play important roles, rewarding strategic driving over pure aggression. It’s easy to pick up and enjoy, but hard to master — exactly where a sim-casual racer should be.

The difference between tracks is also more pronounced. Superspeedways demand patience and drafting awareness, while short ovals and road courses push you to manage braking and cornering precision. There’s a tangible satisfaction in finding your rhythm and carving through the pack.

AI & Racecraft

AI competitors are noticeably smarter. They block, draft, and react to your movements rather than blindly following a set line. This makes races more dynamic and unpredictable. However, consistency can still be an issue — sometimes they’ll back off too easily, and other times they’ll cause unnecessary pileups by refusing to yield.

Despite that, the overall racing flow feels right. It’s intense, tactical, and genuinely rewarding when you outsmart opponents through clever pit strategies or patience in traffic.

Career Mode

Career mode remains the cornerstone of NASCAR 25, offering the deepest progression system the series has had so far. You’ll begin in the lower divisions before moving up through the Xfinity and Cup Series, managing team upgrades, sponsorships, and staff along the way.

It’s a solid framework that adds longevity and purpose to your racing. The satisfaction of taking a small, underfunded team to victory lane never wears off. However, the interface and menus still feel dated, and there’s little in the way of personality or storytelling. Rivalries, media interactions, or driver dynamics could’ve made it feel more alive.

Still, for fans of motorsport management and season progression, there’s plenty of depth here. It’s easy to sink hours into fine-tuning cars, adjusting setups, and chasing the perfect season.

Content & Customisation

NASCAR 25 features a full suite of licensed tracks and cars, bringing all the big names and iconic circuits to Xbox. From Daytona’s sweeping turns to Bristol’s short-track chaos, variety isn’t a problem. Each circuit feels distinct, aided by weather changes and lighting variations that add extra depth to long races.

Customisation options are decent, if not exceptional. You can create liveries, tweak performance setups, and make visual adjustments, but it doesn’t reach the creativity of other racing titles. The foundation is there, though — and it’s enough to make each car feel personal.

Online Racing

Multiplayer is a bit of a mixed bag. When it works, it’s a thrill — pack racing with real players brings a sense of unpredictability and adrenaline no AI can match. Xbox Live integration is smooth, and private leagues allow for structured, competitive play among friends.

However, matchmaking in public lobbies is inconsistent, and there’s still a lack of robust filtering or ranking systems. Too many races devolve into chaos, with inexperienced drivers causing collisions. Stability is solid overall, but community management tools need refining to make online play consistently enjoyable.

Performance & Accessibility

Performance on Xbox Series X is strong, with quick loading times and a reliable frame rate throughout long races. The lighting engine does wonders, especially during evening events where headlights and reflections create a convincing atmosphere.

Accessibility options are thoughtful, offering a range of assists and tuning features to help new players ease in. Veterans can disable everything for a more demanding experience, while casual players can rely on steering and braking aids to keep things manageable.

It’s a game that scales well depending on how seriously you take your racing — and that’s one of its greatest strengths.

Verdict

NASCAR 25 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it finally gives NASCAR fans on Xbox something they can be proud of. It’s a confident, well-built racer that gets the fundamentals right — tight handling, satisfying progression, and the unmistakable thrill of stock-car chaos.

There’s still work to do. The career structure, while deep, needs more polish and personality. The online mode needs clearer systems to encourage clean, competitive racing. And visually, a few rough edges remain. But taken as a whole, this is a solid, enjoyable, and authentic NASCAR experience that puts the series firmly back on track.

It’s not pole position yet — but it’s definitely a top-five finish.

A solid racer that finds its groove. NASCAR 25 may not reach the finish line first, but it’s finally racing in the right direction.