MOZA R5 Review: A Budget Direct Drive Bundle with Professional-Grade Quality

MOZA R5 Review: A Budget Direct Drive Bundle with Professional-Grade Quality

Bottom line: the MOZA R5 is MOZA Racing’s entry-level direct drive wheel, and a bundle that delivers what feels like professional-grade quality at a bargain price with the steering wheel and pedals included. It delivers roughly T300RS-level torque through a direct drive system, and it is a rare value-focused option that feels “almost the same as higher-end models” in iRacing. It has drawn attention as the most affordable gateway into the MOZA ecosystem.

My verdict in 30 seconds

My conclusion from the points covered across two videos is that the MOZA R5 occupies a clear position: it is MOZA’s entry-level DD, delivering professional-grade quality at a bargain price in a wheel-and-pedals bundle. The torque feel I described as “almost the same as higher-end models” in iRacing shows exactly why an entry-level unit like this matters.

See the hands-on testing in the videos

MOZA’s professional-grade new budget product
Next-generation budget DD wheel test (GT7 / iRacing)

What is the MOZA R5? A direct drive bundle with a wheel and pedals

The R5 in particular is remarkably affordable for a direct drive unit sold with a steering wheel and pedals, and I would say it has the potential to revolutionize sim racing. This time, I will take a close look at these two products and get into their appeal and performance. The full story on the astonishing value of the MOZA R5 set: let’s start by unboxing it. The first surprise when you open the box is that the steering wheel and pedals are included from the outset. That makes it very easy to get started in serious sim racing right away.

— From Picar Channel, “MOZA’s professional-grade new budget product

This wheel-and-pedals bundle format is centered on the R5 in MOZA’s R Series. It is positioned as a ready-to-start package, distinct from the higher-end models sold as wheel bases alone: the R9, R12, R16, and R21.

Torque in iRacing that feels “almost the same as higher-end models”

Experiencing the real strengths of the MOZA R5 and F1 steering wheel in iRacing. Now, let’s finally test the MOZA R5 and F1 steering wheel on track in iRacing’s F1 cars. I confirmed that the R5’s torque is on par with the T300, a mid-range model from another manufacturer, and is more than sufficient. Being able to enjoy the benefits of direct drive at this price point is genuinely excellent.

— From the same video

As I drove while operating the F1 steering wheel’s mode-switching function, I could really appreciate how convenient and cool it is. iRacing’s realistic physics simulation combined with the MOZA R5’s strong force feedback communicates the road surface and the car’s behavior vividly through the wheel. Its torque feel is close enough that it feels “almost the same as higher-end models,” and the self-aligning effect works properly, making the car very easy to control.

— From the same video

My impression that the torque feel was “almost the same as higher-end models” and that the self-aligning effect “works properly” is evidence that, despite being MOZA’s entry-level offering, the R5 brings you into the world of serious direct drive. In many situations, 5–8 N·m is enough torque for actual driving feel, which is precisely the value of an entry-level model like the R5.

Built-in display on the F1 steering wheel

The biggest attraction of this F1 steering wheel is the built-in display in the center. Press it and slide it sideways, and you can switch between a range of modes instantly. This feature is simply cool, and its precise, smartphone-like operation makes it exceptionally smooth to check information and change settings during a race.

— From the same video

The F1 steering wheel’s display lets you check key information such as lap time, gear, and speed right at your hands. Being able to get a feature also found on high-end Fanatec products such as the DD Extreme at the R5 bundle’s price tier is a major attraction.

Who it is for—and who should skip it

✅ Recommended for

  • Anyone who wants a complete wheel-and-pedals setup and wants to start right away
  • Anyone looking for an entry point into the MOZA ecosystem
  • Anyone who sees value in the F1 steering wheel’s built-in display
  • Anyone who wants to experience T300RS-class torque through direct drive

❌ Not for

  • Those who need an officially PS5-compatible DD wheel → Fanatec DD Pro
  • Those seeking a high-end DD wheel with 15 N·m or more → MOZA R16 / R21
  • Those who want a wheel base only to use with a separately purchased rim → MOZA R9 or above

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