MOZA R5 Review: A True Next-Level Racing Wheel for Sim Enthusiasts

Upgrading to the MOZA R5 from a Logitech G29 or G923 can feel like going from a reliable compact car to a finely tuned race machine. Many sim racers reach a point where they want a deeper, more authentic experience, where every corner and straight tells you more about the virtual world beneath your wheels. The MOZA R5 aims to be that leap—offering premium build quality, strong force feedback, and a design fit for serious sim setups. In this hands-on review, I share what it’s like to swap out the popular Logitech wheel for the MOZA R5.

Unboxing the MOZA R5

The MOZA R5 arrives in packaging that already gives you a taste of what’s inside. The box feels sturdy and tightly packed, making unboxing a small event for any racing fan. Inside, you’ll find:

• MOZA ES Steering Wheel
• R5 Direct Drive Wheel Base
• SR-P Lite Pedals (Clutch and Brake Performance Kit are add-ons)
• Power supply, clamp, cables and all the nuts and bolts needed

The feeling as you lift each component out ranges from excitement to outright surprise at the weight and finish. Compared to older entry-level wheels, the R5 bundle looks and feels like equipment meant for purpose, not just play.

Everything feels precise and durable in your hands, hinting at many hours of immersive racing ahead.

MOZA R5 Build Quality and Design

Wheel and Base Materials

First contact with the MOZA R5’s steering wheel and base leaves a strong impression. The steering wheel uses premium materials, with a solid grip that sits well in your hands. There’s a satisfying heft to it, different from the light, plastic-heavy feel of beginner racing wheels. The direct drive R5 base holds its ground and doesn’t flex, making it clear this setup means business.

SR-P Lite Pedals, Clutch and Brake Kit

No review of the R5 is complete without a closer look at the pedals. The SR-P Lite pedals stand out for two big reasons: their build and their adjustability. Gone are the light, wobbly pedals many start with. Here, you get a firm footing, responsive movement, and the option to tweak resistance.

Adding the add-on SR-P Lite Brake Performance Kit is like stepping from toy brakes to the threshold of real car behaviour. It brings progressive resistance, so pressing the pedal feels firmer as you apply more force. This makes it easier to better modulate braking, especially in high-stress race sims.

The SR-P Lite Clutch add-on completes the package, offering the potential for three-pedal racing. Combined with the quailty build, this brings the MOZA R5 even closer to real-world driving.

Design and Aesthetic

MOZA’s design choices stick with a clean, modern theme. The wheel and base look sharp, with no unnecessary extras. RGB lights act as a rev limiter, gently catching your eye out of your peripheral vision—helpful without being distracting.

Every element, from button placement to surface finish, seems made to blend style with practicality. The setup won’t look out of place in a professional racing rig or even on a tidy desk setup. It’s a wheel you’ll want to leave on display.

Performance and Driving Experience with the MOZA R5

Force Feedback and Precision

The first lap with the MOZA R5 feels like stepping up to a whole different platform. Force feedback is crisp, detailed, and powerful. Unlike older entry-level wheels that give you a sense of direction, the R5 reads the virtual road with authority. You feel every bump, changes in surface grip, car weight transfer, and even subtle moments where traction is on the edge.

Adjusting the force feedback is essential, especially when using a desk mount—out of the box, it can be strong enough to shake your entire desk. Desk racers will either need to dial it back or consider investing in a more stable wheel stand or cockpit. The extra information coming through the wheel lets you react quicker and push your car closer to its limits.

Pedal Feel and Brake Mod

The pedal set is where the MOZA R5 package distances itself from older kits. The SR-P Lite pedals respond smoothly and don’t wobble. The brake Performance Kit is a must-have addition, delivering a much more realistic, progressive pedal feel. Braking on the limit suddenly feels manageable, not just a matter of slamming your foot down and hoping for the best.

Immersion and Gameplay Feedback

Jumping into games like Forza Horizon, Euro Truck Simulator, or BeamNG.drive, the MOZA R5 transforms how these titles are experienced. The wheel responds instantly, matching your inputs with tight, accurate feedback. Whether it’s catching a slide or making micro-corrections through a chicane, you always feel connected to the car.

The RGB rev limiter lights add a touch of racing realism, signaling upshifts in a subtle but helpful way. The entire rig works together to create an immersive driving environment—you forget you’re using a simulator and start racing like it’s real.

MOZA R5 vs Logitech G29: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Main Differences at a Glance

The leap from a Logitech G29 or G923 to the MOZA R5 is significant:

• Force Feedback: MOZA’s direct drive feels much stronger and more granular than the gear-driven feedback of the G29.
• Build Quality: All parts of the MOZA kit feel heavier and more solid, with less plastic overall.
• Pedals: Adjustable, robust, and with a progressive brake, the R5’s pedals outclass the G29 in every aspect.
• Design: Minimal, professional, and more in line with “real” racing kit.

Upgrade Factors: Build, Performance, Immersion

Moving up to the MOZA R5 will feel like a true upgrade for anyone unhappy with the limitations of entry-level wheels. If your Logitech no longer offers enough force or detail, or you want pedals that mimic real cars more closely, the R5 delivers. The improved precision, strength, and feedback are impossible to ignore.

MOZA’s attention to detail in both construction and function means you’re not just buying stronger force feedback, but an overall better racing experience.

Setup & Compatibility Considerations

While the MOZA R5 can be mounted to a desk, its power means it’s best paired with a solid wheel stand or cockpit. If you’re using a lightweight table, you’ll notice the difference in vibrations and might need to dial back the strength. The bundle fits naturally into most modern sim setups and should work well with compatible gear shifters or alternative cockpits.

Who Should Buy the MOZA R5?

The MOZA R5 makes sense for sim racers who:

• Want more realistic force feedback and pedal feel than what entry-level wheels offer.
• Enjoy racing across a range of sims, from truck driving to serious motorsport titles.
• Plan to invest in a proper cockpit or heavy-duty wheel stand for serious use.
• Value long-term reliability and premium build quality.

If you race occasionally or mostly play arcade drivers, a G29 may still offer great value. But if you’re hungry for every ounce of realism and ready for a new level of control, the R5 bundle won’t disappoint.

MOZA’s ecosystem includes other upgrade paths, like the MOZA TSW truck wheel for enthusiasts who want to tailor their setup even further. Plus, those looking for extra immersion can add digital dashboards or a Sim Accessories racing phone holder.

Wrapping Up

The MOZA R5 lands in a sweet spot for sim racing fans looking to step up from their first wheel and pedal set. It impresses right out of the box, with a strong build, clean design, and direct drive force feedback that transforms gameplay. The pedals, clutch, and brake Performance Kit lift immersion and driving realism to new heights, especially when compared to something like the Logitech G29.

This is not just another incremental upgrade—it’s a meaningful step towards true simulation. For those committed to racing games and hungry for the kind of connection real driving offers, the MOZA R5 earns a top spot on your shortlist.

Got questions about how the MOZA R5 might fit your rig, or experiences to share? Drop a comment on YouTube or check out the full unboxing and first impressions video above. Racing is meant to be shared—let’s help each other find the best gear for our passion.

FAQs

Some common questions and answers about the MOZA R5