All HSW Cars in GTA 5: Full List, Stats & Performance Tests

GTA 5 has always been about finding the fastest vehicle and pushing it to its limits. Over the years, Rockstar has added countless vehicles to GTA Online, each with its own strengths and quirks. But on next-gen consoles, a special category of cars stands out: HSW (Hao's Special Works) vehicles.

These are modified versions of existing cars that can be upgraded far beyond their standard capabilities, turning good vehicles into absolute powerhouses. This guide covers everything about HSW cars, from the complete list to performance breakdowns and whether they're worth the investment.

Instead of building up resources from scratch, players often rely on GTA 5 accounts to access top-tier vehicles, including HSW upgrades, right from the start.

What Are HSW Cars in GTA 5?

HSW stands for Hao's Special Works, a special upgrade system exclusive to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of GTA Online. Named after Hao, a character who first appeared in GTA 5's story mode as a street racing mechanic, this system lets you modify select vehicles with performance enhancements that go beyond what's available at Los Santos Customs.

These upgrades aren't available for every car in the game. Rockstar handpicked specific vehicles that can receive HSW treatment, and the selection includes sports cars, supercars, muscle cars, and even some off-road vehicles. When you apply HSW upgrades to a compatible car, you're getting measurable improvements to speed, acceleration, and handling that actually change how the vehicle performs.

The only problem is that players on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or PC can't access HSW upgrades at all. This created some controversy when the feature launched, as it gives next-gen players a competitive edge in races. But for those who have access, HSW upgrades are some of the most significant performance boosts available in GTA Online.

How do Grand Theft Auto V HSW Upgrades Work?

Getting HSW upgrades in GTA 5 isn't as simple as driving to your usual mechanic. You need to visit Hao's Special Works, a unique garage location that appears on your map after meeting certain requirements. Once there, you can browse which of your owned vehicles are eligible for HSW treatment.

The upgrade process itself is simple. You select an eligible vehicle, pay the upgrade cost (which varies by car), and Hao applies the modifications. HSW upgrades can include engine tweaks, enhanced braking systems, improved traction control, and aerodynamic improvements. Some cars even get visual changes like new body kits or spoilers that come with the upgrade package.

One important thing to know: HSW upgrades are permanent once applied. You can't remove them or transfer them to another vehicle. The modifications are tied to that specific car, so you'll want to make sure you're upgrading a vehicle you plan to keep and use regularly.

Complete List of HWS Cars in Grand Theft Auto 5

Rockstar continues to expand the HSW lineup with each major update. However, the upgrade costs alone can exceed the purchase price of some vehicles.

Here's the complete breakdown of every GTA 5 vehicle that can receive Hao's Special Works treatment:

The Bravado Banshee GTS holds the crown as the fastest HSW car in GTA Online, breaking the 170 mph barrier with a top speed of 172.50 mph. The Benefactor BR8 takes the title for most expensive total investment at over $4.2 million when you combine the base price and HSW upgrade cost. For players watching their budget, the Grotti Brioso 300 offers exceptional value at just $1,565,000 total, proving you don't need to break the bank for serious speed gains.

Also Read: What is Imani Tech in GTA Online and Which Cars use it

Standard vs. HSW: Speed and Handling Differences

The performance gap between standard and HSW-upgraded vehicles is substantial. We're not talking about minor tweaks that only experienced racers would notice. HSW cars can hit higher top speeds, accelerate faster from a standstill, and maintain better control at high velocities compared to their base versions.

Take the Bravado Banshee GTS, for example. In its standard form, it's a solid sports car with respectable speed and handling, but it doesn't dominate its class. With HSW upgrades, it becomes a completely different beast. The top speed increases significantly, acceleration improves across the board, and the handling tightens up enough to compete with vehicles that would normally cost twice as much. The transformation is that dramatic.

Lap time improvements vary by vehicle and track, but testing by the GTA racing community has shown that HSW cars consistently outperform their standard counterparts by several seconds on most circuits. In competitive racing scenarios, that gap is huge. It's the difference between fighting for a podium spot and watching other players disappear into the distance.

Additionally, many HSW upgrades improve a car's ability to take corners at speed without losing traction. This means you can brake later going into turns and get back on the throttle earlier coming out, which adds up to significant time savings over the course of a race.

Also Read: 5 Fastest Cars in GTA Online

Best HSW Cars in GTA 5 Worth Upgrading

Not every HSW-compatible vehicle deserves your money. Some cars deliver exceptional returns on investment, others fill specific niches, and a few are pure flex purchases.

Here's a breakdown of the best Hao's Special Works cars, organized by what they do best:

The Niobe stands out as the most expensive sports car on this list at nearly $3.7 million, but its all-wheel-drive system justifies the premium for serious racers. Circuit racing rewards corner exit speed over raw velocity, and the Niobe's ability to apply throttle earlier coming out of turns often translates to better lap times than faster RWD cars.

For players who prefer style and prestige over practicality, the open-wheel racers like the BR8 and DR1 command attention but require great skill to handle properly at their extreme speeds.

Final Words

GTA 5 race lobbies on next-gen platforms expect HSW-modded cars, meaning if you're competing seriously, you need at least one conversion in your main racing class. The performance gap is too large to ignore.

For casual play, HSW upgrades are optional extras. They make high-speed chases easier and timed missions less stressful, but standard vehicles handle most activities fine. The real question is, do you have $10 million+ to spare after covering your businesses and properties?

HSW cars hold their value better than standard vehicles. Rockstar can't introduce faster non-HSW alternatives without breaking game balance, so your investment stays relevant for years instead of getting replaced by next month's DLC. Plus, the platform exclusivity makes these cars instant status symbols on next-gen hardware.

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