Rockstar says driving and stealing cars in Grand Theft Auto 6 will be more demanding, as narrower streets, realistic scale and denser traffic require greater skill. The changes aim to make vehicles feel more meaningful and turn car theft into a progression and decision-making system rather than an instant action.

Some parked cars will remain inaccessible until players advance in the story and obtain the necessary tools, although drivers can still always be carjacked. High-end vehicles may use GPS tracking, forcing players to escape quickly or abandon the car and flee on foot through alleys; a phone app called Waink will identify security features, resale value and registration costs.