With life-sim fans constantly comparingInZOIandThe Sims 4, the competition between the two games runs deeper than just aesthetics and expansion packs.The Sims 4is known for its massive catalog of DLC and mod support, whileInZOIis quickly earning a reputation as a bold, modern take on the genre. But one key feature already givesInZOIa notable edge—somethingThe Simsfranchise hasn’t fully explored in over a decade.
From day one,InZOIlaunched with fully functional, player-controlled vehicles. In contrast,The Sims 4has reduced transportation to background decorationand cutscene transitions. IfInZOIleans further into its driving mechanics, it could claim a lasting lead in realism and gameplay depth, one that even futureTheSimstitles might struggle to catch up with.
Vehicles Add Immersion to Life Simulators like InZOI, And Stakes
The presence ofvehicles inInZOIisn’t just aesthetic. It’s a mechanic that deepens realism, impacts daily routines, and opens the door to unexpected gameplay scenarios. Driving to work, carpooling with other Zois, managing traffic, or even running into deadly scenarios all mimic real-life challenges that can shake up the typical life-sim loop. And withInZOIalready featuring death by car accident, the game has proven that it isn’t afraid to link everyday realism to actual consequences.
The Simsfranchise, on the other hand, hasn’t allowed players to drive their Sims around sinceThe Sims 3. InThe Sims 4, transportation is a background detail, simulated off-screen and lacking any real player input. If a Sim wants to travel, they have to head toThe Sims 4’s world mapmenu or use their cellphones.
InZOIhas already stepped over that line, and embracing it further could become one of its standout mechanics.InZOI’s driving system has the potential to evolve far beyond basic car ownership. Developer Krafton could add features like:
IfInZOIwants to lean into realism and day-to-day simulation, the vehicle system is a goldmine of opportunities to add depth while keeping things fresh.
The Sims 4 Missed The Turn on Vehicles' Importance
Despite years of DLC and updates,The Sims 4never reintroduced functional vehicles in a meaningful way. Cars exist only as part of the background or as objects that fade into the limits of the world map. Players can’t interact with traffic, manage parking, or feel the ripple effects of poor urban planning in aSims 4Expansion Pack like City Living. Given the level of control players have over nearly every other aspect of their Sims' lives, transportation remains one of the few areas with minimal depth.
This has created a clear opening forInZOI. Not only has it stepped into this space, but it’s also set the groundwork for gameplay thatThe Simscommunity has been asking for since the launch ofThe Sims 4in 2014.
Driving isn’t just about getting from point A to B. It’s tied to autonomy, independence, and consequences.Giving Zois the ability to driveand make choices behind the wheel opens doors to spontaneous storytelling that’s harder to control and more fun to react to. Players might find themselves stuck in traffic on the way to a date, pulled over for speeding, or experiencing a fender-bender that leads to an unexpected relationship with another Zoi. These moments don’t just enhance realism—they introduce unpredictability, and that’s where simulation games thrive.
As more life sims enter the scene,InZOIhas an opportunity to widen its lead by committing to thefeatures thatThe Sims 4still hasn’t fully embraced. Vehicles and transportation systems may not be the flashiest mechanics, but they’re meaningful. They shape time, relationships, routines, and community layouts. By digging deeper into the everyday complexities of vehicle ownership,InZOIcan offer gameplay that’s both fun and friction-filled.
