Short answer: there’s no single best truck in Euro Truck Simulator 2, but in version 1.61 the most complete is the Volvo FH Series 6, which has the most powerful engine at the dealer (up to 780 hp), four cabs with an aero version and chassis up to 8×4. Close behind are the Scania S and R (up to 770 hp with the DC16 V8) and the Volvo FH Series 5 (up to 750 hp). If you’re just starting out, a DAF XF/XG, a Scania R or a MAN TGX with an engine of around 450–500 hp will give you everything you need for much less money.
Which trucks are at the ETS2 dealer in 1.61
The base game includes seven licensed brands: DAF, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Trucks, Scania and Volvo. Every truck in this comparison can be bought without paying for any DLC; the paid expansions add maps and cargo, but you don’t need them to get a good truck. If you want to know what each one adds, see our ETS2 DLC guide.
The current-generation models, which are the ones you’ll see most at the dealers, are these:
| Truck | Available power | Cabs | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo FH Series 6 | 420–780 hp (D13 and D17) | Sleeper, Globetrotter, Globetrotter XL and XXL, all with an Aero version | The most powerful and versatile |
| Volvo FH Series 5 | 420–750 hp (D13K and D16K) | Sleeper, Globetrotter, Globetrotter XL | High power, somewhat more classic |
| Scania S (2016) | 370–770 hp (DC13, DC13 Super and DC16 V8) | Normal roof or high roof | Long distance and heavy haulage |
| Scania R (2016) | 370–770 hp (same engines as the S) | Normal roof or high roof | All-rounder |
| MAN TGX (third generation) | 330–640 hp (D1556, D2676, D3876) | GN, GM and GX | Balanced, good upper-mid range |
| Mercedes-Benz New Actros | 421–625 hp (OM 471 and OM 473) | StreamSpace, BigSpace and GigaSpace | Comfort and good power |
| Iveco S-Way | 460, 500 and 580 hp | Active Space | Middle-ground option, short lineup |
| DAF XF / XG / XG+ | 367–530 hp (MX-11 and MX-13) | XF, XG and XG+ (from least to most spacious) | Comfortable and sensible, no very powerful engines |
| Renault Trucks T | 380–520 hp (DTI 11, DTI 13 and DE 13 Turbo Compound) | Sleeper and high Sleeper | Good entry-level truck |
| DAF XD | 299–449 hp (MX-11) | Day Cab, Sleeper and Sleeper High | Regional distribution |
Older models are still in the game, such as the DAF XF 105 and XF Euro 6, the Iveco Stralis and Stralis Hi-Way, the MAN TGX Euro 5 and Euro 6, the Scania R 2009 and Streamline, the Volvo FH Classic and the 2012 FH (Series 4). Since version 1.49, the Renault Magnum and Premium have to be bought first at the used truck dealer, and the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros is only sold used. The electric trucks (Renault Trucks E-Tech T, Scania S BEV and DAF XF Electric) can’t be bought: you only drive them on quick jobs, because the game doesn’t have a charging network yet.
Power: when it really matters
Power is what sets trucks apart the most in ETS2. With normal loads, any 450–500 hp engine holds its speed well on the highway. Where a big engine shows is on long climbs and with very heavy or multi-axle trailers: there, a Scania V8, the FH Series 5’s D16K or the FH Series 6’s D17 don’t lose speed the way a mid-range engine does. Beyond that, more horsepower doesn’t earn you more money per job; it just makes the trip more comfortable.
Pay attention to the transmission too. Most current models offer automated gearboxes with 12 or more gears, and several (Volvo FH, MAN TGX, Mercedes New Actros) also have the 6-speed Allison automatic. If you drive with a keyboard or gamepad, the automated ones are the most comfortable option.
Fuel consumption
SCS doesn’t publish a fuel consumption figure per model, so be wary of tables comparing liters per 100 km between brands. What you do control is the weight of the cargo, your driving style and the truck’s setup. The fuel-efficient driving skill helps you use less fuel and is a good investment in long savegames. For very long trips, check the fuel tank: on the Scania R and S, for example, since update 1.57 there are tanks from 510 to 1290 liters depending on the chassis.
Cab and comfort
The cab changes the experience in the interior view and also the truck’s price. The biggest and tallest are those of the Volvo FH Series 6 (Globetrotter XL and XXL), the high-roof Scania, the DAF XG+, the MAN TGX GX and the Mercedes New Actros GigaSpace. Short cabs, like the DAF XD’s Day Cab, are designed for regional delivery. With every brand you can build a simple, cheap version or a fully loaded one: the price goes up mainly with the big cab and the most powerful engine, so configure the truck with the work you’re going to do in mind.
The best truck for your play style
If you’re just starting out
Look for a reasonably priced truck with an engine of around 450–500 hp: a DAF XF or XG with the MX-13 engine, a Renault Trucks T, a MAN TGX with the D2676 engine or a Scania R with the DC13. They’re easy to drive and, since they cost less, they let you pay off the bank loan sooner. You don’t need the biggest cab at first.
For heavy haulage
This is where power rules. The Volvo FH Series 6 with the D17 engine (up to 780 hp) is the benchmark in 1.61, followed by the Scania S or R with the DC16 V8 (up to 770 hp) and the Volvo FH Series 5 with the D16K (up to 750 hp). Choose a chassis with more driven axles (6×4 or 8×4 on the Volvo FH) if you’re going to haul very heavy trailers.
For long distance
Prioritize the cab and fuel tank. A high-roof Scania S with a big tank, a Volvo FH Series 6 with a Globetrotter XL or XXL, a Mercedes New Actros GigaSpace or a DAF XG+ are comfortable options for crossing Europe end to end. A 500–600 hp engine is enough for this play style.
For regional delivery
The DAF XD is designed for distribution: smaller cabs, engines up to 449 hp and the first rear window on a short cab in ETS2. It’s a good choice if you like short runs.
And if you want more trucks
Besides the official ones, the community creates quality trucks and improvements. In our ETS2 trucks section you’ll find mods like the Scania PGR Series or the Volvo FH4 Reworked, and if you want them to drive more realistically, the Realistic Truck Physics mod. Before installing anything, follow our guide to installing mods in ETS2.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the most powerful truck in Euro Truck Simulator 2?
In version 1.61, the Volvo FH Series 6, which reaches 780 hp with the D17 engine. It’s followed by the Scania R and S with the DC16 V8, at up to 770 hp.
What’s the best truck to start with in ETS2?
A mid-range one with 450–500 hp and a normal cab, such as a DAF XF/XG, a Renault Trucks T, a MAN TGX or a Scania R with the DC13 engine. They handle any early job and cost less.
Do you have to pay for DLC to get the best trucks?
No. Every truck in this comparison is part of the base game. The paid DLC add maps, cargo and customization packs.
Can you buy electric trucks in ETS2?
No. The Renault Trucks E-Tech T, the Scania S BEV and the DAF XF Electric are only available on quick jobs, because the game doesn’t have charging stations yet.
Which truck uses the least fuel?
SCS doesn’t publish consumption figures per model, so there’s no official winner. What does help in any truck is smooth driving and the fuel-efficient driving skill.