Euro Truck Simulator 2 Best Trucks & Builds Guide (2026)

2026-06-09·Builds

Key Takeaways

  • The Volvo FH16 is the best all-around truck. Most powerful engine (750 HP), great visibility, and reasonable price (€95K used).
  • For pure profit efficiency, the Scania S series offers the best fuel economy at 80 km/h — saving €10,000+ in fuel per 100,000km vs competitors.
  • 4×2 chassis is the correct choice for 95% of jobs. 6×2/6×4 chassis reduce fuel economy by 15-20% and are only needed for 50t+ special cargo.
  • Used trucks at 30%+ discount are almost always better buys than new trucks. The mileage doesn't affect reliability in any meaningful way.

Truck Tier List

TierTruckBest For
-----------------------
SVolvo FH16All-around best. Power, comfort, price.
SScania S SeriesFuel economy, modern interior, customization
AMercedes ActrosSmooth transmission, great dashboard visibility
AScania R SeriesSame as S but older model, cheaper
BMAN TGXGood value, plain interior
BDAF XFComfortable, underpowered for heavy cargo
CRenault TCheap, slow, small fuel tank
CIveco StralisCheapest new truck. You get what you pay for.

Best Build: Profit Maximizer (Volvo FH16)

ComponentChoiceCost
-------------------------
CabinSleeperIncluded
Chassis4×2Included
Engine540 HP€20,000
TransmissionI-Shift Dual Clutch 12-speed€12,000
InteriorStandard (no extras)Included
PaintStandard whiteIncluded
Total€127,000

Why this build: 540 HP handles 25t cargo on any terrain. 12-speed transmission optimizes fuel at 80 km/h. No cosmetic upgrades — they don't earn money.

Best Build: Heavy Cargo Specialist

ComponentChoiceCost
-------------------------
CabinSleeper (Volvo FH16)Included
Chassis6×4€15,000
Engine750 HP€35,000
TransmissionI-Shift with Retarder€18,000
Total€163,000

Only needed for Special Transport DLC (50t+ cargo). For standard cargo up to 25t, the 4×2 Profit Maximizer build works fine.

Best Build: Long Distance Comfort

ComponentChoiceCost
-------------------------
CabinHigh Sleeper (Scania S)Included
Chassis4×2Included
Engine500 HP€18,000
TransmissionOpticruise 12-speed€10,000
InteriorExclusive (better dashboard)€5,000
PaintMetallic (any color)€3,000
Total€131,000

The Scania S has the quietest cabin in the game. On 2,000km+ hauls, cabin noise fatigue is real.

Used Truck Buying Guide

ConditionMileageDiscountWorth It?
-----------------------------------------
Excellent<50,000km10-20%Yes, always
Good50,000-150,000km20-35%Yes
Fair150,000-300,000km35-50%Yes, if you plan to upgrade engine soon
Poor>300,000km50%+Only as a driver truck (assigned to hired driver)

Rule of thumb: Buy used for yourself (Fair or better). Buy new for hired drivers (they don't benefit from truck quality anyway — buy the cheapest new truck).

Transmission Deep Dive

TypeBest ForFuel Savings
-----------------------------
12-speedAll-aroundBaseline
12-speed + RetarderMountain routesSame, but saves €1,000/100K km in brake wear
6-speedShort city routes-5% (engine works harder)
Allison AutomaticBeginners-10% (less efficient shifting)

Always choose 12-speed. The game's gear optimization assumes 12 gears for highway cruising at 80 km/h.

Engine: How Much HP Do You Really Need?

Cargo WeightMinimum HPComfortable HP
----------------------------------------
<10t350 HP450 HP
10-20t420 HP540 HP
20-30t500 HP600 HP
30-50t (heavy cargo DLC)600 HP750 HP

FAQ

Q: Volvo FH16 or Scania S?

A: Volvo for power and value. Scania for fuel economy and comfort. Both are S-tier. Pick the one you like looking at.

Q: When should I buy a second truck for myself?

A: Never. One truck for you, all other trucks for hired drivers. You can only drive one at a time.

Q: Does truck brand affect hired driver income?

A: No. Hired drivers earn based on their skills. Give them the cheapest truck possible.