Euro Truck Simulator 2 is not just a game, but a whole world of cargo transportation, where choosing the right tractor can determine your success. It’s easy for a beginner to get lost among dozens of models from Scania, Volvo, DAF and other brands, especially when each truck has unique characteristics, from fuel consumption to top speed. But what really matters is suits the car to your playing style.

If you prefer long-haul flights With minimal stops at gas stations, you need efficient engines and large fuel tanks. Love high-speed driving? Then take a closer look at models with powerful engines and aerodynamic cabins. And for those who appreciate realism and detail, tuning options are important - from spoilers to custom paint. In this guide we will look at top ETS 2 trucks based on key criteria: efficiency, speed, handling and upgrade optionsso you can make informed choices.

Truck selection criteria in ETS 2: what to look for

Before spending the money you earn in the game, decide on your priorities. Here are the key parameters to consider:

  • 🔧 Engine: Horsepower (hp) and torque affect acceleration and the ability to pull heavy loads. For example, Scania R 730 with 730 hp easily pulls 24-ton trailers, but consumes fuel like a dump truck.
  • ⛽ Fuel consumption: Economical models like DAF XF with engine MX-13 460 save thousands of euros on long-distance routes.
  • 🚀 Maximum speed: In Europe the limit is 90 km/h, but in some countries (eg Germany) you can reach 100+ km/h. Volvo FH16 750 capable of 140 km/h, but this is only relevant for free driving.
  • 🔄 Gearbox: The automatic is more convenient for beginners, and the mechanics give more control (and a bonus to realism). B ETS 2 there's even I-Shift from Volvo with adaptive switching algorithms.
  • 🎨 Tuning and appearance: Some cabins (eg Mercedes Actros) have more options for customization - from chrome parts to LED headlights.

It is important to understand that There is no universally “best” truck. - it all depends on your tasks. For example, for transportation heavy loads (timber trucks, tanks) suitable Scania S with a reinforced frame, and for fast flights on motorways - easy Renault T with an aerodynamic cabin.

⚠️ Attention: B ETS 2 there is a hidden parameter - "engine wear". If you frequently overload the truck or drive at high speeds, the engine will lose power. To avoid this, keep an eye on load indicator in the lower right corner of the screen (it should be green or yellow, but not red).
📊 What is the most important parameter for you when choosing a truck?
Economical
Maximum speed
Appearance and tuning
Engine power
Ease of management

Top 5 long-distance trucks: efficiency and comfort

If your goal is maximum profit with minimal fuel and repair costs, pay attention to these models. They are optimized for long trips and have the best value price/quality.

Model Engine (hp) Fuel consumption (l/100 km) Max. speed (km/h) Price (Euro)
DAF XF 105 460–530 28–32 90 180 000
Mercedes-Benz Actros 420–625 29–34 90 195 000
Volvo FH Globetrotter 460–540 27–31 90 210 000
Scania R 450 450–500 30–35 90 200 000
Iveco Stralis 400–460 26–30 85 170 000

DAF XF 105 - the leader in efficiency among top models. His engine MX-13 consumes everything 28–30 liters per 100 km at average load, which is 10–15% better than competitors. In addition, at DAF one of the most spacious cabins with excellent sound insulation - an important plus for long flights.

Volvo FH Globetrotter stands out adaptive I-Shift transmission, which automatically adapts to driving style and road terrain. This reduces fuel consumption by 5–7% compared to a manual transmission. And also Volvo best in the game interior ergonomics — the controls here are intuitive even for beginners.

⚠️ Attention: If you choose Iveco Stralis for its low price, please note that this model has weak secondary sales. When resold after 50,000 km, you will lose up to 40% of the value, whereas Scania or Volvo will retain 60–70% of the price.
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To reduce fuel consumption by 5–10%, use cruise control at a speed of 85–88 km/h. This is the optimal mode for most engines in ETS 2.

The most powerful trucks for heavy loads

If you need to transport timber trucks, tanks or construction equipment, an ordinary tractor will not cope. For such tasks you need a truck with power from 600 hp and reinforced suspension. Here are the best options:

  • 🏋️ Scania R 730 — 730 hp, maximum torque 3500 Nm. Capable of pulling up to 250 tons (with mod for heavy loads). Minus - fuel consumption up to 45 l/100 km.
  • 🚛 Volvo FH16 750 — 750 hp, box I-Shift with 16 gears. Best choice for mountain routes (eg Alps in DLC Italy).
  • 💨 Mercedes-Benz Actros 6×4 — 625 hp, four-wheel drive. Ideal for off-road (if the mod is installed Offroad).
  • 🔥 MAN TGX 680 — 680 hp, the highest maximum speed among heavy trucks (up to 110 km/h with chip tuning).

Scania R 730 - this is king of heavy loads in ETS 2. His engine V8 produces incredible 3500 Nm, which allows you to accelerate even with a full load. However, there is a caveat: when purchasing this model, be sure to take reinforced brakes and air suspension, otherwise the truck will be uncontrollable on descents.

Volvo FH16 750 wins against Scania in one - handling at high speeds. Thanks to the system Dynamic Steering (available in tuning) the steering becomes “light” and roll in corners is minimal. This is especially noticeable on serpentines in DLC Italy or Alps.

How to enable all-wheel drive in ETS 2?

To activate all-wheel drive (4x4 or 6x6), you need to:

1. Buy a truck with the appropriate wheel arrangement (for example, Mercedes Actros 6×4).

2. In the upgrade menu, select the option All-Wheel Drive (cost ~20,000 euros).

3. In the game physics settings (g_awd in the config) make sure that the parameter is enabled.

Attention: All-wheel drive increases fuel consumption by 10–15%, but significantly improves off-road performance.

Best trucks for fast driving: freeway racing

If you like drive fast (for example, in mode Arcade or on highways without restrictions), then the standard 90 km/h will be boring. For such cases, there are models that can be overclocked to 120–140 km/h using chip tuning or mods.

Model Max. speed (stock) Max. speed (with chip tuning) Best route for speed
Volvo FH16 750 100 km/h 140 km/h Autobahn A7 (Germany)
Scania S 730 95 km/h 135 km/h Highway E4 (Sweden)
MAN TGX 680 105 km/h 130 km/h A1 motorway (Italy)
Renault T 520 90 km/h 125 km/h M25 (UK)

Volvo FH16 750 — the absolute leader in speed. With chip tuning (cost ~15,000 euros) it accelerates to 140 km/h, and stably maintains speed even on climbs. The main thing is not to forget about aerodynamics: Install a roof spoiler and side deflectors to reduce air resistance.

Scania S 730 a little slower, but he has better handling at high speeds. Thanks to the low center of gravity (due to the cabin Streamline) the truck does not “float” when overtaking. And also Scania S there is a unique option - interior lighting, which makes night trips more comfortable.

⚠️ Attention: At higher speeds 120 km/h in ETS 2 the risk increases sharply capsizing on turns. To avoid accidents, always use downshift before entering a bend and do not turn the steering wheel sharply. It is also recommended to disable realistic physics in the settings if you are new.

Install chip tuning (maximum speed)

Add aerodynamic body kits (spoiler, deflectors)

Bleed the brakes (reduces braking distance by 20%)

Disable speed limiter in cockpit settings

Check tire pressure (should be 100%) -->

Best Trucks for Beginners: Easy to Drive

If you have just started playing ETS 2, don't buy it right away Scania R 730 or Volvo FH16. These cars require experience in driving and “feel” the driver’s mistakes well. Instead, choose one of these models:

  • 🚗 Iveco Stralis - the cheapest and easiest to manage. Ideal for learning to park and maneuver.
  • 🔄 DAF XF 105 — automatic transmission AS-Tronic forgives mistakes when shifting gears.
  • 🛣️ Renault T — light steering and predictable physics. Good for driving around the city.
  • 💰 Mercedes-Benz Antos - inexpensive (from 150,000 euros), but at the same time reliable.

Iveco Stralis - this is "training" truck in ETS 2. It has a low top speed (85 km/h), but it is very forgives mistakes: For example, if you change gear incorrectly, the engine will not stall. In addition, at Iveco the lowest price among all trucks, which is important at the start of the game.

DAF XF 105 with box AS-Tronic - the best choice if you don't want to bother with manual shifting. The automatic transmission itself selects the optimal gears, and all you have to do is control the speed and brake. Minus - fuel consumption is 5% higher than that of a manual.

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The best choice for beginners is Iveco Stralis or DAF XF 105 with automatic transmission. They are easy to operate, cheap to maintain and forgiving of mistakes.

Truck tuning: what really matters

B ETS 2 You can spend millions on tuning, but not all upgrades are created equal. Here's what you really need to pay attention to:

  • 🔥 Engine: Pumping up to maximum power increases speed and lifting capacity, but greatly increases fuel consumption. The best option is +20–30% to stock power.
  • ⚙️ Gearbox: Installation 16-speed gearbox useful for heavy loads, but for high-speed driving 12 gears are enough.
  • 🛡️ Brakes: Power brakes (Disc Brakes) reduce braking distance by 30% - critical for mountain routes.
  • 🎨 External tuning: Spoilers and deflectors reduce fuel consumption by 3-5%, and LED headlights improve visibility at night.
  • 🛋️ Interior: Improved seats (Air Suspension Seat) reduce driver fatigue by 20% - useful for long-distance driving.

The most underrated upgrade - this is air suspension. It costs only ~5,000 euros, but makes the truck much more stable on rough roads (e.g. DLC Baltic Sea). Without it, trailers with liquid cargo (tanks) will sway violently, which leads to fines for damage to the cargo.

Here's what not worth the expense:

  • 🚫 Chrome parts — purely cosmetic, does not affect the characteristics.
  • 🚫 Sound signals (for example, Air Horn) - fun, but useless.
  • 🚫 Additional lights (except LED) - do not improve visibility.
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To save on tuning costs, buy trucks with upgrades already installed on the aftermarket. For example, Volvo FH with a pumped engine you can find it 20-30% cheaper than buying a new one and improving it yourself.

Hidden truck features in ETS 2

There are several in the game non-obvious mechanics, which not all players know about. Here are the most useful ones:

  1. Eco mode: If in the engine settings (Engine → Eco Mode) enable this mode, fuel consumption will decrease by 8–10%, but the maximum speed will drop by 5 km/h. Useful for long-range shooting.
  2. Engine heating: In cold regions (eg DLC Scandinavia) the engine loses up to 10% of power if it is not warmed up. Always wait until temperature indicator will not reach the optimal level (green zone).
  3. Cargo weight and fuel consumption: Overload (over 24 tons) increases fuel consumption by 15–20%. To avoid fines, use gas station scales (Weigh Station).
  4. Hidden cabins: Some trucks (eg Scania S) have alternative cabins that open after purchasing all upgrades. They give a bonus to aerodynamics.

Few people know, but ETS 2 yes tire wear system. If you frequently drive at high speeds or brake hard, your tires will wear out faster, increasing the risk of a puncture. To extend their life:

  • Follow tire pressure (should be 100%).
  • Avoid driving on the side of the road (especially in DLC Italy, where there is a lot of gravel).
  • Buy tires Super Single - they are more expensive, but last 1.5 times longer.
⚠️ Attention: If you are playing with a mod Realistic Fuel Consumption, fuel consumption can increase up to 50 l/100 km on heavy trucks. In this case, be sure to take additional fuel tanks (up to 2x1200 l).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about trucks in ETS 2

Which truck is the most economical?

DAF XF 105 with engine MX-13 460 and a box AS-Tronic - leader in efficiency. With the correct settings (cruise control at 85 km/h, eco mode), the consumption is 26–28 l/100 km.

Should you buy trucks with four-wheel drive?

Only if you drive off-road (for example, in mods Offroad or Russia Map). In the standard game, all-wheel drive increases fuel consumption by 10-15% without much benefit.

Which truck is better for the Scandinavia DLC?

Ideal for Scandinavian roads (lots of snow, mountain serpentines) Volvo FH16 with all-wheel drive and reinforced brakes. It is also recommended to install winter tires (Winter Tires) to avoid skidding.

Is it possible to upgrade an old truck to the same level as a new one?

Technically yes, but it's not profitable. For example, pumping Iveco Stralis to the level Scania R will cost 2-3 times more than buying a new truck. It is better to sell the old one and buy a more modern model.

What mods improve truck physics?

Popular mods for realistic physics:

  • Realistic Camera Mod - improves visibility.
  • Physics Mod by Frkn64 - more realistic behavior of trailers.
  • Real Fuel Consumption — plausible fuel consumption.

But keep in mind that with these mods the game becomes more difficult!