2025 heavy-duty truck buyer’s guide
There truly is a heavy-duty truck for every applicationThe heavy-duty truck market is on a roll, with 17,152 units sold in 2024 and 9342 until the end of August 2025, driven largely by Australia’s growing freight task.
While city centres are awash with light trucks, an increasing number now electric, heavy trucks are the highway titans.
And it’s diesel power which still dominates the landscape, but with new ADR 80/40 Euro 6-compliant regulations being introduced from November 2025 they’ll run cleaner than ever before.
They’re safer too. Features like electronic braking stability, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, trailer electronic braking systems were once considerations when buying a heavy truck, but these days every new option is equipped with standard safety technology.
In fact, many of the trucks on this list feature the advanced safety features found in passenger cars, like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
While some heavy truck models can be specified in medium-duty rigid guise, for the purpose of this guide we’ve focused on the largest heavy-duty models from each manufacturer.
Here are the heavy-duty trucks available in Australia in 2025, brand-by-brand, with an array of options suited to vocational, single-trailer, multi-trailer, highway and rugged outback use. There truly is a heavy truck for every application…
Related: 2025 light truck buyer’s guide
Related: How to buy a used heavy truck
Western Star
The Western Star brand has forged a formidable reputation in Australia for building tough, dependable trucks, with its models instantly recognisable with their classic chromed-up aesthetic
In 2022, Western Star launched its new X-Series lineup, which combines the rugged build quality and classic styling of its former models, while introducing modern technology and safety features.
The X-Series includes the 47X, 48X and 49X models, catering to a wide range of heavy transport applications, from construction-focused tipper and dogs to outback road trains.
The 47X is primarily aimed at vocational and construction roles with its set-back front axle and shorter bonnet, making it a highly manoeuvrable and versatile workhorse.
Stepping up, the 48X, which is only sold in the Australian market, serves as a brand’s all-rounder, suited to everything from general freight to B-double work, and its high GCM capacity – up to 130 tonnes – makes it a seriously capable multi-trailer player.
Topping the range is the mighty 49X, the road-train model offered with GCM ratings of 200-plus tonnes. The 49X is suited to the toughest applications, in the harshest Australian conditions, across bulk haul, logging, livestock and outback road train use.
Power across the range comes from a choice of Euro 6 Detroit or Cummins engines, including the proven DD16 and X15 powerplants. All models are equipped with the Detroit Assurance suite of advanced safety systems, which includes active brake assist 5, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: Detroit DD13 Gen 5 (up to 525hp/2508Nm); Detroit DD16 (up to 600hp/2780Nm); Cummins X15 (up to 600hp/2780Nm)
• Transmission: Detroit DT12 AMT, Allison Automatic, Eaton Fuller Manual
• GCM: 200,000kg-plus
MAN
German manufacturer MAN offers a premium, technology-rich range of heavy-duty trucks in Australia, across the TGS and TGX model lines.
MAN’s heavy truck range is engineered around driver fit, fuel efficiency and safety, making them a popular alternative to other European brands like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz.
The TGS is MAN’s versatile, do-it-all model, available in a seemingly endless variety of driveline configurations including 4x2, 4x4, 6x2, 6x6 and even 8x8, making it suitable for everything from B-double work to extreme off-highway mining operations.
MAN’s range-topping TGX is a long-distance prime mover model designed for heavy interstate work with GCM ratings up to 120 tonnes and configurations ranging from 4x2 right up to 8x8.
Powering the range are MAN’s highly efficient D26 and D38 Euro 6 engines, with the big banger offering up to 640hp. MAN actually invented the first commercial diesel engine in the 1890s, and was also the first brand to produce direct-injection technology in 1924.
MAN also places a strong emphasis on safety, with a full suite of advanced safety features available, including emergency brake assist, adaptive cruise control and an advanced lane guard system.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: MAN D26 (up to 510hp/2600Nm); MAN D38 (up to 640hp/3000Nm)
• Transmission: MAN TipMatic 12-speed
• GCM: Up to 120,000kg
Scania
Scania is famous for its legendary V8 engines, with the Swedish brand offering a range of heavy-duty models that covers all bases – with top-tier technology, safety and comfort in each.
The heavy Scania range in Australia includes the versatile G-series, long-haul R-series and the flagship flat-floor S-series, with a range of configurations and powertrains on offer.
There’s a ‘cool factor’ with Scania trucks, too, revered by fans for sleek styling and, in the case of the V8-equipped models, a distinctive engine tone.
While Scania’s SUPER 13-litre Euro 6 engine is a popular choice for B-double and single trailer work, known for its impressive fuel efficiency and robust torque spread, the brand still offers its powerhouse V8 which is capable of pulling high-productivity combinations without breaking a sweat.
With outputs climbing to a stout 770hp, the Euro 6 V8 is arguably the most unique engine on offer today, with Scania the last marque to offer the configuration among the sea of inline six options.
Scania’s larger R and S Series models are commonly used in harsh applications, suitable for heavy haulage, livestock, triple and even road train applications, with impressive performance and GCM ratings exceeding 90 tonnes.
Scania also offers a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive steering and roll-over curtain airbags.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 13-litre (up to 560hp/2800Nm); 16.4-litre V8 (up to 770hp/3700Nm)
• Transmission: Scania Opticruise eight-speed or 12-speed AMT
• GCM: 90,000kg-plus
Related: Scania R 770: Review
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a technology leader in the heavy vehicle world, redefining safety and efficiency when it launched its second-generation Actros lineup back in 2016 with Euro 6 engines and advanced safety systems that until then had only been seen in passenger cars.
The Actros is a common sight out on the roads these days, now more advanced than ever and available in a range of configurations making it suitable for single trailer, B-double and tipper work with GCMs up to 90-tonnes and beyond.
Powering the Actros range is a mix of engine options, including 11-litre, 13-litre and 16-litre Euro 6 units, offering a mix of power and efficiency. The brand’s incoming ProCabin, which will soon be available with the Actros L, uses enhanced aerodynamics to offer fuel savings of up to four percent.
The Actros is also offered in all-electric guise, with the heavy-duty eActros 600 prime mover offering 600kW of peak power and a driving range of around 500km.
Mercedes-Benz sets a high standard for safety, with the Actros equipped as standard with a comprehensive suite of systems including active brake assist 5, lane keeping assist and attention assist.
A standout feature of the Actros is the revolutionary MirrorCam system which replaces traditional mirrors with cameras and in-cab screens to reduce blind spots and drag, improving both safety and fuel efficiency.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 11-litre (up to 456hp/2200Nm); 13-litre (up to 530hp/2600Nm); 16-litre (up to 630hp/3000Nm)
• Transmission: Mercedes-Benz PowerShift 12-speed or 16-speed AMT
• GCM: Up to 70,000kg (standard); higher on application
Freightliner
Freightliner has been building trucks since 1942, and its Cascadia lineup is a nod to the past while looking to the future as an American-style heavy-duty truck with European luxury, benefitting from Daimler Group technology.
The brand’s heavy Cascadia model is a popular option for interstate and regional multi-trailer operators in Australia, with GCM ratings up to 110 tonnes, offering the benefits of a bonneted truck while also boasting impressive standard technology.
Detroit’s proven Euro 6 DD13 and DD16 engines, paired with the DT12 automated manual transmission make for serious performance, with power ratings up to 600hp. The Cascadia also features advanced aerodynamics, allowing for impressive fuel efficiency.
Furthering the Cascadia’s appeal is the full Detroit Assurance 5.0 suite of safety systems, including active brake assist, side guard assist, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: Detroit DD13 (up to 505hp/2508Nm); Detroit DD16 (up to 600hp/2780Nm)
• Transmission: Detroit DT12 AMT
• GCM: 70,000-110,000kg
Iveco
The Iveco S-Way sits at the top of the brand’s model tree, offering a European-style cabover option with uniquely Italian styling.
Iveco’s S-Way prime mover is aimed at the regional and interstate semi and B-double market, available with GCM ratings of up to 90 tonnes. It is also sold in rigid configuration, making it a popular tipper choice for the construction and earthmoving industries.
The truck is offered with a range of powerful and efficient Euro 6 Cursor engines, including the Cursor 11, and 13, with power outputs up to a stout 550hp and smart fuel saving features like anti-idling technology. The cabin features aerodynamic aids like deflectors and corner fins, enhancing fuel efficiency by up to three per cent.
Iveco has placed a significant emphasis on the driver experience, with the new cab offering improved ergonomics, a quiet and comfortable environment, and advanced connectivity features.
The S-Way is also equipped with a suite of driver assistance systems, including advanced emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning system.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: Cursor 11 (up to 460hp/2150Nm); Cursor 13 (up to 550hp/2500Nm)
• Transmission: Hi-Tronix 12-speed and 16-speed AMT
• GCM: Up to 70,000kg (standard), up to 90,000kg on application
Hino
Hino’s 700 Series has proven itself as a versatile and dependable choice in the heavy-duty market, suited to a wide variety of applications.
The 700 Series is a popular choice for the construction industry, commonly specified for tipper and agitator work in rigid form. Prime mover models are used for metropolitan and regional distribution work, either as a semi-trailer or B-double combination with GCM ratings up to 72 tonnes.
Hino recently expanded its 700 Series range with 11 new models, taking the total number of variants to 31, offering higher GCM ratings and a broader array of specifications to cover more applications.
Hino’s proven nine- and 13-litre Euro 6 engines provide power, backed by either an Allison Automatic, ZF TraXon AMT, or Hino’s in-house developed 12-speed AMT.
A major strength of the 700 Series is its Hino SmartSafe safety package, which is offered as standard across the range. The system includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and a driver monitoring system, making it one of the safest Japanese heavy-duty trucks available.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 9-litre (up to 360hp/1569Nm); 13-litre (up to 480hp/2157Nm)
• Transmission: Allison Automatic, ZF TraXon AMT or Hino 12-speed AMT
• GCM: Up to 72,000kg
Related: Hino expands 700 Series lineup
Isuzu
As Australia’s long-standing light- and medium-duty truck market leader, Isuzu’s reputation is second to none. But, while the Japanese manufacturer dominates across the lighter segments, it has also gained significant heavy-duty market momentum in recent years, now third on the sales ladder.
The brand’s heavy-duty FY Series, which includes the FYH, FYJ, and FYX models, is a popular option within the construction and vocational sectors. The good news is the model, like the brand’s light and medium range, will be updated as part of the MY25 rollout.
Isuzu offers the FY in 8x4 and 10x4 axle configurations with load-sharing twin-steer, across a range of wheelbases, providing the stability and payload capacity required for tough applications like tankers, waste collection, agitators and tippers.
Powering the FY Series is Isuzu’s proven Euro 5 9.8-litre 6UZ1 engine, producing 345hp/1422Nm, backed by the choice of either a manual or automatic transmissions.
The FY models are equipped with standard safety features like electric stability control, reversing cameras as well as a modern infotainment display.
Meanwhile, the smaller Euro 6 FX lineup has launched in Australia, having undergone a bumper-to-bumper overhaul, with the new lineup featuring a revised cabin, improved powertrains, and advanced car-like safety features – hinting at the features likely to be included in the updated FY Series lineup when it lands.
Quick specs:
• Engine output: 9.8-litre 6UZ1 (345hp/1422Nm)
• Transmission: Allison Automatic, ZF Manual
• GCM: Up to 45,000kg
Fuso
Fuso’s heavy-duty Shogun combines Daimler technology and Japanese dependability, offering a powerful, safe, and versatile heavy-duty solution for the Australian market.
The Shogun is available in both prime mover and rigid configurations, with 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4 axle configurations, making it a strong contender for a wide range of applications from metropolitan distribution to demanding vocational work.
A key highlight is the 13-litre Euro 6 engine, which in the new soon-to-be-launched Shogun 530 model produces 530hp. This makes it the most powerful Japanese truck on the local market, capable of B-double trailer work with a GCM of up to 70 tonnes.
The Shogun range features an array of active safety systems as standard, which include advanced emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver fatigue management, lane departure warning and intelligent LED headlights.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 7.7-litre (up to 360hp/1400Nm); 10.7-litre (up to 460hp/2200Nm); 13-litre (up to 510hp/2600Nm – soon to be 530hp)
• Transmission: Fuso ShiftPilot 12-speed AMT
• GCM: Up to 63 tonnes, soon-to-be to 70,000kg
Mack
The Mack brand is synonymous with the Australian transport industry, known for turning out some of the toughest heavy-duty models available – from the iconic Super-Liner to the future-focused Anthem – and they’re still built locally at the Volvo Group Australia (VGA) factory in Wacol, Queensland.
Mack’s heavy-duty range offers a prime mover for every application, from interstate B-double duties to extreme outback road train work, and all offer the quintessential Australian styling the brand is known for.
The Mack Anthem is the brand’s modern highway hero, designed for B-double work with a focus on aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort. It’s also the most modern design, first debuted on local soil back in 2019 at the Brisbane Truck Show.
For more demanding tasks, the legendary Super-Liner is the brand’s heavy hauler, suited to regional B-double, triple and road train applications. Across its 45-year life, the model has evolved to meet the needs of Australia’s outback transport task.
If a Super-Liner isn’t rugged enough, Mack also offers the mighty Titan, an extreme-duty workhorse designed for the heaviest road train and off-road applications with GCM ratings in excess of 200 tonnes. The Titan is a truck you’ll find in the most remote corners of Australia, hauling massive multi-trailer combinations along corrugated dirt roads – they don’t come tougher.
The Mack range is powered by the Euro 6 equivalent MP8 13-litre, MP10 16-litre and MP11 17-litre engines. The recently launched 17-litre unit is capable of an incredible 780hp/3800Nm, making it the most powerful engine ever in a Mack.
Mack’s lineup features the Bendix Wingman Fusion safety system, which uses radar, camera and brake system data to offer features like autonomous emergency braking, highway departure braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: MP8 13-litre (up to 535hp/2,600Nm); MP10 16-litre (up to 685hp/3186Nm); MP11 17-litre (780hp/3800Nm)
• Transmission: Mack mDRIVE 12-speed AMT
• GCM: 200,000kg-plus
UD
The UD Quon has earned a reputation in Australia as a smart, safe, and efficient Japanese heavy-duty truck with European manners, sitting within the VGA stable.
UD’s Quon range offers a highly versatile platform, available in both rigid and prime mover configurations for applications ranging from metropolitan and regional distribution to vocational work and even short-haul B-double tasks, with GCM ratings up to 60 tonnes.
The Quon is powered by UD’s fuel-efficient 8-litre and 11-litre Euro 6 engines, with power ratings up to 460hp/2250Nm, paired with the brand’s ESCOT automated manual transmission.
UD Trucks is serious about safety, and the Quon comes standard with an impressive suite of advanced features like traffic eye brake, lane departure warning, and a driver alert system that monitors fatigue.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: Eight-litre (up to 360hp/1,428Nm); 11-litre (up to 460hp/2,200Nm)
• Transmission: ESCOT-VI and ESCOT-VII AMT
• GCM: Up to 60,000kg
Volvo
Volvo offers benchmark levels of safety, performance, and driver comfort across its Australian heavy-duty models, and its local models at the VGA factory in Wacol.
The flagship FH and FH16 models can handle the most demanding long-haul, B-double, and heavy haulage applications while offering class-leading levels of safety and comfort.
The FH offers a perfect balance of power and efficiency from its proven D13 Euro 6 engine, while the mighty FH16 is the brand’s flagship model, with its D17 engine producing up to 780hp.
In top-spec guise, the 780hp FH16 is the most powerful truck in Australia (alongside its Mack Super-Liner sibling) and the ultimate choice for road train and heavy haulage work, with GCMs exceeding 200 tonnes.
The brand is also a pioneer of the automated manual transmission, with its 12-speed I-Shift widely considered to be one of the best self-shifting truck ‘boxes on the market.
For future-focused operators, Volvo offers the electric FH Electric prime mover, which produces 490kW and is capable of travelling up to 300km on a single charge.
All Volvo models are equipped with leading advanced safety systems, including advanced emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed assist, driver alert support, pilot assist with dynamic steering and adaptive high beam headlights.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: D13 (up to 540hp/2,600Nm); D17 (up to 780hp/3,700Nm)
• Transmission: Volvo I-Shift AMT
• GCM: Up to 90,000kg (standard), higher on application
Related: Volvo’s biggest FH16 XXL delivered
Kenworth
King-of-cool Kenworth tops the local sales charts, delivering 3774 heavy trucks in 2024 and 2181 so far this year, ahead of second-best seller Volvo (1512 deliveries year-to-date) by a healthy margi
It’s no surprise, when you consider just how many locally built Kenworth models are being put to work on Australian roads, from coastal highways to demanding outback tracks. Since the Paccar brand landed Down Under in the 1960s its models have been a hit with truckies, revered for their classic looks and tough build quality.
The iconic brand’s heavy-duty range offers a model for every application, from the versatile T410, which excels as a vocational workhorse, to the aerodynamic T610, a modern prime mover capable of around-the-clock B-double work.
For operators tackling the toughest outback jobs, the legendary T909 remains the quintessential road train and heavy haulage choice, with its classic long bonnet and chrome stacks.
Powering the range are the PACCAR MX-13 and Cummins X15 Euro 6 engines, the latter offering up to 625hp, mated to the choice of 18-speed Road Ranger or automated manual transmissions.
For buyers seeking something a little more special, Kenworth periodically releases limited-edition Legend Series models, which are modern reinterpretations of iconic trucks from its past, offering a unique blend of heritage styling and modern technology.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: PACCAR MX-13 (up to 510hp/2508Nm); Cummins X15 (up to 625hp/2780Nm)
• Transmission: PACCAR 18-speed AMT, Eaton Manual
• GCM: 70,000-200,000kg-plus
DAF
Fellow Paccar brand DAF offers premium European models that are proving to be just as capable as their Kenworth stablemates, while also offering premium levels of comfort and some of the best-equipped cabins going.
The heavy-duty DAF range kicks off with the versatile CF, which is an adaptable workhorse suitable to a wide range of vocational and metropolitan duties, available in both rigid and prime mover form.
Stepping up in the range, the XF has long served as the brand’s flagship for long-haul and B-double applications, and remains a capable contender for operators wanting a strong highway performer.
The new XG and XG+ models take the DAF range to new heights, offering massive cabs and even more horsepower, suitable for serious multi-trailer long-haul work. The top 660hp power rating also makes the DAF XG+ more powerful than any Kenworth currently offered.
The range is powered by the efficient PACCAR MX-11, MX-13 and PX-15 Euro 6 engines, mated to ZF TraXon transmissions.
Heavy DAF models are equipped with a full suite of modern safety systems, with features like adaptive cruise control, advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning and corner view camera.
Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: PACCAR MX-11 (up to 450hp/2300Nm); PACCAR MX-13 (up to 530hp/2600Nm); PACCAR PX-15 (up to 660hp/3200Nm)
• Transmission: ZF TraXon 12-speed or 16-speed AMT
• GCM: Up to 97,000kg
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