Tractors
17 tractors, priced in fuel
Fuel economy here is a typical observed range for a loaded tractor at highway speed, not a specification. The same truck varies by more than a mile per gallon on gear ratio, tyres, speed and driver, and any single figure quoted for a model is marketing.
The last column is the one worth reading: what the difference from the most efficient truck in this list costs over 120,000 miles at $4.049 diesel. It is computed, not quoted.
Aerodynamic linehaul
9 models
Built around the drag equation. Every one of these is a set of compromises made in favour of fuel, and over 120,000 miles a year that is the right trade for almost everyone who is not choosing a truck on how it looks.
| Model | Years | MPG | Weight | Used | Fuel gap a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freightliner Cascadia Freightliner | 2017 to present | 7.2-9 | 17.0-19.5k | $55-135k | $1,445 |
| Freightliner Cascadia (first generation) Freightliner | 2008 to 2017 | 6.2-7.4 | 16.8-19.0k | $25-55k | $12,913 |
| Kenworth T680 Kenworth | 2013 to present | 7-8.8 | 17.0-19.5k | $50-130k | $2,964 |
| Peterbilt 579 Peterbilt | 2012 to present | 7-8.8 | 17.0-19.5k | $50-130k | $2,964 |
| Volvo VNL Volvo | 2018 to present | 7.4-9.2 | 17.2-19.8k | $50-135k | - |
| Mack Anthem Mack | 2017 to present | 6.8-8.5 | 17.5-19.8k | $45-120k | $4,974 |
| International LT International | 2017 to present | 7-8.7 | 17.0-19.5k | $35-110k | $3,356 |
| International ProStar International | 2008 to 2017 | 5.6-7.2 | 16.8-19.0k | $18-45k | $17,379 |
| Western Star 5700XE Western Star | 2015 to 2023 | 7-8.6 | 17.5-20.0k | $45-110k | $3,753 |
Classic and long-nose
2 models
Set-back axles, long hoods, chrome and a great deal more drag. They cost real money in fuel and they hold their value in a way the aerodynamic trucks do not, which is a more rational argument for them than most owners bother to make.
| Model | Years | MPG | Weight | Used | Fuel gap a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenworth W900 Kenworth | 1963 to 2025 | 5.2-6.5 | 18.5-21.0k | $35-180k | $24,517 |
| Peterbilt 389 Peterbilt | 2007 to 2025 | 5.2-6.5 | 18.5-21.0k | $45-200k | $24,517 |
Regional and day cab
2 models
No sleeper, lighter, shorter wheelbase. Bought for payload and manoeuvring rather than for miles, and priced accordingly on the used market.
| Model | Years | MPG | Weight | Used | Fuel gap a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freightliner M2 106 Freightliner | 2002 to present | 6.5-8.5 | 12.0-15.0k | $30-90k | $6,244 |
| Volvo VNR Volvo | 2017 to present | 6.8-8.5 | 15.5-18.0k | $45-110k | $4,974 |
Vocational and heavy haul
4 models
Frames, axles and cooling built for weight and for work off pavement. Fuel economy is not the point and the specification sheet says so.
| Model | Years | MPG | Weight | Used | Fuel gap a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenworth T880 Kenworth | 2013 to present | 4.8-6.5 | 19.0-24.0k | $55-165k | $27,457 |
| Peterbilt 567 Peterbilt | 2013 to present | 4.8-6.4 | 19.0-24.0k | $60-170k | $28,225 |
| Mack Granite Mack | 2001 to present | 4.5-6.2 | 19.0-25.0k | $50-160k | $32,279 |
| Western Star 49X Western Star | 2020 to present | 4.6-6.3 | 19.5-26.0k | $80-200k | $30,613 |
Fuel gap is what the midpoint of each model’s range costs against the most efficient truck listed, over 120,000 miles at this week’s national diesel price, using the reciprocal relation rather than a straight difference. Used price bands are broad on purpose: condition, hours and remaining aftertreatment life move them further than the model does.