At Evans Trucking, we don’t pick trucks based on looks or hype. We pick them based on performance, reliability, and what actually makes money on the road. That’s why the 2025 Freightliner Cascadia has earned its spot as our primary fleet truck. You can read on or watch the review here https://youtu.be/HsRXk1gv-ho
Aerodynamics That Actually Work
Freightliner got serious about cutting through the wind with this truck. The super cone-shaped front end flows smooth from bumper to hood. No sun visor anymore – the windshield slopes right over the hood with a small wind deflector. Even the mirrors use single-arm designs built like airplane wings to reduce buffeting.
But here’s where it gets smart: those flexible wheel aerodynamic deflectors. They keep air from getting underneath the truck, creating dead space where you want it. Once air gets under your rig, it’s bouncing around your differentials and cross members, creating drag that costs fuel.
Freightliner offers an extended aerodynamic package with deflectors between dual tires and rear wings. Good concept, but we stopped speccing it. The mounting brackets break off in Canadian winters with ice, wind, and grit. We’ve had them take out tires and end up in traffic. Freightliner needs to make those brackets more robust.
We did add our own touches – filler pieces to stop wind from cutting behind the cab and a 20-inch cab extender instead of the standard 10-inch. Small details that add up.
Fuel Numbers Don’t Lie
Results speak louder than features. This particular unit hit 9.6 miles per gallon Imperial last month running flatbed loads all over North America. That number sets the bar in our fleet and shows what’s possible when you spec things right.
Even the wheel covers matter. Studies prove they deliver 1% fuel savings on the truck and 1% on the trailer. Sounds small, but do the math over years – it’s real money. We went with stainless, quick-release covers that look good and let you check axles and oil levels easily.
Proven Power Under the Hood
We spec the Detroit DD15 engine in these trucks. For the DT12 automatic transmission (the only highway option now), Detroit recommends 475 horsepower and 1750 torque. More torque, less horsepower works better with this transmission.
Here’s a wild fact: in over 70 Freightliner trucks I’ve bought, I’ve never changed an original turbo on a DD15. Not once. Over 50 million miles. That’s the reliability you want when maintenance costs matter.
We run long maintenance intervals – oil changes every six months, usually 100,000 to 120,000 kilometers. Within Detroit specs for our application and saves money.
Cab Function Over Flash
Inside, this truck prioritizes function. Visibility is excellent – mirrors positioned right, good sight lines, minimal blind spots. Cruise and dash controls fall right to hand on the steering wheel. The new touchscreen stereo has better Bluetooth connectivity and more features than the old unit.
The shifter module beside your signal lever is brilliant. Jake brake controls at different levels, right at your fingertips instead of hunting on the dash when you need them suddenly.
Room to move with no shifter in the way. Easy access to the back of the cab.
The seats are good – comfortable, durable, available with heat and cool. No driver complaints about comfort issues.
Room for Improvement
The interior feels functional, not luxurious. Plastic wood trim and weird orange-brown colors try to add character but miss the mark. Door panels could use soft-touch materials. Seat upgrade options would be nice.
The high upper cabinet limits tall drivers – can’t lean back or push seats back as far. Other manufacturers handle this better with lower cabinets.
The new microwave cabinet is a big improvement over previous models. Regular microwaves fit properly now instead of the useless setup they had before.
Bottom Line
Freightliner knows their market. This truck serves fleet operators and drivers well. Guys coming from old-school W900 Kenworths or long-hood Peterbilts end up happy in these trucks. They’re comfortable, quiet, roomy, and they work.
At Evans Trucking, we’re believers in the Detroit and Daimler platform. We’ll keep buying Freightliner products because they deliver what matters most: reliability, efficiency, and profits on the road.
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