Freightliner Unveils Latest Cascadia Class 8 Truck

The fifth generation of Freightliner’s Cascadia line boasts a suite of new safety tech and improved aerodynamics.

February 1, 2025

Matt Wolfe

The fifth generation of the Cascadia is scheduled to begin production mid-2025. (Freightliner)

Freightliner has unveiled the fifth generation of its Cascadia Class 8 truck. The new version is scheduled to begin production mid-2025 and reportedly offers new advanced safety features, increased aerodynamic efficiency.

“When we set out to develop this newest version and build on its legacy of excellence, we listened closely to our customers and what they, their drivers and their fleets needed,” said David Carson, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Daimler Truck North America. “More safety features, greater efficiency and increased profitability is what we heard, and it’s what we’re proud to deliver.”

Safety first

Freightliner states that the latest Cascadia features expanded capabilities for the Detroit Assurance Suite of Safety Systems such as enhanced computing power, an upgraded camera and four new short-range radar sensors as well as an improved long-range radar sensor.

These updated systems are the basis for several new safety features such as active brake assist, active lane assist and an attentive-driver protection system that monitors the driver’s steering inputs. Should the driver become nonresponsive, the system can initiate a sequence that keeps the truck centered in its lane, bring it to a stop and turns on the hazard lights.

The fifth-gen Cascadia also features the Side Guard Assist 2 system, which detects and warns drivers about objects on both sides of the vehicle from the cab to the end of the trailer.

The latest Cascadia is also equipped with an all-new intelligent braking control system which features a brake-by-wire system with redundant backup pneumatics that employs wheel speed sensors and a chassis-mounted electronic control unit.

Freightliner states that the system allows for the introduction of what it calls Comfort Braking, which provides brake force distribution, lining wear control and performance monitoring. According to Freightliner, these features ensure smoother, more confident braking and longer brake pad life.

The IBCS also includes Endurance Braking, a feature that blends the engine retarder and service brakes when the foot pedal is applied, which Freightliner claims further extends brake life. There is also a new electronic parking brake that enables Rollaway Mitigation. That system automatically applies the parking brake when a driver leaves the seat or opens the door without setting it.

Additional safety features include a MirrorCam System mounted above the doors that provides a wide field of view and is equipped with infrared technology and hydrophobic coatings to repel water and other contaminants. There is also a remote lock and unlock feature that provides the ability to lock and unlock vehicles on demand and new dual stage LED headlights which are reportedly engineered to melt away ice and eliminate condensation in minutes. The new lights also have an improved beam pattern and auto high beam feature.

Lean muscle

Freightliner states that the latest Cascadia features expanded capabilities for the Detroit Assurance Suite of Safety Systems. (Freightliner)

Freightliner is claiming a net fuel economy gain of 1.9-percent over the outgoing model thanks to improved aerodynamics. These changes include a new hood design, a redesigned A-pillar deflector, three-piece front wheel well closeouts, a hood-to-bumper seal and new bumper air ducts that direct airflow around the underbody and tires to increase efficiency. Also available is a Max Aero Bumper that Freightliner claims brings even greater efficiency without sacrificing ground clearance, durability or serviceability.

Like the outgoing model, the fifth generation Cascadia is motivated by fifth-generation Detroit DD13 and DD15 engines with ratings of up to 505 hp and 1,850 lb-ft. Post-launch, the Cummins X15 and X15N natural gas engine will be available in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Those engines are rated at 400-605 hp and 1,450 to 2,050 lb-ft.

“The fifth generation Freightliner Cascadia is more than just a truck, it’s a complete freight transportation solution designed for those ready for what’s next. It combines purposeful technologies for exceptional safety, efficiency and profitability, and it’s ready to meet the needs of each of our customers’ unique businesses," Carson said.