DAF XF vs Volvo FH: which to choose for long-haul
The DAF XF and the Volvo FH are the two most requested tractor units on our yard. Both are proven long-haul classics, but their philosophies differ. We compare them on the points that genuinely affect day-to-day work and total cost of ownership.
Cab and driver comfort
The DAF's Super Space Cab is still one of the most spacious "homes" in its class: a flat floor, high ceilings and plenty of storage. Volvo answers with ergonomics — the seat, sound insulation and climate control in the FH are tuned so that fatigue at the end of a shift is noticeably lower. Drivers switching from a DAF to a Volvo most often praise the handling and predictability.
Engine, fuel consumption, durability
Both manufacturers build engines with a service life of over a million kilometres, given proper maintenance. DAF's PACCAR MX is simpler and cheaper to repair; Volvo's D13 is more economical on the highway, especially paired with the I-Shift. The real difference in fuel consumption is up to a litre or a litre and a half per hundred kilometres in Volvo's favour under equal conditions.
Used-market value
A DAF is usually cheaper up front and loses value more slowly in basic specs. A Volvo holds its price better in recent model years and high-end specs. The bottom line: for maximum comfort and highway work, look at the FH; for the best cost of ownership, the XF. We regularly have both in stock.
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