Iveco S-WAY review

Two engines are available with the S-Way. The Cursor 9, 8.7-litre unit can be had in 360hp and 400hp variants while the XCursor 13, 12.9-litre engine offers outputs of 460hp, 500hp, 540hp and 580hp. For fleets looking to reduce emissions, a compressed natural gas (CNG) version is available with three different power outputs. The 500hp engine with 2,600Nm of torque is said to be the best pairing of performance and efficiency. For maximum performance, the 580hp version delivers 2,800Nm of torque and is better suited to heavy haulage applications. The latest generation XCursor 13 engine is 10% lighter than its predecessor and features a range of technologies combined with better aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency by up to 10%. It’s also supposed to have more longevity thanks to a design life of 1.6 million km.

Regardless of engine choice, the S-Way is paired with Iveco’s Hi Tronix 12-speed transmission. Depending on the application, it can be specified with a rocking mode to help the truck unstick itself in muddy conditions. If reversing is going to be a key part of the vehicle’s job, four reverse gears can be added as well. As usual, the gear shifter allows you to select drive and reverse and has a separate twistable section to switch between Eco, Normal and Power modes. The 580hp version can spend the majority of the time in Normal or Eco modes with Power only necessary on steep inclines. Over longer, gentler inclines, Power mode gives the 500hp model some extra oomph to keep your speed up. Pulling the gear stalk towards you and pushing it away lets you manually select gear and if you hold it in either direction you can block shift too. Also, there’s seven levels of engine braking with Iveco’s most powerful engine brake to date.

Active Space (AS) tops the range and is targeted at long haul sleeper use. Active Time (AT) is another slightly more compact sleeper option and Active Day (AD) does what it says on the tin as a day cab. Both sleepers can be specified with high or low roofs and AD only comes with the lower roof. A flat floor between the seats gives plenty of space to move around in the cab and comfortable standing room in the high roof version.

Either side of the cab two external lockers offer some extra room for boots, tools and any other bits and bobs you don’t want dirtying the cab. An additional row of overhead lockers can be had over the bed with the single bunk setup, otherwise this space is used for a top bunk. Drawers under the bed and opposite provide additional stowage and a fridge/freezer and microwave can be added too. At both ends of the bed, pockets for magazines and books are accompanied by USB and USB-C ports as well as buttons to turn on the mirror cams. Two hooks at either end of the bed are a handy addition for coats and high vis. An air suspended, heated and ventilated seat can be specified which has huge adjustability and leans into racing seat styling. Likewise, the steering wheel can be manoeuvred into a comfortable position. The infotainment screen on the dash supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and two phones can be connected at the same time. Alexa voice control is standard. There’s a convenient tray above the climate controls which are controlled by two dials and have a large number display, so it’s easy to glance down and see the set temperature.

A first for Iveco, S-Way comes with mirror cameras instead of traditional mirrors. These have an integrated blind spot information system (BSIS) which shows yellow and red warning signs depending on the scenario. To comply with new EU regulations on truck safety equipment, the vehicle comes with a number of driver assistance systems and is prepared to be fitted with an alcohol interlock device if required. Other features include a moving off information system (MOIS), driver drowsiness attention warning (DDAW), intelligent speed assist and lane departure warning. When the trailer is disconnected, a reversing camera displays on the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. On the road, hill hold control is a useful feature to stop the truck from rolling back on an incline, letting you pull away quicker than using the electronic handbrake. As of 2026, the Iveco S-Way 4x2 tractor scored two out of five stars on the EuroNCAP truck safety test. While it received good safe driving and post crash safety scores, EuroNCAP marked it down for its crash avoidance technology.

The cab is quiet and on full air suspension smooths out potholes and imperfections in the road. The steering feels light and since you can change the amount of air in the seat, it’s a very comfortable ride. The 580hp engine is noticeably more torquey and powerful than the 500hp version but for better fuel economy and everyday livability, most fleets will favour the 500hp model. Using cruise control, the truck maintains a steady speed and has a configurable overrun setting so the vehicle can deviate from the set speed by plus or minus 3mph or however much you choose. Going down hill, this will automatically activate the engine brake to keep the speed under control. Since there’s seven stages of engine braking, it’s easy to give as much or as little as is needed for the scenario to save wear on the disc brakes.

With the latest model’s aerodynamic features and improved engine technology, fuel savings are said to be around 10% compared to the previous generation. Iveco has a TCO calculator on its website that lets you input annual mileage, fuel cost and mpg to estimate savings and payback time with the newest 2024 model compared to the 2022 variant. Fuel costs can vary from driver to driver depending on how technology like cruise control, the engine brake and accelerator are used. Provided you drive smoothly, the truck will give notifications on the dash to tell you that you’re doing well.

Iveco has modular repair and maintenance and warranty packages so operators can choose the option that best fits their budget and resources. Across the UK, there are around 80 Iveco dealers made up of owned sites and dealer group partners. The largest Iveco dealer is Guest Motors with 13 sites followed by North East Truck & Van and A M Phillip. As standard the S-Way comes with a two-year warranty.

The S-Way is a big step up from the Stralis, bringing it more in line with the competition with its updated interior, mirror camera technology and spacious cab. It’s still one of the cheapest options out there but offers great value for money. For operators that cover huge mileage, trucks such as the likes of the new Volvo FH Aero will deliver better fuel efficiency but come with a higher price tag. The growing popularity of the Iveco S-Way is proving the company’s latest generation is a winner for fleets and drivers.