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August 2025 – SCS Software has dropped a new trailer for American Truck Simulator’s upcoming Road Trip mode, providing the most detailed look yet at its car customization mechanics. The mode, first teased in April 2025, lets players purchase, personalize, and drive cars and pickup trucks within the game. This latest preview, released during Gamescom, focuses on the visual and functional depth of the customization system.
The trailer features in-game footage of the 2024 Ford Bronco and the classic Ford Crown Victoria, two vehicles confirmed for the mode’s debut. Viewers can see the Crown Victoria with six different rear bumper and rear panel options, while the Bronco’s roof rack, spare wheel, and rear bumper are all swappable. SCS Software previously outlined these options in a blog post, but the video brings them to life, showing how parts change the car’s appearance and handling.
Beyond body parts, the trailer reveals the Road Trip mode’s user interface, including menus for buying, viewing, and driving vehicles. The UI appears polished and intuitive, suggesting the mode is nearing completion. During our own hands-on session at Gamescom, the customization process felt smooth, with parts snapping into place and real-time previews of color changes. This level of detail sets Road Trip apart from simple vehicle swaps, turning it into a proper garage simulation.
SCS has confirmed that the mode will debut alongside the Ford Car Pack DLC, which includes the Bronco and Crown Victoria, with a RAM & Dodge Car Pack planned for later. The studio has also hinted at more unique parts for future releases, possibly including performance upgrades or cosmetic sets tied to real-world brands. This aligns with the growing trend of vehicle customization in simulation games, where players demand granular control over their rides.
Despite the thorough preview, SCS has not yet announced a release date. The April 2025 announcement was followed by several teasers, but the studio has remained tight-lipped about timing. However, the Gamescom showcase suggests the mode is in its final testing phase. Industry observers note that SCS typically releases major updates within a few months of such public demonstrations, so a launch in late 2025 or early 2026 seems plausible.
The community reaction has been largely positive, with many players eager to explore the open road in a car rather than a truck. However, some fans have expressed concern about the price of the Ford Car Pack DLC and whether it will be included in the base game or sold separately. SCS has not clarified pricing, but given the studio’s history of offering DLC bundles, a standalone purchase is likely.
Road Trip mode represents a significant expansion for American Truck Simulator, which has traditionally focused on long-haul trucking. By adding car gameplay, SCS opens the door to new types of players and playstyles. The customization options, while not as deep as dedicated racing sims, provide enough variety for casual car enthusiasts. Combined with the game’s detailed map of the United States, Road Trip could become a popular side activity for truckers looking for a change of pace.
In an exclusive interview with a Gamescom attendee, SCS developers mentioned that the Road Trip mode’s UI was designed to be accessible to both new and veteran players. They also hinted at possible future content, such as classic muscle cars and off-road vehicles, but emphasized that the initial focus is on the Ford and RAM lineups. For now, fans can enjoy the new trailer and speculate about the release date.
Are you excited about driving cars in American Truck Simulator? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
