Freightliner Coronado Review: Classic Muscle Meets Modern Trucking

Googling Freightliner Coronado for sale? We get you. This Coronado truck is not any average fleet-filler — it still rolls hard with big power, big chrome, and plenty of pride. If you’re thinking of running one down the highway, here’s the no-nonsense breakdown from truckers who’ve been behind the wheel and know what she’s got under the hood.

Built to Haul, Styled to Flex

The Coronado might be discontinued, but it is far from retired. You will still see them at fuel islands, hauling pipe or pulling reefers coast to coast. It is the rig for drivers who still believe trucks should look like trucks — long nose, tall stacks, and enough shine to blind you at noon.

“I’ll take a Coronado over a Cascadia any day. It rides better, looks better, and I do not feel like I’m driving a plastic rental.”
–r/Truckers

Coronado Specs — What’s Under the Skin

Here’s what you’ll find in most used Coronados on the road:

Feature	Spec Range
Engine Options	Detroit Series 60, DD15, or Cummins ISX – up to 600 HP
Transmissions	Eaton-Fuller 13-speed or 18-speed manuals; some UltraShift autos
Torque	Up to 2,050 lb-ft (depending on motor/tune)
Axles	Set-forward or set-back; tandem rears standard
GVWR	Typically 52,000 – 60,000 lbs
Sleeper Options	70″ Raised Roof, Mid-Roof, or Condo Sleeper
Fuel Capacity	Dual 120-gal tanks (typical)
DEF/DPF	Post-2010 models come with emissions equipment

Some older models (pre-emission) are still rolling with glider kits — clean, simple, and way easier to fix.

“Got me a 2014 122SD glider with a 12.7 Detroit. No regen, no DEF, just drive. Never going back to these emission nightmares.”
– TruckersForum

What’s the Price of a Used Freightliner Coronado?

Used Coronados are holding solid value. You are not going to find one for dirt cheap if it is clean and running right.

$40K–$55K → Mid-mileage units (~700–900K mi), maybe a few cosmetic dings
$55K–$75K → Clean rigs with maintenance history, raised-roof sleeper, Detroit power
$80K+ → Custom builds, gliders, or low-mileage owner-op gems

“Picked mine up for $60K, 780K miles, full records. Ran like a champ through I-80 in February with a 44K flatbed load. I’ll take that over a new plastic box any day.”
– TruckersReport

Freightliner Coronado

What Drivers Love About the Coronado

Old-School Styling: That long hood, square headlights, and grille? It is all American muscle.
Ride Comfort: Smoother than a T680 and quieter inside the cab than most newer models.
Solid Build: Thick panels, real steel, and a cab that does not shake when the Jake kicks in.
Customization: Chicken lights, deck plates, chrome visors—you name it, you’ll see it on a Coronado.

“It’s the kind of truck you polish on Sundays and run hard Monday to Friday.”
– Facebook Groups

What to Watch For

Even a rig this solid has its quirks:

Emissions Systems: Post-2010 Coronados come with DEF and DPF. Expect sensor issues after 500K unless maintained well.
Parts Availability: Some trim parts are harder to come by now since they are no longer manufactured.
Turning Radius: She is long. Very long. You will need more room than your average aero-nose truck.

“Tight docks in Philly? You better plan that U-turn two blocks ahead, driver.”
– r/Truckers

Real-World Use: Who’s This Rig For?

If you:

Haul long-distance freight and want comfort plus torque
Run show trucks or just want to stand out
Hate digital dashboards and plastic cabs
Want a truck that holds value and delivers pride

Then the Coronado is your kind of rig.

But if you are chasing fuel economy or need a short-wheelbase for city delivery, stick with a Cascadia or a box truck.

Pro Tips from Coronado Drivers

“Pre-2010s are gold. No regen, no sensors, no downtime. Just oil and go.”
“Get a DD15 if you want smoother pulling. Go Series 60 if you want easy maintenance.”
“Buy from an owner-op, not a fleet—fleets beat these trucks to hell.”