International Truck HX Series
Severe-duty vocational • Production 2016–present
About the International Truck HX Series
The International HX Series is International's premium severe-duty vocational truck, introduced in 2016 to compete with the Western Star 49X, Mack Granite, and Kenworth T880. The HX is used for logging, oilfield service, heavy-haul, mining, and severe-duty construction. Cummins X15 is the dominant engine choice; International A26 is available as an alternative. The HX represents International's recovery from the MaxxForce engine era — it's a fresh design with proven Cummins power.
Overview
The International HX Series is International's premium severe-duty vocational truck, introduced in 2016 to compete with the Western Star 49X, Mack Granite, and Kenworth T880. The HX is used for logging, oilfield service, heavy-haul, mining, and severe-duty construction. Cummins X15 is the dominant engine choice; International A26 is available as an alternative. The HX represents International's recovery from the MaxxForce engine era — it's a fresh design with proven Cummins power.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- International Truck
- Class
- Class 8
- Vehicle type
- Severe-duty vocational
- Cab type
- Day cab
- Production years
- 2016–present
- Applications
- Logging, oilfield, severe duty, heavy haul, mining
- Typical engines
- Cummins X15, International A26
- Typical transmissions
- Allison automatic, Eaton manual
- GVWR range
- 44,000-150,000 lb (with permits)
Design and engineering
Heavy-duty steel cab with set-back front axle. Tall, upright cab for vocational driver visibility. Reinforced chassis options support up to 150,000 lb GVWR with permits. Optional crew cab for work crews. The HX shares its cab platform with the HV (slightly less heavy-duty) and the LT (highway tractor).
Generations and major changes
Market position and popularity
HX has gained significant share in oil-field and logging segments since launch. International's strong rural and vocational dealer network supports the truck. Used HX trucks are starting to appear in the market (2024+) as early units age.
Who buys this truck
Logging operators, oil-field service, severe-duty construction, heavy-haul specialists, owner-operators in vocational segments.
Common problems and reliability notes
Cummins X15 emissions issues (same as all Cummins). Limited long-term reliability data on International A26 variants. Severe-duty wear on chassis components.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- • Strong vocational chassis for severe-duty
- • Cummins X15 reliability
- • Heavy-haul capability up to 150K lb
- • Strong rural/vocational dealer network
⚠ Cons
- • Lower resale than Western Star or Mack in vocational
- • International A26 long-term reliability still unproven
- • Smaller national dealer footprint than Freightliner