American Truck Simulator Road Trip: Ford DLC adds drivable cars with new gameplay modes

American Truck Simulator has received its first Road Trip DLC, bringing a significant shift to gameplay by introducing drivable cars alongside the series' traditional trucks. The DLC, titled Road Trip: Ford, marks the first time cars have been available as native content rather than mods, alongside a new Car Mode toggle that switches from the default Truck Mode.

The DLC features four Ford models: the 1967 Mustang Fastback, 2006 Crown Victoria sedan, 2023 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew, and 2024 Bronco Badlands. Each vehicle includes highly detailed interiors that reflect their era, from retro dashboards in the Mustang and Crown Vic to modern infotainment screens in the F-150 and Bronco. Authentic details extend to functional elements like reverse cameras on newer models, working window controls, and the Crown Vic's distinctive right-side gearstick.

Car Mode introduces a separate progression system with its own tutorial and dispatch market for cargo jobs. However, the economics differ significantly from truck operations. Car jobs offer smaller payloads such as documents, machine parts, and product samples, typically earning $1,000 to $3,000 per delivery compared to trucks' $20,000 to $30,000 average. This lower reward structure means a slower return on investment for players switching modes.

The handling model reflects the vehicles' real-world characteristics. Cars accelerate faster, reach higher speeds, and navigate tighter corners without managing a trailer. The Mustang stands out for its drifting capability even with traction control enabled, providing a notably different experience from truck driving. This agility eliminates the frustration of constant overtaking by traffic that truck drivers experience.

Customisation options for cars are more limited than trucks. Players cannot modify internals but can change paint colours, add external accessories like roof racks, and alter interior trim. Exterior options remain minimal, likely reflecting practical considerations around vehicle legality.

The DLC introduces the Atlas, a new exploration system centred on tourist boards scattered across the map. Players unlock nearby points of interest by visiting them, earning collectible postcards worth $120 each that can be displayed on vehicle dashboards. The Atlas operates in both Car and Truck Modes and currently covers California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota, with more states planned for future expansion. Scenic drives like the Sierra Crossing route offer views of locations such as Yosemite and the Inn at the Benton Hot Springs, complete with informational cutscenes.

Some limitations temper the experience. Progression earned in Truck Mode does not transfer to Car Mode, fragmenting the sense of advancement. Job structure mirrors the main game's formula: drive to a location and deliver, without parking requirements, trailer reversing, or depot navigation that adds complexity in truck operations. This simplicity feels somewhat anticlimactic after multi-state journeys.

The DLC represents a strong initial effort to expand American Truck Simulator's scope. While it contains only four vehicles and reuses familiar mechanics, the detailed car interiors, improved handling physics, and Atlas exploration system provide meaningful variety. SCS Software has signalled further Road Trip entries are planned, suggesting room to develop the concept and address current limitations in job design and progression integration.