Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Cummins ISX15, Still Growing and Evolving After 18 Years of Service [Video]

As engine platforms go, Cummins' ISX has to be considered slightly remarkable. It survived the transition to EGR and then to SCR aftertreatment -- while several other engines did not -- and it's still very much alive and kicking today.

Jim Park
Jim ParkFormer HDT Equipment Editor
Read Jim's Posts
July 20, 2016
Cummins ISX15, Still Growing and Evolving After 18 Years of Service [Video]

Photo: Jim Park

1 min to read


Photo: Jim Park

As engine platforms go, Cummins' ISX has to be considered slightly remarkable. It was introduced in 1998, although the program that brought the engine to life began in 1994.

Ad Loading...

It survived the transition to EGR and then to SCR aftertreatment -- while several other engines did not — and it's still very much alive and kicking today.

We spent a day in February test-driving a couple of production-intent versions of the 2017 X15 — and a current, 2016 ISX15 engine for comparison.

Ad Loading...

In Part 1 of our three-part Focus On... video series, we highlight some of the current features of the 2016 engine, those included in the Adept Technology Suite. Cummins will be building upon these features and others with the mid-July launch of the 2017 version of the engine. We'll have a full rundown of that in Part 2 of the series. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, check out what this nearly 20-year-old engine platform is capable of, and know that what's around the corner in 2017 is even more impressive. I know. I've already driven one.   

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Products

YouTube thumbnail showing man being interviewed and backup camera and in-cab screen showing backup video
Safety & Compliance•by Deborah Lockridge•October 23, 2026

More Trailer Data Through the Same Seven-Way [Video]

Can trucking’s standard seven-way connector handle more cameras and trailer data? Grote’s Adam Slade shows HDT how the company is using new technology with its 4See trailer system, not only to add a new backup camera but also to expand other capabilities — without adding another connection.

Read More →
Computer rendering showing airflow around a trailer’s tandem wheels equipped with FlowBelow AeroSlider fairings and wheel covers.
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 18, 2026

FlowBelow Redesigns Trailer AeroSlider to Cut Fuel Use

The lighter trailer aerodynamic system installs in less than 45 minutes, according to the company, with potential payback in under a year depending on fuel prices and trailer mileage.

Read More →
photos of three Shell heavy-duty engine oil bottles
Maintenance•by News/Media Release•October 16, 2026

Shell Prepares Rotella Oils for 2027

New CL-4 and FB-4 formulations will begin arriving in early 2027, with improved protection against oil breakdown, wear and deposits, according to Shell.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Overhead view of an Einride autonomous electric truck positioned between trailers at an EASE Logistics warehouse loading area in Marysville, Ohio.

Einride Driverless Electric Trucks Begin Daily Freight Operations in Ohio

Two cabless electric trucks are hauling freight between EASE Logistics facilities in Marysville, Ohio, as part of a multi-state truck automation project.

Read More →
Two truck tires with a muted highway background
Maintenance•by News/Media Release•October 2, 2026

Continental Introduces New Regional Truck Tires

Continental says its new Generation 5 steer and drive tires for regional operations offer longer tread life, with estimated mileage gains of 22% and 19%, respectively.

Read More →
Interior of freight cargo trailer or body with translucent roof letting in daylight
Equipment•by News/Media Release•October 1, 2026

Tekmodo Introduces CargoBright Brand for Translucent Trailer Roofs

CargoBright is designed to diffuse daylight across the cargo area while performing as a working vehicle roof.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of new Michelin drive tire
Equipment•by News/Media Release•September 15, 2026

Michelin Tire Improves Efficiency and Durability for Regional Fleets

The Michelin X Multi Energy D2 is a regional haul drive tire engineered to help fleets improve fuel efficiency, durability and traction in demanding stop-and-go operations.

Read More →
Geotab screen on AI concept background
Fleet Management•June 17, 2026

What Geotab's New AI Connector Means for Fleets

Fleets can now ask their usual AI assistants questions about maintenance, safety, fuel use, and vehicle performance, using their live Geotab data, and take action on the answers without leaving their preferred AI tool.

Read More →
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•April 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of back of aluminum flatbed trailer on show floor
Equipment•by Deborah Lockridge•April 2, 2026

Fontaine Expands Flatbed Lineup with New Fleet-Focused Models, Eyes 2027 Launch

Fontaine is broadening its flatbed lineup with new models aimed at fleets, including a lightweight aluminum trailer expected in 2027 that emphasizes durability, repairability, and lower cost.

Read More →