If you're looking at a used 2017 western star 5700xe, you're probably doing it because it's one of the few trucks on the road that actually looks like it has some personality. Let's be honest, most aerodynamic trucks these days look like a melted jellybean or a generic computer mouse. But when Western Star decided to jump into the aero game, they didn't just copy the competition. They built something that looks like it belongs in a Transformers movie—and actually, it literally was in one.
But looking cool is one thing; making money is another. Buying a truck that's now several years old involves a bit of a gamble. You're looking at a rig that likely has a few hundred thousand miles on the clock, a history you might not fully know, and technology that's just starting to feel "previous generation." So, let's break down what makes the 5700XE tick and whether it's a smart buy for an owner-operator or a small fleet today.
That "Badass" Aesthetic
The first thing everyone notices about the 2017 Western Star 5700XE is the face. It's got that massive, upright stainless steel grille that screams "traditional," but then everything else around it is swept back for fuel efficiency. It's a weird contradiction that somehow works. Unlike the Cascadia, which is its cousin over at Daimler, the 5700XE feels substantial.
When you're walking up to it in a truck stop parking lot, it feels like a "real" truck. The hood is long, the sun visor is stainless, and the headlights have that distinct angular look. For a lot of drivers, pride in their ride is a real factor. It's easier to get through a long haul when you actually like the machine you're sitting in. Plus, it's got those classic Western Star air intakes on the side of the hood that give it a bit of muscle.
What's Happening Under the Hood?
Since Western Star is part of the Daimler family, the 2017 Western Star 5700XE is essentially a Detroit Diesel powerhouse under all that fancy sheet metal. Most of the 2017 models you'll find on the used market are running the DD15, though you'll occasionally see a DD13 or even a DD16 for the guys doing heavy-haul stuff.
The DD15 is a solid engine. By 2017, Detroit had worked out a lot of the kinks from the earlier emissions years. It's a predictable, reliable workhorse that most shops know how to fix. If you're pulling standard freight, the DD15 paired with the DT12 automated manual transmission is the "sweet spot" for this truck.
That DT12 transmission was a big deal back then. It's smooth, it skips gears when it doesn't need them, and it takes a lot of the physical fatigue out of a 11-hour drive. If you're a die-hard manual fan, you can find them with an Eaton Fuller 10, 13, or 18-speed, but they aren't as common in the 5700XE because the whole point of this truck was "extreme efficiency" (hence the XE).
The Interior: A Quiet Place to Work
If you've ever spent time in an old 4900, you know Western Star builds a tough cab. The 2017 Western Star 5700XE uses a galvanized steel cab that's precision-welded. It's not the biggest cab in the world—it's definitely narrower than a Volvo or a high-roof Cascadia—but it feels like a vault.
One thing you'll notice immediately is how quiet it is. Western Star went heavy on the soundproofing. When you're cruising at 65 mph, you don't have to yell to talk to your passenger. The dash layout is also pretty "old school" in a good way. You get real gauges, sturdy switches, and that classic woodgrain finish that looks a bit dated now but still feels higher-end than the cheap plastic you find in some newer trucks.
The sleeper options on these are great, too. Whether it's the 68-inch or the massive 82-inch Ultra High Roof, the storage is well-thought-out. It's got that "built-to-last" vibe. The cabinets don't usually rattle as much as they do in other brands after a few years of bouncing down I-80.
Fuel Economy vs. Reality
The "XE" stands for "Extreme Efficiency," and in 2017, Western Star was claiming some pretty bold numbers. They spent a ton of time in the wind tunnel making sure the air moved around the cab without creating drag.
In the real world, does it actually save fuel? Yeah, it does—compared to a classic long-nose 389 or a W900. You can realistically expect somewhere between 6.5 and 7.5 MPG depending on your load and how heavy your foot is. It's not quite as slippery as a brand-new 2024 Cascadia or a Kenworth T680, but it's close enough that you aren't going broke at the pump just to look good.
The Reality of Maintenance at 7 Years Old
Here is where we have to be realistic. A 2017 western star 5700xe is no longer a "new" truck. If you're buying one now, you're likely looking at 400,000 to 700,000 miles. At this stage in a truck's life, things start to get expensive if the previous owner didn't stay on top of them.
The biggest headache is almost always the aftertreatment system. DPF filters, SCR bricks, and NOx sensors are the usual suspects. If you're buying one, check the maintenance records for when the DPF was last cleaned or replaced. If it hasn't been touched, budget for that immediately.
Another thing to watch for on the 5700XE is the proprietary parts. Because Western Star used specific body panels, fairings, and those unique headlights, getting body parts can sometimes be a bit more expensive or take a little longer than getting parts for a generic fleet truck. If you fender-bender a 5700XE, you aren't just picking up a cheap plastic replacement at the local chrome shop; you're likely ordering specific Western Star parts.
Why Choose the 5700XE Over a Cascadia?
This is the question everyone asks. Underneath the skin, the 5700XE and the Freightliner Cascadia share a lot of DNA. They use the same engines, transmissions, and axles. So why pay the premium for the Western Star?
It comes down to build quality and the "feel." The Western Star cab is steel, while the Cascadia uses more aluminum and composites. The Star feels more "planted" on the road. There's also the exclusivity factor. You see a thousand Cascadias an hour on the highway; you might only see a handful of 5700XEs. For an owner-operator, that brand image matters. It shows you're serious about your equipment.
Things to Check Before You Buy:
- The Wiring Harness: Some older Detroit-powered rigs had issues with oil wicking into the wiring harness. It's worth a quick peek.
- The Cab Mounts: Because the cab is steel and a bit heavier, check the air bags and mounts for the cab suspension.
- The Aero Fairings: Look for cracks in the side skirts. They sit low and often take a beating from curbs or debris.
- The Transmission Software: If it has the DT12, make sure the software is updated. It makes a world of difference in how it shifts.
Final Thoughts
The 2017 western star 5700xe is a bit of a cult classic in the making. It was discontinued recently, which actually makes the existing ones a bit more desirable for people who hate the look of the newer "Next Gen" trucks.
It's a truck for the driver who wants the efficiency of a modern aero rig but refuses to give up that "big truck" feeling. Is it perfect? No. It's heavy—heavier than a Cascadia—which means you might lose a little bit of payload capacity. And yes, it's a bit more expensive to maintain than a more common fleet truck.
But if you find one that's been well-cared for, it's a fantastic place to spend your working hours. It turns heads, it's comfortable as hell, and it's got enough Detroit muscle to get the job done without burning a hole in your wallet at the fuel island. If you can handle the potential "old truck" maintenance that comes with a 2017 model, the 5700XE is easily one of the coolest ways to haul freight today.