DAF LF, CF, & XF Difference

DAF Trucks has built a solid reputation as a premium commercial vehicle manufacturer known for delivering reliability, efficiency, and performance. With a strong presence in both local and international markets, DAF’s lineup. Particularly the LF, CF, and XF models caters to a wide range of transport needs, from urban deliveries to long-haul freight.

 

Choosing the right model isn’t just about size or power it directly impacts your operating costs, driver comfort, and overall business efficiency. Whether you’re managing a city logistics fleet, construction transport, or cross-country haulage, understanding the differences between LF, CF, and XF can make all the difference for you.

 

DAF Truck Series Overview

DAF’s LF, CF, and XF series are designed to meet a wide range of transport requirements, from light-duty urban logistics to long-haul international freight. Each series offers unique strengths tailored to specific business needs, ensuring operators get the best performance, fuel efficiency, and driver comfort for their applications.

 

DAF LF: A compact and highly maneuverable truck, ideal for city deliveries and short-distance transport. It’s perfect for navigating tight urban streets with ease.

 

DAF CF: A versatile all-rounder suited for regional distribution, construction, and mixed-use operations. It balances size, power, and fuel economy.

 

DAF XF: Built for long-distance and heavy-duty transport, the XF provides top-tier comfort, powerful engines, and advanced safety features for demanding haulage work.

 

DAF LF: Light-Duty Distribution Truck

Ideal for Urban and Short-Distance Use

The DAF LF is purpose-built for city deliveries and suburban transport. Its compact size makes it perfect for navigating tight streets, crowded urban areas, and narrow delivery zones. This makes it a top choice for businesses with high-frequency, short-distance routes.

Engine and Performance Specs

The LF comes with a range of PACCAR PX engines, offering power outputs from 150 hp to 280 hp. It's available in various configurations with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of up to 19 tonnes, providing flexibility for different load requirements. Manual and automatic transmissions are both supported, ensuring ease of use in stop-start driving conditions.

Key Benefits

• Compact and lightweight design for agile driving

• Excellent fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs

• Tight turning radius, ideal for city maneuvering

• Comfortable cabin with great visibility and ergonomic layout

• Low entry height, reducing driver fatigue during multiple stops

 

The LF is a go-to truck for industries that depend on timely, reliable delivery within cities and towns. It’s widely used in parcel and postal services, food distribution, retail delivery, and municipal operations. Any business that requires multiple stops and efficient cargo handling will find the DAF LF to be a smart, dependable choice.

 

DAF CF: Versatile All-Rounder

Ideal Use: Regional Distribution, Construction, and Long-Haul

The DAF CF is designed to handle a wide variety of tasks, making it one of the most versatile trucks in the DAF lineup. Whether it's regional freight, construction transport, or longer-distance logistics, the CF performs reliably in diverse environments. It’s equally at home on highways, in industrial zones, or navigating semi-urban routes.

Key Specs: Engine Power, Axle Configurations, Load Flexibility

The CF comes equipped with powerful PACCAR MX-11 or MX-13 engines, offering a range of outputs up to 530 hp, giving it the strength to handle heavier loads over longer distances. With a wide variety of axle configurations (4x2, 6x2, 8x4, etc.), the CF can be tailored to match your specific transport demands. Its load flexibility makes it ideal for bulk deliveries, heavy goods, or even tipper applications in construction.

Benefits: Adaptability, Power, and Comfort

What sets the CF apart is its blend of strength and versatility. It offers the power needed for demanding tasks, combined with superior ride comfort and modern driver-assist technologies. The spacious cab, intuitive controls, and advanced suspension make long shifts more manageable. It's a truck built for both performance and driver satisfaction.

Popular Applications: Mixed Use Across Regional Transport

The CF is widely used in regional freight distribution, construction transport (e.g., concrete, aggregate), fuel delivery, and container haulage. Its rugged build and flexible configurations make it a trusted choice for companies that need one truck for multiple roles—from highways to job sites.

 

DAF XF: Long-Haul Powerhouse

Ideal Use: Long-Distance Heavy Transport

The DAF XF is built for interstate and cross-country haulage, where long hours on the road demand maximum efficiency, reliability, and driver comfort. It’s tailored for businesses handling heavy loads over extended distances, making it ideal for logistics companies operating across regions or even internationally.

Key Specs: Advanced Engines, Cab Size, Driver Comfort

Under the hood, the XF boasts PACCAR MX-11 and MX-13 engines, delivering outputs of up to 530 hp for high-performance hauling. Its high-capacity fuel tanks support longer journeys with fewer refuelling stops. The XF also features spacious cab options—including Super Space Cab—for superior driver comfort on extended trips, with plenty of storage, a full-size bed, and ergonomic design throughout.

Benefits: Performance, Fuel Efficiency, Driver-Focused Features

The DAF XF is renowned for its strong fuel economy, even with high payloads, thanks to its optimised drivetrain and aerodynamic design. It includes advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), cruise control, lane assist, and optional predictive cruise features that enhance safety and reduce fatigue. With its smooth handling and quiet, comfortable ride, it’s designed to keep drivers productive and rested.

Best Suited For: Interstate Freight and Bulk Haulage

Whether transporting freight between major cities, moving goods across states, or handling bulk agricultural, mining, or industrial cargo, the XF is the go-to truck for heavy-duty, long-range assignments. It’s the top-tier choice for businesses that prioritise efficiency, uptime, and driver retention on long routes.

 

Performance Comparison

Engine Types and Power Output

The DAF LF, CF, and XF trucks are powered by the reliable PACCAR engine range, but each is tuned for a specific type of workload.

 

• DAF LF: Equipped with PACCAR PX engines ranging from 150 hp to 280 hp, suitable for light-duty, short-distance delivery.

• DAF CF: Powered by PACCAR MX-11 or MX-13 engines, delivering up to 530 hp, ideal for mixed-use and moderate to heavy loads.

• DAF XF: Shares the MX-11 and MX-13 engines with the CF but is optimised for long-haul power and endurance, delivering peak outputs and sustained torque for heavy, long-distance applications.

Fuel Efficiency Across Different Road Conditions

Each model is engineered for fuel savings in its operating environment:

 

• The LF performs best in stop-start urban conditions, offering low fuel consumption and emissions.

• The CF strikes a balance, delivering strong fuel efficiency for regional and varied terrain, especially when carrying medium to heavy loads.

• The XF, with its aerodynamic cab and efficient powertrain, is fine-tuned for highway cruising, minimising fuel use over long hauls and reducing total cost of ownership for transport businesses.

Drivability and Handling Features

• The LF features a tight turning radius and low cab entry, perfect for quick deliveries and frequent stops in congested areas.

• The CF offers greater road presence and stability, with multiple axle options to suit varying load demands and road types, from highways to construction zones.

• The XF is focused on long-distance comfort, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and excellent suspension, ensuring a smooth, fatigue-free experience over long shifts.

Transmission and Torque Comparisons

• LF models typically come with manual or automatic transmissions designed for city driving, offering responsive control in stop-start traffic.

• The CF and XF are fitted with automated TraXon gearboxes, providing seamless shifting, reduced fuel usage, and higher torque delivery—essential for both hilly terrain and sustained highway speeds.

• Torque scales across the range, with the XF leading in this category to ensure maximum pulling power for bulk and heavy freight.

 

Cab Design & Driver Comfort

DAF LF: Compact and Practical

The LF’s cab is purpose-built for urban delivery drivers, focusing on ease of access, visibility, and simplicity. With its low entry step and excellent manoeuvrability, it’s ideal for drivers making frequent stops. The interior is functional yet ergonomic, with smart use of space, essential controls within reach, and strong visibility that makes navigating tight streets easier and safer.

DAF CF: Balanced Space and Comfort

The CF strikes a perfect middle ground between size and functionality. It offers more cabin space than the LF, making it suitable for regional routes and longer working hours. The seats are fully adjustable, the dash is modern and intuitive, and optional features include climate control, multiple storage compartments, and advanced infotainment systems. It’s designed to keep drivers comfortable on both short and medium-haul tasks.

DAF XF: Full-Size Sleeper Cab with Luxury Features

The XF is the flagship long-haul cab, built for maximum comfort over extended journeys. With options like the Super Space Cab, it provides one of the roomiest interiors in its class—complete with a full-size bed, fridge, ambient lighting, and ample overhead storage. Luxury touches like adjustable air-suspension seats, climate control, infotainment systems, and high-end interior trims make it a favourite among professional drivers who spend days on the road.

 

Which DAF Truck Should You Choose?

Choosing the right DAF truck depends largely on your operational needs, budget, and driver preferences. Each model in the DAF lineup serves a distinct purpose, making it easier to match the right vehicle with your business goals.

DAF LF – Best for Local Urban Delivery

If your business involves city-based distribution with frequent stops and narrow routes—such as parcel delivery, food service, or retail logistics—the DAF LF is the ideal choice. It’s compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to manoeuvre in urban environments, helping reduce both time and operating costs.

DAF CF – Best for Versatile Fleet Operations

For companies needing flexibility—like those working in regional transport, construction, or mixed freight—the DAF CF offers a powerful, adaptable solution. With multiple axle configurations, solid engine options, and a comfortable cabin, it performs well across both short and mid-range routes.

DAF XF – Best for Long-Haul Heavy-Duty Transport

Businesses engaged in interstate or bulk freight haulage will benefit most from the DAF XF. Designed for comfort and endurance, it features top-tier safety, high torque, and spacious sleeper cabs—making it the clear choice for driver satisfaction and operational efficiency on long routes.

 

Key Considerations:

 

When choosing your truck, factor in:

 

• Budget: Initial cost vs. long-term value

• Payload Requirements: Light, medium, or heavy loads

• Travel Range: Local, regional, or national routes

• Driver Comfort: Essential for long shifts or overnight trips

 

By aligning your needs with the strengths of each DAF model, you can make a confident, cost-effective choice for your fleet.

 

Conclusion

The DAF LF, CF, and XF each serve distinct roles—LF for city deliveries, CF for versatile regional work, and XF for long-haul heavy transport. Choosing the right model depends on your business type, payload needs, and route demands. Always consider not just today’s requirements, but also how your fleet can grow. Future-proofing with the right truck now can save costs and boost efficiency in the long run.

Contact Brown and Hurley today to find the perfect DAF truck for your business needs.