Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsTo drive cars in American Truck Simulator, own the Road Trip: Ford DLC, switch to Car Mode while you are out of a vehicle, then press Drive. Choose a car from the in-game desktop’s Car Dealer tab and use the controls configured in your own settings; there is no verified universal list of car-control keys.
What you need to drive cars
SCS Software released Road Trip: Ford on September 29, 2026. The DLC unlocks Car Mode and its four Ford vehicles: the 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, 2023 Ford F-150, 2023 Ford Bronco, and a Ford Crown Victoria from the 1998–2012 model range. The official DLC page describes the cars and Car Mode.
How to switch to Car Mode and start driving
- Get out of your current vehicle. You can manage another mode when you are not driving. You cannot hold more than one active job across modes at a time.
- Select Car Mode. Use the game’s mode-switching interface while out of the vehicle.
- Press Drive to complete the switch. Selecting a mode alone does not finish the transition. SCS explains the switch in its mode-switch overview. Navigation may initially remain associated with the mode you last drove; the selected mode’s systems activate once you drive.
- Choose your car. Open the in-game desktop and select the Car Dealer tab to choose and configure a personal car. SCS says cars can be customized with accessories and paint options.
- Check your controls, then drive. Look at your own controls settings for steering, throttle, brake, and transmission bindings. Available inputs depend on the configured control scheme, and the official sources do not specify universal default car keys.
Choose what to do in Car Mode
Deliveries
Take small deliveries through Quick Jobs or the Dispatch Market. Car Mode has its own career progression, based on reputation rather than traditional experience points.
Explore with Atlas
Open the in-game desktop’s Navigation tab, choose a Tourist Board in Atlas, and route to it. Reaching the board reveals nearby exploration locations. At the September 29, 2026 launch of Road Trip: Ford, Atlas and Tourist Boards were available in California and the Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota map expansions. SCS said the remaining states would be added gradually. The DLC also lets its owner use Atlas while driving a truck. See the Road Trip: Ford launch announcement for launch details.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Drive with friends
Cars can join trucks on the highways in Convoy. The official announcement describes multiplayer support, but does not establish a particular vehicle or control setup as necessary.
What carries over when you change modes
SCS describes the mode design this way: “Each mode has its own gameplay, progression, and career systems.” Car Mode has separate reputation progression, while money and map exploration are shared. The map indicates where your other vehicles are, and switching modes resumes each vehicle where you last left it. Cars do not have Mandatory Breaks, but your Rest State is shared between modes. These mechanics are covered in SCS Software’s mode-switch overview.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Controls: use your configured bindings
Do not assume a keyboard key or controller button from a truck-control guide will operate a car the same way. American Truck Simulator offers different control schemes, and the official sources reviewed do not give a universal default list for car steering, acceleration, braking, or shifting. Check the bindings shown in your game’s controls settings for the device and scheme you use. A steering wheel is optional; the official project information confirms varied control schemes but does not identify specific wheel models as compatible or recommend one. See the official game page for general control-scheme information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #4
- XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks..Audio : 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Also compatible with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter and all other Xbox controller accessories made by Microsoft.
- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
Rank #3
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
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