Pickup trucks have always been about capability, toughness, and road presence. But every now and then, someone decides that a regular full-size pickup just isn’t enough. That’s when things get interesting. For a few years in the 2000s, you could walk into a dealership and buy a truck so massive it made a Ford F-350 look like a toy. This wasn’t a one-off custom build or a semi-truck repurposed in someone’s backyard; it was a factory-produced, street-legal monster available to anyone with a big enough driveway and a bigger wallet.
The International CXT was based on the same platform as International’s commercial 7300 series trucks, sharing DNA with dump trucks and utility rigs. With a gross vehicle weight rating over 25,000 pounds, this was a pickup in name only – it was a medium-duty commercial truck with a bed and leather seats. The Extreme Truck Series, or XT line, was made from 2004 to 2008 in Garland, Texas, and Springfield, Ohio.
Key Specifications and Features
- Length: 258 inches
- Height: 108 inches
- Curb Weight: 13,900 pounds
- Towing Capacity: 20,000 pounds
- Powertrain: 7.6L I6 Turbo Diesel, 300 hp, 620 lb-ft
Despite its size, the CXT could technically be driven with a standard driver’s license in most states. It measured over 21 feet long, stood nearly 9 feet tall, and weighed more than 14,000 pounds. The interior was decked out in leather, wood trim, and optional rear-seat entertainment systems, making it a luxury office on wheels.
The Powerhouse Under the Hood
The CXT was powered by a 7.6-liter DT466 inline-six turbodiesel engine, the same kind used in commercial delivery trucks. It made around 220 horsepower and more than 500 lb-ft of torque, built for durability and pulling power rather than speed. According to MotorTrend, the first maintenance overhaul isn’t slated until 500,000 miles.
A Legacy That Lives On
The International CXT didn’t last long, with production running for only a few years in the mid-2000s and only a few hundred units sold. The price tag was a major barrier, starting around $93,000 and easily topping six figures with options. Still, it left a legacy. Even today, spotting one is like seeing a unicorn on the road. Compared to newer giants like the GMC Hummer EV and Tesla Cybertruck, the CXT still towers over them in size and presence.
The CXT was a true showstopper, with its absurd size creating a spectacle wherever it went. Parking it was a challenge, and driving it through a drive-thru was impossible. But that was the point – you didn’t buy a CXT because it was convenient; you bought it because it was impossible to ignore.
In a world of trucks that all started looking the same, the CXT made one thing clear: size still matters. Its legacy continues to be felt today, with enthusiasts and collectors seeking out the remaining models.
