Purpose: In order to improve road-friendliness of heavy vehicles, a fuzzy hybrid control strategy consisting of a hybrid control strategy and a fuzzy logic control module is proposed. The performance of the proposed strategy should be effectively evaluated using a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation model of a semi-active suspension system based on the fuzzy hybrid control strategy prior to real vehicle implementations. Methods: A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation system was synthesized by utilizing a self-developed electronic control unit (ECU), a PCI-1711 multi-functional data acquisition board as well as the previously developed quarter-car simulation model. Road-friendliness of a semi-active suspension system controlled by the proposed control strategy was simulated via the HIL system using Dynamic Load Coefficient (DLC) and Dynamic Load Stress Factor (DLSF) criteria. Results: Compared to a passive suspension, a semi-active suspension system based on the fuzzy hybrid control strategy reduced the DLC and DLSF values. Conclusions: The proposed control strategy of semi-active suspension systems can be employed to improve road-friendliness of road vehicles.