You really need a trained eye to spot the external differences between the first-generation Mack MD and the new, refreshed 2026 model, says Tim Wrinkle, senior product manager vocational and medium duty.

That’s because while the first-generation MD looked like the larger, Class 8 Mack Anthem, the two trucks now share the same cab. And inside, the two trucks now share many of the driver comforts and safety systems.

Easy Driver

Our day started with walk-around detailing the MD’s features at TranSource Truck and Trailer Centers in Greensboro, North Carolina. That done, it was time to hit the road and see for myself how Mack’s new cab will refine the MD’s overall design.

For my drive, Wrinkle laid out a course that would take us on always-busy I-40, and then into downtown Greensboro. Those two routes would be an ideal representation of the environments MD drivers face every day.

And I’d be making an honest, apples-to-apples comparison, too.

That’s because Wrinkle arranged for the first half of my test drive to be in a 2020 MD model. That way, he said, I’d really be able to appreciate just how significant the OEM’s latest upgrades are for the truck.

Performance-wise, the 2020 MD performed identically to the 2026 model. Wrinkle called the MD powertrain – Cummins B6.7 diesel power and an Allison automatic transmission – as close to “bulletproof” as it’s possible for a medium-duty truck to have today.

And, as promised, climbing up into the Class 7 2026 MD truck, I immediately saw and felt the difference the addition of the Anthem cab makes for this truck model.

For starters, the new tilt/telescopic steering column made sliding behind the wheel a much easier process.

And the new interior, particularly the brushed aluminum trim that sets off the dashboard and center control cluster, does far more than add a decorative touch to the MD’s interior. To my eye, the bright metalwork gives the interior a much brighter appearance. My guess is this is due to the reflective qualities of the aluminum trim. But in any instance, there seems to be a greater abundance of ambient light in the new MD cab. And that makes spotting switches, knobs, or simply scanning gauges much easier.

The large, easy-to-read instruments on the truck nicely compliment the interior trim. And the new LED lights, strategically mounted in the cab ceiling, help chase away any remaining shadows inside the cab.

My 2026 MD test truck was a Class 7 model. And it felt almost as big as a Class 8 Anthem – particularly in the tight streets in downtown Greensboro. But views outside the cab – particularly over the down-sloped front end – are outstanding. The truck handles well in heavy traffic. And deep front wheel cuts give it a tight turning radius that is greatly appreciated on crowded city streets.

Mack’s proprietary, “flat bottom” steering wheel also helps out in heavy traffic. It’s a simple thing. But the straight edge handle at the bottom of the steering wheel gives drivers more belly room. But it also gives drivers enhanced grip and greater control in tight traffic conditions. It also does double duty as a flat, friendly service for clipboards when doing paperwork.

Overall, the control switches and interior layout of the new MD is well thought out and highly ergonomic. Everything is within easy reach for the driver. And the new, larger, cab means additional storage space for drivers and passengers. These new storage compartments are located both overhead, and in a special container integrated into the passenger seat design. 

Class 8 Comfort Levels

The first thing that really jumped out at me in the upgraded MD was how much smoother the new truck’s ride is.

The combination of the standard air ride cab, and now standard air ride seat gives MD drivers a whole new level of comfort compared to the previous model. 

The new interior is also notably quieter than the first-generation MD. This makes for a more comfortable, less stressful ride at highway speeds. And the advantages on busy city streets are obvious, as well.

And of course, all of these enhancements are complimented by new, standard and enhanced safety features. These include a new Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with ATC (Automatic Traction Control), radio mute in reverse and a park brake alarm.

Wrinkle told me prior to our test drive that Mack designers were totally focused on driver comfort and safety for MD upgrade. And it’s clear they took that assignment seriously and delivered in spades. 

With the new MD, Mack has taken a solid medium-duty truck and blended it with the same refinements and safety features found on its flagship, top-of-the-line Anthem model. The result is a truck that is both capable and comfortable. And one that drivers will certainly appreciate after a long day behind the wheel.