Kenworth's Medium-Duty Line [Photos]

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Refusing to cede the spotlight hot on the heels of the launch of the new, Next Generation T680 highway tractor, Kenworth launched all-new medium-duty truck line. It covers Classes 4 through 7, with a new “Baby 8” configuration for mixer and dump applications.

The new line includes straight trucks as well as tractor models and is the OEM’s first update of its medium-duty offerings since 2007 – and the introduction of the first all-new models in almost 30 years. Kenworth showed the new trucks to Heavy Duty Trucking Senior Contributing Editor Jack Roberts at a ride-and-drive/reveal event in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, on April 1. Photos by Jack Roberts.

A light Class 8 Kenworth T480 with a McNeilus mixer makes a 180-degree turn before starting a run through city traffic.

This Kenworth T480V mixer is powered by a Paccar PX-9 diesel engine, putting out 380 horsepower.

Despite its size as a “Baby 8” mixer, the Kenworth T480V mixer had an almost car-like feel in city driving situations.

A new wider cab design adds a full 8 inches of interior room for new Kenworth medium-duty trucks, allowing comfortable seating for three in the cab.

Kenworth is confident its new T280 box van configuration will be a popular choice for urban delivery and last-mile operators.

This Kenworth T380 is fitted with an Altec boom body.

A Kenworth T280 with a water tank body is surprisingly nimble even in congested downtown construction zones.

A new, infinitely configurable dashboard is another highlight on Kenworth’s new medium-duty truck line.

Kenworth has added two roof options to its new medium-duty truck line, including a low-height option. But neither design compromises interior head room for drivers and passengers.

Kenworth General Manager Kevin Baney briefs reporters on industry trends ahead of the OEM’s new medium-duty truck line launch in Phoenix, Arizona.

Deep 50- and 55-inch wheel cuts ensure a tight turning radius in condensed operating environments.

This T480V model features the new vocational hood specifically designed for construction applications.

A T180 with a stake body awaits a spin through downtown Phoenix.

Engine options in the ride-and-drive event included both Paccar PX-7 and PX-9 vocational diesel powerplants.

Despite their smaller size, the Kenworth medium-duty truck line retains classic styling cues that have been a mainstay at the OEM for decades.