Kenworth adds 15-inch touchscreen, standard wireless charging and electronic parking brake to Class 8 trucks
Kenworth is refreshing its Class 8 cabs with a 15-inch horizontal touchscreen it calls the industry's largest, standard wireless phone charging and a standard electronic parking brake.
- 15 inches
- All new 2.1m Class 8 Kenworth trucks
- Beginning early 2027
What Happened
Kenworth announced several enhancements to its Class 8 truck lineup aimed at driver comfort, convenience and connectivity. The package includes a redesigned interior, an advanced infotainment display, wireless phone charging and the transition of the electronic parking brake from an available option to a standard feature. Kenworth says the updates are designed to give drivers greater comfort, convenience and functionality while creating a more modern in-cab experience. The changes complement PACCAR Connect, which PACCAR announced earlier this month at the American Trucking Associations' Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE) and which integrates connected technology and applications into the truck.
- A 15-inch horizontal high-definition touchscreen, which Kenworth says is the largest in the industry, controlling PACCAR Connect, radio, HVAC and other functions
- A handhold surrounding the display for added stability when drivers interact with the touchscreen
- Premium wood trim accents and new color options for the Diamond VIT and Vantage trim packages: Vantage in Charcoal, Diamond in Charcoal or Titanium
- New USB-C charging ports and updated HVAC louvers
- Flexible options for configuring the instrument panel and storage areas
- Standard wireless phone charging, positioned next to the steering wheel with a phone cubby to hold the device securely
15inches
A horizontal high-definition display that Kenworth describes as the largest in the industry; it serves as the interface for PACCAR Connect, radio and HVAC controls.
- Previously an available option; now standard on all new 2.1m Class 8 Kenworth trucks
- Traditional red-and-yellow push/pull knobs replaced by ergonomic switches with LEDs showing park brake status at a glance
- Keeps the recognizable symbols while simplifying operation and helping reduce fatigue and distraction during frequent stops
“Being The Driver's Truck means continually listening to our customers and finding ways to improve their experience. These latest enhancements bring together innovative technology and thoughtful design to deliver a more comfortable, convenient, and connected cab environment.”
The new in-cab features and interior options are currently available on new truck orders, Kenworth said. Full PACCAR Connect capabilities will become available in Kenworth trucks beginning early 2027. The ergonomic placement of the 15-inch display is meant to keep it within easy reach, and the surrounding handhold is intended to help drivers interact with the screen confidently and comfortably whether they are navigating a jobsite or the open road.
Why this matters
Drivers spend long shifts in the cab, so Kenworth is pitching the update around comfort, convenience and fewer distractions at frequent stops. Fleets and owner-operators ordering new 2.1m Class 8 trucks get the new interior and hardware now, while the full PACCAR Connect software suite is not due in Kenworth trucks until early 2027.
Terms in This Story
- Class 8
- The heaviest category of highway trucks, typically the tractor units that pull long-haul trailers.
- PACCAR Connect
- PACCAR's connected-technology platform that integrates applications and tools into the truck.
- HVAC
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning: the system that controls cab temperature and airflow.
- Electronic Parking Brake
- A parking brake applied by an electric switch instead of a mechanical push/pull knob.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.