Kenworth moves into a new class

Avatar photo

KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kenworth has expanded its truck line into the Class 5 market with the introduction of the new Kenworth T170 model.

The Kenworth T170 joins Kenworths latest lineup of medium-duty trucks, which features the T370 Class 7 and T270 Class 6 conventional models (both also available in a diesel-electric hybrid configuration starting in 2008), and the K360 Class 7 and K260 Class 6 cabover models.

Kenworths latest addition to its expanding medium-duty truck lineup offers outstanding performance, quality and reliability, said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales. The Kenworth T170 provides a highly affordable and maneuverable product for customers in a diversity of applications in the non-CDL, Class 5 market while also aiding driver retention. Customers will also benefit by being able to have their T170s serviced at Kenworth dealerships instead of at car dealerships.

The Kenworth T170 is a straight truck in a 4×2 configuration with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) up to 19,500 lbs.

Standard features include the PACCAR PX-6 engine rated at 200 hp and 520 ft.-lb. of torque; 8,000 lb. front axle and 11,500 lb. rear axle; hydraulic brakes; low-frame height chassis with 19.5-inch wheels and tires; power door locks; passenger-side electric windows; and Kenworth DayLite doors, with right-hand peeper window.

Both manual or automatic transmissions are available on the new T170; and the new truck is available with the Kenworth Medium Duty Van Body Program.

The new truck incorporates a single-piece, painted steel bumper that is forward of the hood to help reduce impact damage and new Metton quarter fenders for additional durability and impact resistance. The new sheet molded composite hood offers superior access to the engine compartment with 90-degree hood tilt for ease of service. New halogen projector low beam headlamps provide up to 30% more light down the road and three times longer life than sealed beam headlamps. The Kenworth T170 also comes with a steel battery box and ABS cover; heat-treated frame rail; and a 35-gallon, steel rectangular fuel tank.

Inside, the Kenworth T170s ergonomically-friendly dash features a wrap-around instrument panel with large gauges. Key options include a telescoping and tilting steering wheel, workstation with two 12-volt power ports for laptops or printers, optional corner windows to aid in backing and negotiating tight spots, and an electronic shift module.

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*