Engineered to meet the everyday demands of medium-duty applications, the Kenworth T180 and T280 deliver a balance of durability, maneuverability, and driver-focused design. Whether you’re hauling through city streets, highways, backroads, or job sites, these trucks are proven to handle the day-to-day challenges of the trucking industry. With multiple chassis configurations, upgraded cab enhancements, and modern technologies, the T180 and T280 offer the flexibility your business need to stay productive.
Specifications
Kenworth engineered a “robust, versatile, highly maneuverable chassis design” to handle the toughest challenges. The optimized, highly efficient powertrain improves overall operation and safety.
Engines
Front Drive Axles
- Up to 12,000 lbs
Axle Ratings
- Front: 8,000 to 12,000 lbs
- Rear: 11,500 to 21,000 lbs
Tire Sizes
- 19.5” and 22.5”
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Kenworth T180
Key Features and Updates
Versatile Design
If you’re working in tight environments, like cities or crowded job sites, the T180 is the truck for you. As a Class 5 truck, it’s ideal for urban routes, pickup and delivery, landscaping, utility service, and light vocational work. Available with versatile wheelbase options, it supports a wide range of body configurations while still maintaining strong fuel efficiency and low operating costs.
Visibility and Comfort
The newly redesigned 2.1-meter cab improves both visibility and comfort. “The larger front windshield enhances visibility by nearly 17 percent – also aided by the hood’s steep slope – compared to previous Kenworth medium duty models.” (Source) Plus, the three-person seating option expands the width — 8 inches wider than its predecessor– while better insulation creates a noticeably quieter ride.
Technological Advancements
Kenworth upgraded the truck’s interior with ergonomic controls and an intuitive dash layout. “To better convey vehicle information to drivers, Kenworth developed a new instrumentation cluster with a 7-inch high-definition digital display centered between four standard analog gauges for its medium duty models.” (Source) These easy-to-reach features include:
- ADAS safety warnings
- TruckTech+ remote diagnostics
- Integrated infotainment and navigation
Now, it’s easier than ever to stay informed with access to key vehicle data, trip information, and system alerts in real time.
Configuration Options
One of the advantages of the T180 is its adaptability. The chassis is designed to accommodate a variety of body configurations and applications including cargo and reefer van, beverage, towing services, utility, fuel oil and propane, landscaping, dump and mixer. The trucks can be spec’d with low- and raised-roof cab options. The low roof option stands at 63 inches tall — which is 4 inches shorter than the raised roof option — making it ideal for height-restricted areas like parking garages.
Kenworth T280
Key Features and Updates
As a Class 6 truck, the T280 handles heavier payloads and more demanding jobs with ease. It’s built for vocational jobs like construction, regional hauling, utility fleets, and municipal operations. Kenworth breaks down all of the newest features of the T180 and T280 models:
Aero Grille
The new aero grille is constructed with bright, annealed stainless steel for increased durability and protection from the elements. Crowns are available in chrome or in-mold dark gray. An external winter front or bug screen can be attached to the front of the grille.
Air Intake System
The new engine-mounted system features an automotive-style flat panel filter design with a one-piece intake pipe and optional, remotely controlled inside/outside air control. The system is compatible with a pre-cleaner/ember separator. The new design reduces cab noise, offers ease of service, and cuts the cost of replacement filters.
Air-Assisted Hydraulic Clutch
This system for manual transmissions reduces driver fatigue through a pedal design that better matches a driver’s foot angle when engaging the clutch.
Bumper
Kenworth offers three bumper types – the standard one-piece or optional three-piece breakaway “aero” bumper; a rear-mounted one-piece channel bumper; and a vocational bumper with options for a tow hook, fog lights, headlights, daytime running lights (DRL) and other mounts.
DEF Tanks
The redesigned DEF tanks provide improved thawing time, which reduces emissions and helps to increase fuel economy. There are various DEF options for a variety of body types.
Exhaust System
Exhaust options include right-hand, under cab DPF/SCR that optimizes cab access via a robust step and cover design. An underframe DPF/SCR is available for clear BOC and provides an improved diffuser design. Benefits of this configuration are a shortened wheelbase offering a gain of 5 inches and additional flexibility for under cab components.
Hydraulic Brake
When pressed, it is similar to engaging a brake in a passenger vehicle. The brake better matches a driver’s foot angle to further reduce driver fatigue.
Kenworth SmartWheel®
The optional Kenworth SmartWheel® steering wheel controls for the Digital Display provide automotive-level functionality. The multi-function wheel features scroll input that allows for quick fingertip control.
Kenworth TruckTech+® Remote Diagnostics
This optional system enhances vehicle diagnostics by providing engine health information from new Kenworth medium duty trucks to fleet managers and Kenworth dealers. The system diagnoses the issue and provides the recommended solution to the driver and fleet manager.
Steering and Front Suspension
Kenworth medium duty vehicles feature an impressive wheel cut angle for an enhanced turning radius. Maximum axle capability is 50 degrees (standard track) and 55 degrees (wide track). The axles are compatible with a wide range of tire sizes (225/70R19.5 – 425/65R22.5). Lighter weight mono-leaf front springs (8K lbs., 10K lbs. and 12K lbs.) are available.
Steering Column
Standard in the new Kenworth medium duty models, the new steering column is designed to extend ergonomic range of motion, reduce driver fatigue and enhance overall comfort. It features full-tilt and telescopic position capability, self-canceling turn signal capability and column-mounted shifter.
Throttle Pedal
The new durable, hanging throttle pedal offers an automotive feel to Kenworth’s medium duty trucks. The new pedal helps reduce driver-fatigue and features a slip-resistant surface.
Transmission Shifter
The enhanced column-mounted shifter provides improved ergonomics over the former pushbutton controller.
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T180 / T280
When your job demands reliability and versatility, trust the Kenworth T180 and T280. Together, they represent Kenworth’s continued commitment to intelligent design, driver comfort, advanced technology, and long-term durability. Whether you need peak performance for city routes or configuration options specific to your workload, these medium duty trucks give you the flexibility and confidence to take on any job.