The Kenworth T680 has been one of its most recognizable trucks in the company’s lineup since its introduction in 2012. An early fan favorite, the T680 was embraced for its modern aerodynamics, improved fuel economy, elevated driver comfort, and sleek styling.
Nearly a decade later, in 2021, Kenworth introduced the T680 Next Gen as its new flagship on-highway truck. While it carries the same T680 name, the Next Gen model incorporated major upgrades in fuel efficiency, aerodynamics, technology, safety, and overall driver experience.
Here’s a closer look at what changed and why the new-and-improved T680 stands out.
Classic Kenworth T680
When the original T680 launched in 2012, its aerodynamic and fuel-conscious truck design was a significant modernization to Kenworth’s vehicle lineup compared to their more traditional long-hood models like the W900. Its styling combined modernity with that iconic premium look Kenworth drivers expected from the brand’s long-haul truck history.
Key features of the classic T680 included:
- Aerodynamic body styling
- Comfortable sleeper configurations
- PACCAR powertrain options
- Improved fuel economy over older models
- Driver-focused interior layout
The new T680 quickly became even more popular with fleets and owner-operators thanks to its balance of comfort, efficiency, and appearance.
Kenworth T680 Next Gen
In 2021, Kenworth unveiled the T680 Next Gen as a heavily redesigned evolution of the original platform. According to Kenworth, the truck was engineered to become the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient highway truck the company had ever produced.
The exterior restructure focused heavily on reducing aerodynamic drag to help improve fuel efficiency. Kenworth made several important aerodynamic changes, including:
- A narrower hood and grille design
- A redesigned bumper and lower air dam
- Extended side fairings and sleeper extenders
- Wheel well closeouts
- Aerodynamic tandem axle fairings
- Underbody airflow management features
These updates help improve overall airflow around the entire truck as well as reduce turbulence between the cab and trailer. According to Kenworth, the T680 Next Gen can deliver up to a 6% improvement in fuel economy compared to similar previous-generation T680 models.
The Difference Between T680 Next Gen and T680 Classic
The T680 Next Gen has a noticeably more modern appearance than the earlier T680. Some of the easiest visual differences include:
- Slimmer grille
- Prominent LED headlights
- Longer LED hood-mounted turn signals
- More sculpted hood and bumper design
- Sharper overall styling
The Kenworth T680 Next Gen features a sharper, more distinctive, refined design while still maintaining the recognizable look of a classic Kenworth highway truck.
Compared to the older model, the newer cab incorporates a far more digital and connected layout solely designed around driver convenience. Notable interior Kenworth T680 upgrades contain:
- Fully customizable 15-inch digital display
- Modern digital dashboard layout
- Better diagnostics integration
- Steering wheel controls tied directly to the dash system
T680 Next Gen VS. T680 Classic
| Feature | Original T680 | T680 Next Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Styling | Narrower, swept-back grille design | Sharper, more modern aerodynamics with redesigned hood, bumper, wheel covers, fairings, and airflow management system |
| Fuel Economy | Efficient for its time | Up to 6–7% better fuel economy depending on spec |
| Dashboard | Traditional analog gauges | 15-inch digital display |
| Steering Wheel | Standard controls | SmartWheel with integrated display and menu controls |
| Headlights | Halogen and early LED headlight options | Premium full-LED headlight system |
| Safety Tech | Basic driver-assist technologies available | Updated ADAS with lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and torque-assisted steering |
| Mirrors | Traditional side-view mirrors | Optional DigitalVision mirror & camera system |
| Interior | Traditional sleeper/cab layout | More upscale comfort and technology styled interior |
| Entry Steps | Standard cab entry steps | Redesigned stair-style entry steps for easier and safer cab access |
| Powertrain | Earlier PACCAR MX engines/transmissions options | Optimized for newer PACCAR MX-13 and PACCAR integrated powertrain technology |
Kenworth T680: An On-Road Classic
The original Kenworth T680 helped redefine modern highway trucking when it debuted in 2012. The T680 Next Gen expands on that foundation with major improvements in aerodynamics, fuel economy, driver safety, and in-cab technology.
While both mo remain highly capable long-haul platforms, the T680 Next Gen represents Kenworth’s most advanced highway efficiency and driver-focused Class 8 truck to date.
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