Kenworth T170 Overview, Specs & Features
The T170 is a medium-duty straight truck with the classic durability, styling, and driver-focused design that established Kenworth as a leader in the commercial truck industry. Although Kenworth T170 production ended in 2021, this dependable Class 5 work truck provides serious vocational capability in a compact package.
Kenworth T170 Specs
Engine & Horsepower
PACCAR PX-7 Engine
- 6.7-liter diesel
- 200–325 HP
- Up to 750 lb-ft of torque
PACCAR PX-9 Engine
- 8.9-liter diesel
- 260–380 HP, depending on configuration
- Up to 1,250 lb-ft of torque
Transmission Options
- Eaton Fuller 6-, 9- and 10-speed manual transmissions
- Eaton UltraShift Plus 10-speed automated manual transmission
- Allison 5- and 6-speed automatic transmissions
GVWR & Chassis
Key T170 chassis specifications and features include:
- GVWR up to 19,500 lbs.
- 4×2 straight-truck configuration
- Low-frame-height chassis
- Heat-treated frame rails
Kenworth T170 Features
Exterior & Serviceability Design
The Kenworth T170 brought the bold styling and practical design of a larger Kenworth into the Class 5 market. Its conventional appearance was centered around durability, easy service access, and flexibility for a variety of medium-duty applications. Exterior and service-oriented features included:
- Approximately 109-inch BBC
- 90-degree tilting SMC hood
- Single-piece steel front bumper
- Halogen projector headlamps
- Low-frame-height chassis
- 19.5-inch wheels and tires
- Durable frame construction
Ergonomic & Comfort Cab
The T170’s interior carried over many of the same characteristics found in larger Kenworth truck models. An ergonomic wraparound dashboard places gauges and controls within easy reach, while built-in comfort features helped to make the interior a more comfortable space during long workdays. More cab features included:
- Tilt and telescoping steering column
- Air-ride driver seat
- Remote keyless entry
- Electronic shift module
- Center console/workstation
- Kenworth DayLite doors
- Right-hand passenger-side peeper window
Configuration Options
One of the T170’s strengths was its ability to be configured around the demands of the job. Factory-available selections included:
- Heated, electronically adjustable aerodynamic mirrors
- Polished aluminum fuel tanks in multiple sizes and capacities
- Factory-installed front drive axles
- Front axle capacities from approximately 10,000 to 16,000 lbs. on certain configurations
- Heavy-duty front frame extension
- Narrow battery box mounted under the cab
- Integrated DEF tank
- Narrow passenger-side toolbox
- Center console with two power ports
- Cup holder and additional storage
Because these options were available straight from the factory, many used Kenworth T170 trucks on the market now can be found with a wide variety of these configurations and equipment options.
Kenworth T170 Applications
The T170 chassis, 4×2 configuration, maneuverability, and body upfit flexibility made it extremely well-suited for a wide range of medium-duty applications.
Common Kenworth T170 uses include:
- Local delivery
- Box and van bodies
- Flatbed trucks
- Utility trucks
- Landscaping
- Municipal applications
- Service trucks
- Construction support
- Hook-lift applications
- Dump and vocational bodies
- Equipment and material hauling
Kenworth T170 vs. Kenworth T180
The Kenworth T180 replaced the T170 as part of the brand’s completely redesigned medium-duty truck lineup, which was introduced in 2021. The new lineup also included the T280, T380 and T480, bringing a new 2.1-meter-wide cab, updated ergonomics, and stronger powertrain technology to Kenworth’s medium-duty commercial trucks.
| Features / Specifications | Kenworth T170 | Kenworth T180 |
| Production Status | Discontinued in 2021 | Current-generation replacement |
| Truck Class | Class 5 | Class 5 |
| Primary Configuration | 4×2 straight truck | Medium-duty conventional |
| Maximum GVWR | Up to 19,500 lbs. | Up to 26,000 lbs., depending on configuration |
| Cab Generation | Legacy medium-duty cab | Next-Gen 2.1-meter-wide cab |
| Engine Options | PACCAR PX-7 / PX-9 | PACCAR PX-7 / PX-9 |
| Transmission | Eaton Fuller, UltraShift Plus, Allison | PACCAR TX-8 and other available options |
| Primary Focus | Compact medium-duty vocational work | Expanded medium-duty versatility |
T170
While the Kenworth T170 is a medium duty truck, it has some true heavy-duty engineering behind it. Its durable design continues to prove its value across a wide range of medium-duty jobs, even years after production ended. With durable power, flexible specs, and iconic Kenworth styling, the T170 remains a strong choice for drivers who need dependable performance and reliability for vocational work.
Learn more about the T170’s replacement – the Kenworth T180!
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