Table of Contents
Our Verdict
When comparing Kenworth and MAN heavy duty trucks, Kenworth emerges as the better choice for most trucking applications. Kenworth trucks earn a strong reputation for:
- Ensuring durability
- Offering customization options
- Providing driver comfort
- Incorporating intuitive design
- Maintaining an extensive dealer network
- Delivering cost-effective maintenance
- Focusing on driver priorities
- Suiting vocational applications
MAN’s unmatched fuel efficiency excels for high-mileage highway and regional hauling. But MAN’s smaller North American footprint limits their audience despite competitive pricing and technology. For you, Kenworth’s balance of quality, customization and ownership value is compelling.
Note: Kenworth stands out in the following sections, with compelling reasons to consider choosing any of them.
Why Choose Kenworth
Kenworth trucks have garnered devoted followings for several compelling reasons. It’s renowned for its remarkable durability, top-tier customization options, driver-centric designs, and exceptionally comfortable rides.
One of the standout features of Kenworth trucks is their robust American-made powertrains. These powerhouses are meticulously optimized for torque and efficiency, ensuring they have the muscle you need to haul heavy payloads. What sets Kenworth apart is its flexibility—offering customizable PACCAR and Cummins engines with power ranging from 350 to 605 horsepower to meet diverse needs.
Kenworth pays meticulous attention to the fundamentals. Its trucks are built on sturdy frames, featuring precisely tuned suspensions and optimized steering geometry. This results in stability at highway speeds and confident handling, even on twisting roads.
The brand goes the extra mile by prioritizing ergonomics and visibility. Smart dash layouts, expansive windshields, and well-angled hoods ensure exceptional awareness on the road. Plus, creature comforts like heated/cooled seats, tilt wheels, and automated climate controls cater to individual preferences.
Kenworth takes customization to a whole new level. You can customize its trucks to your exact specifications. And here’s the icing on the cake – the resale value remains strong, thanks to Kenworth’s well-earned reputation for durability and driver satisfaction.
>>>MORE: Kenworth Trucks Review
Who Kenworth Trucks Are Best For
Kenworth on and off-road trucks excel because they:
- Accommodate owner-operators wanting versatile, driver-friendly trucks customized for their business.
- Handle vocational applications like construction, mining, and logging.
- Optimize regional and bulk hauling of high weight freight.
- Maximize fuel efficiency and payload for long hauls.
- Offer fleets flexible, driver-friendly trucks.
- Simplify international expedited shipping.
Who Kenworth Trucks Are Not Right For
Kenworth trucks may not be suitable choices if you:
- Run over-the-road mega carriers running high-mileage highway routes.
- Operate on tight budgets or financing multiple trucks. Kenworth’s can cost 10-20% more than working-class brands.
- Have applications without payload or maneuverability considerations. Lighter cabovers may suffice over conventional models.
- Handle local delivery routes valuing visibility and turning radius over comfort. Nimble cabovers like Isuzu excel here.
Why Choose MAN
When it comes to trucks, MAN has carved out a significant reputation in Europe. These trucks are popular for their cutting-edge technology, setting new standards in fuel efficiency. The good news is that this European excellence translates seamlessly to North American fleets that are all about boosting productivity and ensuring driver satisfaction.
Talk about power? MAN engines are a marvel in themselves. They’re designed to deliver substantial power with remarkable responsiveness. These engines are optimized for low-end torque, yet they can cruise at high RPMs effortlessly. To ensure that power is put to good use, MAN employs automated 12-speed transmissions that guarantee smooth and efficient delivery of all that torque.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. MAN trucks are all about squeezing the most miles out of every gallon. Thanks to their smaller displacement engines and EssentialSmart predictive cruise control, they’re masters at maximizing miles per gallon on those long highway routes. At a steady 65 mph, MAN trucks typically average around 7-8 miles per gallon, right up there with the best European tractors.
Inside the cabin, MAN trucks are a driver’s dream. They draw inspiration from European design sensibilities, offering spacious sleeper cabs that make long-haul journeys feel like a breeze. You’ll find thoughtful touches like fridge/freezers, swivel seats, and bunks lined with aircraft-grade materials for that extra touch of comfort.
But it’s not just about comfort; it’s also about staying connected and in control. MAN trucks come equipped with modern telematics that enable real-time tracking of miles per gallon and remote truck diagnostics, ensuring maximum uptime. Plus, there are safety features like lane departure warning and emergency braking, adding an extra layer of confidence and security.
Who MAN Trucks Are Best For
MAN tractor and vocational trucks make ideal choices for you if you:
- Have highway fleets running routes over 500 miles where maximum mpg is critical. MAN’s cruising economy is unrivaled.
- Need high payload capacity and fuel efficiency. Light, powerful MAN engines haul bigger payloads using less fuel.
- Want connectivity for real-time diagnostics and tracking. MAN telematics integration leads European brands.
- Run primarily long, high-mileage hauls. MAN’s mpg saves substantially on fuel costs.
- Have drivers that spend days living in their trucks. MAN cabs are among the roomiest and most comfortable.
Who MAN Trucks Are Not Right For
MAN faces challenges in North America that potentially limit their appeal:
- Has limitation with vocational applications valuing PTO integration
- Offers tight equipment budgets
- Lacks customization options
- Has highly concentrated dealer network in major metros.
- Lacks established duty-free processes that brands like Freightliner provide
Main Differences
Kenworth has a broader dealer network in North America, which makes it advantageous in the U.S.
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Standout Features
Kenworth stands out with customizable engines and predictive cruise control.
Kenworth
Customize Engines
Kenworth trucks offer customizable PACCAR and Cummins diesel engines with ample torque rise for extra pulling power.
Provide Sleeper Cab Variety
It provides proprietary sleeper cabs available in multiple lengths to suit owner-operator preferences.
Utilize Predictive Cruise Control
Kenworth trucks are equipped with predictive cruise control that adapts to terrain using GPS, maximizing miles per gallon (mpg).
Enhance Ergonomic Dash Layouts
These trucks feature ergonomic dash layouts and expansive windshields that aid visibility and reduce driver fatigue.
Ensure Durable Construction
Kenworth trucks are known for their durable aluminum cab construction and stainless steel components that resist corrosion.
Offer Optimized Tractors
They offer lightweight optimized tractors that maximize legal payloads.
Provide Versatile Wheelbase Options
Kenworth provides an extensive range of wheelbase options for both truck and tractor applications.
Maintain an Extensive Dealer Network
With a dealer network of over 700 locations, Kenworth ensures easy access to sales, authorized service, and OEM parts.
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MAN Trucks
Feature Efficient Engines
MAN trucks feature MAN D15 and D26 engines engineered for low displacement yet high power and efficiency.
Employ Predictive Cruise Control
They employ EssentialSmart predictive cruise control using GPS and mapping for remarkable fuel economy.
Equip with Optimized Transmissions
MAN trucks are equipped with high-torque 12-speed automated MAN TipMatic transmissions optimized for cruising rpm.
Incorporate ECO Mode and Speed Limiter
They come with ECO Mode throttle limitations and a speed limiter, boosting highway mpg.
Offer Connected Truck Data Monitoring
MAN trucks offer connected truck data monitoring through MAN TeleMatics for real-time mpg and diagnostics.
Include Advanced Safety Features
They include active brake assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection for added safety.
Provide Spacious Sleeper Cabs
MAN trucks provide extra-large sleeper cabs available in multiple lengths, up to 7 feet, for enhanced driver comfort.
Offer the Squadron Program
MAN offers the Squadron Program, providing a 2-year warranty, 2 years of service, and 2 years of coaching.
Pros and Cons of Kenworth Trucks
Pros
- Delivers durability
- Offers customization options
- Enhances driver comfort
- Features an extensive dealer network
- Provides cost-effective maintenance
- Focuses on driver priorities
- Proves ideal for vocational applications
- Suits regional and bulk hauling
- Works well for fuel and payload sensitive long hauls
Cons
- Comes with a higher initial cost
- Has a limited European presence
- Struggle with tight budgets
Pros and Cons of MAN Trucks
Pros
- Excels in fuel efficiency
- Features advanced technology
- Prioritizes driver comfort
- Includes safety features
- Exhibits European styling
Cons
- Suffers from a limited North American presence
- Comes with a higher initial cost
- Offers limited customization options
- Boasts a limited rural dealer network
- Lacks adequate duty-free processes for border crossing
Customer Reviews
In this section, Kenworth wins in terms of customer reviews, as it has higher ratings. Kenworth earns widespread acclaim for its durability, exceptional handling, robust power, and overall ownership experience. In contrast, MAN faces some criticisms in North America due to its limited presence, although it receives praise for its advanced technology and efficiency.
When it comes to customer reviews:
- Kenworth boasts a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an impressive 5-star rating on Amazon. It also holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, it has a customer review rating of 1.5.
- MAN trucks maintain a Glassdoor rating of 3.7 and a Trustpilot rating of 3.2.
Note that these ratings are subject to change and may vary based on specific models and customer experiences.
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Competitors
As leading brands globally, Kenworth and MAN compete with both domestic and international manufacturers:
Peterbilt
Kenworth’s sibling company under PACCAR. Peterbilt also specializes in customized, driver-focused conventional trucks for owner-operators.
Volvo
MAN’s chief European rival in technology and efficiency. Offers premium conventional and cabover models spanning vocational to highway applications.
Freightliner
America’s sales leader. Offers traditional and technical trucks spanning affordable workhorses to luxurious highway tractors.
International
Dependable, value-focused trucks offering comparable specs and durability to Kenworth at discounted pricing.
Mack
Strong conventional and cabover models specializing in regional hauling, bulk transportation, and heavy vocational applications.
Western Star
Daimler company producing tough vocational trucks comparable to Kenworth. Focuses on customization and durability.
Hino
Japanese brand offering well-engineered medium duty trucks competing with Kenworth and MAN’s lighter models. Emphasizes reliability.
Iveco
MAN’s sister company under the Traton Group. Iveco brings rugged European engineering to affordable vocational and regional hauling trucks.
Navistar
Maker of International brand trucks. Offers traditional American conventionals comparable to Kenworth alongside technical CAT and International cabovers.
Mercedes
Elite European brand like MAN. Brings luxury and technology focus to North American highways.
How to Get Each Truck
Getting a Kenworth Truck
- Go through Kenworth’s dealer network to customize and order new trucks. Kenworth has over 300 dealers in the U.S and Canada.
- Major dealers like PacLease, Rush Truck Centers, and Stoops Freightliner offer new and used Kenworths.
- Purchase through truck auction sites like TruckPaper and commercial truck dealerships.
Getting a MAN Truck
- Order new MAN trucks through authorized MAN dealers. Top dealers include CIT Truck Center, Midwest Truck Sales, and JX Truck Center.
- Buy used MAN models from truck auction marketplaces like Truck Paper and commercial used truck dealers.
- Lease options available through fleet leasing companies like Penske, Ryder, and Idealease who offer new and used MAN trucks.
Pro Tips
When choosing between Kenworth and MAN trucks:
- Consider your typical routes and whether highway mpg or regional flexibility is more important. MAN excels on fuel costs over 500+ mile high-speed highways.
- Compare maintenance costs between dealers.
- Weigh powertrain preferences. Kenworth offers bigger displacement engines ideal for low-end torque and hill climbing. MAN favors smaller, high-efficiency engines.
- Assess the importance of customization for your needs. Kenworth is far more customizable while MAN utilizes standardized European configurations.
- Examine resale values, which favor Kenworth. Their reputation aids higher residuals while MAN trucks bought new can depreciate substantially.
- Evaluate parts availability. Kenworth’s domestic supply chains get high marks. MAN parts often come from Germany.
- Consider driver hiring and retention priorities. Kenworth’s conventional designs and American feel may suit your workforce better.
- Test drive back-to-back. MAN’s European ride and technology differ greatly from Kenworth’s traditional vigor.
Recap
Kenworth specializes in driver-friendly yet customizable conventionals and cabovers proven in vocational fields and regional hauling. Its trucks provide American comfort and customization owner-operators value. MAN brings leading European engineering and unbelievable highway fuel economy to North America. Their connected cruise and mpg maximizing powertrains excel for high-mileage operations.
Kenworth offers better parts availability, dealer service access, lower maintenance costs and higher resale values – advantages for ownership costs. MAN provides very competitive new truck pricing but trails on ownership expenses. Kenworth suits owner-operators and small to mid-sized fleets needing flexible, tailored trucks for regional applications. Their dealer network also better supports buyers.
MAN excels for large fleets maximizing driver productivity and fuel efficiency hauling goods cross-country on the interstates. Their mpg and cruising speed optimization shine here. Drivers accustomed to traditional American trucks generally prefer Kenworth’s ergonomics, visibility and customization. MAN appeals more to those appreciating European styling and technology.
In summary, Kenworth is the wiser choice for most trucking applications in North America thanks to ownership value, dealer access and conventional appeal. But MAN’s efficiency merits interest from mega-fleets optimizing highway mpg.
