Whenever you buy a big truck, you should be prepared to spend quite some time deciding on the make and model you’ll be getting, not to mention the manufacturer. After a while, you may find that trucks from the most reputable brands on the market are of a certain quality, and soon any trucks by other brands start to pale in comparison. Even if you don’t plan on buying a truck in the near future, you need to realize that there’s only so much you can do by salvaging truck parts and re-using them. 

That said, you may notice that among the top brands, the usual contenders are Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, and with good reason. Both have incredible reputations for exceptional performance and for being high-quality and reliable trucks. It’s true that both are manufactured by the same company, and in some cases, it won’t matter which one you end up buying. Sometimes, though, you really need to take a step back and decide which one is best for your plans. That said, here’s what you need to know about the differences between the two brands.

The Cab Interior

You need to remember that, when it comes down to it, your truck will be your home on the road, so being comfortable resting in it as well as driving in it is essential. Kenworth trucks tend to have narrower cabs when compared to those on Peterbilt trucks, but the former are ergonomically designed by default. So if you’re looking for an interior that will ensure both the comfort and productivity of the driver by virtue of ergonomic design, then Kenworth is your best bet. However, if you and any other fleet drivers you employ are rather tall or would otherwise be uncomfortable in a narrow cab, regardless of the design, then Peterbilt is the better option. 

Peterbilt trucks also have neater interiors and a wealth of customization options in comparison to Kenworth. If you don’t need a customized cab interior and are happy to work with what you have, then there’s nothing wrong with a Kenworth truck. However, if you really do want to ensure your or your fleet drivers’ comfort on the road and customization is key to that, then by all means choose a Peterbilt. 

The Truck Exterior

Peterbilt semis tend to have a long protruding hood, compared to Kenworth semis that have a generally shorter hood. Kenworth sleeper semis also have something of a bump, due to the raised-roof sleeper cab design. 

Both are reasonably aerodynamic, but Kenworth comes in ahead in the department because of the overall design of their cabs. The many curves on a Kenworth cab give the truck a less classical look in comparison to the angular design of a Peterbilt.

If one wants a classical looking truck and needs a big rig truck for relatively shorter journeys, then there’s nothing wrong with choosing a Peterbilt truck. However, if you own a long-haul trucking business and you’re looking to save money on fuel, then a Kenworth is the best way to go. The same raised-roof sleeper cab is just the thing owner-operators and drivers want. After all, you can drive better if you’re better rested, and many have agreed that the roomier sleeper cab of a Kenworth truck makes sleeping in one very comfortable.

The Drivetrain

Because they’re owned by the same manufacturer, PACCAR, Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks have more in common than you think. The drivetrain is one of those things they have in common since PACCAR monitors the design of their trucks, including the designs of the axle, engine, and transmission. 

Both Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks run on the MX series of engines, which are the most efficient diesel engines available. Combine that sort of engine with the PACCAR automatic transmission, and you have a truck that maximizes durability, fuel efficiency, and – most of all – driveability. Both brands also have the best insulation for the wiring and airlines, so that no matter the terrain you’re facing, fewer things get shaken free. This also means a smoother overall drive compared to other brands. 

Conclusion

Overall, when it comes to availability, both Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks shouldn’t be hard to find in the United States, but if you have to search elsewhere, then you’ll have less trouble looking for a Peterbilt because that brand has expanded its operations to Canada whereas Kenworth expanded to Australia. 

As far as each brand’s focus goes, Kenworth is more concerned with the quality of their trucks while for Peterbilt, it’s the comfort of the drivers that’s the driving force. This could have had an effect on their resale value, as a second-hand Peterbilt truck often can be sold for more compared to Kenworth. However, before customization, Kenworth is often the superior brand for driver amenities. 

All told, Kenworth is the premium truck brand, but Peterbilt is the best pick when looking at big rigs, specifically. So as you can see, if your choices are down to either brand, then what you end up choosing really depends heavily on what you need, or else what you’re looking for. Whichever brand you go with, you can rest assured that it will be a reliable truck and it will be worth whatever amount you end up spending on it.

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