Kenworth is changing the layout of its Class 8 truck cabs, introducing a 15-inch touchscreen, standard wireless phone charging, and electronic parking brake controls in place of traditional push-pull knobs.
The interior redesign, announced October 26, also brings changes to the dashboard, storage arrangements, and trim options. Some updates are available on new truck orders now, while the expanded PACCAR Connect system is scheduled to arrive in early 2027.
New Touchscreen Changes How Cab Controls Are Arranged
The 15-inch horizontal display will serve as a central location for radio, climate, and connected vehicle functions. Kenworth has included a handhold around the screen, giving drivers a place to brace their hand while making selections.
Not every function has moved to touchscreen menus. Kenworth is retaining physical dials for audio volume, temperature, and fan speed. Other HVAC settings, including defrost and airflow direction, are accessed through the display.
The arrangement reflects a compromise between digital controls and conventional switches. Drivers familiar with Kenworth’s existing dashboards will encounter a different layout, although some frequently used adjustments will still have dedicated physical controls.
The touchscreen will also support PACCAR Connect, a system announced October 19. Its planned features include vehicle health information, digital operator manuals, camera integration, and access to compatible applications. The platform supports Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connections, with a voice assistant planned for selected functions.
PACCAR says the system will support up to eight camera inputs. Depending on how a truck is equipped, camera views can be linked to vehicle actions such as reversing or activating a turn signal. The announcement does not mean every truck will be delivered with eight cameras installed.
Charging, Storage and Interior Finishes Updated
Kenworth has made wireless phone charging standard, placing the charger in a compartment beside the steering wheel. Compatible phones can be stored in the compartment while charging.
USB-C ports have also been added, along with revised HVAC vents and more options for configuring dashboard components and storage areas.
The company’s Vantage interior will be offered in Charcoal, while Diamond VIT will have Charcoal and Titanium options. Wood trim accents are included among the revised interior finishes.
These changes concern the layout and equipment of newly ordered cabs. Kenworth has not released comparative measurements showing additional storage capacity or improvements in charging performance over the previous interior.
Electronic Parking Brake Replaces Traditional Knobs
Another noticeable change involves the parking brake. Kenworth is making its electronic parking brake standard on new Class 8 trucks equipped with 2.1-meter cabs.
The system replaces the familiar red-and-yellow push-pull knobs with electronic switches. LED indicators show the parking brake’s status, and the switches retain recognizable brake symbols.
The electronic system had previously been available as an option. Making it standard means drivers assigned to newly ordered trucks may encounter a different control arrangement, even if they have operated Kenworth models for years.
Kenworth describes the switches as easier to operate, but the announcement does not include independent testing or measured reductions in driver fatigue or distraction.
PACCAR Connect Rollout Begins in 2027
The updated interiors are available for new truck orders, including Kenworth’s T680, T880, W990, C580, T680E, and T880E models.
The broader PACCAR Connect rollout has a separate timeline. PACCAR expects the expanded platform and factory-integrated touchscreen technology to become available beginning in early 2027.
The connected system will also provide fleet-management functions, including vehicle location, mileage, diagnostic information, and idle-time monitoring. Some applications and settings can be managed through the PACCAR Connect Portal, giving fleet operators control over aspects of the truck’s connected features.
The redesign introduces changes drivers will notice in the cab, particularly the location of controls and the replacement of conventional parking brake knobs. The touchscreen’s additional connected functions will depend on the PACCAR Connect rollout and the equipment and applications available in each truck.
The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.
Last Updated: November 4, 2026
Source: Truckers News
