Kenworth has unveiled the long-awaited successor to the popular K200, the K220. The new model will begin to arrive in New Zealand later in 2022.

Kenworth’s focus for the K220 was to “provide greater driver comfort and technology integration for a more productive ownership experience”.

Design wise, the K220 has new LED headlamps with integrated indicators and daytime running lights that can be paired with bright look bezels. The new grille works with a more efficient fan to deliver optimised cooling system performance and efficiency, while the new wheel well shield protects the engine bay and critical electrical systems from road spray and debris.

The most significant exterior change is the new, wind-cheating roof profile. Shaped with the aid of computational fluid dynamics, the new roof profile improves aerodynamic efficiency by 4%. Immediately noticeable is the absence of the trademark vista windows. Inspired by the success of this change on the T610, this allows for improved sleeper insulation and a more easily maintained cabin temperature.

The new roof profile increases headroom and provides greater overhead storage space, which is now triple the size. The new climate-controlled HVAC system provides significantly improved performance, to vastly enhance interior comfort in any weather.

The interior boasts a new 15-inch high-definition instrument panel which helps reduce distraction by allowing the driver to control how much information is shown when operating the truck. This can be customised from driver to driver and trip to trip.

The instrument panel will display critical content to alert the driver of all necessary information, constantly monitoring critical vehicle parameters, and displaying them to the driver as required. This includes early intervention warnings for the driver, allowing them to respond quickly.

At the start of the working day with a press of a button, the K220 will perform a comprehensive systems check. Likewise, at the end of the day upon shutting down, it will display a detailed trip and vehicle summary. This includes statistics such as average fuel economy, idle time, cruise control usage as well as any potential mechanical issues.

The new 8-inch Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) unit provides easy access display with intuitive controls for truck navigation, the audio system, and smartphone mirroring. The AVN can be intelligently integrated with up to six external cameras giving drivers full visibility of what is happening around the vehicle.

To further help drivers remain focused on the road, the AVN is integrated with the steering wheel controls and the driver’s phone can be stored safely on either the charging pad, or in one of the convenient storage pockets in the new dash.

Every K220 is equipped with PACCAR’s proprietary telematics solution, PACCAR Connect. It offers live tracking and monitoring of the vehicle, driver, and fleet performance.

The interior has been made more spacious and quieter. More space in the footwell, achieved by moving pedals further forward, combined with a greater range of seat movement, offers drivers more legroom. Featuring high quality soft plush upholstery in the traditional studded pattern, trim colours have been updated and brought in line with the contemporary range available in the Kenworth 2.1m cab range. Both 2.3m and 2.8m sleeper cabs offer a comprehensive range of sleeper storage and bunk options.

The K220 is available in a range of configurations. Starting nominally at 97t GCM and available up to 250t GCM and beyond, the major configurations available include 6×4, 8×4, 8×4 tandem with lazy axle, 8×6, 10×4 tandem with lazy axle and 10×6.

Power is provided by the Cummins X15 in Euro 6 and Euro 5 variants, and the K220 can be coupled with a manual or the all-new 18-speed Endurant XD Pro automated transmission.

The Endurant XD Pro utilises Eaton’s Extreme Duty clutches, which feature robust components designed for increased durability, improved noise and vibration, in addition to higher thermal capacity for enhanced low-speed manoeuvrability. All whilst being lighter, smoother, and engineered to reduce fuel and maintenance costs.

The K220 has the largest range of active and passive safety options ever offered by Kenworth Australia, adding multi-lane Autonomous Emergency Braking and stop-and-go functionality to a growing list of systems.

A full report will be published in the July 2022 issue of New Zealand Trucking magazine.