Your Quick Guide to the Latest Trends for Medium-Duty Trucks

By Certified Master Techs in Automotive News

What does the future look like for the trucking and fleet industries? It’s impossible to predict, but we can start by looking at some trends.

Medium-duty trucking is increasing in popularity. Industries such as beverage and retail can easily transfer their supplies with the strength and flexibility of a medium-sized fleet.

With the industry expanding and demand to increase, major trucking brands are paving their own way to beat out their competitors.

What should your fleet company expect? With different car manufacturers, the options are endless.

You can start by identifying the trends. Here are major commercial transport companies and how their medium-duty trucks are keeping up with the trends.

GMC and Chevrolet

GMC and Chevrolet have been some of the most popular choices for commercial trucks.

In 2018, they released a line of Class 4 and 5 vocational vehicles, in partnership with Navistar. These trucks feature Duramax diesel engines and Allison heavy-duty transmissions.

These trucks are popular because they feature a low cab, a style popularized by GMC. The most popular model is the 6500XD. This features a 25,990 pound GVWR and a 5.2L turbo diesel I-4 engine which delivers 520 pounds of torque.

Ford

Ford’s transit vans are under the most innovation. They will feature a forged alloy dual rear wheel package. Heavy-duty rear scuff plate kit and a rear-door scuff plate kit have been added for extra protection.

For the style factor, they will have a stone gray interior and charcoal leather-trimmed seating.

For medium and high-roof models, there’s a rearview camera on a high-mount location. There is also a heavy-duty cargo flooring option available.

Ford’s famous commercial trucks are also getting some attention.

The F650 and the F750 have some minor enhancements. These include electronic stability control and traction control brakes. Minor additions aside, they’re still bestsellers in the Ford series.

Freightliner

You can’t say famous commercial trucks without including Freightliner.

Their classic commercial trucks are undergoing some advancements, including a new engine called the Detroit DD8 7.7L. This compliments the DD5 engine, but with more advancements.

Hino

Are you looking for a more eco-friendly commercial truck? Hino is your brand. More states and counties are calling for strict emission requirements, attempting to reduce the amount of pollution by switching to a greener option.

Hino offers hybrid drive systems for its Class 5 models. Their Class 5 195h low-cab-forward model is the one you want to look at. It features their classic JOSE Series Hino engine mated to an Aisin A645 automatic transmission.

This engine produces 210 hp and 440 pound-foot torque. This offers fuel economy plus maximum performance.

For its eco-friendly benefits, the electric drive system and high-capacity nickel-metal hydride battery pack give the truck enough boost at low speeds until the diesel kicks in on the highway.

How does the truck identify your speed? It uses a drivetrain managed by Hino’s Hybrid Adaptive Control Unit. This evaluates the driving and road conditions which also optimizes the fuel economy and performance.

Isuzu

Isuzu is making headlines with their new FTR model truck. This is designed with fuel efficiency.

The engine is a four-cylinder Isuzu 4HK1-TC 5.2L turbocharged engine. This is legendary because it’s the first engine of this type offered for Class 6 vehicles.

This engine is mated to an Allison 2550 RDS six-speed automatic transmission. It’s capable of generating 250 pounds-feet of torque at 1,650 rpm and 215 horsepower at 2,500 rpm.

It has a front-axle capacity of 12,000 pounds and a rear-axle capacity of 19,000 pounds. The GVWR can hold 25,950 pounds with eight wheelbase lengths that range from 152 to 248 inches and can hold bodies of 14 to 30 feet in length.

This truck is also ideal for longer routes. It can hold up to 100 gallons of gas, as opposed to the 50-gallon standard.

Kenworth

Kenworth is by far the most versatile brand in the trucking industry. All medium-duty trucks have a Paccar PX-7 and PX-9 diesel engines. Their horsepower ranges between 200 to 350 and has up to 1,150 pound-foot in torque.

This year, their most popular models are the T270 and the T370 series. These models have a sloped hood for better visibility. Their GVWR can hold up to 66,000 pounds.

These trucks are versatile because of their options. You can choose either 4×4 or 6×6 driving options and manual, automatic, or automated transmissions.

Kenworth is also famous for their cab over options. The Class 6 K270 is a popular one this year. It’s perfect for city driving with its standard automatic transmission. It can accommodate bodies between 16 and 28 feet.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is another popular option for cab over trucks.

Their FUSO FE and FG line offer some of the most reliable and durability in their commercial vehicles. These vehicles are also popular because of their low emissions, making this an environmental-friendly and gas-saving option.

Mitsubishi designed these vehicles with comfort in mind. The whole interior, not just the seats, was designed with ergonomics in mind. The steering wheel is fully adjustable and the seating is spacious.

These vehicles are recommended for product delivery such as packages and office supplies.

You can get more information by visiting Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America.

Do You Know Which Medium-Duty Trucks to Buy?

Whether you want the highest tech or the bare minimum, medium-duty trucks come in all different forms.

These current trends are running the industry, and these manufacturers are paving the way with their high-quality commercial vehicles.

Some staples are returning as trends, and are even getting a makeover. Other brands are releasing brand new vehicles that will stand the test of time.

With the expanding auto market, the commercial fleet is keeping up with the latest innovations.

For more information about commercial vehicles and other auto news, visit our blog.