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"The World's Best." Kenworth has built premium trucks in the Pacific Northwest since 1923. The T680, W900, and T680E electric truck represent over a century of heavy-duty trucking excellence — chosen by fleets and owner-operators who demand quality.
ⓘ Editorial estimates only. Disclaimer →
Editorial revenue estimates compiled from publicly available financial data. Not licensed from or endorsed by PACCAR Inc.. Verify at sec.gov.
Figures are independently compiled editorial estimates based on publicly available PACCAR Inc. SEC 10-K filings and analyst reports. Not financial advice. Verify at sec.gov.
Current models in production as of 2026. Pricing reflects base MSRP — actual transaction prices vary by region and dealer.
Editorial reliability reference and recall context. Lower score = fewer reported problems per 100 vehicles. These are editorial estimates — not authoritative survey data.
Kenworth was founded in 1923 by Edgar K. Worthington and Harry W. Kent in Seattle, Washington (the name combining their initials: K + W). PACCAR acquired Kenworth in 1945. The company became known for premium, custom-built trucks favored by owner-operators who want personalization and quality above all. Kenworth and Peterbilt (both PACCAR) compete in the same market but with distinct brand identities — Kenworth is West Coast heritage, Peterbilt is Texas heritage.
Kenworth Truck Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ: PCAR), based in Bellevue, Washington. PACCAR operates Kenworth and Peterbilt as separate brand entities within the same corporate structure, similar to how GM operates Chevrolet and GMC.
Editorial comparison of key ownership metrics. Data based on publicly available specifications and independent research.
| Metric | Top Model | Segment Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | See models | — |
| BRI P/100 | 148 | 165 |
| Recall Rate | 2.2/100K | 3.5/100K |
| Warranty | 3yr/36K basic | 3yr/36K |
Full coverage, 40-year-old driver, clean record. Rates vary by state, age, driving history, credit, and insurer. Figures are independently compiled editorial estimates based on publicly available actuarial benchmarks — not licensed from insurers or aggregators. Not quotes. Not insurance advice.
| Model | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual | vs. Nat’l Avg | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
T680 (Owner-Op) Long-haul flagship; premium build |
$620 |
$7,440/yr | Varies by route | |
T680E Electric Limited repair locations add cost |
$750 |
$9,000/yr | Higher EV premium | |
W900 (Owner-Op) Higher MSRP cabover-style premium |
$680 |
$8,160/yr | Classic OTR spec | |
T880 (Owner-Op) Mid-range; versatile spec |
$590 |
$7,080/yr | Vocational/regional |
Frequently asked questions about Kenworth Truck Company. Independent editorial answers — not sponsored.
ⓘ Editorial recall context only. Not affiliated with Kenworth or NHTSA. Always verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Disclaimer →
Independent editorial guide. Not affiliated with Kenworth, dealers, or any resale platform. Not purchasing advice.
Kenworth W900 is a legendary long-nose semi with strong collector/owner-operator value. T680 dominates aerodynamic fleet use. Used market is deep among freight professionals.
ⓘ Editorial guide only. Not purchasing, legal, or financial advice. Always conduct independent due diligence. Disclaimer →
Independent editorial research. All financial figures are estimates from publicly available sources — not licensed data. Not financial advice.
Kenworth is owned by PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ: PCAR), one of the world's most profitable truck manufacturers. PACCAR also owns Peterbilt (US) and DAF (Europe). PACCAR's total revenue typically exceeds $25 billion annually; Kenworth's North American contribution is estimated at $5+ billion. PACCAR is known for its conservative financial management and consistent profitability — it has paid dividends for 85+ consecutive years. Verify at sec.gov.
The Kenworth T680 is the brand's most popular model — an aerodynamic conventional designed for long-haul OTR with a focus on fuel efficiency, driver comfort, and low total cost of ownership. The T680 uses PACCAR's MX-13 and MX-11 engines, known for strong reliability. The T680 Next Gen (2021+) features a significantly redesigned cab with improved aerodynamics. Kenworth consistently ranks at or near the top of driver satisfaction surveys — cab quality and visibility are key differentiators.
Kenworth's T680E is a Class 8 battery-electric truck targeting regional and drayage operations. Range: ~150 miles (Class 8 EV range is currently constrained by battery weight vs payload tradeoffs). Kenworth is participating in multiple hydrogen fuel cell pilot programs, including the ZEEM Solutions deployment. PACCAR's strategy parallels Daimler Truck: electrify regional first, develop hydrogen for long-haul. The T680 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) is in pilot testing with select fleets.
Kenworth Truck Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PACCAR Inc. (NASDAQ: PCAR), headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. PACCAR also owns Peterbilt Motors (Denton, TX) and DAF Trucks (Netherlands). PACCAR CEO is Preston Feight. Despite owning two competing US truck brands (Kenworth and Peterbilt), PACCAR maintains them as distinct brands with separate dealer networks, engineering teams, and identities. Kenworth trucks are primarily assembled in Renton, WA and Ste-Thérèse, Quebec.