The 2025 model year is shaping up to be pivotal as commercial vehicles roll out more efficiency, sustainability, and driver comfort features. While leading over-the-road Class 8 OEMs Freightliner, International, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, and Volvo all offer alternative-powered versions of their legacy trucks and tractors, this first entry of the FleetOwner 2025 vehicle guide focuses on traditional equipment.
Volvo Trucks North America, for example, has nearly completely redesigned its flagship VNL long-haul tractor for 2025. The market leader, Freightliner, is rolling out the fifth generation of its flagship Cascadia truck in the second half of 2025. While others, such as Kenworth and Peterbilt, offer powertrains that meet California’s more stringent vehicle operations.
See also: FleetOwner’s 2025 Fleet Vehicle Outlook: Class 1-8
Cutting-edge safety technology, such as advanced driver-assistance systems and intelligent headlights, is making the roads safer for everyone. Redesigned cabs with enhanced ergonomics and amenities are improving the driver experience and boosting productivity and retention.
This non-comprehensive look at 2025 Class 8 fleet vehicles is the first of a six-part series this week highlighting new and updated commercial and fleet vehicles of all sizes. This week, FleetOwner’s 2025 Fleet Vehicle Outlook features details gathered by our editors on dozens of new and updated vehicles, from pickup trucks and vans to work trucks and tractors. Our newsletters and free Members Only section offer the latest innovations from each manufacturer, highlighting key features and benefits to help you make informed decisions about your fleet investments.
Freightliner
The Freightliner Cascadia, Daimler Truck North America’s flagship Class 8 vehicle, continues to focus on truck technology, fuel economy, and driver comfort.
Freightliner unveiled the fifth generation of its Cascadia tractor, set to begin production in mid-2025. This refresh focuses on enhanced safety, efficiency, and business intelligence tools.
Aerodynamic improvements, including a redesigned hood and bumper, contribute to a 1.9% increase in fuel efficiency. The truck offers Detroit DD13 and DD15 engines. Cummins X15 and X15N natural gas options will be available in 2026.
Upgraded hardware and software bolster safety features and enable advanced driver assistance systems. These include Active Brake Assist 6, which can now detect stationary pedestrians and objects at odd angles, and Active Lane Assist 2 with lane change assistance. Other additions include Attentive Driver Protection, Side Guard Assist 2, Intelligent Braking Control System, and dual-stage intelligent LED headlights.
The new Cascadia also features a factory-installed MirrorCam system, enhancing visibility and driver comfort. Integrated Detroit Connect telematics offers features like video capture, remote lock/unlock, geofencing, and safety system monitoring, improving fleet management and uptime.
Most popular Class 8 on the road: Freightliner has sold more than one million Cascadias since 2007, making it the most popular Class 8 truck currently on the road in North America.
International
International Truck’s redesigned HV Series is equipped with the S13 Integrated Powertrain and will begin series production in the second half of 2025.
To help navigate tight job sites, the HV Series includes a sloped hood, panoramic wide windshield, and the two smooth and steady crawler gears of the T14 automated manual transmission. International also made performance upgrades to reduce weight and galvanize frame rails for anticorrosion protection. The S13 can help fleets boost productivity by eliminating components such as the exhaust gas recirculation cooler and diesel oxidation catalyst.
Through International’s chassis electrical system, Diamond Logic, and its expanded electronic control capabilities, fleets can simplify and customize body upfitting. Factory-installed power take-off options and the integration of Bendix Wingman Fusion boost safety and productivity.
New remote power modules deliver more power and control through upgraded electronics and expanded input and output options. Additional integration enhancements include multiple mounting options for common components such as air tanks and air dryers, a more accessible fuel water separator, and new tag and pusher axles options.
Better vision above and below the hood: The new sloped hood design and LED headlamps help increase driver visibility. In addition, under-hood lights assist with inspections in low-light environments, while an integrated fluid check in the driver display simplifies the pre-trip inspection process.
Kenworth
Kenworth Trucks added new engine options for its Class 8 lineup in 2025. Kenworth recently introduced its California Air Resources Board-compliant Paccar MX-13 engine for Kenworth’s T680, W990, and T880 models.
The CARB-compliant engine features new aftertreatment hardware that meets stringent California low nitrogen oxide emissions requirements.
Kenworth also added the new Cummins X15N natural gas engine, which is now available for order with its T680 and T880 models.
The X15N is the industry’s first 15-liter natural gas engine that delivers diesel-like power, range, and performance, making it appealing for short, regional, and long-haul operations. The X15N produces between 400 and 500 hp with up to 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque. Back-of-cab natural gas fuel delivery systems can deliver up to a 175-diesel gallon equivalent, making the X15N an efficient diesel alternative for customers who require longer range and power from their engine.
High-tech mirrors are here: The Kenworth Digital Mirrors System is now available for the T880 and W990 models. The system offers a clearer and wider view outside the truck via large high-definition interior displays to help drivers track trailers around corners or while backing. This system was previously only available with the Kenworth T680.
Mack
The latest Mack Granite blends modern design and functionality, according to the Bulldog OEM. Its fascia features a new chrome grille with customizable options for fleets looking for a contemporary look in a heavy-duty work truck.
Safety takes center stage with Mack’s new intelligent headlights, which automatically activate heating elements in cold conditions to prevent ice buildup. An anti-fog coating ensures clear vision in humidity.
Integrated amber running lights that double as turn signals bolster daytime safety and increase the truck's visibility. High-impact polycarbonate lenses resist damage from debris, and the entire assembly is designed for easy replacement or upgrade.
The Granite also features the advanced mDrive HD automated manual transmission. This system optimizes performance and fuel efficiency, providing smooth shifts and reducing driver fatigue in challenging vocational applications.
29/50 vision: The standout upgrade for the 2025 Granite is the advanced self-heating LED headlamp system that illuminates the road and worksites, and Mack engineers say the lights significantly improve driver visibility up to 29% forward and 50% peripherally.
Peterbilt
Peterbilt Motors now offers two new low-roof configurations to its Model 567 and Model 589 trucks for car carrier applications. The Model 567 offers an UltraLow Roof day cab configuration with a 95-inch roof height for lightweight carrying. The UltraLow Roof 567 day cab also offers specific low-profile suspension and axle options for the lowest possible ride.
The Model 589 now has an UltraLow Roof 58-inch sleeper configuration for long-haul journeys, with orders scheduled beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024. The 589 UltraLow Roof Sleeper has a 100-inch roof height and continues to have two trim level options: premier and platinum.
The models’ low roof configurations can both use a Paccar TX-12 automated transmission and MX-11/MX-13 engines for advanced power and performance. The MX-11 engine offers up to 445 hp and 1,700 lb.-ft. peak torque.
CARB-compliant: The MX-13 engine option combines a diesel powertrain with Paccar’s low-NOx technology, compliant with California's clean fleet regulations. This includes 510 hp with 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque and an efficiency-focused rating of 455 hp and 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque between 900 and 1,325 rpm.
Volvo
Volvo Trucks North America re-engineered and designed the all-new Volvo VNL to redefine fleet uptime, safety, efficiency, and driver productivity, the OEM announced this year. The new Class 8 Volvo tractor is available in six cab configurations.
The all-new Volvo VNL is equipped with proprietary active and passive safety features. Intelligent driver protection systems work to reduce injury risks and protect drivers, pedestrians, and passengers, reinforcing Volvo’s commitment to zero accidents.
The cab is constructed using high-strength steel, which is up to three times stronger than aluminum and engineered to absorb and deflect the energy of a crash to reduce the chance of injury. The E-Call safety system is an innovative new safety feature that automatically alerts emergency services in the event of an airbag deployment or rollover event. This system provides real-time location data for quicker response times.
Improved aerodynamics and powertrain technology, along with a more serviceable exhaust aftertreatment system, increase fuel efficiency by up to 10%, according to the OEM. It is the most connected truck Volvo Trucks has ever built, and it has a suite of connectivity tools to expedite maintenance checks and swiftly get trucks back on the road.
Designed with the driver in mind: The Volvo VNL provides an optimal working and resting environment for maximum comfort and satisfaction.
Western Star
Western Star continues to offer its three X-series trucks for the 2025 model year: the 47X, 49X, and 57X. The X-series trucks can all accommodate a range of engines and transmissions, but each comes with a Detroit Assurance suite of active safety systems and two trim options: base and premium.
The 47X is the series’ shorter configuration and is built for applications with shorter length requirements, such as concrete mixers or dump trucks. The 47X has a 111.6-inch length from the bumper to the back of the cab.
The 49X is 10 inches longer than the 47X but boasts excellent air filtration efficiency, greater horsepower/torque, and longer sleeper cab options.
The 57X is the highway-focused model in the X-series and greatly resembles the Freightliner Cascadia. It has the longest BBC length of the series.
‘Eyes’ in the back: X-Series now offers a factory-installed backup alert system, which includes a 7-inch integrated touchscreen display, a backup camera, and a reverse proximity sensor.
