We were first introduced to the Kenworth K220 in May of 2022 at a gala event for customers and media at Brisbane’s Archerfield Airport. It was a big deal, and so it should have been, as this was biggest news for Kenworth cab-overs since the launch of the K200 in 2010.
The Kenworth K220 was launched in 6×4, 8×4, 8×4 tandem with lazy axle, 8×6, 10×4 tandem with lazy axle, and 10×6 formats, delivering immense versatility across a wide variety of applications.
From the outset, four cabs were on offer, ranging from a 1.7m day cab through to a 2.3m flat-roof sleeper, a 2.3m Aero sleeper, and the range-topping 2.8m Aero sleeper.
Power still comes from a range of Cummins X15 six-cylinder engines nominally rated at 565hp and 1850Nm of torque. Transmission options are the popular Eaton 18-speed Road Ranger and a new Eaton Endurant XD Pro 18-speed automated manual through to a Meritor diff of variable ratios.
Who’s it for?
As you can see by the wide variety of axle configurations and the different cabs available, the Kenworth K220 is well suited to any number of applications in the transport sector.
However, typically these prime movers are used for single-trailer, B-double or AB-triple applications on interstate runs. They can be ordered with all manner of accessories and options including fuel tank options, chassis options, safety features and cab setups.
In fact, many if not most of the K220s running down the production line at Kenworth’s Bayswater factory are bespoke trucks in some way or another.
Powertrain
As mentioned, the K220 continued with the Cummins X15 engine which was offered from launch in Euro 5 and Euro 6 versions, with the Euro 5 engine offering from 485hp and 1650lb/ft (2237Nm), through to 600hp with 2050lb/ft (2788Nm) of torque.
However, with new emission laws coming in, we understand that there will only be two versions of the Euro 6 engine on offer – the Cummins X15 EURO 6 ‘Efficiency’ with 550 to 580hp and 2788Nm, and the X15 EURO 6 ‘Performance’ with 525 to 625hp and 2516Nm or 2788Nm.
We contacted Kenworth for clarification and a spokesman said that the Euro 5s would cease when the new laws come in and only the Euro 6 engines would prevail as above – although he did say that if there was demand for a 485hp Euro 6 engine the company “would look into it” – such is the dynamic nature of Kenworth.
Transmissions for the K220 are the Eaton Road Ranger or automated Eaton Endurant XD Pro, which features sophisticated new software combined with robust internals to deliver quieter, smoother, more efficient running, while taking the strain out of driving and making the truck more appealing to a broader range of drivers.
Eaton says the new Endurant XD transmission platform introduces ‘Performance Goals’ to transmission shifting strategy in a lightweight package that is 100kg lighter than the Ultrashift-Plus model it replaces. Furthermore, the Endurant XD PRO has unique features to enhance severe service applications.
Tech and Safety
The K220 got a pretty big upgrade in tech over the K200. For starters, a new smart steering wheel offers more features and controls to help keep the driver’s focus firmly on the road.
There’s also a new 15-inch screen in front of the driver and this can be customised to show exactly the info you want. The screen also offers features including a start-up system check, comprehensive trip analysis on shutdown, and driver performance ratings.
In terms of safety, the K220 comes with all the latest safety equipment including all the usual gear like ABS, stability control and the like, but now with the addition of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and Side Object Warning.
The side object detection system monitors the truck’s blind spots and provides the driver with audible and visual alerts when an object or vehicle has entered these zones.
There is also Collision Mitigation which is a feature that is always on, monitoring the road and providing warnings and active braking, even when the cruise control is not in use.
The warning is designed to provide the driver with time to react to the situation and potentially avoid a collision altogether. If the driver does not take pre-emptive braking action, the collision mitigation system will apply the brakes in an effort to reduce the severity of a crash.
On the Road
Driving a Kenworth is a different driving experience from driving, say, a European truck. If you’re a motorcyclist, it’s kind of like riding a Harley-Davidson.
The ‘feel’ of the truck is different. It’s not bad-different, it’s just, well, unique. That said, I do like driving Kenworths and especially the K220.
Kenworth has done a great job of enhancing the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) in this model and it’s quite an improvement over the K200. Certainly, the rumble of the big 15-litre Cummins is still there, and the growl of the Jake brake is still there as well, but it’s more muffled from the inside which makes for a more relaxed drive.
There is plenty of room in the cab and the dash wraps around the driver so that everything is close. There are stacks of storage in the cab and plenty of that is easy to reach from the driver’s seat which is really handy.
Our test truck had a phone charging pad which was a great inclusion and the upgraded air-con system worked a treat – it’s similar to the system in the latest T610 which Kenworth engineers spent a lot of time on.
On the highway, the K220 rides nicely on its Airglide suspension, and the tweaked steering is direct with no slop.
Overall, the K220 is an easy truck to drive. Admittedly we only had one trailer on and were only at about 43 tonnes on the last drive I did. But I’ve driven K220s in all manner of configurations including loaded B-double, where they really excel.
Fleet Verdict
The K220 is a very Australian truck. It’s not made anywhere else in the world and as Kenworth says: “Australian Kenworths are purpose-built. Each truck is designed and manufactured for its intended task and to individual customer requirements.”
So, what more can we say than it’s a truck that is built with the Aussie owner or fleet manager in mind. It’s a truck that will do the job admirably, no matter what the task.
Kenworth K220 Quick Specs:
- Engine: Cummins X15 EURO 6 ‘Performance’ – 565hp/1850Nm
- Transmission: Eaton Endurant XP Pro 18-speed automated manual
- Diff: Meritor 4.3
- Fuel: 1500L
- AdBlue: 180L (standard)
- Rear suspension: Kenworth Airglide
- Front Axle: Dana E14621 6.6t (standard)
- Rear Axle: Dana D46-170 20.9t (standard)
- Brakes: Discs (opt)
- Air cleaner: Donaldson 2501 engine mounted (standard)
- Safety standard: ABS, Drag Torque Control, Automatic Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program
- Safety optional: Active Cab Entry Steps, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Response Management, Blindspotter Side Object Detection System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Departure Warning (with braking), Lane Departure Warning, AEB
