The MAN TGS has been named the 2026 Fleet Truck of the Year – Heavy Duty, taking the top spot in the Fleet News Group Best Value Analysis with an overall score of 7.730 out of 10.
The MAN finished ahead of the Hino 700 Series, which scored 7.600, and the Volvo FH16, which recorded 7.495, making the Heavy Duty category one of the closest contests in the 2026 Fleet News Group Awards.
All three finalists impressed the judges with their safety, technology and capability, but the TGS stood out for the breadth of applications it can support and the way its driver environment helps make heavy-duty trucks more accessible to a wider range of drivers.
Versatility was a major strength
The vehicle evaluated by the judges was a MAN TGS prime mover, but the panel saw the broader value of the TGS platform beyond the specification presented on judging day.
The judges were impressed by the versatility of the range and its ability to be adapted to different fleet applications.
That matters for fleet operators looking to standardise around fewer platforms while still meeting different operational requirements.
The TGS range includes rigid and tractor configurations, with different engine and chassis options designed to support a range of heavy-duty applications.
That flexibility contributed to the MAN’s strong scores for both Engine / Transmission and Chassis / Suspension.
MAN TGS BVA scorecard
| BVA category | Weighting | MAN TGS score |
|---|---|---|
| Driving / On Road | 20% | 1.520 / 2.000 |
| Engine / Transmission | 20% | 1.680 / 2.000 |
| Chassis / Suspension | 15% | 1.200 / 1.500 |
| Safety / Sustainability | 15% | 1.140 / 1.500 |
| Manufacturer | 15% | 1.320 / 1.500 |
| Workspace Ergonomics | 15% | 0.870 / 1.500 |
| Overall BVA score | 100% | 7.730 / 10 |
The strongest weighted result came from Engine / Transmission, where the TGS scored 1.680 from a possible 2.000.
It also recorded 1.320 from 1.500 for Manufacturer and 1.200 from 1.500 for Chassis / Suspension, helping produce the strongest overall result in the category.
Safety technology influences the result
Safety was another important factor for the judging panel.
The judges valued the safety systems and technology available in the TGS, particularly as heavy-duty trucks become increasingly sophisticated and easier for drivers to operate.
The MAN scored 1.140 from 1.500 for Safety / Sustainability.
The TGS and TGX ranges incorporate driver assistance and safety systems designed to support accident prevention and reduce driver workload, while the cab is designed around visibility and driver focus.
Importantly, the judges noted that this was not an area where the MAN stood alone. All three Heavy Duty finalists demonstrated impressive levels of safety and driver-assistance technology.
That led to a broader observation from the judging panel: modern heavy-duty trucks are becoming more accessible to a wider range of drivers. For fleet operators, that can have a direct operational benefit.
A truck that is easier and more intuitive to operate can help improve vehicle utilisation and give organisations greater flexibility when allocating drivers, particularly as workforce demographics and labour availability continue to change.
A better workplace for the driver
The driver workspace was another area that impressed the judges.
Heavy-duty trucks are workplaces as much as they are vehicles, and the panel placed considerable importance on how easily drivers could interact with the controls, displays and cabin environment.
The TGS scored 0.870 from 1.500 for Workspace Ergonomics.
MAN has designed the TGS cab around driver accessibility, with adjustable seating and steering, practical storage and controls intended to reduce unnecessary movement and distraction.
The controls and displays are positioned with reach and visibility in mind, while the MAN SmartSelect system allows functions such as navigation, media and cameras to be controlled using a rotary dial and hand rest rather than relying solely on a touchscreen.
For the judges, these features contributed to an environment that made the truck feel more approachable and easier to work in over a full shift.
Heavy-duty trucks are becoming more accessible
One of the broader conclusions from the Heavy Duty judging process was how far modern trucks have progressed.
The MAN TGS, Hino 700 Series and Volvo FH16 all demonstrated high levels of safety, automation and technology.
These systems can reduce some of the traditional barriers associated with operating a heavy vehicle and make the trucks accessible to a broader range of drivers.
For fleet managers, that has implications beyond driver comfort.
Greater driver accessibility can increase asset utilisation, provide more flexibility when rostering staff and help organisations continue delivering services as the available workforce changes.
A very close result
The final Heavy Duty results were:
- MAN TGS — 7.730/10
- Hino 700 Series — 7.600/10
- Volvo FH16 — 7.495/10
Only 0.235 points separated first and third place, highlighting the quality of the three finalists.
The Fleet News Group Fleet Truck of the Year awards use Best Value Analysis to examine the complete fleet proposition, including on-road performance, powertrain, chassis, safety, manufacturer support and driver workspace.
For the judges, the MAN TGS combined those attributes particularly well.
Its versatility across applications, strong safety story and driver-focused workspace helped it secure the highest overall score and the title of 2026 Fleet Truck of the Year – Heavy Duty.
