Kenworth's Digital Display - Ultimate Guide 2022

Iron Buffalo icon
Iron Buffalo Truck & Trailer
September 15, 2023
Kenworth's Digital Display - Ultimate Guide 2022

Kenworth announced on March 9, 2021, that its new 15-inch digital display system would be standard equipment on the T880 and W990 models. On the newly released Kenworth T680 Next Generation model, the completely digital, high-definition Digital Display is already standard. The straightforward, changeable display was designed utilizing driver observation, user testing, iterative prototyping, and thorough design work for an enhanced user experience, enabling drivers to adapt their preferences while automatically presenting essential information.

What's great about the new Kenworth digital display 

"As part of our design process, we spoke with drivers from vocational and over-the-road applications," said Laura Bloch, Kenworth's associate general manager for sales and marketing. "Consequently, we implemented vocational-specific improvements for the benefit of our vocational consumers. [...] Operators of both the T880 and W990 will benefit from the digital display."

The digital display on Kenworth's truck enables easy switching between smaller views, a fundamental view, a maximized view, and a configurable favorites view. The standard Kenworth Next-Gen Smart Wheel allows drivers to effortlessly scroll up and down while also providing cruise control and radio capabilities.

The reduced views provide truck speed, tachometer, and regular text in the header and footer areas for drivers who prefer fewer gauges. On-screen material for the primary picture includes fuel, air, coolant, and oil pressure gauges. For drivers who wish to examine all vehicle information, a simple scroll of the Kenworth Next Gen SmartWheel to the maximum view will reveal additional gauges specified on the truck — such as axle temperatures, torque, air filter, and brake application.

For vocational clients that employ vehicle-mounted equipment such as pumps, dump trucks, or cement mixers, there is now a dedicated screen and tachometer mode for power takeoff (PTO) engagement and operations. Dash switches or the steering wheel may be used to control new set points. Regardless of the display style chosen, the driver will get automated screen notifications for any warnings or defects that may arise.

How useful is the new display? 

When the vehicle is parked, the digital display improves truck operation. When you press the Exterior Light Self-Test button, a thorough system check is performed, allowing you to get a fast overview of the condition of several systems.

When the driver turns off the vehicle for the day, the display screen also shows a Trip Summary view. The device may generate a Driver Performance Assessment report and coaching tips if it is equipped. After the day, a Drive Summary appears, which includes data on average fuel efficiency, idle time, cruise control use, and any probable mechanical difficulties.

The display system has over 50 distinct layout options and many gauge sensor options. There are over 4,500 gauge view variations, including many that a driver might save as a "favorites" look.

Kenworth has announced that the new 15-inch Digital Display system will come standard on the T880 and W990 models. On the newly released Kenworth T680 Next Generation, the completely digital, high-definition Digital Display is already standard.

User-friendliness of the Kenworth digital display 

Kenworth's Digital Display allows for extensive customization and dynamic information content. The design is simple and easy to operate, allowing drivers to customize their experience while automatically showing important information. To achieve this sophisticated user experience, numerous hours of driver observation, user testing, iterative prototyping, and painstaking design work went into the Digital Display.

The Digital Display enables smooth switching between two Minimized Views, a Basic View, a Maximized View, and a Favorites View that the driver may customize. The standard Kenworth Next Gen SmartWheel® allows drivers to effortlessly scroll up and down while also providing cruise control and radio capabilities.

The Minimized Views display truck speed, tachometer, and standard text in the header and footer areas for drivers who prefer fewer gauges. The Basic View on-screen display includes fuel, air, coolant, and oil pressure gauges. For drivers who like to examine all offered vehicle information, a simple scroll of the Kenworth Next Gen SmartWheel® to the Maximized View will provide additional gauges specified on the truck – such as axle temperatures, torque, air filter, and brake application.

Exploring the PTO mode 

A unique screen and tachometer mode are available for power takeoff (PTO) engagement and operations for vocational clients using vehicle-mounted equipment such as pumps, dump trucks, and cement mixers. New setpoints may be controlled using dash switches or the steering wheel.

The Digital Display displays the operating PTO rpm once the PTO is engaged. Customers having vehicle-mounted equipment that requires several speeds may program pre-set PTO rpm speeds into the Digital Display at the time of purchase. The Digital Display may be customized with bodybuilder availability and related noises, allowing the driver to activate and disengage their installed equipment on the worksite.

If any warnings or defects occur when watching these several Digital Display viewing modes, the driver will be instantly warned on the screen. When the vehicle is parked, the Digital Display improves truck operation. When you press the Exterior Light Self-Test button, a comprehensive System Check is launched, which provides a rapid examination and status overview of several systems.

When the driver turns off the vehicle for the day, the Digital Display screen displays a Trip Summary view. The device can also generate a Driver Performance Assessment report and coaching tips if it is equipped to do so. At the end of the day, a Drive Summary emerges, including data on average fuel efficiency, idle time, cruise control use, and any probable mechanical difficulties.

Go for a Kenworth truck with the new display if possible 

Now you know what the new Kenworth truck's new display is capable of offering. While keeping this in mind, you can think about buying a new truck that offers this display. Then you can experience all features that we reviewed above.