Big Rigs · Nationwide · October 27, 2026

Kenworth Makes Its Electronic Parking Brake Standard, Replacing the Push-Pull Knobs Truckers Know

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Kenworth's electronic parking brake, which used to be an option, is now standard on all new 2.1-meter cab Class 8 Kenworth trucks, replacing the red and yellow push-pull knobs truckers have reached for over the years, Truck News reported Monday, Oct. 26.

The traditional knobs are replaced with switches that have LED indicators showing whether the brake is set, according to Truck News and the Kenworth announcement carried by AJOT. The updates, including a 15-inch touchscreen and standard wireless charging, are available on new truck orders.

What's new in the Kenworth cab?

The parking brake is the headline change, but the update reaches across the whole cab. According to Truck News, Kenworth's updated interior includes:

• A new horizontal, high-definition 15-inch touchscreen that brings the radio, HVAC controls and PACCAR Connect together in one place.
• A handhold built around the screen, so a trucker can steady a hand while tapping it.
• Wireless phone charging as standard equipment, with a charging compartment next to the steering wheel.
• New USB-C ports and redesigned HVAC vents.
• Updated wood trim and more instrument panel and storage configurations.

The Vantage interior is offered in Charcoal, and the Diamond VIT package comes in Charcoal and Titanium, Truck News reported.

When can buyers get it?

The updates are available on new truck orders, according to Truck News. Full PACCAR Connect capabilities are expected in Kenworth trucks in early 2027.

Big Rig Daily covered the PACCAR Connect touchscreen on Oct. 24: 2027 Peterbilts and Kenworths get a touchscreen dash and voice commands. Separately, PACCAR is recalling 310 new Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks over sleeper bunk restraints, and Volvo Group is limiting its 2027 truck order slots.

What Kenworth says

Kevin Haygood, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing, said in a news release: "Being The Driver's Truck means continually listening to our customers and finding ways to improve their experience. These latest enhancements bring together innovative technology and thoughtful design to deliver a more comfortable, convenient, and connected cab environment."

CCJ also reported on the redesigned interior and the 15-inch touchscreen.

Why the knobs matter to so many truckers

For a lot of truck drivers, setting the brakes with those knobs is muscle memory. It is one of the first things a trucker does after stopping and one of the last things checked before pulling out. A switch with a status light is a change in habit, even if the job is the same.

Anyone moving into a new truck with an electronic parking brake may want to spend a few minutes learning where the switch sits and what each indicator light means before the first trip. Brake checks are still part of every walkaround, and the pre-trip inspection checklist is a good place to start.

Quick facts

• What: Electronic parking brake now standard, replacing push-pull knobs.
• Which trucks: All new 2.1-meter cab Class 8 Kenworth trucks.
• Also new: 15-inch touchscreen, standard wireless charging, USB-C ports, new vents and trim.
• Available: On new truck orders.
• Full PACCAR Connect: Expected early 2027.

A question for readers

Would you trust an electronic switch to set your parking brakes, or would you rather keep the old push-pull knobs?

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