Mack Trucks recently redesigned its Anthem truck to improve its fuel economy, safety, maneuverability, and driver comfort.
“We’ve reimagined what a truck can be, and now our customers can finally experience these innovations firsthand,” says Fernando Couceiro, vice president of highway trucks at Mack Trucks. “The Anthem excels in maneuverability. In addition, the ability to save up to $5,000 annually in fuel costs per truck, combined with driver comfort, make the Anthem a compelling choice for fleets.”
Looking first at the improved maneuverability, the Anthem is 12 inches shorter (bumper to back of cab (B2BOC)) at 113.5” than the outgoing model, hence allowing for an easier time navigating in the city, and in smaller spaces. Fuel efficiency is improved by up to 10 percent on the new model.
“The transportation industry is evolving rapidly with fleet managers facing rising operational costs, complex logistics demands and ongoing driver recruitment challenges,” says Stephen Roy, global president of Mack Trucks. “The all-new Anthem responds to these challenges by delivering practical innovations that move the industry forward. Building on Mack’s legacy of innovation, the Anthem incorporates many of the same cutting-edge technologies and design principles that we have developed for our new Pioneer long-haul model, bringing advanced innovations to today’s regional-haul market.”
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
The Anthem has improved power, fuel efficiency, better dynamic overdrive, and enhanced engine brake. It comes with the MP-13 engine available in two versions: The regular offers eight power profiles, between 415 and 515 horsepower, and 1,550 and 1,900 pounds/feet of torque. The other version is a high efficiency, which offers four power profiles, 415 to 505 hp, and 1,750 5o 1,950 ft/lbs of torque. These are mated to a mDrive transmission, which has a new clutch design, 30 per cent faster shifting, and better electronics. It is available in mDrive or mDrive HD (12, 13 or 14 speed options are available).
SAFETY
All the power and features are great, but the most important part of any vehicle is the safety features. It keeps drivers safe and saves companies money. Mack offers three levels of protection by way of packages to choose from. Mack Protect which offers front collision and rollover protective actions, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control. Automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic stop and go, forward pedestrian detection, and road sign ID. Mack Protect Pro includes all Mack Protect features plus side curtain airbags (both sides), lane change and blind spot support (both sides), and side pedestrian detection (both sides). While Mack Protect Pro Premier offers all the features of Mack Protect Pro plus lane keeping assist and oversteer guidance.
Other safety features include available digital mirror system (which replaces traditional glass mirrors), a backup camera with additional inputs, electropneumatic braking system, tire status monitor, and many more.
EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
Mack spent a lot of time to improve the exterior efficiency of the Anthem, which included having the bulldog hood ornament recessed to reduce drag, a three-piece hood that is designed for aerodynamics, more efficient and stronger aero windshield, front and rear wheel closeouts improve aerodynamics, improved cab skirt and chassis fairing, wider cab by nine inches, and cab side deflectors.
Anthem is available in Day Cab (113.5” B2BOC), 44” Mid-Roof Sleeper 157” B2BOC, and 64” Mid-Roof Sleeper (177” B2BOC). Day Cab is available with a 12’ 6” or 13’6” overall height, while the sleeper models only are offered with the 13’6” height.
INTERIOR FEATURES
Drivers spend a lot of time in their truck cabins, and the Anthem offers a smart choice. It offers increased cabin space and storage over the outgoing model, LED interior lighting, Copilot display, Command Steer, new infotainment system, wide base and high-back seat. and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The interior can also be customized with a variety of trim packages.
“From an interior perspective, the new Anthem and the Pioneer share the same dimensions, features and finishes, so our customers can enjoy the same outstanding comfort, no matter which model they choose,” says Vince Lokers, specialist chief designer at Mack Trucks, who designed the interior of the all-new Anthem. “The only difference is that the Anthem won’t offer the big sleeper configuration available with the Pioneer.”
AVAILABILITY
After being announced in June, Mack Trucks began to take orders of the Anthem in August. With production scheduled to begin in January 2026.
“This week marks a pivotal moment as we officially opened our order book for the all-new Anthem,” says Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America. “Since unveiling the truck in June, customer response has been tremendous. Fleet managers and owner-operators can now order this game-changing truck that truly represents the new standard in the industry. This is an exciting milestone as we prepare to deliver the practical innovations that will help our customers tackle today’s transportation challenges while building for tomorrow’s demands.”
about the author
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern Work Truck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for over 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
