Western Star 49X vs Kenworth T880
Two severe-duty rigs compared spec for spec: the 49X (2020–present, Up to 605 hp) against the T880 (2013–present, Up to 605 hp). Same data we keep on every truck in the encyclopedia — and Mike on hand if the answer depends on your routes and loads.
49X
The flagship severe-duty brute.
T880
The vocational do-it-all for the toughest jobs.
| Spec | Western Star 49X | Kenworth T880 |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Daimler Truck North America | PACCAR |
| Class | Class 8 | Class 8 |
| Body type | Severe-Duty | Severe-Duty |
| Years | 2020–present | 2013–present |
| Rating | Up to 160,000 lb GCWR | Up to 92,000 lb GVWR |
| Power | Up to 605 hp | Up to 605 hp |
| Engines | Detroit DD13, Detroit DD15, Detroit DD16 | PACCAR MX-13, Cummins X15, Cummins X12 |
| Applications | Heavy haul, Mining, Logging, Oilfield | Dump, Mixer, Heavy haul, Logging |
About the Western Star 49X
Launched in 2020 as the first of Western Star's clean-sheet X-Series, the 49X introduced the industry's first high-strength single-channel frame rail rated at 3.8 million RBM with no insert, and was the first Western Star ever offered with the Detroit Assurance suite of active safety systems. It was built to replace the long-running 4900 vocational flagship while coming out roughly 350 pounds lighter.
About the Kenworth T880
Launched at the Mid-America Trucking Show on March 21, 2013 as Kenworth's new vocational flagship, the T880 replaced the venerable T800 for dump, mixer, refuse, and heavy-haul work. It pairs the robotically assembled 2.1-meter aluminum cab with engines up to the Cummins ISX15 at 600 hp and 2,050 lb-ft, plus a lightweight Metton composite hood.
Which one fits your operation?
Specs only get you so far — routes, loads and the shop that maintains it matter. Mike, the free AI truck consultant, talks it through with you. No account, 24/7.
