Freightliner Cascadia 126 vs. Kenworth T680

When it comes to long-haul workhorses, two rigs own the road chatter: the Freightliner Cascadia 126 and the Kenworth T680. Here’s the lowdown—real-deal specs, prices, and driver-straight quotes so you can pick your next go-to sleeper.

Cascadia 126 – The Fuel-Sipping Juggernaut

“My ’18 Cascadia 126 hits 80 mph like it’s on skates—banking 7 mpg even in a headwind.”
– u/BigRigBilly

Key Specs

• Engine: Detroit DD15 Gen 5 (455–505 HP)
• Fuel Economy: 6.8–7.5 mpg loaded
• Sleeper: 72″ flat-floor or 80″ mid-roof
• Used Price: $65 K–$140 K (2016–20; 400 K–800 K mi)

Pros

• Aero Advantage: Tunnel-tested body & side fairings slash drag
• Dealer Ubiquity: Service stops every 100 mi; parts on the shelf
• Quiet Cabin: ≈66 dBA with factory insulation

Cons

• DEF Quirks: Pump failures around 600 K mi
• Tight Nooks: Overhead bins & sleeper cubbies feel snug
• Injector Swaps: Plan rebuilds at ~500 K mi

T680 Next Gen – The Comfort Champion

“T680 Next Gen gave me 500 K mi on stock mounts—no major knocks, and I talk hands-free without cabin roar.”
– u/KenworthKarlos

Key Specs

• Engine: PACCAR MX-13 (455–510 HP)
• Fuel Economy: 6.5–7.2 mpg loaded
• Sleeper: 76″ mid-roof or 86″ high-roof
• Used Price: $70 K–$150 K (2016–20; 300 K–700 K mi)

Pros

• Whisper-Quiet Ride: Premium insulation soaks bumps
• Storage Galore: Deep under-shelf bins & side lockers
• Ergo Dash: Intuitive layout, touchscreen options, cupholders galore

Cons

• Weight Penalty: Heavier hood and frame trim cut payload ~500 lb
• Dealer Gaps: Fewer rural service centers vs. Freightliner
• Air-Ride Wear: Cab mounts sag after 300 K mi

Quick-Draw Side-by-Side

Truckers Weigh In

“I’d pick the Cascadia for nonstop OTR runs—fuel savings pay for itself in weeks.”
– FleetOwnerFred

“But the T680’s bunk is a palace. After 14 hours, that extra 6″ of headroom is gold.”
– OvernightOpal

“Both rigs bank miles. If you chase efficiency, Cascadia edges out. If you live in the cab, spin a T680.”
– LongHaulLance

Bottom Line

• Go Cascadia 126 for top-tier fuel economy, rock-solid uptime, and minimal fuss.
• Go T680 Next Gen for unmatched ride comfort, premium sleeper features, and pride-of-ownership—if you can swing the premium.

Find Your Perfect Rig

Browse Freightliner Cascadia 126 and Kenworth T680 on ShareRig—then zero in using filters for year, make, model, price, and location to score the ideal sleeper in your area.

Safe hauls ahead!