2026 Vehicle Guide: Medium duty

Chevrolet, Ford, Freightliner, and more offer updated 2026 medium-duty models with enhanced safety, tech, and alternative fuel options for diverse operations.
Nov. 18, 2025
8 min read

Here is a look at some of the latest medium-duty trucks and tractors available for motor carriers and commercial fleets in 2026. All of these vehicles run on traditional internal combustion engines and powertrains (though some feature alternative fuel options). This is the third part of the six-part 2026 FleetOwner Fleet Vehicle Guide. Future entries will focus on smaller classes and alternative-powered trucks, tractors, and vans.

Chevrolet Low Cab Forward

The 2026 Chevrolet Low Cab Forward (LCF) is available in multiple models with differing levels of capability. Gasoline-powered Low Cab Forwards are available from a 3500 HG to 5500 XG. The 6.6L V8 engine produces 350 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. The diesel-powered version is available in the 6500 XD and 7500 XD. The diesel engine, a Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel, offers 260 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque. The 3500 to 5500 LCF features a GVWR between 12,000 and 19,000 lb. The 6500 and 7500 LCF have a GVWR up to 25,950 lb. and 33,000 lb., respectively.  

The 5500 features an Allison transmission as standard equipment. The 6500 and 7500 are available in eight different wheelbases and offer a 6-speed transmission with a power take-off gear.

High tech work model: While these are true work vehicles with few bells and whistles, the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward is available with Bluetooth connectivity, enhanced audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear camera.

Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab

The Chevrolet Silverado Chassis Cab lineup includes the 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD. While Chevrolet has not yet released full details of its chassis cab for model year 2026, we can expect several features to carry over from model year 2025. The chassis cab is powered by the Duramax 6.6L diesel V8 paired with an Allison transmission. It offers 350 hp and 750 lb.-ft. of torque. The chassis cab features a max available GVWR of 23,500 lb. and a max available GCWR of 37,500 lb. The truck is available in multiple configurations to accommodate a variety of work bodies, and customers can opt for factory-installed rear air suspension.

Other features of the chassis cab include a downward-sloping hood for improved visibility and triple-sealed doors, tuned shocks, and cab mounts to increase comfort. Further, the forward-tilting hood, the location of the battery box, and DEF fill position increase maintenance accessibility.

A factory-installed switch for every function: Designed for upfits, there are 10 auxiliary switches available and a dual-side power take-off that allows for easy access to power.

Ford  

Ford Motor’s 2026 medium-duty lineup includes the F-650 and F-750, now with updated features and powertrain options for fleets. Both models are available with a gasoline 7.3L V8 or a 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel engine, supporting a GVWR range of 25,600 to 37,000 lb.

The F-650 and F-750 retain a 39.4-inch chassis height and standard 22.5-inch wheels. The 7.3L V8 delivers 335 hp and 468 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 6.7L Power Stroke provides a standard 270 hp and 700 lb.-ft. of torque, with an optional rating up to 330 hp and 750 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines are paired with Ford TorqShift transmissions—the HD 10-speed for diesel and the HD 6-speed for gas. PTOs remain standard with the HD 10-speed and are available on the 6-speed.

The 2026 models feature an ergonomic steering wheel and instrument cluster, steering wheel audio controls, and available factory-installed auxiliary switches. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Technologies include Hill Start Assist and the Driver-Assist Technology Package, which offers pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, auto high-beam headlights, lane-keeping alert, and more.

Alternative fuel options: Ford offers compressed natural gas and propane autogas powertrain options for fleets seeking flexible, lower-emission powertrains.

Freightliner 

Freightliner’s Plus series elevates medium-duty and severe-duty vehicle offerings for 2026. The M2 106 Plus, M2 112 Plus, 108SD Plus, and 114SD Plus remain spec-able across Class 6 to Class 8, now with updated features and enhancements for the new model year.

The 2026 Plus models continue to improve interiors and electrical systems for both medium-duty M2 and vocational SD vehicles. Customers can access Daimler Truck North America’s safety and connectivity suites via Detroit Assurance when pairing Detroit or Cummins engines with the Detroit D12 transmission.

The QuickFit Electrical System has been refined to simplify upfits. It offers easier access to connection points, additional power sources, programmable switches, customizable parameters, and interlock features, giving fleets greater flexibility and faster installation for specialized equipment.

Vocational models deliver enhanced performance: The Detroit DT12-V transmission features low-speed maneuverability technology. New features for off-road operation include aggressive-shifting modes for sustained momentum, hill-start aids to prevent rollback on steep grades, and rock-free functionality to reduce downtime in challenging terrain.

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Hino 

Hino Truck’s 2026 lineup includes the L Series in the medium-duty segment. Power comes from the proven Cummins B6.7L diesel, delivering 240–260 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque. Updates to the B6.7 extend maintenance intervals with longer oil drain schedules, fewer fuel filter changes, and a maintenance-free crankcase ventilation filter.

Standard safety features include electronic stability control, collision mitigation, lane departure warning, active cruise control, and a seat belt sensor for the driver. Fleets also gain flexibility with new wheelbase options and extended cab and crew cab configurations.

In-cab comforts: Inside, the re-engineered cab blends automotive-grade finishes with commercial durability. Drivers benefit from added legroom, expanded storage, a 7-inch LCD display, new steering wheel controls, and a more functional layout designed for long days on the road.

Isuzu 

For 2026, Isuzu Commercial Truck continues to offer its N-Series gas and diesel models along with its F-Series lineup, covering Classes 3-7.

On the gasoline side, the NPR, NPR-HD, and NQR are powered by a 6.6L V8 producing up to 350 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. The NPR and NPR-HD feature a 6-speed Hydra-Matic transmission with a lock-up torque converter and dual overdrive gears. GVWRs span from 12,000 lb. on the Class 3 NPR to 14,500 lb. on the Class 4 NPR-HD. The Class 5 NQR and NRR, equipped with an Allison 100-Series 6-speed automatic, deliver 17,950 lb. and 19,500 lb. GVWR, respectively.

Diesel models—the NPR-HD, NPR-XD, and NRR—are powered by a 5.2L I4 turbocharged engine rated at 215 hp and 452 lb.-ft. of torque. Each pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30-gallon in-frame fuel tank, with GVWRs and wheelbase options tailored to a wide range of body applications.

Heavier offerings: The Class 6 FTR and Class 7 FVR draw on Cummins B6.7 power, producing up to 260 hp and 660 lb.-ft. of torque for demanding fleet operations.

Kenworth 

For 2026, Kenworth Trucks offers the Paccar TX-12 and TX-12 Pro automated transmissions with the Paccar PX-9 engine on T280, T380, and T480 medium-duty models.

The TX-12 is designed for lightweight, durable performance in on-highway applications, while the TX-12 Pro provides added capability for vocational and off-highway use. Both 12-speed transmissions feature wide ratio coverage for maneuverability and integrate seamlessly with the PX-9 for efficiency and drivability.

Aerodynamic features: Kenworth also offers new aerodynamic roof caps and side extenders for the T180, T280, T380, and T480. These updates reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. 

Ram Chassis Cab

The 2026 Ram Chassis Cab is powered by a 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel or 6.4L HEMI V8. The former offers 360 hp, 800 lb.-ft. of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 34,540 lb. and 43,000 lb. GCWR for the 5500. The 6.4L HEMI offers 375 hp, 429 lb.-ft. of torque, and a maximum towing capacity of 21,240 lb. and maximum GCWR of 28,500 for the 4500. Ram 5500 models offer a maximum payload of 12,260 lb. A TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic is standard with the Cummins engine and with the PTO-capable HEMI. The chassis cab is available in two cab types, four cab axle lengths, and nine different wheelbases.

Available technology features include a 12-inch digital instrument cluster with turn-by-turn navigation, trailer tire monitoring, and vehicle dynamics. Available safety and driver assistance technologies include traffic sign recognition, drowsy driver detection, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, departure warning, and more.

Built for the job: Work-ready features include an enhanced power take-off that’s accessible from the left or the right, 480-amp dual alternator output, six auxiliary switches, an upfit-ready frame, available trailer tow mirrors, an available 74-gallon fuel tank, and 2.4 kW of onboard power and three 110-volt outlets to power tools and equipment.

About the Author

FleetOwner Staff

Our Editorial Team

Kevin Jones, Editorial Director, Commercial Vehicle Group

Josh Fisher, Editor-in-Chief

Jade Brasher, Senior Editor

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