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Top 5 Semi trucks in Canada 2022

Breaking down the Top Semi Trucks in Canada for 2022

Choosing a semi-truck can be difficult as numerous brands are on the market. Whether you are looking to lease a semi truck or out right buying one, it is essential to carefully select the right brand to manage costs and avoid frequent breakdowns. Are you buying for yourself as you transition from a company driver to owner-operator? Or are you buying with plans to hire a driver? 

Whatever the reason, we will evaluate the 2022 top five semi-truck brands in Canada: what makes them unique from others and how Equipment Finance Canada can help you with truck leasing and financing in Canada. They are:

  1. Peterbilt
  2. Kenworth
  3. Volvo
  4. Freightliner
  5. International

1. Peterbilt

Peterbilt is a leading global semi-truck manufacturer launched in 1939 in Denton, Texas. Although it is a subsidiary of Paccar Inc., Peterbilt has built a formidable clientele that depends on the comfort and quality of its products. It has positioned itself at the forefront of the next generation of transportation technology because it utilizes innovative technology to save fuel, identify or diagnose problems quickly, etc. 

With Peterbilt, driving a semi-truck does not have to be a Herculean task. So if you are looking to have a fun, adventurous, and rewarding journey while riding a truck, Peterbilt is your best shot.

Features

  • They can last between 750,000 to 1,000,000 miles with proper care and regular maintenance. 
  • Peterbilt is an advocate of comfort-behind-the-wheels. They produce the most enjoyable trucks for over-the-road truck drivers.

Pros

  • They consume less fuel compared to other truck brands 
  • Peterbilt semi-trucks last longer compared to other brands. 
  • They experience fewer mechanical issues.
  • Highly durable with fair resale values.  
  • They are less prone to corrosion as they have aluminum bodies.
  • They have the most oversized, well-ventilated sleeper cabs compared to other semi-trucks. 

Cons

  • Most used Peterbilt semi-trucks are susceptible to increased mileage.
  • Buying a Peterbilt truck is more expensive than other truck brands. But you can consider leasing.
  • The cost of repairing and maintaining a Peterbilt truck is relatively expensive. 

2. Kenworth

Founded in 1923, the company specializes in manufacturing medium-duty and heavy-duty (Class 8) trucks for commercial purposes. Following its partnership with Toyota in 2019, Kenworth now has trucks that operate with hydrogen fuel cells with zero emissions. 

Kenworth trucks are specifically built to guarantee drivers’ comfort with sleeper cabs ranging from 70 to 86-inch and an in-built infotainment system to help drivers remain active through a long ride. Going for a Kenworth truck is an excellent choice, especially If you want to get something similar to Peterbilt without breaking the bank.  

Features

  • Kenworth trucks have stainless steel parts that help them function under any weather or road conditions. 
  • Minimal fuel consumption.
  • Newer models have driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control to help drivers stay active.

Pros

  • They have some of the best engines on the market. 
  • Kenworth trucks are durable with fair resale value.
  • They are very fuel-efficient.
  • They are more affordable when compared to Peterbilt trucks.

Cons

  • Sleeper cabs are smaller than other semi-trucks. 
  • Some of their truck models have been recalled for life-threatening issues. 

3. Volvo

Volvo is one of the top-performing semi-truck brands in Canada and globally. The brand manufactures unrivaled luxurious truck designs with aesthetically pleasing sleeper cabs and extra amenities for drivers. Volvo has also added telematics data to its features, allowing smooth communication between Volvo semi-trucks on the road. 

Most models can remotely diagnose problems and run tests before, during, or after a trip. Overall, using a Volvo truck for commercial or personal purposes is less tasking, as most functions are automated. 

Features

  • They are ideal for over-the-road truckers. 
  • Volvo trucks are aerodynamic and fuel-efficient.
  • They use up-to-date technologies to help drivers manage their trucks well. 

Pros

  • They are more spacious when compared to Kenworth trucks.
  • They prioritize driver’s safety via the remote diagnostics system.
  • Volvo trucks have a three-point seat belt for heightened safety, unlike other trucks.
  • Fairly durable.
  • The sleeper cab in Volvo trucks can comfortably house two people.

Cons

  • They are highly prone to frequent breakdowns.
  • Most parts of Volvo trucks are pricey and difficult to find.
  • Poor resale value when compared to other truck brands.

4. Freightliner

The Freightliner Company owns some of the top-performing trucks in Canada, including heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks for commercial purposes. Freightliner’s engines produce nearly 600 hp and about 2,050 lb-ft of torque. Freightliner trucks also come with inbuilt facilities to aid drivers’ safety when an accident occurs, such as steering wheel airbags and an optional lifeguard seat, making it stand out from other trucks. 

Features

  • The Detroit Powertrain is one of the best and most efficient systems on the market.
  • Freightliner semi-trucks have safety tools for drivers: a radar system on the bumper for better monitoring and a camera installed on the windshield. 
  • They have manufacturer-approved maintenance plans. 
  • The sleeper cabs can function with natural gas, making them more fuel-efficient than diesel-enabled trucks. 

Pros

  • Freightliner trucks have better steering and handling than other semi-trucks.
  • They are among the most affordable trucks on the market. 
  • Freightliner prioritizes drivers’ safety more than any other brand.

Cons

  • They are unsuitable for long rides.  
  • Some models are susceptible to mechanical and electrical problems.
  • They have poor engine capacity.

5. International Trucks

The International Corporation is one of the oldest semi-truck companies, dating back to 1902. Apart from semi-trucks, they are also known for making school buses, motorhomes, etc.

Features

  • The newest models have advanced security features. 
  • They are customizable, unlike other truck brands. 
  • International semi-trucks are durable and safe for long-haul driving.

Pros

  • International has one of the largest dealer/manufacturer networks compared to other brands. 
  • They have fuel-efficient engines and are suitable for commercial purposes.
  • High resale value.

Cons

  • Most older models experience electrical and mechanical problems.
  • Poor customer service.

Getting a Semi-truck in Canada

Learning about these trucks without having to use any of them is disheartening. We understand that purchasing or leasing one comes with a considerable price. That is why Equipment Finance Canada is here to help you access any highway truck of choice via the available semi-truck leasing options. Our forte lies in helping existing and new truck owners lease equipment needed to start or grow their new or already-existing businesses, respectively. 

Equipment Finance Canada is also one of the top financing companies recognized in Canada. We specialize in simplifying the equipment financing process in different sectors, including agriculture, transportation, construction, etc. We also have access to leading certified banks, financial institutions, and trusted private lenders across Canada.