Street Smarts: A new role emerges for the Mack Anthem

The popular Anthem model will now serve as Mack’s optimized regional haul Class 8 package. (Photo: Mack Trucks)

Since its introduction back in 2018, the Mack Anthem has done exceptionally well in the North American Class 8 market.

Designed to replace the aging Pinnacle, the Anthem’s bold, two-fisted design marked something of a return to historic form for Mack. While clearly a modern, highly aerodynamic design, the truck has a certain swagger to it that Mack fans love. So much so, in fact, that in the ensuing years, the Anthem has become Mack’s biggest-selling model. The truck even outpaces Mack’s Granite series – which is quite something, considering the chokehold Mack has on the Class 8 vocational market.

And so, unsurprisingly, when Mack launched its brand-new Pioneer tractor last April, “What is going to become of the Anthem?” was one of the very first questions journalists asked the OEM’s executives.

The Anthem would remain a part of the Mack product portfolio, we learned, and that things would become clearer later in the year.

Now we have that clarity.

A new Anthem

In late June, Mack introduced its all-new Anthem model. The new truck will take its place beside the Pioneer, with which it clearly shares both a chassis and design. The difference is that the Pioneer is optimized for long haul applications, whereas the Anthem has been designed to excel in the regional haul role.

According to Mack, the new Anthem is ideal for weight-conscious customers and industries including:

• Bulk haulers (fuel, chemicals, food grade products)
• Dry bulk operations
• Food and beverage distribution
• General freight operations
• Less-than-truckload (LTL) services

“Both trucks do a lot of things well,” Blake Routh, senior highway product manager, Mack Trucks, noted during the Anthem’s launch. “And there is some overlap in their applications. But I would characterize things by saying if you’re a fleet that wants to prioritize fuel efficiency, you’re probably going to lean more towards the Pioneer, because it’s going to give you up to an 11% increase in fuel economy compared to today’s Anthem. And if you want to prioritize maneuverability, you’re probably going to go more towards the Anthem.”

Main differences

The main difference between the two new models is the bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurements, Routh said. He noted that the Anthem’s BBC comes in at 113 in.; on the Pioneer, the BBC is 125 in.

Additionally, the Anthem features a redesigned hood that dramatically improves forward visibility. This allows drivers to see approximately 12 ft. closer to the front bumper compared with previous designs, significantly reducing the risk of front-corner collisions.

A shorter wheelbase, deep steer-tire cuts and a redesigned hood make the Anthem an ideal choice for regional haul and urban routes. (Photo: Mack Trucks)

These features make the Anthem ideal for navigating tight spaces and urban environments, Routh said.

The Anthem’s cab dimensions are identical to the Pioneer, as well. This is a boon for drivers as the new cab is a full 9 in. wider than the previous Anthem model. And the interior has been transformed into a premium work environment designed to reduce fatigue and improve satisfaction, according to Mack designers.

Standout features include new wide-base seats with optional ventilation and heating and massage functions. Anthem’s stand-up sleeper options provide enough headroom for drivers to stand upright. And premium quality mattresses and blackout curtains help drivers rest better when the day is done.

Jack Roberts is a Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based independent journalist and licensed commercial driver with more than 20 years’ experience covering the North American and global trucking industries.

Safety features

The Anthem also has the same array of advanced safety features as the Pioneer. These include an optional digital mirror system that eliminates traditional blind spots, a standard front airbag and an Integrated Curtain Airbag (ICA) system.

The ICA system is mounted in the overhead compartment above the driver’s left shoulder and deploys in rollover events to protect the driver from impact with side glass.

“Until recently, we just offered the Anthem,” Jonathan Randall, president, Mack Trucks, said in summary as the launch concluded. “And it was offered mostly for highway applications. Now we have a winning combination on our hands. Both trucks look great. It’s hard to pick a favorite. But what that gives our customers now is more choices in how they can spec their trucks in a way that maximizes their needs, preferences and priorities.”

Street Smarts: Mack looks to the future with new Pioneer tractor The all-new Pioneer Class 8 tractor is a forward-looking design that honors the OEM’s iconic heritage.