Mack Trucks' Anthem model holds the unique distinction of being introduced twice: first in 2017 as the company's flagship on-highway tractor, and again last year as its next-generation regional hauler.
Anthem complements Mack’s 2025 product expansion alongside the Pioneer — the model that took Anthem's place as the company's long-haul tractor.
"So, if you get in the Pioneer, you get in an Anthem, it doesn't really look a lot different," said Blake Routh, Mack's senior product manager. "Same wheelbase options, same trim options, safety and uptime. At the surface, they're very similar trucks, but they're designed to do a little bit different things that really maximize different things."
While both trucks share the mDrive automated manual transmissions, premium interior finishes, and cabin dimensions, they address different priorities.
The key differentiator is chassis length. The Anthem features a tight 113.5-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) length — 12 inches shorter than the Pioneer.
Routh noted that by reducing the hood length four inches, Mack engineers significantly increased visibility and agility, allowing the truck to thrive in environments with tight corners and busy intersections.
This shorter design not only allows drivers to see approximately 12 feet closer to the front bumper, it also yields weight savings.
"When you're taking material out of the truck, when you're shortening the nose... naturally, that's going to shed a little bit of weight in the Anthem," Routh noted. "Sometimes we'll see some of our payload-focused customers go over to the Anthem just because you shed a little bit of weight there."
Anthem, too, delivers up to a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency over its predecessor.
Some of that comes from aerodynamics and some of that will come from a 2027 EPA-compliant MP13 engine that delivers up to 540 horsepower and 1,950 lb.-ft. of torque.
Comfort, safety and tech
Inside, the Anthem features a standing-height cab that is 9 inches wider than previous iterations. Offered in Day Cab, 44-inch sleeper, and 64-inch sleeper configurations, the truck provides wide-base seats with optional heating, cooling, and massage functions.
The truck features standard front airbags and the proprietary Mack Protect collision mitigation suite (Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Pedestrian & Hazard Warning) — features that toe the line between being helpful without being annoying.
Safety options include a digital mirror system and an Integrated Side Curtain Airbag designed to protect drivers during rollover events.
For fleet connectivity, standard Mack Connect telematics and GuardDog Connect predictive maintenance work in tandem to reduce unplanned stops by 20% and slash overall service downtime by 37%.
Fleets can also digitally customize the vehicle using the Mack Truck Builder online platform. The tool provides full 3D renderings, letting users configure paint options, powertrain specs, and trim packages before connecting with local dealers.
