All-new VNX is Volvo Trucks’ safest, most powerful vocational truck yet

Rugged dependability, uncompromising safety, and the power to perform are essential for today's vocational trucks, and the all-new Volvo VNX is stepping up to deliver on construction job sites and in heavy-haul applications.

Volvo Trucks is calling the new VNX the toughest, safest, most powerful, and most connected vocational truck it has ever built. Volvo is the only OEM to offer both yellow iron and vocational hauling, positioning it to optimize the VNX for rugged off-road work. 

The new VNX completes Volvo Trucks' full North American line update, following the VNL in 2024 and the VNR in 2025. The VNX is available in three models, and all models are available in axle-forward or axle-back configurations. VNX models include:

VNX 300 daycab, available as a tractor or a straight truck;

VNX 440 with a 42-inch sleeper, available as a tractor or a straight truck; and

VNX 640 with a 62-inch midroof sleeper tractor.

I recently travelled to Shippensburg, PA, to preview the VNX and got behind the wheel (and, as you'll see, the joysticks) to experience the latest in Volvo Trucks steering technology. Volvo demonstrated the VNX upfitted for a variety of applications, including construction, concrete, logging, agriculture, and heavy highway hauling. 

"[Volvo is delivering] an incredibly durable truck that's designed and built for some of the toughest job sites in North America. We know that dependability is something that our customers must have. It can't be an option for them," said John Moore, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks North America, introducing the VNX.

A rugged design for North American job sites

My first impression of the VNX? That's a nice-looking truck. 

Volvo's designers have integrated clean, flowing diagonal lines across the design, paying close attention to every detail with a dual purpose — form and function. The VNX's aesthetic flair is backed up with structural strength, starting with the new all-metal grille, which, along with rugged steel mesh backing, protects the engine compartment from debris while maintaining air flow.

Like its predecessors, there's no aluminum to be found in the cab structure. Instead, Volvo has incorporated even more ultra-high-strength steel — one-third more — into the VNX cab than previous models.

The robust bumper is available in three configurations to accommodate frame extensions, attachments, and a centre tow pin. The VNX's high-tensile, heat-treated steel frame rails are rated for 160,000 GVW — but can go higher for some applications — and provide body builders with ample room to upfit the truck as needed. 

Corning, known for Gorilla Glass displays, has built the VNX's new Tough Shield windshield from its Fusion5 glass. At the VNX preview, Corning and Volvo demonstrated the durability of the new windshield by repeatedly shooting ice pellets at it, noting that the Tough Shield is twice as resistant to sharp impacts and thermal shocks as tempered glass. Volvo says that it's the most durable, most impact-resistant heavy-duty truck windshield on the market. Currently, it is only available on the VNX.

Powered by the latest Volvo engine

The VNX is powered by Volvo's EPA 2027–certified D13 engine, which is rated up to 540 hp, delivering 630 braking hp and 1,950 pound-feet of torque. Moore noted that this increase in braking horsepower will decrease the use of service brakes in rough environments, reducing the risk of them overheating.

The engine is compatible with a full range of biodiesels, including B20 and HVO; the latter is ideal for cold climates, added Moore, as it doesn't gel up as much as regular biodiesel.

The new engine delivers a 4 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared to the legacy engine. Volvo achieved this through improvements to the base design, including a CGI construction that increases tensile strength and upgraded wave piston design. Drivers will also find that the i-Shift transmission shifts 30 percent faster.

Safety engineered into the VNX from the ground up

Active and passive safety features combine to make the new VNX the safest vocational truck Volvo has ever built, said Moore. The VNX's safety-forward design is led by the 30 percent increase in ultra-high-strength steel in the cab construction and the new Tough Shield windshield. A 360-degree camera system promotes operator awareness around the vehicle, and I was impressed by the visibility to the front and sides of the truck during the ride and drive. 

Extensive crash testing of the VNX included a pendulum test to simulate a rear piece of equipment coming forward; Volvo also pressed 33,000 pounds onto the roof to simulate a rollover. When the airbags deploy during a crash, the truck automatically turns on emergency lights, interior lights, unlocks the doors, and calls emergency responders. The new VNX is the first vocational truck in North America available with optional side curtain airbags.

Additional safety technologies on the VNX include:

Pedestrian Detection

This optional system scans for people from 23 to 230 feet around the truck. If a pedestrian is detected in the truck's path, it automatically applies the brakes.

Blind Spot Detection

Now available on the left- and right-hand sides of the truck, the system warns against unsafe lane changes with visual and audible alerts.

More control in the hands of the driver

Drivers will feel confident and in control of the new VNX — in and out of the cab. Inside the cab, operators will appreciate the quieter environment. Terrain Brake and Direction Change simplify operator inputs on steep terrain and in repetitive applications, Dynamic Steering reduces vibration and steadies the truck on uneven ground, and Volvo's all-new Remote Steer is the first remote control for a vocational truck in North America.

Terrain Brake

When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator on steep slopes, Volvo's new Terrain Brake software prevents the truck from rolling forwards or backwards faster than they can hit the service brakes, delivering peace of mind on tough terrain.

Direction Change

Borrowing technology from Volvo CE's wheel loaders, Volvo Trucks' new Direction Change feature reduces repetitive driver motion in dump truck operations.

"Picture how many times in a day that a dump truck driver goes forward and then reverses to dump the bed. With Direction Change, you don't have to hit the brake to go into reverse or vice versa, to go into drive," said Moore.

Dynamic Steering

Dynamic Steering keeps the truck steady on uneven terrain, reducing driver fatigue on long days. During the ride-and-drive on Volvo's off-road course, steering was remarkably comfortable, even over deep ruts and on gravel.

Remote Steer

Drivers can now operate the VNX as a giant RC truck with Volvo's new Remote Steer. Fun aside,  Remote Steer allows the driver to safely manoeuvre the truck into a tight area from outside the cab without needing a second person to guide them in. Maximum speed is 5 mph, and Remote Steer is recommended for trucks configured with a mixer, mounted crane, or hydrovac unit that need to regularly access tight job sites with precision. Moore noted that using Remote Steer can be a simple alternative to purchasing a more expensive front mixer for tight concrete pours.

I had the opportunity to test Remote Steer, and found manoeuvring — and even turning — the truck was easy and intuitive via two joysticks on the control box. 

Connectivity is built in

Volvo says that the new VNX sets a standard for connectivity. All VNX trucks come factory-installed with a 4G telematics gateway. Fleet managers can stay on top of fuel efficiency, truck location, and safety alerts via Volvo Connect. Remote Programming delivers over-the-air software updates, and Remote Diagnostics provides 24/7 monitoring to flag issues before they lead to downtime. 

The VNX is also compatible with Geotab for fleet operators who wish to monitor their VNX through that platform.

Trim options that will turn heads

The VNX is available in two sharp-looking exterior trim levels. Edge is characterized by bright chrome accents on the grille surround, air intake surrounds, and bumper, while the bold Edge Black trim features a gloss black grille, surround, air intakes, and bumper.

Two interior trim options are also available. Core offers durability and easy cleaning for high-wear conditions. The Edge Black interior trim combines Fathom Blue and Brushed Satin Metallic finishes with soft-touch surfaces and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Paint options for the new VNX include Copper Metallic, Sand Gray, Dark Gray Metallic, and Volvo CE's Building Construction Yellow — a perfect match for hauling Volvo construction equipment.