The newest name in a century-and-a-quarter of Mack trucks history is Pioneer.

As part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, Mack staged the global premiere of its new Pioneer long haul truck in Brooklyn, New York on April 8.

Developed for the U.S. and Canada, the Pioneer is the most aerodynamic and driver-focused highway truck Mack has ever introduced with several industry-first and cutting-edge features.

It’s powered by a range of 13-litre Mack MP13 engines producing up to 505hp and 1950 lb-ft of torque paired with mDrive automated transmissions. It’s estimated the Pioneer is up to 11% more fuel efficient than the current Mack Anthem.

“With the Pioneer, we’re not just introducing a new truck. We’re redefining what a highway truck can be, taking trucking into the 21st century with features that transform the daily experience of professional drivers who spend an average of 150 hours per month in their trucks,” says Stephen Roy, president, Mack Trucks.

In both design and drivetrain, the new Pioneer is clearly a Volvo Group sister to the bonneted Volvo VNL.

An immediately visible change on the Pioneer is the positioning of the Mack bulldog mascot. 

“We’ve taken the iconic Mack bulldog and repositioned it more prominently on the hood,” says Lukas Yates, expert chief designer at Mack Trucks, who designed the exterior of the Pioneer. 

“Rather than sitting on a pedestal, the bulldog hood ornament is now integrated with the truck’s design, flanked by air intakes that help manage airflow under the hood, making it an integral part of the truck’s performance rather than just an emblem.”

Aerodynamics are enhanced by an aggressive windshield angle and streamlined chassis design. 

One of the most notable aerodynamic innovations is the digital mirror system – a first for Mack – which replaces traditional side mirrors with cameras housed in pods on top of the sleeper. This system provides better vantage points for drivers by eliminating blind spots while improving fuel efficiency. The digital mirror system alone can deliver approximately 1% in fuel savings for fleets.

The Pioneer’s interior was designed based on extensive feedback from dealers and drivers, including a non-branded driver clinic conducted at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia with 40 professional drivers who provided unbiased evaluations of the cab’s ergonomics and features.

The premium seating system features a wider and taller frame with expanded shoulder and headrest areas. A major innovation is the inclusion of armrests on both sides of the seat – a first for Mack – ensuring drivers’ arms travel with them on the suspension rather than resting on the fixed door panel.

The seat is made with perforated material for both heating and cooling functions, plus an integrated massage system that provides relief during long hauls. 

Other driver comfort innovations include a push-button start, Mack-first mDrive transmission stalk that moves gear selection to the steering column for improved safety and ergonomics, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The Pioneer is available in multiple configurations including Day Cab, 44-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper, 64-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper, 76-inch Mid-Roof Sleeper and 76-inch High-Roof Sleeper.

The 76-inch sleeper configuration offers the innovative FlexSuite system in which the lower bunk can be rotated up against the rear wall to create more living space. A fold-down dinette area and a reclining mattress provide comfortable spaces for meals and relaxation.

Driver safety is also a primary concern. Frontal air bags will be offered as standard equipment with the Pioneer, as well as Mack Protect, an entirely new proprietary ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) that incorporates the latest active and passive safety technologies for commercial vehicles.