Commercial Truck Trader Spotlight: Peterbilt 579
Continuing with our Spotlight series, Commercial Truck Trader recently took a look at some of the most popular tractor-trailers on the market. One name that continues to shine through the years is Peterbilt, and specifically the 579 model that first came out as their flagship model in 2012 when it was introduced as the wide-cab, aerodynamic tractor.
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History of Peterbilt
Peterbilt trucks was founded in 1939 by Theodore Alfred Peterman as a small company focused on heavy-duty trucking. A plywood manufacturer, Peterman was interested in improving the efficiency of transporting wood from logging camps in remote areas to sawmills. He began his business by modifying surplus military trucks and eventually purchased Fageol Motors (which were informally nicknamed “Bill-Bilt” after Fageol president W.H. Bill) to expand his operations. The Peterbilt name comes from a combination of Peterman and Bill-Bilt. Early models included the 260 and 334, which were known for their all-steel cabs.
Peterbilt trucks switched focus during World War II, supplying the Model 364 as a workhorse for keeping Allied Forces mobile. After the war, Peterbilt pioneered the use of aluminum in their cabs and chassis to reduce overall truck weight in an effort to increase payload capacity. Not long after, they introduced a cabover engine (COE) model to shorten the overall vehicle length and maximize cargo space. In 1959, they unveiled the 90-degree-tilt hood, which later became a brand characteristic of Peterbilt trucks.
Specifications
The 2025 579 model is a Class 8 tractor meant for long-haul operations. It has a maximum horsepower range up to 605, with a peak torque rating up to 2,050 lb. ft. Its PACCAR engine, transmission, and axles combine to create effortless pulling, maximize fuel economy, and increase driver comfort. [NOTE: PACCAR Inc. is an American company primarily focused on the design and manufacture of large commercial trucks through its subsidiaries DAF, Kenworth, and Peterbilt.]
The engine life is designed to go up to 1 million miles without a major overhaul and provide optimized combustion, reduced friction, and decreased noise. It also provides up to 1,850 lb. ft. and peak torque at low RPMs. The transmission provides intelligent shift decisions that improve fuel economy and driver comfort, and a gear ratio that is considered one of the best for slow speed maneuvering. The thru-shift pinion design of the axles transfers full engine power straight to the road.
The 2025 579 model offers newly designed aerodynamics, helping to deliver up to 7% greater fuel economy. The EPIQ Aero package offers chassis fairing and rubber skirts, wheel and under-cab closeouts, bumper seals, an air dam, A-pillar fairing, cab sleeper extenders, and bridge fairing. The EPIQ MAX also offers Aero wheel covers and rear axle Aero fairings. Even the mirror options are designed for fuel economy and functionality, with the Advanced Aero model offering a Digital Visual System that provides an expanded field of view, improved visibility in inclement weather, night vision, and selectable views that include “discrete, merged, and look down.”
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Features
The design of the latest model is the result of more than 100 user tests and interviews provided by drivers, technicians, and safety managers. Some of the model’s features are listed among the most important things truck buyers want when shopping for a commercial vehicle.
New forward lighting includes LED headlights that increase visibility and safety—day or night—InfraRed heating elements for lens defrost, and green technology that consumes only half the power of halogen headlights. Peterbilt does still offer halogen headlights that are the lowest cost and lightest weight standard option with bulbs that are easy to replace. There is also a combo LED option that includes fog lights for enhanced visibility in most weather and road conditions; a driving light that doubles high-beam output; and cornering lights that automatically illuminate when the turn signal is engaged.
The interior display is equipped with the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that includes:
- Lane-keeping assist that utilizes an electric motor mounted on the steering column to assist the driver in staying within travel lanes
- Enhanced collision mitigation that, when triggered by a slower moving vehicle or stationary object ahead, can reduce the vehicle speed by up to 50 mph to minimize the likelihood of collisions or loss of vehicle control
- Lane departure warning to detect when the truck is unintentionally drifting and alerts the driver to take action
- Highway departure braking, a function that will sound an alert for the driver and apply the brakes if the system detects the vehicle is unintentionally leaving the roadway
- Side object detection, which provides visual and audible warnings when other vehicles are traveling in the truck’s blind spots.
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The sleeper cab provides eight feet of headroom, 70 cubic feet of storage, and one of the largest mattresses in the industry. The 80-inch UltraLoft sleeper can accommodate a 32-inch TV, a 1.1-cubic-foot microwave, and has a double bunk configuration with a foldaway ladder that disappears when not in use. The sleeper features sound abatement technology, an independent HVAC with separate controls, an optional fuel-fired heater, and multiple no-idle hoteling options.
Inside and out, Peterbilt 579 has a comprehensive list of attributes to consider for the next truck purchase you make for your fleet.
Barrett Baker
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