Volvo FH16 780 takes top honours at the 2025 Truck of the Year Australasia awards for its power, safety tech, and smart engineering
This year’s winner of the Truck of the Year Australasia (ToYA) was announced at the recently held Brisbane Truck Show, with the independent judges selecting the Volvo FH16 780 as the top truck. Last year’s (2024) trophy was taken out by the Western Star X Series, preceded by the Kenworth K220 that received the inaugural (2023) award.
The winning Volvo FH16 780 was pitted against a number of strong contenders: FAW JH6 550, Mercedes-Benz eActros 300/400 and Scania 500P Super.
The judging criteria is based on what is used globally by the other International Truck of the Year (IToY) awards but also takes into account the characteristics of the Australasian truck market, which is quite unique as all the major North American, European and Asian truck manufacturers are represented.
Due to model release dates in either country possible contenders may not be eligible in a particular year, so to be considered for the latest Truck of the Year Australasia competition the vehicle had to be available for sale in both New Zealand and Australia prior to 31 December, 2024. It also must have a gross vehicle mass of 4.5 tonnes, be reasonably new, produced in series and available for ordering according to an official price list. Additionally, it must contain significant technological improvements, so minor facelifts or tweaks will not make a truck eligible.
As the judges utilise their experience to find a winner, there are several factors they take into consideration to find the winning truck, such as availability for go-to-work use, along with the correct factory adaptations to make them relevant for the Down-Under environments. Importantly, the best contribution to the standards of safety and efficiency of freight transport by road is highly considered by the judges.
The Australasian Truck of the Year judging panel consists of Tim Giles, PowerTorque technical editor, Dave McCoid, NZ Trucking Media editorial director, along with Charleen Clarke, editor of Focus on Transport and Logistics. Their decisions are critiqued by Deals on Wheels NZ editor Randolph Covich and retired chief engineer of the Australian Transport Association Bob Woodward.
The winning Volvo FH16
The latest Volvo FH16 model showcases impressive advancements in technology and engineering, particularly with its new D17 engine – the same that is used in the latest Mack Superliner. With a capacity of 17.3 litres, the engine not only surpasses the previous D16 in terms of power but also enhances efficiency and torque delivery. The improvements, including a larger cylinder bore and innovative piston design, allow for a substantial output of 780hp and peak torque of 3800Nm, which is impressive for its operational range.
The driveline’s integration with the latest I-shift transmission helps optimise performance, ensuring smooth and rapid gear changes that enhance the driving experience. The Pilot Assist system, part of the Volvo Dynamic Steering package, reflects the brand’s commitment to safety and driver convenience, as it continuously monitors road positioning and offers steering assistance when necessary.
Volvo’s Active Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking systems further enhance safety by providing subtle interventions to maintain safe distances between vehicles and mitigating collision risks. The addition of the Camera Monitoring System improves visibility significantly, replacing traditional mirrors and offering features such as night visibility enhancement.
Comfort is also prioritised within the driver’s cabin, with low noise levels and ergonomic design. The truck’s advanced retardation mode for downhill driving adds another layer of safety and control.
Overall, the FH16 780 illustrates Volvo’s innovative approach, combining cutting-edge technology with robust engineering, ensuring that it remains a leader in the trucking industry for the foreseeable future. The model not only meets modern transportation demands but also sets a benchmark for future developments in the sector.