Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:51 — 40.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Blubrry | Podcast Index | Email | RSS
The 2025 Lucid Gravity marks a major step for Lucid Motors as it enters the hotly competitive luxury electric SUV market. With a bold aerodynamic design, three-row practicality, and up to 828 horsepower, the Gravity aims to combine performance and family-friendly utility in a premium package. By doing so, it seeks to upset the luxury SUV applecart as it rockets to the top of the pack.
This past week, host Jack Nerad was one of a select few journalists to drive and road test the Gravity for the first time. During his stint behind the wheel, he sampled the Gravity’s dynamic split personality. At once, it is a highly competent performance vehicle and a fully utilitarian SUV that can tow, haul and convey seven adults at a rate few are accustomed to. Powered by dual motors producing up to 828 horsepower and 909 lb-ft of torque, the Gravity can accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 3.4 seconds. Its air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and adjustable ride height make it a surprisingly agile and adaptable vehicle, particularly given its 6,048-pound curb weight, while a Terrain Mode and 6,000-pound towing capacity further expand its versatility. But is it a vehicle you’d want to live with day-to-day, given the elevated level of several of its rivals? Nerad will offer his views.
In our other road test, co-host Chris Teague takes one of the nation’s most popular plug-in hybrid vehicles through its paces as winter turns to spring in Maine. As unlikely as it might seem, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is among the best sellers among the much-misunderstood roster of PHEVs. Its credentials are strong, but, again, is it a wise choice given its premium price over other Wranglers? Teague and Nerad will weigh in.
When it comes to family vehicles, the Hyundai Palisade has gained a reputation as a thinking person’s choice. Now, Hyundai has just introduced the all-new 2026 version, and Nerad went behind the scenes for an exclusive interview with Hyundai Product Planning Manager Melvyn Bautista to take a deep dive into the vehicle.
It is both Easter week and New York Auto Show week, so we have a lot of news from each. Easter in Moab, Utah, is one of the biggest off-road gatherings of the year, and Jeep and Ford are there showing off concept vehicles. We have the details. Several new models have been introduced in and around the New York show, and we’ll tell you about cool vehicles from Kia, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and Audi in this episode.
Used car buyers might be in for a price shock in the next few weeks, and it has nothing to do with tariffs. We’ll tell you more and, of course, we’ll have the latest auto tariff news for you too.
Our beloved dog, Austin, went to heaven this week. We miss him so.
Jack Nerad’s newest book
Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.
Matt DeLorenzo’s Book
Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad’s Guide to EV Ownership.
Brought to you by:
• DrivingToday.com
• Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance.
• EMLandsea.com, publisher of Only One Thing Stays the Same and Dance in the Dark
We have a lot of shows for you this week.
Chapters
00:00 What’s Up and Personal Reflections
02:58 Jeep, Ford Concepts from Moab
05:50 Kia’s New Models at the New York Show
07:40 Toyota GR Models and Special Editions
08:52 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid Wagon
10:06 Audi A6 Sedan Launch
11:07 Used Car Market Trends & Tariffs
12:52 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Review
18:16 2025 Lucid Gravity Review
26:00 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV Interview
40:00 Farewell Austin Nerad/Check Engine Light
Keywords
automotive news, Jeep, New York Auto Show, Kia, Toyota, Mercedes, Audi, used cars, electric vehicles, Hyundai
Summary
In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss a variety of automotive topics, including personal reflections on loss, highlights from the New York Auto Show, and reviews of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Lucid Gravity. They also touch on the used car market trends, new models from Kia and Toyota, and listener questions about vehicle maintenance.
Takeaways
The New York Auto Show features exciting new models and concepts.
Jeep’s retro-styled concepts are a highlight of the Moab event.
Kia is committed to producing affordable small cars.
Toyota’s special editions of GR models are appealing but limited.
The Mercedes AMG E53 hybrid wagon offers impressive performance.
Audi’s new A6 sedan will launch without mild hybrid technology.
The used car market is experiencing inventory shortages and rising prices.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe combines electric and gas power for off-roading.
Lucid Gravity aims to enter the luxury electric SUV market with high performance.
Hyundai’s Palisade SUV continues to evolve with new features and variants.
Titles
Exploring the Latest in Automotive News
Jeep Concepts Shine at Moab
Kia and Toyota Unveil New Models
Sound Bites
“It’s going great, Jack.”
“We lost our dog this week.”
“It’s been very exciting.”
“You’ll be amazed at that thing.”
“I love the four by concept.”
“You get a beefy amount of torque.”
“Don’t panic, please don’t.”
Be the first to comment