Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:19 — 38.7MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | RSS
This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague deliver fresh road tests of the 2026 Toyota Camry Nightshade and the Ford F-350 Super Duty with Power Stroke diesel. They also examine the latest on premium buyers shifting to mainstream brands, Ford’s newly named Fathom electric truck, the Ford/Lincoln AI assistant rollout, Chrysler’s custom Pacifica concepts, and the new Lexus ES 350h hybrid. Special guest Derrick Ty, senior manager of product planning strategy at Kia, joins the show as well.
🚗 Jack Nerad Road Test: 2026 Toyota Camry Nightshade
The 2026 Toyota Camry Nightshade adds dark-themed attitude to what many consider America’s favorite hybrid sedan. Based on the SE, it features sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch satin black wheels, gloss-black accents, and black badging. The fifth-generation hybrid system delivers 225 hp, 7.0-second 0-60, and an impressive 46 mpg combined. Jack details its comfortable cabin with SofTex seats, dual-zone climate, and available 12.3-inch screen. With a base price of $32,300; as-tested $35,878, it represents strong value, efficiency, and practicality with a stylish edge. But is it sporty enough to justify its looks?
⚡ Chris Teague Road Test: Ford F-350 Super Duty
The 2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8 (500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft in high-output form) remains a go-to heavy-duty workhorse. Towing up to 40,000 pounds and payload approaching 8,000 pounds, it still offers real-world efficiency of around 20 mpg. Its firm unladen ride settles with a load, and we like its strong brakes and capable steering. Available from basic XL work trucks to leather-trimmed King Ranch and Platinum models with advanced trailering aids, the F-350 prioritizes brute capability and versatility for serious haulers.
📊 Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands
Premium brands’ share fell to 13.3 percent in the first half of 2026 as buyers turned to mainstream models. Among midsize premium SUV owners who traded in a vehicle, 32 percent chose mainstream models. Younger buyers, lower-income households, and rural/suburban owners lead the shift. JD Power APEAL data shows the emotional-satisfaction gap between premium and mass-market has narrowed dramatically as technology and refinement become widespread.
⚡ Ford’s New Electric Truck Gets a Name: Fathom
Ford named its upcoming affordable midsize EV truck the Fathom. Pre-orders start early 2027 with pricing from $28,350. It’s the first vehicle on the Ford’s Universal EV Platform, and it will provide seating five with more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4, Ford says. The new truck will include a large touchscreen, bidirectional power, digital key, frunk/bed storage, and BlueCruise hardware. Ford claims the name reflects depth, capability, and a new kind of practical truck buyer.
🚐 Chrysler Showcases Two Custom Pacifica Concepts
At the recent Roadkill Nights, Chrysler displayed a factory-inspired Pacifica Limited with Mopar accents and a full VANkulture enthusiast build. The concepts highlight personalization potential as Gen Z and Millennial minivan purchases rise sharply and the segment is forecast to grow. One-third of current Chrysler Pacifica buyers already choose the S Appearance Package.
🤖 Ford and Lincoln AI Assistant Rolls Out
A new AI assistant is expanding across Ford and Lincoln apps for roughly eight million eligible owners of 2021-and-newer vehicles. It answers vehicle-specific questions on features, cargo fit, warning lights, tire pressure, range, and more without needing model details. The app-first approach delivers the capability now with in-vehicle intelligence planned for 2027.
🚙 2027 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid Joins Battery-Electric Lineup
Lexus confirmed the ES 350h hybrid (244 hp, 46/44 mpg FWD/AWD) will join the battery-electric ES 350e and ES 500e on the shared multi-pathway platform. Same refined design, 14-inch screen, and Safety System+ 4.0. Base MSRP $49,805. The new hybrid version gives buyers a choice of powertrains without sacrificing quiet luxury.
🎙️ Special Guest
Derrick Ty, senior manager of product planning strategy at Kia, joins Jack and Chris to detail the makeover of the Kia Seltos.
📩 Listener Question of the Week
Carlyle from Wooster, Ohio asks: “How do you feel about automakers who charge subscription fees for vehicle features? I think it’s a rip-off, but maybe I’m missing something.” Chris and Jack have acidic reactions.
📚 Jack Nerad’s New Book
Jack’s crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon — currently at a sale price.
🎧 Where to Listen
Catch America on the Road on your local Sports Byline Radio Network station each week and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Follow for new car reviews, guest interviews, auto news, and road tests.
Sponsored by Mercury Insurance and DrivingToday.com
📺 Watch & Subscribe
Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.
📨 Email: editor@drivingtoday.com
Investigate Jack’s New Substack
Look for Matt DeLorenzo’s Book on AMG
Look for guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance
Check Out Gary Witzenburg’s New Book
Pick up a copy of auto journalist Gary Witzenburg’s engaging new book Legends in Motion.
Special Price for Jack’s Newest Crime Novel
Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a 67%-off price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.
Be the first to comment