Show notes
In this episode of America on the Road, host Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague discuss the latest automotive news, including new tax breaks for car buyers, challenges faced by important global automakers, and exciting new vehicle releases from GMC and Mercedes-Benz. They also provide in-depth reviews of the 2025 Kia K4 sedan and the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, highlighting their features and performance.
In this week’s road test segment, host Jack Nerad discovers the 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance to be a breath of fresh air in today’s highly homogenized and shrinking sedan market. With a 472-horsepower naturally aspirated V8 under its hood, this unassumingly styled rear-wheel-drive sedan blends old-school performance with modern tech and refinement. Aggressively tuned for back-road thrills yet wrapped in a sleek, understated four-door package, the IS 500 offers a visceral experience, enhanced by high-end features like heated/ventilated sport seats, a Mark Levinson sound system, and a refined tech suite. And you’ll never guess the cars Jack Nerad compares it to.
Also in the spotlight this week is Chris Teague’s test of the all-new 2025 Kia K4, a compact sedan aiming to shake up the segment with bold styling and surprising tech. Replacing the outgoing and under-rated Forte, the K4 pulls into the lot with a surprisingly upscale interior, available turbocharged power, and Kia’s latest infotainment platform. Chris dives into how it drives, how it stacks up against rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and whether Kia has another budget-friendly hit on its hands.
This episode’s special guest is Anthony Monaco, marketing lead for Ram heavy-duty trucks. Monaco joins the show to discuss exciting and affordable new product updates from Ram, shedding light on where the brand is heading and what consumers can expect from the latest heavy-duty lineup.
In the news, a sweeping new federal tax deduction could shake up the auto financing world. Under the “Big, Beautiful Bill” signed by President Trump, qualifying buyers can now deduct up to $10,000 in interest on loans for U.S.-assembled vehicles. The catch? Income caps apply, leases are excluded, and not every car will qualify. The IRS will release a list of eligible models, and VIN documentation will be required. Is it a good idea? We’ll have details.
Meanwhile, three major global automakers—Stellantis, Porsche, and Jaguar Land Rover—are navigating rocky terrain. Stellantis reported a staggering $2.7 billion loss, tied to new tariffs and slumping sales, while Porsche is slashing costs amid weakening EV demand. JLR, reeling from a 15% sales dip and delayed EV rollouts, is trimming jobs and recalibrating its strategy.
Two big product debuts also made headlines. GMC launched the 2026 Acadia Denali Ultimate, pushing deeper into luxury with full-leather interiors, Super Cruise hands-free driving, and a 16-speaker Bose system. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz revealed its next-gen CLA, available first in battery-electric and then hybrid form. The EV variant boasts nearly 500 miles of range and impresively fast charging, while the hybrids promise efficiency and flexibility for mainstream buyers.
This episode also highlights the America on the Road Made in America Tour, which showcases vehicles and other products built in the U.S., tying in with new buyer incentives and celebrating American ingenuity and homegrown manufacturing.
We close the show with a listener question from Mitchell in Boulder, Colorado, who says, “I want to buy a new car, but I need some help in making the deal. How much should I negotiate off the MSRP on a new car?” Jack and Chris share advice on negotiation strategy, dealer incentives, and the current state of new car pricing.
Check Out Matt’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.
Check Out Jack’s Newest Crime Novel:
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.
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America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Only One Thing Stays the Same, which is available HERE on Amazon.com
Chapters
Introduction and Summer Reflections
Tax Breaks and Their Impact on Car Buyers
Challenges Facing Global Automakers
New Vehicle Releases and Innovations
Road Test: 2025 Kia K4 Review
Road Test: 2025 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance Review
Special Guest Interview: Anthony Monaco, Ram heavy-duty trucks
Listener Question: New-Car Negotiation Tips
Takeaways
The new tax breaks for car buyers could significantly impact vehicle purchases.
Global automakers are facing financial challenges due to tariffs and shifting EV demand.
The Kia K4 offers great value with a spacious interior and advanced features.
The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance combines luxury with powerful V8 performance.
Negotiating car prices requires flexibility and understanding of market conditions.
New vehicle releases from GMC and Mercedes-Benz are generating excitement in the automotive market.
The importance of American-made vehicles is emphasized in the new tax policy.
Consumer preferences are shifting towards more affordable and efficient vehicles.
The automotive industry is adapting to changing consumer demands and economic pressures.
Understanding the features and pricing of vehicles is crucial for informed purchasing decisions.
Keywords
automotive news, car reviews, tax breaks, global automakers, Kia K4, Lexus IS 500, GMC, Mercedes-Benz, EV market, negotiation tips
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