Show notes
Just as 7-Eleven offers too much good stuff, that’s what we have in this week’s episode of America on the Road. We’ve been driving a lot of interesting vehicles lately, and so today we thought we’d bring you not two road tests but four — 2025 Toyota Tundra, 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Mazda CX-50, 2025 Hyundai Elantra N Line. It’s a fascinating quartet of vehicles each with something special to bring to the table.
Our Toyota Tundra test vehicle was a 4x4 SRS CrewMax 5.5 that blends rugged capability with modern features, offering a spacious cabin for five and a 5.5-foot composite bed equipped with a power outlet, LED lighting, and an integrated deck rail system. Powered by a 389-horsepower 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it features part-time four-wheel drive and off-road-ready suspension. This model is equipped with the optional TRD Rally Package, adding 18-inch TRD alloy wheels, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and unique TRD interior and exterior styling. Additional accessories like a TRD performance air filter, bed mat, and wheel locks further boost its practicality and rugged appeal. The big question is whether the turbo V6 matches the ability of a V8. And is the pricey TRD Rally Package worth the added price?
And how does the new hybrid version of the Mazda CX-50 stack up? It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, an EV battery, and an electronically controlled CVT to deliver 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque, along with standard electric all-wheel drive. It features Mazda’s Mi-Drive modes for power and trail driving, hill launch assist, and a 1,500-pound towing capacity. The exterior is sharp with LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, roof rails, and a power rear liftgate. Inside, the CX-50 Hybrid seats five and offers leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat with memory, and a wireless phone charger. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers, a wiper de-icer, keyless entry, and an electric parking brake round out the vehicle’s feature list. Host Jack Nerad took this one to the desert and back, and we’ll have his full report.
Meanwhile, co-host Chris Teague took the wheel of the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus and the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N Line. He found the Nautilus offers a refined interior with a standard 48-inch panoramic display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Lincoln’s new Digital Scent system for a personalized cabin experience. Two powertrain choices are available: a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and a 310-horsepower hybrid, both paired with standard all-wheel drive. Additional features include available BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free driving technology, premium leather seating, and an optional Revel Ultima 3D audio system.
The 2025 Elantra N Line features a sport-tuned chassis, a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for sharper performance than its siblings. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, unique N Line exterior styling, a black mesh grille, and a sports interior with leather-trimmed seats and alloy pedals. Technology highlights include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging, and Hyundai’s Bluelink+ connected services. So how does it match up with its most direct competitor, the Honda Civic Si? Chris and Jack will have the answers for you.
In the news this week, we have a crisis on our hands, and it’s not tariffs; it’s uninsured motorists. They are costing each of us who has car insurance billions of dollars each year. We’ll tell you what we learned about it a little later in the show.
Of course, there is a lot of buzz right now about tariffs in the auto industry. We’ll tell you what is real and what is hype and give you thoughts on how you should proceed if you’re planning to buy a car this year.
Speaking of car-buying, Nissan has announced price reductions on two of its most important models, and we’ll have details on that. And our listener question asks what is the best course if you’re planning to buy a car in the near future.
So we have a lot of show for you this week.
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. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we'll like you forever.
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
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
03:00 The Crisis of Uninsured Motorists
05:40 Tariffs and Their Impact on the Auto Industry
10:10 Nissan's Price Reductions and Market Strategy
14:04 Road Test: Lincoln Nautilus Review
19:41 Road Test: Toyota Tundra Review
25:33 Hyundai Elantra N Line: A Performance Perspective
31:53 Mazda CX-50: Hybrid Innovations and Comparisons
39:25 Listener Question: Should I Buy a New or Used Car Right Now?
Keywords
automotive news, uninsured motorists, tariffs, Nissan, Lincoln Nautilus, Toyota Tundra, car reviews, auto industry, insurance, vehicle pricing, Toyota, TRD Rally, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda CX-50, hybrid vehicles, car reviews, automotive technology, new cars, used cars, vehicle comparisons
Summary
In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss various topics in the automotive industry, including the rising issue of uninsured motorists, the implications of tariffs on vehicle pricing, and Nissan's recent price reductions. They also provide in-depth reviews of the Lincoln Nautilus and Toyota Tundra, highlighting their features, performance, and market positioning. In this episode, Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss various vehicles, including the Toyota TRD Rally package, the Hyundai Elantra N Line, and the Mazda CX-50 hybrid. They explore the features, performance, and value of each vehicle, while also addressing listener questions about the current car market and whether to buy new or used cars.
Takeaways
Uninsured motorists are a growing concern, with 14% of drivers uninsured.
The financial burden of uninsured drivers affects all insured motorists.
Tariffs are being applied to imported vehicles, impacting pricing and availability.
Nissan is reducing prices on key models to boost sales amid competition.
The Lincoln Nautilus offers luxury features and a unique rejuvenate experience.
The Toyota Tundra is equipped for off-road capabilities but may be cumbersome.
Both vehicles reviewed provide comfort and technology, appealing to different market segments.
Insurance rates are influenced by the number of uninsured drivers on the road.
The automotive industry is facing challenges with production capacity and market demand.
Understanding vehicle features and pricing is crucial for consumers in today's market. The Toyota TRD Rally package offers great value and features.
The Hyundai Elantra N Line is a strong competitor to the Honda Civic.
Driving comfort is a concern in the Elantra N Line.
The Mazda CX-50 hybrid utilizes a Toyota-based hybrid system.
Mazda's infotainment system could benefit from a touchscreen.
The CX-50 offers a variety of configurations and options.
New car incentives are currently available in the market.
Luxury vehicles may be affected by upcoming tariffs.
Used cars are not as cheap as they used to be.
Choosing between new and used depends on individual needs and market conditions.
Titles
Navigating the Crisis of Uninsured Motorists
Understanding Tariffs in the Auto Industry
Nissan's Strategic Price Cuts Explained
Luxury Meets Innovation: Lincoln Nautilus Review
Sound Bites
"One in seven drivers is uninsured."
"It's a good time to buy a car."
"The ride quality here is fantastic."
"It's much better than it used to be."
"This is a great truck."
"The Elantra does a good job."
"Mazda is very upfront about that."
"Just let me touch the screen."
"Should I buy a new or used car?"
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