Testing 2026 Toyota Camry Nightshade in the Hot Desert Sun

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