{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"These Are The BEST And WORST Trucks At The 2026 New York Auto Show! | Ep. 325","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/these-are-the-best-and-worst-trucks-at-the-2026-new-york-auto-show-ep-325","audioUrl":"https://audio2.redcircle.com/episodes/bd3909b3-4c94-43d7-b8d6-84faf2b049c9/stream.mp3","description":"( https://www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! In this episode, Andre Smirnov hits the floor of the 2026 New York Auto Show to separate the legends from the letdowns. The star of the show is undoubtedly the Hyundai Boulder Concept, a rugged, body-on-frame SUV that  confirms a mid-size Hyundai pickup is finally coming to take on the Tacoma and Colorado. Andre is joined by industry experts Sam Abuelsamid of  ⁨@WheelBearingsCast⁩  and Stephen Elmer of  ⁨@TruckKing⁩   to take a look at the latest offerings from Ram, Ford, GM, and Nissan and talk about upcoming vehicles that get them excited!( http://www.patreon.com/tflcar )  Visit our Patreon page to support the TFL team!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy"},"annotations":[{"startTime":37.9,"endTime":68.0,"type":"brand","title":"Hyundai","url":"/glossary/hyundai","quote":"[37.9s] But we're starting here at the Hyundai booth.\n[39.7s] We want to show you the entire floor, basically, of the show.\n[42.8s] Tell you the best, and maybe not so best, vehicles and introductions here.\n[47.7s] But I think it's a lot of interesting stuff.","canonicalId":"brand:hyundai","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hyundai is the automaker presenting the Boulder concept at the New York Auto Show. In this segment, Hyundai’s booth is framed as a key stop for learning what the brand is planning next—especially whether it’s leaning toward off-road SUVs or pickups.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hyundai is the car company behind the booth and the new concept they’re showing. The segment is basically about what Hyundai is planning to reveal next."}},{"startTime":190.8,"endTime":193.1,"type":"concept","title":"concept","url":"/glossary/concept","quote":"Well, this is a concept, so it may not translate. Yeah, most likely, a production version of this will come in different variations.","canonicalId":"concept:concept","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A concept vehicle is a show car that previews design direction and sometimes new technology, but it’s not guaranteed to be built exactly as shown. Production versions often get toned down for cost, regulations, and manufacturability.","simplifiedExplanation":"A concept truck is basically a preview of what a company might build in the future. The final production version usually changes things from the show version."}},{"startTime":308.7,"endTime":314.0,"type":"concept","title":"EVs","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"Yeah, so on the EVs, on the Ionix, and some of the other models, you've got this pixelated design, where you've got this array of small pixels.","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"EVs are electric vehicles that use one or more electric motors instead of a traditional internal-combustion engine. At auto shows, EV design details like lighting and body styling often get discussed even before final specs are released.","simplifiedExplanation":"EVs are cars or trucks that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They often look different, and designers may show concepts and styling details before the final production specs are known."}},{"startTime":337.4,"endTime":346.7,"type":"brand","title":"Ford","url":"/glossary/ford","quote":"GM especially, and Ford Ranger. So this is quite interesting.","canonicalId":"brand:ford","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ford is mentioned alongside other truck brands, implying that multiple manufacturers could adopt similar approaches if the concept becomes a production-ready platform. Ford Ranger is the specific model reference in this line.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ford is another big truck brand. They’re mentioned here because the concept could influence the kind of midsize pickups brands like Ford build."}},{"startTime":337.4,"endTime":346.7,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"even everybody, Toyota, Tacoma, Nizatec Norris, all those guys, GM especially, and Ford Ranger.","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is mentioned as one of the major truck players that could build a pickup on a shared platform or design “base.” In the truck world, Toyota’s Tacoma is a key reference point for midsize pickup buyers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is one of the big truck brands. They’re mentioned here because they could potentially build a pickup based on the same underlying idea/platform."}},{"startTime":337.4,"endTime":346.7,"type":"car","title":"Ford Ranger","url":"/cars/ford/ranger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Ford_Ranger_%28T6%2C_P703%29_Wildtrak_IMG_7320.jpg","quote":"GM especially, and Ford Ranger. So this is quite interesting.","canonicalId":"car:ford:ranger","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup used as a benchmark for what a production version of this concept could resemble in the real market. Mentioning Ranger places the discussion in the competitive midsize truck segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Ranger is Ford’s midsize pickup. They’re using it as an example of the kind of truck this concept could turn into.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":376.5,"endTime":382.5,"type":"concept","title":"renderings","url":"/glossary/renderings","quote":"Oh, they show some crazy renderings. But they show some renderings that are really cool, very customizable.","canonicalId":"concept:renderings","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Renderings are computer-generated images that show what a vehicle might look like before it’s built or before final design is locked. They’re especially common for interiors and dashboards on concept vehicles."}},{"startTime":604.5,"endTime":614.1,"type":"car","title":"Ford Transit Custom","url":"/cars/ford/transit-custom","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Ford_E-Transit_Custom_%282023%29_DSC_9252.jpg","quote":"[604.5s]  I wouldn't be surprised to see Ford perhaps bring in a version of the transit custom, [609.6s]  which is their mid-size van in this class.","canonicalId":"car:ford:transit-custom","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Transit Custom is a mid-size van built for cargo and passenger use. In the context of a truck/van discussion, it’s often compared against other “work van” offerings because it targets the same buyers who need space and practicality without going full-size.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Transit Custom is a mid-size van made for work and everyday hauling. People compare it to other vans in the same size class because it’s meant to be practical and useful.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":731.5,"endTime":742.0,"type":"concept","title":"potholes","url":"/glossary/potholes","quote":"I was just in the Nuber this morning... And the potholes are the size of, like, swimming pools... Exactly, because I've had a lot of snow.","canonicalId":"concept:potholes","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Potholes are road surface failures where the pavement breaks down into holes, often made worse by freeze-thaw cycles. In winter-heavy regions like New York, repeated expansion and contraction can rapidly degrade roads, making driving and suspension/tires more stressed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Potholes are big holes in the road caused by the pavement breaking apart. Cold winters can make them form faster, and they can really shake up your ride."}},{"startTime":766.8,"endTime":769.7,"type":"brand","title":"Ram","url":"/glossary/ram","quote":"I mean, let's be honest, what's old is new again at Ram, right? They're bringing everything back that they decided it was a mistake to get rid of, and this is one of those things.","canonicalId":"brand:ram","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ram is the truck brand within Stellantis (formerly part of Chrysler). In this segment, the hosts are discussing Ram bringing back older nameplates and powertrains for the 2026 New York Auto Show.","simplifiedExplanation":"Ram is a truck brand (part of the same company as Chrysler/Stellantis). They’re talking about Ram reintroducing older models and features that fans missed."}},{"startTime":831.1,"endTime":836.58,"type":"concept","title":"clearance","url":"/glossary/clearance","quote":"Yes. And just from a straight off-road perspective, it's actually the worst one to buy, because it just has worse clearance.","canonicalId":"concept:clearance","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Clearance is how much space the truck has between the ground and key parts (like the undercarriage, bumpers, or axles). More clearance helps reduce the chance of scraping or getting stuck on uneven terrain, rocks, and ruts.","simplifiedExplanation":"Clearance means how high the truck sits relative to the ground. More clearance helps it avoid hitting the road/rocks underneath when you go off-road."}},{"startTime":890.4,"endTime":902.9,"type":"term","title":"20-inch wheel","url":"/glossary/20-inch-wheel","quote":"...it's got a 20-inch wheel. The tire profile is not very tall.","canonicalId":"term:20-inch-wheel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “20-inch wheel” is the wheel diameter, which affects tire sizing, ride comfort, and how the truck looks. Larger wheels often pair with shorter sidewall tires, which can change how well the tire absorbs impacts off-road.","simplifiedExplanation":"“20-inch wheel” means the wheel is 20 inches across. Bigger wheels usually go with different tire sizes, which can affect comfort and off-road traction."}},{"startTime":915.3,"endTime":926.5,"type":"term","title":"winch","url":"/glossary/winch","quote":"...Ram always said that's why they weren't going to do a diesel power wagon, because they couldn't fit the winch... And if you really want to put an aftermarket winch on there, I'm sure you could, right?","canonicalId":"term:winch","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A winch is a motorized cable/rope system used to pull a vehicle out of mud, sand, or other stuck situations. Off-road builds often require compatible mounting points and front-end clearance, which is why the segment focuses on whether a diesel setup can still fit a winch.","simplifiedExplanation":"A winch is like a heavy-duty pulling tool mounted on the front of a truck. It helps you recover yourself (or others) if you get stuck off-road."}},{"startTime":961.2,"endTime":966.8,"type":"concept","title":"toy hauler","url":"/glossary/toy-hauler","quote":"you're going to buy a massive 40-foot toy hauler, haul it out into the desert with all your toys.","canonicalId":"concept:toy-hauler","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A toy hauler is a trailer designed to carry recreational vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides) and gear. The segment uses it to illustrate a realistic overlanding scenario: hauling equipment into remote desert areas.","simplifiedExplanation":"A toy hauler is a trailer that’s built to haul your toys—like dirt bikes or ATVs—plus gear. They’re using it as an example of what you’d bring on an overlanding trip."}},{"startTime":970.7,"endTime":974.3,"type":"term","title":"four-wheel drive","url":"/glossary/four-wheel-drive","quote":"You have all that off-road know-how, the four-wheel drive. Yeah, man.","canonicalId":"term:four-wheel-drive","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Four-wheel drive (4WD) sends power to both the front and rear axles, improving traction on loose or uneven surfaces. Many off-road trucks also offer low-range gearing for crawling.","simplifiedExplanation":"Four-wheel drive powers all four wheels. It helps you get traction on snow, mud, sand, or rough trails."}},{"startTime":993.7,"endTime":996.6,"type":"concept","title":"fifth wheel","url":"/glossary/fifth-wheel","quote":"Your dad's trailer, your fifth wheel. Yeah.","canonicalId":"concept:fifth-wheel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A fifth wheel is a trailer hitch mounted in the bed of a pickup, using a kingpin connection for better stability than a standard ball hitch. It’s commonly used for heavy RVs and large trailers.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fifth wheel is a special hitch setup in the bed that connects to a large trailer. It’s often used for big RVs because it feels more stable."}},{"startTime":1298.8,"endTime":1300.4,"type":"concept","title":"pixelated mud","url":"/glossary/pixelated-mud","quote":"[1298.2s] Not, not pixelated mud.\n[1300.4s] Every truck looks better dirty, man.","canonicalId":"concept:pixelated-mud","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Pixelated mud” refers to a stylized, digital-looking mud effect—usually printed graphics or decals—rather than realistic dirt. The point here is that the speakers prefer an authentic, physical “dirty” look over an artificial, graphic-only effect.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re talking about a fake-looking mud design, like a printed graphic. They prefer the truck to look like it actually got dirty in real life."}},{"startTime":1326.3,"endTime":1334.3,"type":"term","title":"headlamp","url":"/glossary/headlamp","quote":"But if you look at that RHO front end and this, they're almost identical as far as the headlamp.","canonicalId":"term:headlamp","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Headlamps are the front lighting assemblies, and their shape is often used to distinguish trims. The hosts compare the “headlamp” design between two trucks, arguing that the lighting signature is nearly identical.","simplifiedExplanation":"Headlamps are the headlights. Car designers often use their shape to help you recognize a model, but here they’re saying the headlights look very similar."}},{"startTime":1420.0,"endTime":1427.8,"type":"term","title":"leaf springs","url":"/glossary/leaf-springs","quote":"Look at this. So many leaf springs. Look at this stack. I mean, that will knock your fillings out for sure.","canonicalId":"term:leaf-springs","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Leaf springs are a type of suspension made from stacked metal strips. They’re common on many trucks because they can handle heavy loads and provide a simple, durable setup.","simplifiedExplanation":"Leaf springs are the stacked metal springs some trucks use under the suspension. They’re built to handle heavy work and bumps, especially when the truck is loaded."}},{"startTime":1425.4,"endTime":1430.0,"type":"term","title":"helper spring","url":"/glossary/helper-spring","quote":"I love it. And only still just the one helper spring. Like all of those springs are active all the time.","canonicalId":"term:helper-spring","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A helper spring is an additional spring pack used to increase load-carrying capacity. It typically engages only when the truck is heavily loaded, improving ride height and reducing bottoming out.","simplifiedExplanation":"A helper spring is an extra spring that only really helps when the truck is carrying a lot of weight. It helps keep the truck from sagging too much or hitting the bump stops."}},{"startTime":1440.2,"endTime":1445.1,"type":"term","title":"50 gallons","url":"/glossary/50-gallons","quote":"They have, I think, up to almost 50 gallons in some of those configurations. Right.","canonicalId":"term:50-gallons","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel capacity like “50 gallons” directly impacts range and how often a truck needs refueling. For work trucks, larger tanks can reduce downtime and make long routes easier.","simplifiedExplanation":"“50 gallons” is how much fuel the truck can hold. More fuel usually means fewer stops to refuel, which matters a lot for work."}},{"startTime":1516.8,"endTime":1523.6,"type":"term","title":"turbocharged engine","url":"/glossary/turbocharged-engine","quote":"[1516.8s]  The power on this is a turbocharged engine.\n[1521.4s]  Yeah.\n[1521.5s]  Pretty small displacement.","canonicalId":"term:turbocharged-engine","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A turbocharged engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. That lets a smaller-displacement engine make more power than it otherwise could, which is common on modern trucks and vans.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turbocharged engine has a device that squeezes more air into the engine. More air usually means more power, even if the engine is smaller."}},{"startTime":1546.2,"endTime":1549.3,"type":"term","title":"four by eight sheet","url":"/glossary/four-by-eight-sheet","quote":"[1546.2s]  Because you have to put a four by eight sheet of material in there.\n[1549.3s]  Of course.\n[1551.3s]  So, and also they have a passenger version with three rows.","canonicalId":"term:four-by-eight-sheet","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “four by eight” sheet refers to standard building materials (commonly plywood or drywall) that are 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. Mentioning it shows the vehicle’s cargo dimensions are sized to fit common jobsite loads.","simplifiedExplanation":"A four-by-eight sheet is a standard size for materials like plywood or drywall. They’re saying the truck’s cargo space is big enough to fit that kind of material."}},{"startTime":1663.0,"endTime":1666.9,"type":"concept","title":"tariffs","url":"/glossary/tariffs","quote":"[1661.6s]  But it's built in Turkey.\n[1662.8s]  Right.\n[1663.0s]  And so, of course there's, you know, all kinds of tariffs.\n[1666.5s]  Right.","canonicalId":"concept:tariffs","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Tariffs are taxes governments place on imported goods. When a vehicle is built in one country and sold in another, tariffs can raise the final price by increasing the cost of parts, the finished vehicle, or both.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tariffs are extra taxes on imported products. If a truck or van is made in one country and sold in another, those taxes can make it cost more."}},{"startTime":1823.1,"endTime":1827.1,"type":"term","title":"ATV side-by-side","url":"/glossary/atv-side-by-side","quote":"[1823.1s]  If you own a truck, there's a good chance you want an ATV side-by-side or PWC.","canonicalId":"term:atv-side-by-side","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An ATV side-by-side (often called a SxS) is a two- or four-seat off-road vehicle with a steering wheel and roll cage. It’s frequently paired with trucks because it can be transported on a trailer and used for outdoor recreation.","simplifiedExplanation":"A side-by-side is an off-road vehicle you drive on trails—usually with two seats and a roll cage. People often use trucks to haul them to the riding spot."}},{"startTime":1860.4,"endTime":1866.0,"type":"brand","title":"Jeep","url":"/glossary/jeep","quote":"We're just walking by the Jeep booth here.\nSo we just left Ram walking into Jeep.\nAnd actually, this Gladiator, I have on loan from Jeep right now.","canonicalId":"brand:jeep","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Jeep is the off-road-focused brand within Stellantis, known for models like the Wrangler and Gladiator. In this segment, the hosts are at the Jeep booth and discussing a special Gladiator edition.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jeep is a car brand that’s especially known for off-road vehicles. Here, they’re talking about a Jeep truck they’re checking out at the show."}},{"startTime":1874.6,"endTime":1878.8,"type":"term","title":"olive drab wheels","url":"/glossary/olive-drab-wheels","quote":"You guys have commented on the wheels.\nYes.\nThe olive drab wheels matching the body.\nYeah, this is the new 2026 Willy's 41 edition,","canonicalId":"term:olive-drab-wheels","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Olive drab” is a military-style green-brown color commonly used on vehicles and gear. Here it’s describing the wheel finish, which is being matched to the body to reinforce the heritage/WWII-inspired theme.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Olive drab” is a muted military green color. They’re saying the wheels are painted that color to match the truck’s overall look."}},{"startTime":1892.5,"endTime":1895.3,"type":"term","title":"steelies","url":"/glossary/steelies","quote":"Yeah, they do look like steelies, like old school steelies.\nYeah, but actually, if I had the magnet handy,","canonicalId":"term:steelies","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Steelies” is slang for steel wheels (often factory wheels on base trims). They’re typically heavier than alloy wheels but can be more durable and cheaper to replace.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Steelies” just means the truck has steel wheels instead of fancy alloy wheels. Steel wheels are usually tougher and cost less, but they can be heavier."}},{"startTime":1895.3,"endTime":1901.4,"type":"term","title":"aluminum wheels","url":"/glossary/aluminum-wheels","quote":"Yeah, but actually, if I had the magnet handy,\n[1897.3s]  which, I mean, it's on my shirt right now,\n[1899.4s]  but it is aluminum wheels.\n[1901.4s]  So I think they did a good job.","canonicalId":"term:aluminum-wheels","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Aluminum wheels are alloy wheels made primarily from aluminum. They’re commonly used because they’re lighter than steel, which can help ride/handling feel and reduce unsprung weight.","simplifiedExplanation":"Aluminum wheels are the lighter, more modern wheel type compared to steel. They can make the truck feel a bit better and are usually easier to live with day to day."}},{"startTime":2241.0,"endTime":2243.1,"type":"brand","title":"Chevrolet","url":"/glossary/chevrolet","quote":"[2238.4s] and let's transfer over to General Motors [2241.0s] and Chevrolet. [2242.0s] All right, sounds good.","canonicalId":"brand:chevrolet","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Chevrolet is a GM brand known for trucks, SUVs, and mainstream performance. In this segment, it’s used as the next topic after the hosts finish discussing the luxury section.","simplifiedExplanation":"Chevrolet is a major car brand under General Motors. They’re about to talk about Chevrolet next."}},{"startTime":2257.2,"endTime":2261.0,"type":"brand","title":"Bentley","url":"/glossary/bentley","quote":"[2257.2s] Yeah. [2257.5s] Why hasn't Bentley and Rolls Royce [2260.5s] built a pickup truck? [2262.7s] Because they built SUVs, right?","canonicalId":"brand:bentley","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Bentley is a British luxury automaker known for high-end grand touring cars and SUVs. The discussion uses Bentley as an example of a brand that has focused on SUVs rather than pickups.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bentley is a luxury car brand that makes expensive, high-comfort vehicles. In this segment, they’re wondering why Bentley hasn’t made a pickup truck yet."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"www.tfl-studios.com","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/these-are-the-best-and-worst-trucks-at-the-2026-new-york-auto-show-ep-325/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}