In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Is SLATE still in the race to build a $25,000 pickup truck?
- What is my choice for an affordable tire?
This week’s first question comes from a fan who wants to know if SLATE is still going into production.
Q: RE: Did Ford Kill SLATE before production could begin?
After Ford announced the $30,000 pickup truck with all that new tech, what do you think will happen to SLATE? Will they still build a competitor? Are they even moving forward with production of their $25,000 pickup truck? Or did tariffs and Ford already kill the company?
— Aqua.M
A: Hi there.
No, I don’t think Ford’s announcement has phased SLATE’s plan to build EV pickup trucks. I’m happy to see both companies offer inexpensive vehicles to the public, and the fact that both are using modular platforms and new tech is encouraging. Honestly, I’m not sure how the tariffs will (or have) changed things for SLATE, but it looks like it’s full steam ahead. They are moving forward with production plans in Warsaw, Indiana.
You can read about Ford’s “Model T moment” (here).
SLATE just announced that its first trucks will enter series production in 2026, with customer deliveries set to follow shortly after. The company says each model will launch in a single configuration designed for easy accessorizing, aligning with Slate’s mission to build vehicles that Americans can afford, personalize, and enjoy.
The automaker is also making a major investment in Indiana, beginning operations in Warsaw. The project is expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs and contribute as much as $39 billion to the state’s economy over the next 20 years.
“What Slate is about to build for America begins in Warsaw. We’re retooling the factory in such a way that truly allows for manufacturing simplicity and rapid scaling. The Blank Slate is made the same way, each and every time: designed to be accessorized and wrapped by the customer after it leaves the factory.”
– SLATE CEO Chris Barman
— N
The last question comes from a fan regarding tire reviews.
Q: (Via: NathanAdlen@X/Twitter – summarized) Choices for inexpensive tires.
I wander how many people who do what your do review tires. Does TFL review tires? What are YOUR choices for affordable tires?
— Anonymous
A: My choices? Kumho Crugen HP71 vs. Toyo Open Country Q/T, because I’m in SoCal
It’s rare to have the opportunity to test two competing tire models under nearly identical conditions. At TFL Studios, we do review tires on occasion, but most of them tend to be for winter and/or off-road ability. Sometimes we check out performance tires too. It just so happens that I was in the middle of evaluating tires here, in Los Angeles when I saw your message. Score!
Most of the time, tire reviews are based on impressions from different cars, different drivers, or different climates. That introduces variables that can skew results. In this case, however, I had a unique opportunity: testing two premium mid-market all-season tires—the Kumho Crugen HP71 and the Toyo Open Country Q/T, on the same vehicle, over the same roads, with the same drivers, for several months each.
The test mule was a late-model Mazda CX-5 AWD Grand Touring, a popular crossover that uses a common tire size (P225/55R-19). The setting was Southern California, which meant year-round driving in warm and dry conditions, along with the occasional rainstorm. Winter tire requirements weren’t a factor, making all-season touring tires the perfect fit for this experiment.
Over thousands of miles – including daily commutes, weekend family trips, and spirited runs through canyon roads, I gathered real-world impressions that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of each tire.
Testing Conditions
To give full context, here’s how both tire sets were evaluated:
- Vehicle: 2019 Mazda CX-5 AWD Grand Touring
- Tire Size: P225/55R-19 (a common size for crossovers)
- Region: Southern California
- Mileage: Roughly 1,160 miles per month
- Driving Mix: Stop-and-go freeway commutes (48 miles per day, heavy traffic)
- Weekend family trips (+50 miles weekly)
- Weekly spirited drives through Topanga Canyon
- Weather Exposure: High summer heat, sudden rain showers, dry highways
- Drivers: Same drivers for both sets, ensuring consistent feedback
This consistency is critical, because many tire reviews don’t compare apples to apples. Here, the only variable was the tire itself.
Price & Warranty
One of the first things shoppers notice is price, and in this case, the disparity was notable.
- Kumho Crugen HP71 – $235 per tire
- 65,000-mile treadwear warranty
- 72-month defect/materials warranty from date of purchase
- Toyo Open Country Q/T – $259 per tire
- 65,000-mile treadwear warranty
- 500-mile trial offer
To put this into perspective:
- Budget brands like Advanta price similar tires around $129.
- Premium tires like Goodyear command upwards of $272.
So while both the Kumho and Toyo sit firmly in the mid-market, they aren’t “cheap” – and the purchase plus mounting came out to roughly $1,200 per set either way.
Road Test Results
Ride Comfort & Highway Behavior
On surface streets and short trips, differences between the two tires were minimal. But once I hit the highway, the contrast became obvious.
- Kumho Crugen HP71 delivered a smoother, more cushioned ride. Vibrations were minimized, and long freeway stretches felt more relaxed.
- Toyo Open Country Q/T rode firmer. While not uncomfortable, it transmitted more road imperfections into the cabin. Over time, this created a noticeable difference in fatigue levels during long trips.
For daily commuters, the Kumho clearly held the edge.
Noise Levels
Noise can make or break an all-season tire, especially on vehicles like the Mazda CX-5, which is otherwise quiet and refined.
- Kumho: The quieter of the two, especially at freeway speeds. Cabin noise was reduced, making conversations easier and reducing driver fatigue.
- Toyo: Not excessively loud, but definitely more noticeable. Road hum became more present at 65+ mph, and on certain pavement types, the tire’s stiffer structure translated into a constant background thrum.
Handling & Grip
This is where the Toyo clawed back some ground.
- Dry Handling (Topanga Canyon test runs): The Toyo Open Country Q/T offered more bite on turn-in and felt more locked-down in corners. Enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the added sharpness.
- Wet Grip: The Kumho Crugen HP71 took the win here. In heavy rain, it inspired more confidence. Hydroplaning resistance felt better, and braking distances seemed shorter in slick conditions.
So the Toyo favored aggressive dry handling, while the Kumho prioritized security when conditions turned unpredictable.
Fuel Economy
No measurable differences. Both returned nearly identical MPG over thousands of miles.
Baseline Comparison to Pirelli
For context, the vehicle had previously worn a set of Pirellis. They were super-grippy and provided stellar cornering—but came with drawbacks. The soft compound wore quickly, and weaker sidewalls led to multiple punctures, forcing an early replacement.
The interesting takeaway is that both the Kumho Crugen HP71 and Toyo Open Country Q/T managed to compete with those Pirellis in most real-world scenarios. Considering their price and durability advantages, that’s impressive.
Both the Kumho Crugen HP71 and the Toyo Open Country Q/T are excellent all-season choices in the mid-market category. Each has its own personality:
- Toyo Open Country Q/T – Best for drivers who value sharper steering response and dry cornering confidence.
- Kumho Crugen HP71 – Quieter, smoother, and more secure in the rain. A better all-around choice for daily commuters and families.
If budget is the deciding factor, the Kumho edges out the Toyo, delivering nearly the same capability with superior comfort and wet-weather composure at a slightly lower price point. Your pricing will vary a bit, based on where you buy, and have your tires mounted.
My choice? If I had to mount another set tomorrow, I’d pick the Kumho Crugen HP71. It may not be the sharpest handler, but for the vast majority of drivers, it delivers the best blend of refinement, confidence, and value. I think it looks sharp too.
Hope that helps!
— N
