Épisodes

  • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, 2025 Toyota 4Runner: 2 Great Ways to Get Dirty

    2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, 2025 Toyota 4Runner: 2 Great Ways to Get Dirty
    Feb 8 2025
    Off-road vehicles are rolling off assembly lines in record numbers, and this week, we take long looks at two of the top new entrants in the high-stakes segment. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2.5T AWD was a finalist in the North American Utility of the Year competition, and Host Jack Nerad took a long second look at it this week. Powered by a robust 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, the XRT test vehicle had the looks of a genuine all-terrain vehicle. It also offers superior versatility. Its seven-passenger cabin includes flexible three-row seating and voluminous cargo space. On the tech front, it features dual 12.3-inch infotainment and driver information displays, Bluetooth hands-free technology, wireless phone charging capabilities, and an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems. Potential buyers probably have several questions about the Santa Fe XRT: How is the third-row seating? Does the base engine have enough power? How does it perform on and off the road? We’ll answer all of those and more soon. Our special guest, Toyota’s Warren Chou, is the expert on the other all-terrain vehicle we are looking into this week. He is chief engineer of the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Jack Nerad sat down with him for a detailed discussion about the new SUV at a recent Toyota-sponsored event, and we’re sure you’ll be interested in what he has to say. We expect you will also be interested in what Guest Co-Host Matt DeLorenzo has to say about the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV. A longtime auto expert and the author of How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car, Matt knows everything there is to know about plug-in vehicles. He will have a comprehensive report on the CX-90 plug-in hybrid for you. There is plenty of important news to chew on this week: • Potential new tariffs have the auto industry up in arms, but it might be a tempest in a teapot. • General Motors has reasserted its commitment to electrified vehicles, and it has announced new initiatives to incorporate EVs into consumers’ homes. • The Scout brand is coming back but now it is engaged in a controversy with the state where it will build its vehicles about selling them there. • Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram, is undergoing a major organizational change, and that could mean less expensive vehicles in your future. Listener Question of the Week “I heard a rumor that the government is planning to end the $7500 tax credit on electric vehicle purchases? Is that true? How likely is that to happen, and what should I do?” Leonard, Towson, Maryland Last Week of Special Offer Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. 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 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, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com Keywords automotive, electric vehicles, tariffs, General Motors, Mazda, Hyundai, Toyota, Stellantis, Scout, EV tax credits Summary In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo discuss the latest developments in the automotive industry, including the potential impact of new tariffs,
    Voir plus Voir moins
    44 min
  • Getting All-New 2025 Toyota 4Runner Covered with California Dust

    Getting All-New 2025 Toyota 4Runner Covered with California Dust
    Feb 1 2025
    Few off-roaders have the pedigree of the Toyota 4Runner, so when Toyota had us to be among the first to drive it on- and off-road, we jumped at the chance. The sixth-generation 4Runner will be available in nine different grades, including the first-ever Trailhunter and Platinum trims, and host Jack Nerad just drove virtually all of them in an event held outside San Diego, California. The vehicle is based on Toyota's tough TNGA-F global platform, which also supports the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. It includes a three-row, seven-passenger version, improved safety and infotainment features, and two new engine/drivetrain options. Prices range from $40,770 for the SR5 trim level to $66,900 for the TRD Pro I-Force Max hybrid. Nerad’s road test this week takes a close look at an important trim — the TRD Off-Road Premium equipped with the iForce Max hybrid powertrain. The price as-tested for the vehicle was $59,420, and we’ll have all the details for you in this episode. Across the country, Co-Host Chris Teague got behind the wheel of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse with the Z71 package. Those who have spent a lot of time in the midsize Chevy crossover SUV see it as a good suburban grocery-getter and child transporter. But in Z71 trim, does it have the chops to become a genuine off-roader? Teague and Nerad will offer their opinions. This week we have a terrific guest for you. Alison Rahm is Chief Engineer on the all-new Jeep Wagoneer S, the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle. Jack Nerad had a chance to sit down with her recently to discuss all the details regarding this exciting new vehicle in the midst of driving it himself. She shared the entire philosophy behind the groundbreaking vehicle, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy what she has to say. In this week’s news segment, there are breaking stories that will change the trajectory of the auto industry and affect what vehicles might eventually land in your driveway. The new Administration is studying a rollback in fuel economy standards for new vehicles, and that might prove to be make-or-break for many of the world’s car companies. We’ll have the details. The proposed merger of Honda and Nissan has run into a roadblock. We’ll tell which company is balking at the move and why coming up. Cadillac has introduced its first battery-electric V- performance model, and we’ll have all the details. And Honda and Acura have announced a recall of many of its largest SUVs, and we’ll tell you about that. Listener Question of the Week "How do different tire types affect fuel efficiency and handling?" Wilson, Omaha, Nebraska Special Offer Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. 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 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, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com
    Voir plus Voir moins
    44 min
  • Mercedes-AMG GLC 43: Fighting Old Maine Winter in Performance Style

    Mercedes-AMG GLC 43: Fighting Old Maine Winter in Performance Style
    Jan 25 2025
    A performance crossover might not be everyone’s can of Red Bull. Some might suggest a performance CUV is akin to the world’s tallest midget, but this week co-host Chris Teague took the wheel of the hot-to-trot AMG GLC 43 in the teeth of yet another frigid Maine winter, and he’s ready to report on his finding in this edition on of America on the Road. Meanwhile, the figurative elephant in the room is the arrival of 47th President Donald Trump and his sweeping executive orders that include a radical — and some might add welcome — change in America’s automotive emissions and fuel economy regulations. With the stroke of a Sharpie, the once-and-current President rescinded rules that essentially forced carmakers to build and, more importantly, sell electric vehicles. The result of this and the new Administration’s accompanying energy policy promise to significantly change how the auto industry operates and — more importantly — what you’ll be able to buy. We’ll have the details. We’ll also have an exclusive interview with Dodge Brand CEO Matt McAlrear, just as his brand is introducing its first battery-electric vehicle, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. Host Jack Nerad recently talked with McAlear at length about the future of the beloved Dodge brand, and we’ll have that discussion for you. Jack Nerad’s road test this week examines the Mazda CX-70 PHEV, its latest crossover SUV entrant, this one in plug-in hybrid form. The vehicle bears striking similarities to the well-regarded Mazda CX-90, and Nerad will break down the pluses and minuses in his report. In the news, Chevrolet has announced a recall of its recently launched Equinox EV, and we’ll have the details on that. The widespread fires near Los Angeles have had a devastating effect on the collector car hobby, too. We’ll tell you all about that, too, soon. Listener Question of the Week "How can I tell if my car needs a new battery or just a charge?" Sonny, Joliet, Illinois Special Offer Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. 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 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, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to America on the Road 02:53 Impact of New Automotive Regulations 09:53 Chevrolet Equinox EV Recall 10:39 Devastating Fires and Collector Car Losses 12:50 Review of the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 18:11 Exploring the Mazda CX-70 PHEV 25:00 Dodge's Transition to Electric Vehicles 39:00 Listener Question: Car Battery Troubles Keywords automotive news, electric vehicles, Chevrolet Equinox EV, collector cars, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, Mazda CX-70 PHEV, Dodge, car battery Summary In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss the latest developments in the automotive industry, including significant regulatory changes under the new administration, the recall of the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and the impact of devastating fires on collector cars. They also review the Mercedes AMG GLC 43 and the Mazda CX-70 PHEV, and explore Dodge's transition to electric vehicles. The episode concludes with a listener question about car battery maintenance. Takeaways
    Voir plus Voir moins
    43 min
  • Deep Dive into 2025 North American Car of the Year: Honda Civic Hybrid

    Deep Dive into 2025 North American Car of the Year: Honda Civic Hybrid
    Jan 18 2025
    The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid has been named North American Car of the Year, and nobody knows more about the car and process than NACTOY jurors Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo, who host and co-host this week’s show. They’ll take you behind the scenes to discuss not only the winning vehicle but also the procedures that resulted in the choice of Honda’s highly popular compact car. At the same time, Nerad and DeLorenzo will offer long looks at the winners of the North American Utility of the Year and North American Truck of the Year — the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz and the 2025 Ford Ranger. You’ll hear commentary on these vehicles you won’t get anywhere else. In our interview segment this week, you’ll also hear a discussion you won’t hear anywhere else. Russell Wager, Kia America’s vice president of marketing, is our guest. Jack Nerad sat down with him to talk about the opportunities and challenges presented as the country transitions from the Biden years to the Trump era. Speaking of Biden, as one of his last acts in office, he and his Administration essentially banned Chinese-built cars from entering the U.S. market and, at the same time, banned vehicles with Chinese technology and hardware. We’ll discuss the ramifications of that coming up. In our road test segment, guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo will detail the special virtues of the 2025 Infiniti QX55, and Jack Nerad will provide an in-depth report on the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric — a vehicle that might be the best value among battery-electric vehicles right now. Listener Question of the Week “It seems like electric cars are more expensive than gasoline vehicles, but some people tell me that you can quickly make up the difference because they cost much less to own and operate. Is that true or are folks just blowing smoke?” Rudy, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 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. Special Offer Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price. Brought to you by: • DrivingToday.com • Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance. • EMLandsea.com, publisher of 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, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Show 03:00 North American Car of the Year Discussion 09:16 Banning Chinese Vehicles: National Security Concerns 10:25 Honda's Aggressive Strategy in the Market 11:10 Matt's Book on Affordable Electric Vehicles 12:48 Road Test: 2025 Infiniti QX55 Review 17:00 Road Test: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric Review 25:55 Exclusive Interview: Kia Marketing VP Russell Wager 39:30 Listener Question: Cost of Electric Vehicles vs Gasoline Vehicles Keywords automotive, electric vehicles, North American Car of the Year, Honda, Chinese vehicles, 2025 Infiniti QX55, 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric, car reviews, automotive news, EV ownership Summary In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo discuss various automotive topics, including the North American Car of the Year awards, the implications of the Biden administration's ban on Chinese-built vehicles, Honda's renewed market strategies, and insights from Matt's book on affordable electric vehicles. They also review the Infiniti QX55 and the Hyundai Kona Electric, highlighting their features and market positioning.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    43 min
  • Honda Zeroes In on Zero Concepts at CES

    Honda Zeroes In on Zero Concepts at CES
    Jan 11 2025
    Honda introduced its 0 Series electric vehicles—the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon prototypes—at CES, and our guest co-host for the week, Matt DeLorenzo was on hand to report on them. Set for production in 2026 at its Ohio EV Hub, these “shockingly” styled models showcase innovative features like Honda’s ASIMO OS, the company’s custom operating system offering personalized mobility and “seamless” over-the-air updates. As DeLorenzo reports in this episode, the new production vehicles’ peas-in-a-pod" styling is attention-getting, to say the least. Embracing a "Thin, Light, and Wise" design theme, they deliver spacious, flexible interiors, advanced digital experiences, and expected Level 3 automated driving. Both concepts use a “system-on-chip” (SoC) developed in partnership with Renesas Electronics to unify vehicle systems, and they also feature steer-by-wire technology and ultra-personalized driving modes. We’ll have more details in this episode. This week’s special guest is Paul Tyll, Director of Dodge Products — Musclecar. Host Jack had a chance to sit down for an in-depth interview with him during the recent introductory drive event for the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona. He knows more about that car than just about anyone, so tune in for that. In this week’s road tests, DeLorenzo takes a long look at the Kia Sorento crossover SUV based on a road trip in the vehicle in and around Chicago. Halfway across the country, Nerad puts the appealing Mazda CX-50 small crossover through its paces on the pre-fire roads of Southern California. Each will have a full report on their respective test vehicle in this week’s show. In the news, General Motors' head of design, Michael Simcoe, is retiring after 42 years at the company. We’ll discuss his legacy and what his departure might signal for the future of automotive design. In the international intrigue department, it looks like Ford Motor Company might be at odds with the U.S. Department of Defense over its deal with a Chinese battery maker, and we’ll give you more on that. BMW has also unveiled a radical new infotainment scheme that it will install in many of its upcoming vehicles, so we’ll tell you all about that. Listener Question of the Week Listener Asa from Oregon asks if we will ever see the battery breakthrough that experts keep talking about. Our experts will have an answer. 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. Special Offer Jack is now offering his book, The GR Factor: Unleashing the Undeniable Power of the Golden Rule, for just $4.99, a $5.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. Click here to buy from your favorite bookseller. Brought to you by: • DrivingToday.com • Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance. • EMLandsea.com, publisher of 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, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to America on the Road 03:01 CES Highlights: Honda's Electric Vehicles 06:27 Ford's Dilemma with Chinese Battery Maker 08:56 GM Design Changes: A New Era Ahead 11:10 BMW's Innovative Infotainment System 12:40 Road Test: Kia Sorento Review 18:18 Road Test: Mazda CX-50 Review 25:44 Dodge Charger Daytona: The Future of Muscle Cars 39:37 Listener Question: Should I Wait for EV Breakthrough? Keywords automotive news, automotive, electric vehicles, Honda 0 Concept, CES, Ford, GM, BMW, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-50 Turbo, Dodge Charger Daytona, EV battery
    Voir plus Voir moins
    43 min
  • The Buzz on the Volkswagen ID.Buzz: 2 Weeks in America’s New Favorite Box

    The Buzz on the Volkswagen ID.Buzz: 2 Weeks in America’s New Favorite Box
    Jan 4 2025
    The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the most buzzworthy vehicle to hit American highways this decade. Combining the exterior style of the classic Microbus with the chassis of a thoroughly modern electric vehicle, the ID.Buzz is a crowd-pleaser that stops traffic, as Host Jack Nerad discovered during his two weeks with the vehicle. Its exterior design features LED lighting, retro-inspired wheels, and optional two-tone paint that pays homage to its iconic predecessor. But the drivetrain is anything but retro. The ID.Buzz is powered by a 91-kWh battery and offers two drivetrain configurations: rear-wheel-drive with 282 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles and 4Motion all-wheel-drive with 335 horsepower and a range of 231 miles. Charging is efficient, with DC fast charging replenishing 10-80% in just 26 minutes. Inside, the ID. Buzz boasts a spacious and customizable interior, offering up to 145.5 cubic feet of cargo space, flexible seating, and advanced technology, including a 12.9-inch infotainment display, IQ.Drive driver assistance, and wireless charging. It's a stark contrast to Nerad’s 1968 Type 2 “Early Bay” Bus, powered by a 57-horsepower 1600cc engine that delivered a 0-60 mph time of 37 seconds and a top speed of 65 mph. But is the ID.Buzz as good a value as that long-gone college-era VW? Nerad will have the answer. In our other road test this week, Co-Host Chris Teague will have the answer on the all-new 2025 Ford Ranger. A finalist for North American Truck of the Year, the Ranger boasts a new engine that makes it much more competitive versus rivals that include the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and the Toyota Tacoma. Teague is a Toyota fan, but does he see the Ranger as the better midsize truck? He’ll give his verdict in this episode. Driving News Our look at Driving News this week features a headline-grabbing development that could reshape the industry. Nissan and Honda, two global giants with big U.S. footprints, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a potential integration. If it goes forward, this partnership could see the companies combining their efforts in electrification, platform sharing, and advanced vehicle intelligence. With plans for a joint holding company by 2026, this is a story with far-reaching implications for drivers everywhere. In more amusing news, Hyundai has achieved an incredible and largely esoteric feat with its Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, earning a Guinness World Records title for the greatest altitude change ever by an electric car. Over 14 grueling days, the Ioniq 5 covered more than 4,900 kilometers across India, traveling from the Himalayas’ highest drivable point to below sea level in Kerala. But what does this record prove? Jack and Chris will offer their opinions. Switching gears to luxury, Jack and Chris will also offer their opinions on the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD, a sedan that blends advanced technology, stunning design, and exceptional performance. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V6, the G80 delivers a smooth, refined ride while packing a punch under the hood. Inside, it’s all about premium touches, from Nappa leather seating to a cutting-edge OLED instrument cluster. Our two reporters will deliver their verdicts in this show This week’s guest is Brian Jannusch, a Nissan GT-R expert with a passion for the legendary sports car. From its iconic engineering to his quest to drive one at the Nurburgring, Brian shares fascinating insights into what makes the GT-R so special. It’s a conversation that will resonate with sports car fans and anyone who appreciates automotive excellence. The episode also tackles practical advice with safety tips for 2025 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As the year begins, it’s a good time to revisit basics like seatbelt use, sober driving, and staying alert on the road. Simple steps can make a big difference in preventing accidents and keeping your loved ones safe.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    44 min
  • Musclecar Mania: Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

    Musclecar Mania: Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
    Dec 28 2024
    Chevrolet has just released the jaw-dropping figures for its 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which boasts an astonishing 1,064 horsepower, and that’s just the beginning of an episode that should warm the heart of every musclecar fan. On top of the Corvette news, Stellantis has announced that it will continue to build and market HEMI V8-powered Dodge Durangos, and by some weird twist of fate, Host Jack Nerad just drove a Durango and he will share his recent Chicago area road test experience in the 2025 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. The survival of the Durango is good news for enthusiasts, because it’s a powerhouse that continues to dominate the performance three-row SUV segment. With its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine producing a staggering 710 horsepower, the Durango SRT Hellcat offers explosive performance that gets drivers from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. This robust SUV combines thrilling acceleration with practicality, having the ability to tow up to 8,700 pounds and comfortably seat up to six passengers. Also featured in our road test segment this week Co-Host Chris Teague evaluates the 2025 Acura MDX, a luxury SUV that enhances both comfort and capability. With a refined interior that prioritizes quality and space, the MDX provides seating for up to seven and is loaded with tech features, including a large touchscreen interface for its infotainment system. Under the hood, the MDX offers the choice of two dynamic V6 engines that can deliver engaging driving experiences while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency. Its all-wheel-drive system instills on-road confidence, but can it stand up to the cruelties of a Maine winter? We’ll have Teague’s practiced opinion on the matter. In the news this week, Stellantis is making headlines with the installation of former Dodge executive Tim Kuniskis as head of the brand and important updates to its forthcoming product plans. The battery-electric Ram pickup has been delayed while Ram pushes the Ramcharger forward, relying on its interesting range-extender tech to gain much-needed traction in the full-size pickup segment. On a more mainstream tack, we’ll also review the pluses and minuses of the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, a finalist for the North American Car of the Year award, which will be announced next month. Meanwhile, Nissan has made some changes to the battery-electric Ariya that make it more appealing than ever. This week, our special guest is Maggie Clark, a Toyota product specialist, who shares insights on new Toyota models like the 2025 Crown Signia and Land Cruiser. Listener Question of the Week And, as always, we want to hear from you. Join us for our listener question segment where we tackle a practical query about whether it’s better to repair or replace your aging vehicle. Special Offer Jack is gifting free copies of his book, The GR Factor: Unleashing the Undeniable Power of the Golden Rule. Email editor@drivingtoday.com to claim yours while supplies last! Brought to you by: • DrivingToday.com • Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance. • EMLandsea.com, publisher of Dance in the Dark. So we have a lot of show 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, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com Keywords automotive news, Corvette ZR1, Dodge Durango, Ram Trucks, Honda Civic Hybrid, Acura MDX, Toyota Crown Signia, Land Cruiser, performance SUVs, electric vehicles Summary In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss the latest automotive news, including the impressive performance figures of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 and the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    44 min
  • 2025 Kia K4 Hits the Road Running; Will It Make Sedans Relevant Again?

    2025 Kia K4 Hits the Road Running; Will It Make Sedans Relevant Again?
    Dec 21 2024
    The 2025 Kia K4 compact sedan takes center stage in this episode as Host Jack Nerad gives its two key versions thorough test drives and sits down with its chief product planner, Kia America’s Young Kim, in an exclusive interview to unpack its bold features and market potential. A finalist for North American Car of the Year, the 2025 Kia K4 offers a bold exterior design and feature-rich interior. As the successor to the Kia Forte, the K4 blends fastback-inspired styling with a wide, confident stance. The K4 is powered by a choice of two engines: a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. Key exterior elements include vertically oriented LED headlights, a sleek roofline with hidden rear door handles, and an available GT-Line Turbo trim featuring sporty gloss black accents and 18-inch alloy wheels. Its larger dimensions contribute to its class-leading interior space, including a remarkable 38 inches of rear legroom. Inside, the K4 leads the segment with cutting-edge technology, including a segment-first 30-inch digital display that integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment screen. In this week’s road tests, Jack Nerad takes us behind the wheel of the eminently likable 2025 Volvo S60 T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid Ultra. Combining luxury, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable performance, the S60 T8 features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. With an 18.8 kWh battery, it offers an impressive 41-mile all-electric range and achieves a 74 MPGe efficiency rating. Across the country, Co-Host Chris Teague sums up his lengthy stint in the 2025 Honda Odyssey, a vehicle that continues to set a benchmark for family-friendly minivans. With its refreshed exterior design and spacious interior, the Odyssey provides seating for up to eight passengers and exceptional cargo space, making it ideal for families like Chris’s as Christmas looms. Under the hood, its time-tested 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers smooth performance and reasonable fuel efficiency. Special features include Honda's Magic Slide second-row seats for flexibility, a rear entertainment system with built-in streaming apps, and CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology. Teague will have more in his full report. Driving News In the news this week, Honda is reigniting excitement among enthusiasts with the revival of its iconic Prelude nameplate. This time, the legendary coupe returns as a hybrid-electric sports car, blending Honda’s celebrated performance heritage with forward-looking electrification. But will it win the hearts of longtime Prelude enthusiasts? Chris and Jack will offer their thoughts. Porsche is celebrating 50 years of turbocharging innovation with a special four-part YouTube series that explores the legacy of its groundbreaking engineering. From motorsport dominance to iconic series production models, the series delves into the history and evolution of Porsche’s Turbo technology, and we’ll have the details on where and when to watch. As we close in on Christmas, Ford injects a dose of holiday cheer with the whimsical Ranger Raptor North Edition, a concept explicitly designed for Santa Claus. Packed with creative features like a heated hot chocolate holder and an infinity load box for presents, this playful (and fictional) concept blends humor with Ford’s signature engineering prowess. Toyota has decided to make its 2025 bZ4X electric SUV more enticing with significant updates, including a reduced list price. We’ll tell you more. Listener Question of the Week “Are adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems worth it?” Jack and Chris share their pros and cons to help you decide. Special Offer Jack is gifting free copies of his book, The GR Factor: Unleashing the Undeniable Power of the Golden Rul...
    Voir plus Voir moins
    44 min