2025 Toyota GR Supra, 2025 Ford Explorer ST: Performance-Packed Road Test Duo
About this episode
A thrilling road test of the 2025 Toyota GR Supra and the 2026 Ford Explorer ST highlights their performance and features. The hosts discuss Tesla's new rental program aimed at boosting EV demand amid executive departures, and the impact of a government shutdown on the automotive industry. They also introduce exciting upcoming models from Nissan, Kia, and Jeep, while a special guest shares insights on the 2026 Honda Prelude, emphasizing its hybrid powertrain and modern design. The episode blends news, reviews, and expert opinions, making it a rich listen for automotive enthusiasts.
This week on America on the Road, co-hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague take on the latest headlines, including Tesla’s new rental-car gamble, auto industry shake-ups, and major new vehicle debuts ahead of the LA Auto Show. In our road test segment, Jack gets behind the wheel of a true enthusiast’s dream car, the 2025 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium, while Chris tests the potent yet family-ready 2025 Ford Explorer ST. In our exclusive interview, we welcome Jonathan Yu, Product Expert for the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude, who shares insights on the return of one of Honda’s most iconic nameplates.
🏎️ Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2025 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium MTJack takes the rear-wheel-drive sports car for a spin in its purest form with a 6-speed manual transmission. Powered by a potent 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, the Supra blends BMW precision with Toyota tuning to deliver a focused and rewarding driving experience. Jack breaks down the updates, the real-world ride feel, and why this car is more than just a rebadged Z4. For one thing, it has a solid roof.
🚙 Chris Teague Test-Drives the 2025 Ford Explorer STChris reviews the updated Ford Explorer ST, powered by a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. From its sharp handling to its tech-packed interior featuring Ford’s latest infotainment system, this SUV brings serious performance to the three-row segment. Chris dives into its on-road personality, cargo-toting prowess, and whether the ST is worth the upgrade for power-hungry families.
🎙️ Special Guest Interview: Jonathan Yu – 2026 Honda PreludeJack sits down with Honda’s Jonathan Yu to talk about the highly anticipated return of the Honda Prelude, a vehicle that was lost for a generation. The conversation covers the inspiration behind the new model, its hybrid powertrain, performance ambitions, and how it fits into Honda’s electrification strategy without losing its sporty edge.
📰 This Week’s Headlines• Tesla Rolls Out Daily Rental Program Amid Executive Exodus
Tesla is now offering $60-per-day rentals in California to boost EV interest, even as two top executives responsible for the Cybertruck and Model Y leave the company. As Jack and Chris point out, this is a symptom of a bigger issue.
• FAA Staffing Crisis Turns Travelers to Car Rentals
The just-ended government shutdowns and air traffic controller shortages pushed travelers toward road trips, spiking one-way car rentals by 30%.
• 2026 Nissan Sentra Debuts with Bold Tech and Looks
From dual 12.3-inch displays to Zero Gravity seats and a luxe new SL trim, Nissan is giving the Sentra a serious glow-up as it tries to pull itself up.
• 2027 Kia Telluride Redesign Adds Luxury and Ruggedness
Longer, taller, and more tech-forward, the second-gen Telluride gets a vertical light signature, trail-ready X-Pro trim, and a reimagined interior.
• 2026 Jeep Compass Simplifies Lineup, Adds Value
Jeep’s smallest SUV streamlines to three trims, adds standard features, and debuts fresh paint options like ‘41 Green and Joose.
📩 Listener Question of the Week:Anton from Bend, OR asks: “What’s the real-world range of EVs compared to EPA estimates?” Jack and Chris unpack the differences between EPA ratings and actual driving conditions and what buyers should realistically expect.
📚 Jack’s Newest BookJack’s crime novel Only One Thing Stays the Same is available now in paperback and eBook. You’ll find purchase links in the show notes.
🎧 Where to Listen:Catch America on the Road on one of the Sports Byline Radio Network stations each week and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble. Don’t forget to follow us for new-car reviews, guest interviews, and auto industry insights every week.
🎙️ HostsJack Nerad — Award-winning auto journalist and author of Only One Thing Stays the Same
Chris Teague — Longtime auto critic and journalist
📢 Presented by• DrivingToday.com
• EMLandsea.com
• Mercury Insurance – Switch today and save. Californians save an average of $670.
Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.
📨 Email: [email protected]
Check Out 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 Price for Jack’s Newest Crime Novel:Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a 67%-off price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.
Kia
"We'll have a new Nissan, a new Kia, and a new Jeep to talk about when we come back."
Kia makes cars that are popular in many countries, such as the Sportage SUV and the Optima sedan.
Kia is a South Korean automaker that produces vehicles like the Optima, Sportage, and Telluride.
2026 Ford Explorer ST
"I spent the week driving the 2026 Ford Explorer ST. It's the sporty version."
It’s a newer Ford SUV that has been made sportier with better handling and looks. It’s like the regular Explorer but with a few extra upgrades for fun driving.
The 2026 Ford Explorer ST is a sport‑tuned version of the midsize SUV, featuring upgraded suspension, styling cues, and performance enhancements over the standard Explorer.
Honda Prelude
"[154.9s] Jonathan, you is the expert on the 2026 Honda Prelude."
The Prelude is a small, fast-looking car that Honda made for many years. A new 2026 version would be a fresh, updated model with modern features but still look like the classic sporty car.
The Honda Prelude is a compact sports coupe that was produced from 1978 to 2001. A 2026 model would be a modern revival, likely featuring updated styling, technology, and performance while maintaining the car’s sporty heritage.
$60 per day rental program
"Tesla is rolling out a new $60 per day rental program in California. And it's trying to revive electric vehicle demand."
This is a deal where you can rent a Tesla for $60 every day, so people can try it out without buying one.
A program that allows customers to rent a vehicle for $60 each day, typically aimed at increasing usage and exposure of the car.
federal tax credits
"since the federal tax credits have gone away. I think they're trying to do what they can to crank up interest in the Model 3 and Model Y."
Federal tax credits let people pay less in taxes when they buy an electric car, making it cheaper overall.
Federal tax credits are government incentives that reduce the amount of taxes owed by buyers of qualifying electric vehicles.
Tesla Model Y
"... they can to crank up interest in the Model 3 and Model Y. You can rent these for $60 a day, which doesn't..."
Tesla Model 3
"...g to do what they can to crank up interest in the Model 3 and Model Y. You can rent these for $60 a day, w..."
supercharger access
"They give them unlimited mileage, supercharger access, and up to $250 on the rental fee can go toward a future purchase."
It means you can charge the car fast at special Tesla stations, so you don’t have to wait long for power.
Supercharger access refers to the ability to use Tesla’s high‑speed charging stations, allowing quick recharging of electric vehicles.
unlimited mileage
"They give them unlimited mileage, supercharger access, and up to $250 on the rental fee can go toward a future purchase."
It lets you drive the car as far as you like without paying more for each mile.
Unlimited mileage means renters can drive the vehicle as much as they want without incurring extra charges for distance traveled.
Tesla Cybertruck
"And Aswasti was developing the Cybertruck and then took over the Model 3."
The Cybertruck is a futuristic electric truck made by Tesla, designed to be tough and fast.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck with a distinctive angular design, announced by Tesla in 2019.
electric vehicles
"I agree. I think smart people are looking at this and saying, electric vehicles are a very tough market to be in alone."
Electric cars run on electricity stored in batteries, so they don’t use gasoline or diesel. They’re quieter and produce no tail‑pipe emissions.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered entirely or partially by electric motors and rechargeable batteries instead of internal combustion engines.
shift from all-electric future
"And we might be seeing a shift from this all-electric future that so many people talk about."
Some experts think that instead of only electric cars, the market might include hybrids or other types of vehicles in the future.
The discussion refers to a possible change in the automotive industry’s focus away from a future dominated solely by electric vehicles toward a more diversified mix of powertrains.
Nissan Sentra
"... It's had some tough times, but I think the 2026 Sentra is probably a big step in the right direction. T..."
compact car segment
"I think that this is a real good step in the right direction for them in a very important segment, or the compact car segment."
Compact cars are the smaller, more affordable cars people drive daily. They’re easy to park and usually use less gas.
The compact car segment refers to small, fuel-efficient vehicles that are popular for city driving and everyday use.
round-view monitor with moving object detection
"and a round-view monitor with moving object detection, which is really, really cool"
This camera system shows you everything around the car, so you can see if anything is moving nearby.
A round-view monitor is a camera-based system that provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, often with software to detect moving objects like pedestrians or cyclists.
Android Auto
"Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard"
Android Auto lets Android phone users use apps and maps on the car’s screen.
Android Auto is Google’s equivalent to Apple CarPlay, allowing Android phone users to access apps and navigation on the car’s display.
Apple CarPlay
"Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard"
Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone’s features, like maps and music, on the car’s screen.
Apple CarPlay is a system that lets iPhone users access apps, maps, music, and messages directly on the car’s infotainment screen.
zero-gravity seats
"Should have been standard for a long time, and they have those wonderful zero-gravity seats"
These seats feel like you’re floating, making it easier to sit comfortably for a long time.
Zero-gravity seats are designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body, reducing fatigue and improving comfort during long drives.
ProPilot assist
"so just filled with stuff, including the ProPilot assist and all that kind of stuff, so pretty cool stuff."
ProPilot Assist is a safety feature that helps you keep your car in its lane and at a safe distance from the vehicle in front, making driving easier and safer.
ProPilot Assist is an advanced driver‑assist system that combines adaptive cruise control, lane‑centering, and automated braking to help keep a vehicle safely following the car ahead while staying centered in its lane.
Willys Jeep
"...ant vehicle to talk about too, and it is the 2026 Jeep Compass. You would think that Jeep would be a be..."
compact SUV
"right, the compact SUV."
A compact SUV is a small sport‑utility vehicle that’s easy to drive and park but still has plenty of room for passengers and gear.
A compact SUV is a small crossover vehicle that blends car-like handling with the higher seating position and cargo space of an SUV.
Toyota Rav4
"...l in the segment, right? It competes against the RAV4 and the CR-V, and then you have the Compass, whi..."
three-wheel vehicle
"[884.2s] three-wheel vehicle. [885.5s] Jack, what did you think of the ride quality and maybe the interior sound level of all this, [889.8s] you know, while you're going?"
A three‑wheel vehicle is a car that has only three wheels instead of the usual four. They’re usually smaller and can be fun to drive, but they don’t always follow the same rules as regular cars.
A three-wheel vehicle is a motorized transport with only three wheels, often used for lightweight or niche applications. They can offer unique handling characteristics but may have different safety and regulatory standards compared to four‑wheel cars.
Dodge Durango Dodge
"I don't think there's this big burble or anything like that. When I was driving the Durango, Dodge Durango, quite a different kind of take than the ST from Ford. Yeah, you're right."
rear sway bar
"You also get a rear sway bar, sport tires, and 20-inch wheels."
It helps keep the car steady when you turn, so it doesn’t lean too much to one side.
A rear sway bar is a suspension component that reduces body roll during cornering by linking the left and right wheels.
sport tires
"You also get a rear sway bar, sport tires, and 20-inch wheels."
They give the car more traction on the road, especially when you drive fast or take sharp turns.
Sport tires are designed for better grip and handling, often with a softer rubber compound than standard tires.
20-inch wheels
"You also get a rear sway bar, sport tires, and 20-inch wheels."
They’re the round parts that hold the tires; 20 inches is a common size for performance cars.
20‑inch wheels refer to the diameter of the wheel rims; larger wheels can improve handling but may affect ride comfort.
21-inch wheels
"I think 21-inch wheels, excuse me, with the package that my vehicle came with."
They’re just a bit bigger than the 20‑inch wheels, giving the car a sportier appearance.
21‑inch wheels are slightly larger than 20‑inch, offering a more aggressive look and potentially better grip.
Sync 4 infotainment system
"You have buttons for the heated and ventilated seats, although a lot of it is still integrated with the Sync 4 infotainment system."
It’s the computer inside the car that lets you play music, get directions, and control things like seat heat from a big screen.
Sync 4 is Ford’s latest in-car entertainment and connectivity platform, featuring a larger touchscreen, improved voice control, and integration with smartphones.
Toyota Supra
"...d the guy next to me was parked in, had a Toyota Supra, and he was kind of lording the fact that he had ..."
manual transmission
"With an available manual transmission..."
With a manual gearbox you move the gear stick to change gears and use a clutch pedal to stop the engine from moving while shifting. It gives you more control over how the car accelerates.
A manual transmission requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick, offering direct control over engine speed and torque.
zero to 60
"A zero to 60 comes in 4.2 seconds versus 3.9 seconds, but I don't know about you, Chris."
It’s a way to measure how fast a car can go from stop to 60 miles per hour; lower numbers mean faster acceleration.
A performance metric indicating how many seconds it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from stationary to 60 miles per hour.
Toyota Corolla
"... got spoiled by the short throw shifter in my GR Corolla. The GR Supra is a little bit longer throw, but m..."
Honda Civic Type-R
"... Plus shift that debuts on this vehicle, plus the Civic Type R suspension and Rambo brakes as well. So innovati..."
Volkswagen Golf
"... on a long trip. You can fit two to three sets of golf clubs probably in the rear. You can put full siz..."
torque
"talk about torque and why that's important. I mean, we do talk about it on the show... but I'm not sure people see a horsepower figure. They kind of get that, I guess, but I'm sure that they're not up to speed on what torque does for them."
It’s the power that helps a car get moving fast from a standstill, like how hard you can push a bike to start rolling.
Torque is the rotational force a vehicle’s engine produces, determining how quickly it can accelerate from a stop.
MSRP
"MSRP, has it been priced? It's around $42,000"
MSRP is the price the car company says you should pay for a new car before any sales talk or discounts.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, the price a dealer is expected to charge before any discounts or negotiations.
Polestar 4
"...Polestar people a couple of weeks back during the Polestar 4 introduction, they emphasized the fact of real w..."
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