2026 Land Rover Defender Octa: Ultimate Defender Takes on Maine Winter
About this episode
The episode dives into the automotive landscape as the hosts discuss the 2026 Land Rover Defender Octa, exploring its performance in harsh winter conditions. They also analyze the shifting trends in vehicle purchases, with more consumers leaning towards used and certified pre-owned vehicles due to high new car prices. The conversation touches on the challenges facing the electric vehicle market, including the discontinuation of several models and changing regulations in Canada. Insights into the current state of auto sales and market predictions add depth to the discussion.
This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague deliver two very different road tests: a long look at the ultimate Land Rover Defender and an in-depth examination of the Honda CR-V TrailSport. In addition, they conduct a timely interview on Kia’s newest compact car and take a clear-eyed look at where the auto market is heading in 2026.
🚙 Chris Teague Drives the Land Rover Defender OctaChris tests the most extreme Defender ever built. The 2026 Defender Octa combines a 626-horsepower twin-turbo V8 with advanced 6D Dynamics suspension and real off-road hardware. It delivers supercar-level acceleration, serious trail capability, and a six-figure price that reflects its flagship status.
🚗 Jack Nerad Drives the Honda CR-V TrailSportJack reviews Honda’s most adventure-focused CR-V yet. Offered exclusively as a hybrid with standard all-wheel drive, the 2026 CR-V TrailSport adds traction, torque, and rugged style without sacrificing efficiency or everyday comfort. Jack explains what Honda changed and who this TrailSport is really for.
🎙️ Special Guest: Inside the New Kia K4 HatchbackJack talks with Yung Kim, Senior Product Manager at Kia America, about the all-new Kia K4 Hatchback. They discuss why compact cars still matter, how the K4 fits today’s market, and what buyers can expect in design, technology, and value.
📰 This Week’s Automotive News • Americans Shift Toward Used and CPO VehiclesWith new-car prices still high, more buyers are choosing used and certified pre-owned vehicles for lower payments and reduced risk.
• EV Market Recalibrates for 2026Several electric vehicles are being discontinued as automakers refocus on hybrids and models with stronger mainstream demand.
• Canada Drops National EV Sales MandateCanada replaces its EV quota with stricter emissions standards, signaling a move away from forced timelines. Kind of.
• Analysts More Optimistic About Auto SalesEasing rates, better inventories, and tax-refund season are improving expectations for a steadier 2026.
📩 Listener Question of the WeekLeonardo from Davis, California, asks:
“With cars as expensive as they are now, what maintenance items do people forget until it’s too late?”
Jack and Chris share practical advice that can save drivers money over the long haul.
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📚 Jack Nerad’s New BookJack’s crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon — currently at a post-Christmas sale price.
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Check Out Matt DeLorenzo’s Book:Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance
Special Price for Jack’s Newest Crime NovelJack 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.
Land Rover Range Rover
"... Yeah and you are well schooled in Land Rover so Range Rover and all that stuff so I'm curious as to your tak..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can handle rough terrains while also being very comfortable inside. People talk about it because it's both a tough vehicle for adventures and a stylish car for city driving.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. It has been a symbol of status and adventure since its introduction in 1970, often discussed for its blend of ruggedness and refinement.
Honda Crv
"...that's far less expensive than Honda CR-V Trail Sport for 2026 so stay with us for that..."
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV, and the TrailSport version is designed to handle rougher terrains better than the standard model. The 2026 version will have new features to improve your driving experience.
The Honda CR-V TrailSport is a variant of the popular CR-V compact SUV, designed for off-road capability and rugged aesthetics. The 2026 model year introduces new features and enhancements for better performance and comfort.
Kia K4
"...young Kim will be telling us about the Kia K4 hatchback so string along with us..."
The Kia K4 is a hatchback, which means it has a rear door that swings upward for easy access to the trunk. It's designed to be affordable and stylish for everyday driving.
The Kia K4 hatchback is a compact car that offers a blend of practicality and modern design. It is aimed at consumers looking for an affordable yet stylish vehicle.
new car transaction prices
"...new vehicle prices are still near record highs so more buyers are turning to used vehicles and certified pre-owned vehicles. We've seen that in early 2026. The new car transaction prices of about $50,000..."
New car transaction prices are the final prices that people pay when they buy a new car. This can be more than just the sticker price because it includes extra costs like taxes and fees.
New car transaction prices refer to the actual sale prices that buyers pay for new vehicles, which can include dealer fees, taxes, and other costs. These prices are often higher than the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) due to demand and market conditions.
certified pre-owned vehicles
"...more buyers are turning to used vehicles and certified pre-owned vehicles. We've seen that in early 2026. The new car transaction prices of about $50,000..."
Certified pre-owned vehicles are used cars that have been checked and approved by the manufacturer or dealer. They usually come with a warranty, so buyers can feel more secure about their purchase.
Certified pre-owned vehicles are used cars that have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or a dealer. They often come with extended warranties and other benefits, making them a popular choice for buyers looking for reliability at a lower price than new cars.
Kelly Blue Book
"According to Kelly Blue Book, I think you know something about Kelly Blue Book there..."
Kelly Blue Book is a website that helps people find out how much cars are worth. It's a trusted source for checking prices of new and used cars.
Kelly Blue Book is a vehicle valuation and automotive research company that provides information about car prices, including new and used vehicles. It's widely used by buyers and sellers to determine fair market value.
CPO vehicles
"Well we've been preaching the benefits of used vehicles and CPO vehicles for years now..."
CPO vehicles are used cars that have been checked and approved by the manufacturer. They usually come with a warranty, so you know you're getting a reliable car.
CPO stands for Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, which are used cars that have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by a manufacturer or other certifying authority. They often come with a warranty and other benefits, making them a safer choice for buyers.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"...we've talked about the Ford F-150 Lightning. The Acura ZDX is apparently going away."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a fully electric truck that can carry heavy loads and drive long distances without using gas. It's part of Ford's effort to make electric vehicles more popular.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of the popular F-150 pickup truck. It combines the utility of a traditional truck with electric power, offering features like rapid acceleration and advanced technology.
Acura Zdx
"...The Acura ZDX is apparently going away."
The Acura ZDX is a luxury SUV that was designed to be electric. It's known for its stylish look and high-end features, but it is being discontinued.
The Acura ZDX is a luxury crossover SUV that was Acura's first attempt at an electric vehicle. It features a unique design and aims to compete in the premium electric vehicle market.
Genesis Electrify G80
"The Genesis Electrify G80. The Nissan Aria, the one I always have trouble pronouncing..."
The Genesis Electrify G80 is a luxury electric car that offers a comfortable ride and high-end features.
The Genesis Electrify G80 is an electric version of the G80 luxury sedan from Genesis, known for its upscale features and performance.
BMW M3
"... is apparently going away. The Genesis Electrify G80. The Nissan Aria, the one I always have trouble ..."
The M3 is a super sporty version of a regular BMW car that goes really fast and handles well on the road. It's popular among car enthusiasts because it combines luxury with exciting performance.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, celebrated for its sporty handling and powerful engines. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is often discussed for its thrilling driving experience and iconic status in the automotive world.
Nissan Aria
"The Nissan Ariya, the one I always have trouble pronouncing, but I think I got it right this time."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan that offers a stylish design and modern features.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover SUV that combines modern design with advanced technology and performance.
Tata Motors Aria
"The Genesis Electrify G80. The Nissan Aria, the one I always have trouble pronouncing, but I..."
The Tata Aria is a spacious vehicle that can carry many people and is good for families. It's mentioned because it's part of Tata's attempt to make a versatile car for everyday use.
The Tata Motors Aria is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was designed for the Indian market, offering a blend of space and utility. Although it didn't achieve widespread popularity, it is often mentioned in discussions about Tata's efforts to enter the competitive MPV segment.
Tesla Model S
"And then Tesla's Model S and Model X are going away too."
The Tesla Model S is a high-end electric car that offers fast acceleration and a lot of tech features.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury all-electric sedan known for its high performance, long range, and advanced technology features.
electric vehicles
"So we're seeing a lot of electric vehicles fall by the wayside here."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline, making them more environmentally friendly.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or primarily by electricity, offering an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Tesla Model X
"...ing maybe the end of the line anyway, I would say Model X, for example, from Tesla. I am curious to see yo..."
The Model X is an electric SUV from Tesla that has cool doors that open up like wings. It's popular because it's environmentally friendly and packed with high-tech features.
The Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and advanced technology features. It has garnered attention for its performance, range, and the innovative approach Tesla takes towards electric vehicles.
autonomy
"Well, Tesla's an interesting case because we've talked, you know, they might not be focusing on making cars for the future here. They might be going into autonomy and things..."
Autonomy means that a car can drive itself without needing a person to control it.
Autonomy in vehicles refers to the ability of a car to drive itself without human intervention, often associated with advanced driver-assistance systems and self-driving technology.
Toyota bZ4X
"...it took a while to get the BZ4X out the door. And even then, it felt like they were just kind of putting something out there to see what happened with it."
The Toyota BZ4X is a new electric SUV from Toyota. It's their first major step into making fully electric cars, and it's designed to compete with other electric vehicles on the market.
The Toyota BZ4X is an all-electric SUV that marks Toyota's entry into the electric vehicle market. It features a modern design and is part of Toyota's broader strategy to expand its electric vehicle offerings.
plug-in hybrids
"They're incentivizing plug-in hybrids and EVs without incentivizing regular hybrids or any more fuel efficient gas vehicles."
Plug-in hybrids are cars that use both gas and electricity. You can charge them like an electric car, and they can drive a longer distance using just electricity before switching to gas.
Plug-in hybrids are vehicles that can run on both gasoline and electricity. They have a larger battery than regular hybrids, allowing them to be charged from an external power source and drive longer distances on electric power alone.
EVs
"They're incentivizing plug-in hybrids and EVs without incentivizing regular hybrids or any more fuel efficient gas vehicles."
EVs stand for electric vehicles, which are cars that run only on electricity. They don't use gas and are better for the environment because they don't produce pollution from a tailpipe.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that run entirely on electricity instead of gasoline. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are considered more environmentally friendly than traditional vehicles.
Land Rover Defender
"... test vehicle this week, Chris. I drove the 2026 Land Rover Defender Octa. Wow, that sounds cool."
The Defender is a tough vehicle built for off-roading, meaning it can go anywhere, like mountains or muddy trails. It's talked about because it has a long history of being reliable in tough conditions.
The Land Rover Defender is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional capability in challenging terrains. The latest models have modernized the classic design while retaining its adventurous spirit, making it a popular topic among off-road enthusiasts.
Land Rover Defender 130
"But you can get a 130, which is a three row four door version."
The Land Rover Defender 130 is the biggest version of the Defender, with four doors and enough room for three rows of seats. It's great for families or groups.
The Land Rover Defender 130 is the largest variant in the Defender lineup, featuring a three-row seating arrangement for increased passenger capacity. It's designed for families or groups needing more space.
supercharged
"I'm sorry, a supercharged or a twin turbocharged V8. The one I tested had 626 horsepower and 553 pound feet of torque."
Supercharged means the engine has a device that helps it get more air, which makes it more powerful. This allows the car to go faster.
Supercharged refers to an engine that uses a supercharger to increase its power output. A supercharger compresses the air entering the engine, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing horsepower.
pound feet of torque
"The one I tested had 626 horsepower and 553 pound feet of torque. Sent all four wheels through an eight speed automatic transmission."
Pound feet of torque measures how much force the engine can use to turn the wheels. More torque means better acceleration and the ability to pull heavier loads.
Pound feet of torque is a unit of measurement for rotational force. In automotive terms, it indicates how much twisting force an engine can produce, which is important for acceleration and towing capacity.
eight speed automatic transmission
"Sent all four wheels through an eight speed automatic transmission. Now, I will say that this vehicle has multiple drive modes..."
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a system that helps the car change gears automatically. More gears can make the car run smoother and save fuel.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears in a vehicle. It has eight different gear ratios, which can improve fuel efficiency and performance.
drive modes
"Now, I will say that this vehicle has multiple drive modes, including an Octa mode that turns all the controls, all the traction controls off."
Drive modes are different settings in a car that change how it drives. For example, some modes make the car faster or better for off-road driving.
Drive modes are settings in a vehicle that adjust how the car performs under different conditions. They can change the throttle response, steering feel, and other parameters to optimize for comfort, sportiness, or off-road capability.
V8 engine
"...you get a great V8 sound with this engine, as I mentioned, plenty of power. But I actually prefer the smaller engines..."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders that help it produce a lot of power. It's known for its strong performance and distinctive sound.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a 'V' shape. This design is known for producing a powerful sound and high performance, making it popular in sports and luxury vehicles.
four-cylinder engine
"...having driven the six cylinder and owning the four cylinder engine. I think that the tamer engines fit better..."
A four-cylinder engine has four parts that help it run. It's usually smaller and uses less gas than bigger engines, but it doesn't go as fast.
A four-cylinder engine is a type of engine that has four cylinders arranged in a line or in a 'V' configuration. These engines are generally more fuel-efficient and produce less power compared to larger engines like V6 or V8.
six-cylinder engine
"...having driven the six cylinder and owning the four cylinder engine. I think that the tamer engines fit better..."
A six-cylinder engine has six parts that help it run. It offers a good mix of power and fuel savings, making it a popular choice for many cars.
A six-cylinder engine is an engine with six cylinders, which can provide a balance between power and fuel efficiency. This type of engine is often found in mid-range vehicles, offering more power than a four-cylinder while being more efficient than a V8.
powertrain
"...other than the speed, I don't think you get a lot out of this powertrain."
The powertrain is the part of a car that makes it move. It includes the engine and other parts that help send power to the wheels.
The powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It's essential for determining a vehicle's performance and efficiency.
air suspension
"But you still get all the four wheel drive modes in this vehicle, air suspension, with three settings, you get an entry setting so you can climb in and out very easily."
Air suspension uses air-filled bags to support the vehicle instead of metal springs. This makes it possible to change how high or low the car sits, which can help with comfort and handling.
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension that uses air-filled bags instead of traditional metal springs. This allows for adjustable ride height and improved comfort by adapting to different driving conditions and loads.
off-road driving
"And then you get a raised setting for off-road driving."
Off-road driving means taking a vehicle on rough surfaces like dirt or rocks instead of regular roads. Special vehicles are built to handle these tough conditions better than regular cars.
Off-road driving refers to operating a vehicle on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt, mud, sand, or rocky terrain. Vehicles designed for off-road driving typically have features like higher ground clearance, specialized tires, and four wheel drive systems to enhance their capability in challenging environments.
22 inch wheels
"And this vehicle came with 22 inch wheels and all season tires, which for my money is not the best for winter or off-roading."
22 inch wheels are larger wheels that can change how a car looks and drives. Bigger wheels can make a car look sportier, but they might not be as comfortable on rough roads.
22 inch wheels refer to the diameter of the wheel, which can affect a vehicle's handling, ride quality, and appearance. Larger wheels can improve aesthetics but may compromise ride comfort and off-road capability.
all season tires
"And this vehicle came with 22 inch wheels and all season tires, which for my money is not the best for winter or off-roading."
All season tires can handle different weather types, like rain and light snow, making them versatile. However, they might not work as well as special tires in very snowy or off-road situations.
All season tires are designed to perform well in a variety of weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. However, they may not provide the same level of performance as specialized tires in extreme conditions, such as winter or off-road scenarios.
perforated leather
"This one had perforated some really fancy leather name that is escaping me right now, but really high end seats in this vehicle."
Perforated leather is leather with tiny holes in it. These holes help the leather breathe, making it more comfortable to sit on, especially in hot weather.
Perforated leather is leather that has small holes punched into it, allowing for better breathability and comfort, especially in seating. This feature is often found in high-end vehicles to enhance luxury and comfort.
Chevrolet Impala
"...eads and campsite duty. I'll tell you a 68 Chevy Impala can probably do that. His body on train too."
The Impala is a big car that's comfortable for families and has been around for a long time. It's often mentioned because many people have fond memories of driving or riding in one.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that has been a staple in American automotive culture since its debut in 1958. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, it often comes up in discussions about classic cars and family vehicles.
Porsche 917
"...es an hour, but at Le Mans, Vic Alfred's Porsche 917 raged down the Mulsin Strait at 248 miles per hou..."
The Porsche 917 is a famous race car known for being super fast and winning big races. It's often talked about because of its impressive speed and the impact it had on car racing.
The Porsche 917 is a legendary race car that dominated endurance racing in the early 1970s, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Its design and engineering innovations have made it a significant part of automotive history and a favorite among racing enthusiasts.
Ferrari 512
"... hour. The racing pit of the Porsche 917 vs. the Ferrari 512, the fastest road racing ever, and road and trac..."
The Ferrari 512 M is a classic race car that was really fast and stylish. It's talked about because it represents the peak of racing technology from its time.
The Ferrari 512 M is a race car that competed in the World Sports Car Championship in the 1970s, known for its powerful V12 engine and sleek design. It is significant in automotive history for its performance and is often discussed among collectors and racing enthusiasts.
Lucid Gravity
"...So the hatchback body style has a lower center of gravity, actually affords more sporty styling. So we thi..."
The Lucid Gravity is a new electric SUV that promises to be fancy and fast. It's important because it's part of a new wave of electric cars that are trying to be as nice as traditional luxury vehicles.
The Lucid Gravity is an upcoming electric SUV from Lucid Motors, designed to offer luxury and performance in the electric vehicle market. It is significant as it represents the brand's expansion beyond sedans, aiming to compete with established luxury electric SUVs.
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