{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Canyon-Carving CUV: 2025 Mazda CX5 Slices Up San Diego County","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/canyon-carving-cuv-2025-mazda-cx5-slices-up-san-diego-county","audioUrl":"https://media.blubrry.com/america_on_the_road/mc.blubrry.com/america_on_the_road/AOTR_Episode_270_8-16-2025EDIT.mp3?awCollectionId=1236214&awEpisodeId=11695167&aw_0_azn.pgenre=Leisure&aw_0_1st.ri=blubrry&aw_0_azn.pcountry=US&aw_0_azn.planguage=en&cat_exclude=IAB1-8%2CIAB1-9%2CIAB7-41%2CIAB8-5%2CIAB8-18%2CIAB11-4%2CIAB23%2CIAB24%2CIAB25%2CIAB26&aw_0_cnt.rss=https%3A%2F%2Fdrivingtoday.com%2Ffeed%2Fpodcast%2F","description":"This week’s episode of America on the Road brings two all-new models to the forefront, both playing in dramatically different corners of the automotive spectrum — the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. Mildly refreshed for 2025, the CX-5 is a compact SUV that continues to punch above its weight with upscale styling, responsive driving dynamics, and an even more premium interior this year.\nMazda hasn’t radically altered the CX-5’s formula, but the updates include a sleeker front fascia, more tech inside, and a Carbon Edition trim that hits the sweet spot between luxury and value. During his weeklong road test of the SUV, Host Jack Nerad spent a weekend putting the fun-to-drive CX-5 through its paces over the twisty roads of eastern San Diego County, where it proved once again why it’s a perennial favorite among compact SUV shoppers and car journalists alike.\nOn the other end of the spectrum is the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, an all-electric three-row SUV that aims directly at the heart of the American family vehicle market. Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 9 is large, loaded, and luxurious, with a spacious interior and cutting-edge technology. Guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo breaks down how this EV stacks up on the road, particularly in terms of range, ride comfort, and usability for larger families. Is this the long-awaited Tesla Model X alternative? Tune in to find out.\nThis week’s special guest is Frank Hanley, Senior Director at J.D. Power. He joins the show to talk about the latest findings from the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, with a particular focus on how quality benchmarks are shifting in 2025. Hanley shares insights on which automakers are hitting the mark and which are falling behind as new tech becomes standard and customer expectations continue to rise.\nDriving News\nFord’s $5 Billion EV Gamble: Did the Revolution Fall Short?\nPromising a “Model T Moment,” Ford doubled down this week on battery-electric vehicles, announcing a$5 billion investment aimed at revitalizing its EV efforts after cooling enthusiasm and slower-than-expected sales. The new plan involves nearly 4,000 jobs and renewed focus on its Louisville Assembly Plant and BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan.\nGM Reboots Autonomous Ambitions After Cruise Meltdown
\nIn a surprising move, General Motors is reviving its self-driving initiative following the well-publicized issues with its Cruise autonomous vehicle operation closed down. The pivot includes a shift in leadership and a new business model that could either reset the playing field or repeat past mistakes.\nMercury Insurance Names Most Affordable Cars to Insure for 2025
\nMercury Insurance has released its annual list of the most cost-effective vehicles to insure, revealing some surprises for value-conscious drivers. Chevrolet is among the brands that continue to rank highly thanks to its straightforward designs and strong parts availability.\nDodge Muscles Up Durango for 2026\nFor 2026, Dodge is going full muscle by making a V8 standard across the entire Durango lineup, from the base GT to the 710-horsepower Hellcat. The new 5.7-liter HEMI in the GT delivers a big jump in power and towing, while the R/T now features the 475-horsepower 392 HEMI under $50K. At the top, the Hellcat returns with a Jailbreak customization package and retains its crown as the most powerful gas SUV ever built.\nListener Question of the Week\nThis week’s listener question comes from Jinnie in Park City, Utah, who asks: ““I think my car needs some attention and I’m not sure what to do about it. Should I go to the dealership for service or find a local mechanic?” Jack and Matt share some practical advice, including the best times to go to a dealer and the best ways to find a good independent mechanic you can trust.\nCheck Out Matt’s Book:\nPick 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.\nCheck Out Jack’s Newest Crime Novel:\nJack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.\nThanks 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.\nAmerica on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Only One Thing Stays the Same, which is available HERE on Amazon.com\n \n \n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":128.78,"endTime":136.86,"type":"car","title":"Ford Model T","url":"/cars/ford/model-t","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/1924_Ford_Model_T_Flivver_IAA_2023_1X7A0610.jpg","quote":"...tory you find most interesting, Matt? I think the Model T thing moment is going to be a big talking point f...","canonicalId":"car:ford:model t","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":181.58,"endTime":184.94,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Ioniq 9","url":"/cars/hyundai/ioniq-9","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9e/26_Hyundai_Ioniq_9_Limited_%28cropped%29.jpg","quote":"... for this week? It's going to be the all-electric Ioniq 9 from Hyundai. It's a three-row, full-size SUV.","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:ioniq 9","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"HJUdall (CC0)"}},{"startTime":191.5,"endTime":196.78,"type":"car","title":"Mazda Cx5","url":"/cars/mazda/cx-5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/2017_Mazda_CX-5_%28KF%29_Maxx_2WD_wagon_%282018-11-02%29_01.jpg","quote":"I think it's interesting and I can't wait to hear your take on it. Matt, my test vehicle this week is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition. It's one of the most cost-effective vehicles I've driven this year.","canonicalId":"car:mazda:cx-5","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"EurovisionNim (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":292.14,"endTime":296.74,"type":"car","title":"Ford Maverick","url":"/cars/ford/maverick","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/1972_Ford_Maverick_Sprint_%28616806978%29.jpg","quote":"...ab pickup in two years when they already have the Maverick. You know, I I'm not inclined to give them a pass...","canonicalId":"car:ford:maverick","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":669.54,"endTime":673.42,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Silverado","url":"/cars/chevrolet/silverado","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/04/2022_Chevrolet_Silverado_1500_Z71.png","quote":"...olet Colorado LT tops the list of trucks than the Silverado C3500. Ford is there with the Maverick, aforement...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:silverado","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":676.38,"endTime":680.02,"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":"...e with the Maverick, aforementioned Maverick, the Ranger pickup, the F-150, and F-350 Super Duty. Those ar...","canonicalId":"car:ford:ranger","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":676.38,"endTime":680.02,"type":"car","title":"Ford F150","url":"/cars/ford/f-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"Ford is there with the Maverick, aforementioned Maverick, the Ranger pickup, the F-150, and F-350 Super Duty. Those are all fairly clear ones.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":676.38,"endTime":680.02,"type":"car","title":"Ford F350","url":"/cars/ford/f-350","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/%2708-%2710_Ford_F-350_Super_Duty_FX4_Regular_Cab.jpg","quote":"Ford is there with the Maverick, aforementioned Maverick, the Ranger pickup, the F-150, and F-350 Super Duty. Those are all fairly clear ones.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-350","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":683.74,"endTime":688.3,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Tundra","url":"/cars/toyota/tundra","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/2007-Toyota-Tundra-DC-1.jpg","quote":"...undai Santa Cruz is on the list, as is the Toyota Tundra and the Tacoma. So that's covered up pretty well.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:tundra","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":683.74,"endTime":688.3,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Tacoma","url":"/cars/toyota/tacoma","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Second_Gen_Toyota_Tacoma_on_Snowy_Mountain_-_2019.jpg","quote":"...z is on the list, as is the Toyota Tundra and the Tacoma. So that's covered up pretty well.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:tacoma","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Noah Wulf (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":683.74,"endTime":688.3,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Santa","url":"/cars/hyundai/santa-fe","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/2024_Hyundai_Santa_Fe_%28MX5%29_IMG_5295.jpg","quote":"Those are all fairly clear ones. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is on the list, as is the Toyota Tundra and ...","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:santa fe","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":683.74,"endTime":688.3,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Santa Cruz","url":"/cars/hyundai/santa-cruz","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/2022_Hyundai_Santa_Cruz_2.5T_Limited_%28United_States%29_front_view_%28cropped%29.jpg","quote":"Those are all fairly clear ones. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is on the list, as is the Toyota Tundra and the T...","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:santa cruz","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Zeometric (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":772.5,"endTime":774.86,"type":"car","title":"Challenger Hellcat","url":"/cars/dodge/challenger","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Dodge_Challenger_%281970%29_Hirschaid-20220709-RM-115601.jpg","quote":"...f stuff there like that a lot. And of course, the Hellcat we had is just terrific and also very effectively...","canonicalId":"car:challenger:","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":781.86,"endTime":785.82,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Ioniq","url":"/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Hyundai_Ioniq_5.jpg","quote":"...hicle you're testing. I'm driving I've driven the Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric three row SUV and I will be testing th...","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:ioniq 5","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":1122.78,"endTime":1125.46,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Tahoe","url":"/cars/chevrolet/tahoe","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/00-06_Chevrolet_Tahoe.jpg","quote":"...SUV, as a full size SUV. Well, it's it's no Chevy Tahoe. That's that is not it is not I was driving a veh...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:tahoe","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":1206.26,"endTime":1210.38,"type":"car","title":"Mazda Cx50","url":"/cars/mazda/cx-50","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4b/2023_Mazda_CX-50_GT_in_Zircon_Sand_Metallic%2C_Front_Left%2C_06-18-2022.jpg","quote":"I mean, what's your kind of overall take on CX-5 and the carbon addition in it specifically? Well, I like that vehicle and I thought, you know, when they brought out the CX-50, that that it wasn't going to be long for the world.","canonicalId":"car:mazda:cx-50","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Elise240SX (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2139.14,"endTime":2140.7,"type":"car","title":"Cadillac Lyric","url":"/cars/cadillac/lyriq","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ea/Cadillac_Lyriq%2C_Auto_2024%2C_Zurich_%28PANA0503%29.jpg","quote":"...w, OPTIQ came out this year, did much better than Lyric when it launched. So, you know, definitely a good...","canonicalId":"car:cadillac:lyriq","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}},{"startTime":2187.06,"endTime":2188.58,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Camry","url":"/cars/toyota/camry","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/%28USA-Massachusetts%29_Private_Toyota_Camry_NJ-Z22UKZ_rear_2024-06-06.jpg","quote":"launches this year. I mean, Camry came out this year. Obviously a very big volume v...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:camry","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"S5A-0043 (CC BY 2.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Jack Nerad - Host","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/canyon-carving-cuv-2025-mazda-cx5-slices-up-san-diego-county/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}