{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Crossing the Red River to Broken Bow in 2025 Lexus RX 350 F Sport","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/crossing-the-red-river-to-broken-bow-in-2025-lexus-rx-350-f-sport","audioUrl":"https://media.blubrry.com/america_on_the_road/mc.blubrry.com/america_on_the_road/AOTR_Episode_283_Airs_9-6-2025.mp3?awCollectionId=1236214&awEpisodeId=11721258&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":"We kick off this episode with an in-depth review of the 2025 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, a luxury midsize SUV that blends sporty design elements with Lexus’ signature comfort. Host Jack Nerad crossed the Red River to test the RX on a road trip from Dallas to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and came away impressed. The F Sport trim brings sharper exterior styling, a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, and adaptive variable suspension. It doesn’t quite deliver a full-blown performance experience, but it does allow you to keep your Man Card. Inside, the RX maintains Lexus’ high standards for quietness and comfort, with a 14-inch touchscreen, premium materials, and comprehensive safety tech. For those who want a slightly sportier Lexus without sacrificing daily drivability, Jack says the F Sport trim offers just enough edge. We’ll have a full report.\n\n2025 Nissan Frontier: Smarter Tech, Sharper Looks, Same Rugged Attitude\nCo-host Chris Teague reviews the refreshed 2025 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, a midsize pickup that doubles down on its rugged personality with updated styling, enhanced utility, and smarter tech. New exterior elements like a revised grille, front fascia, and Afterburn Orange paint make the PRO-4X stand out from the crowd. Under the hood, the 3.8-liter V6 delivers 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the Pro-4X trim also offers Bilstein shocks, all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and an improved Intelligent Around View Monitor that now functions up to 12 mph in off-road mode. With a boosted maximum tow rating of 7,150 pounds and a larger available 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the 2025 Frontier blends brains and brawn. Should it be your go-to in the segment? Chris and Jack will offer their opinion.\n\n2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: A Tougher, Smarter Redesign\nOur road test extravaganza continues with a review of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, the first full redesign of this iconic SUV in over a decade. Built for serious off-roaders, the TRD Pro now features a 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain producing 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque. The upgrade improves fuel economy by over 20%, while also enhancing trail performance and towing capability. The cabin gets a much-needed tech overhaul, with a 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and improved ergonomics. Although pricey at over $73,000, the 4Runner TRD Pro delivers on Toyota’s reputation for durability and adds new levels of refinement to its legendary capability. But is $73K just too much?\n\n2026 Toyota Grand Highlander: Big Comfort Meets Big Power\nIf the 4Runner TRD Pro is too rich for your wallet, you might prioritize family transport with the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum, the top-tier version of Toyota’s three-row SUV. In Hybrid MAX form, it delivers a punchy 362 horsepower from a turbocharged hybrid system while still offering an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined. Premium features include Ultrasuede seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a full suite of technology, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital rearview mirror, and seven USB-C ports. With second-row captain’s chairs and AWD versatility, the Grand Highlander aims to be both a luxury family hauler and a road-trip-ready powerhouse.\n\nThis Week’s Top News Stories\nRam Brings Back the HEMI
\nRam is resurrecting its 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with eTorque mild-hybrid tech for the 2026 Ram 1500 lineup. Over 10,000 orders were placed within 24 hours of the announcement, and the first units are already shipping to dealers.\nTesla Appeals $242.5 Million Verdict\nTesla is appealing a massive jury verdict related to a fatal 2019 crash involving its Autopilot system. The company argues the crash was due to driver error, not a design flaw, and is seeking to cap punitive damages under Florida law.\nSeven-Year Loans Becoming the Norm\nCar buyers are increasingly turning to seven-year auto loans as vehicle prices skyrocket past $50,000. Over 20% of all new-vehicle financings now span seven years, a sign of worsening affordability in the U.S. car market.\nAudi Eyes 2 Million Sales, Shows Off Concept C
\nAudi is targeting 2 million global sales annually, with a focus on expanding in the U.S. market and possibly building a North American factory. Meanwhile, the company debuted its Concept C, a sleek all-electric two-seat roadster that previews a new design direction.\nListener Question of the Week\nSandra from Mesa, Arizona, asks:
“I’m thinking of buying an EV and I heard that one of the advantages they have is that they are cheaper to maintain. Is that true? Do you think I can save a substantial amount of money on maintenance if I buy one?”\nJack and Chris address Sandra’s question by discussing the lower maintenance needs of EVs—no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and regenerative braking systems that reduce wear. However, they also highlight that battery replacement costs, tire wear, and cooling system maintenance are still important considerations.\nDon’t Miss the Next Episode\nIf you enjoy America on the Road, make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, check out our YouTube and Rumble channels, and spread the word. And don’t forget to send your questions to: editor@drivingtoday.com.\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.\nLook for 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.\n\n \n \n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":164.64,"endTime":168.28,"type":"car","title":"Nissan Frontier","url":"/cars/nissan/frontier","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/2018_Nissan_Frontier_SV.png","quote":"...your two? My first is going to be the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X. I spent the week driving that recently.","canonicalId":"car:nissan:frontier","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"LukaCali (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":187.2,"endTime":190.68,"type":"car","title":"Toyota 4Runner","url":"/cars/toyota/4runner","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/2010_Toyota_4Runner_SR5_--_11-23-2009.jpg","quote":"Broken Bow, Oklahoma. And the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. So tons of show coming up for you.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:4runner","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":313.36,"endTime":322.4,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model S","url":"/cars/tesla/model-s","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/20180630_Tesla_Model_S_70D_2015_midnight_blue_left_front.jpg","quote":"... from a 2019 crash in Key Largo, Florida, where a Model S operating on the autopilot struck and killed a co...","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model s","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Granada (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":950.72,"endTime":953.68,"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":"...things I like about this truck over like the Ford Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma is the decent backseat space...","canonicalId":"car:ford:ranger","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":953.68,"endTime":956.96,"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":"...his truck over like the Ford Ranger or the Toyota Tacoma is the decent backseat space. And it's an upright...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:tacoma","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Noah Wulf (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":967.28,"endTime":970.84,"type":"car","title":"Lucid Gravity","url":"/cars/lucid/gravity","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/Lucid_Gravity%2C_GIMS_2024%2C_Le_Grand-Saconnex_%28GIMS0047-3-RR%29.jpg","quote":"... people across in the back seat and Nissan's zero gravity front seats are extremely comfortable.","canonicalId":"car:lucid:gravity","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}},{"startTime":1214.2,"endTime":1217.96,"type":"car","title":"Rx F Sport","url":"/cars/lexus/rx","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Lexus_RX_350_L_FL_1X7A0345.jpg","quote":"...is kind of you can keep your man card and drive a RX F Sport and that's good. And it's sporty without being in...","canonicalId":"car:rx:","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1472.4,"endTime":1474.96,"type":"car","title":"Honda Prologue","url":"/cars/honda/prologue","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/2024_Honda_Prologue.jpg","quote":"...es, having just moved a load of lumber in a Honda prologue, I would have loved the 40 20 40 split.","canonicalId":"car:honda:prologue","priority":0.5,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Wlb5V (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1617.96,"endTime":1619.04,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Grand Highlander","url":"/cars/toyota/grand-highlander","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/2024_Toyota_Grand_Highlander_XLE_AWD_in_Blueprint%2C_Front_Right%2C_09-10-2023.jpg","quote":"And this is a relatively new model. The Grand Highlander came out. I think in 2024, maybe I'm wrong about ...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:grand highlander","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Elise240SX (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2030.04,"endTime":2032.6,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Corolla","url":"/cars/toyota/corolla","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/1969_Toyota_Corolla_1200.jpg","quote":"I'm a little bit more worried about my G.R. Corolla with a giant turbo on it than I am with this. Rig...","canonicalId":"car:toyota:corolla","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":2225.2,"endTime":2230.04,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Tahoe","url":"/cars/chevrolet/tahoe","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/00-06_Chevrolet_Tahoe.jpg","quote":"...size range. This is not as large as the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. Fuel economy is 20 miles per ...","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:tahoe","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"IFCAR (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":2225.2,"endTime":2230.04,"type":"car","title":"Ford Expedition","url":"/cars/ford/expedition","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Ford_Expedition_%28Mk_III%29_Washington_DC_Metro_Area%2C_USA.jpg","quote":"...is is not as large as the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. Fuel economy is 20 miles per gallon combined.","canonicalId":"car:ford:expedition","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2248.08,"endTime":2251.6,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Palisade","url":"/cars/hyundai/palisade","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Hyundai_Palisade_IMG_7301.jpg","quote":"...bably get better fuel economy. We had the Hyundai Palisade fairly recently, but I think it works well overal...","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:palisade","priority":0.7,"confidence":1.0,"source":"fuzzy","data":{"imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Jack Nerad - Host","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/crossing-the-red-river-to-broken-bow-in-2025-lexus-rx-350-f-sport/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}