America on the Road
Jack Nerad - Host
Updated 4 days agoHosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague talk about cars and interview special guests from the automotive industry
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Episodes (132)
Going Big: 2024 Grand Wagoneer Heads to the Desert
When the Jeep engineers designed the Grand Wagoneer, they certainly took to heart the well-worn phrase “Go big or go home.” That’s obvious because when you travel in the long wheelbase version of the Stellantis SUV, as Host Jack Nerad did recently, you are definitely going big. And the Grand Wagoneer certainly provides all the comforts of home. The sizable SUV proved to be the perfect answer for Nerad’s recent problem — how to transport seven adults and their luggage from his home on the coast to the desert of the Coachella Valley and back. Certainly, the U.S. auto market has its share of sizable vehicles, but this conundrum could only be answered by a few. After trekking forth and back, the obvious conclusion is that the Grand Wagoneer scores as the best of them. Luxury. Comfort. Convenience. Entertainment. The Grand Wagoneer offered all of those as it whisked the crew across Southern California in a style to which it is easy to become accustomed. Nerad will share more in this episode’s road test segment. The other road test took place across the country as Co-Host Chris Teague and his family sampled the new top-of-the-line 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition. Helping the crossover “man up,” it features a more aggressive design with gloss black 20-inch wheels and blackout accents. Honda’s iVTM-4 all-wheel-drive system is standard, and inside, it offers exclusive red-accented leather seating, red stitching, and unique Black Edition branding. Was all this just too much testosterone for the Teague family? Chris will report his findings right here. This week our special guest is Kevin Butt, regional environmental sustainability director of Toyota’s North American Environmental Sustainability Programs. Jack Nerad had a chance to sit down with him for a wide-ranging discussion of what Toyota is doing about climate change at a recent event in Texas. We think you’ll be fascinated by what he has to say. In the news segment, we ask a provocative question: Is your car spying on you? A new initiative from the U.S. Commerce Department suggests that fear isn’t science fiction — it’s real. We’ll have the details for you coming up. This week, there has been more unrest regarding electric vehicles, as several European automakers are re-jigging their EV launch plans. We’ll give you the details and discuss how this could affect us here in America. If you drive an EV you know that the interaction at public chargers can get — shall we say — dramatic. Now, one public charger company is taking a step to limit that drama. But could it backfire? And speaking of EV drama, electric vehicle fires in one country have prompted its government to look into the situation as panic grows regarding the technology. This episode of America on the Road will provide details on all of those stories and more. 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
Inside 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe with Genesis’s Trevor Lai
The all-new 2025 Genesis GV80 just might be the best-looking of the coupe-like SUV that has recently flooded the luxury market. Genesis’s Trevor Lai, the brand’s senior group manager of product planning, certainly thinks so, and he sat down for an in-depth interview with Host Jack Nerad at the vehicle’s recent first-drive event in Minnesota. Essentially starting where the GV80 SUV leaves off in terms of powertrain, the GV80 Coupe offers buyers the choice of 375- and 409-horsepower versions of the vehicle, both twin-turbocharged and the latter fitted with an “e-supercharger.” So there is substance to accompany the good looks. Nerad had the chance to take a lengthy drive in the more powerful version of the GV80 Coupe in addition to speaking with Lai. Both proved illuminating as the Korean luxury brand continues to gain momentum by introducing one great-looking vehicle after another. In this week’s road test segment, Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague get behind the wheels of two fun-to-drive hatchbacks. Teague spent a Maine summer week evaluating the 2024 Mazda CX-50 crossover, while Nerad got the opportunity to pilot the potent 2024 Volkswagen Golf R around his favorite Southern California test-drive loop. Both drivers will tell you how their test subjects fared in this week’s episode. There is plenty of news to report on as well. Last week, we reported that the prices of new and used cars have rocketed up over the past five years. Now, another study shows that used car prices — and especially used EV prices —- are down significantly. So what gives? We’ll have the details for you coming up. Tesla just can’t stay out of the news. This week, a fiery crash of a Tesla Cybertruck gained national attention and prompted an inquiry from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We’ll give you more on this story and share our reactions. The state of Washington has just announced a new taxpayer-funded subsidy for electric vehicle buyers, and we’ll have the details on that. Is it a sound plan or a foolish waste of effort? We’ll share our opinions, and we’re curious about yours. Straight from the X-Files, BMW has now started to experiment with humanoid robots in its Spartanburg, North Carolina, factory. Are you willing to take a coffee break with a humanoid who might end up taking your job? We’ll share our opinions. That and much more coming up in this edition. 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
Hail to the King! Getting Inside 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 ‘King of the Hill’
The King of the Hill Corvette is making a comeback, and we have the specifications, the hype and our comments on what the newest and hottest version of “America’s Sports Car” means to you and to General Motors. The just-released specs on the new 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 are mind-boggling. Tucked behind the driver and passenger is the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer, and it’s housed in an iconic design that has the goods to challenge the world’s best supercars. Former Road & Track Editor Matt DeLorenzo and former Motor Trend Editor Jack Nerad, who is, of course, the host of America on the Road and owner of a classic Corvette, will give their thoughts on what promises to be a landmark vehicle. While some observers suggest that we have enough crossover SUVs already, Toyota obviously doesn’t think so. To prove the point, the brand recently introduced the first-ever 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, and it’s set to arrive in dealerships virtually as you read this. The brand is taking an upscale approach with its new toy. Available in XLE and Limited trims, the Crown Signia is equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System and all-wheel drive. With a four-cylinder engine doing the heavy lifting, the hybrid system delivers a net output of 240 horsepower and achieves an EPA-estimated 38 mpg combined rating. The Crown Signia’s handsome exterior boasts a stylish and sleek monochromatic grille and the option for 21-inch wheels. Inside, the premium cabin offers seating for five and a fold-flat second row. Passengers can enjoy a quiet ride with standard leather-trimmed seating, soft-touch materials, and the option of a panoramic glass roof. The likable new model is also equipped with a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and comes with standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 advanced driver assistance system array. Of course, all this sounds as appealing as a hot fudge sundae topped with real whipped cream, but how does it drive? Guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo will tell us in his portion of the road test segment. In the other half, host Jack Nerad will describe his weeklong encounter with Volvo’s newest version of its C40 Recharge battery-electric crossover coupe. The big news is the Single Motor version of the Volvo C40 Recharge that Nerad tested. It’s the first rear-drive Volvo in years, and it makes the handsome C40 Recharge a much more competitive player in the cutthroat BEV crossover market. This week, our special guest is Frank Hanley, head of automotive benchmarking at J.D. Power. If you want to know which vehicles are most loved by their owners—something that most of us would really like to know—he’s the man to tell you. We’ll have the results of J.D. Power’s annual APEAL study and Hanley’s analysis coming up in our interview segment. If you haven’t noticed, new and used cars have rocketed up in price over the past five years, and now Cars.com details that trajectory in a new study. We’ll have our take on what the trend means to you. Tesla is in the news again —isn’t it always? — as it recalls more than 1.8 million vehicles for a safety problem. We’ll tell you what the issue is this time and share our reactions. And there’s a battle brewing over automatic emergency braking. We’ll tell you who the combatants are and what is likely to happen next. 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
Testing 2 New Electric SUVs: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70
The all-new 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV and the recently renewed 2024 Genesis Electrified GV70 represent two different approaches to solving the electric vehicle puzzle. The Equinox EV is built on the General Motors Ultium dedicated battery-electric vehicle platform, while the Electrified GV70 leverages the conventionally powered GV70 body, chassis, and interior. Each approach has its pluses and minuses, and executives in those two companies to tell you. What our two test vehicles suggest is that the two paths lead to the same destination. Though they are similar in size, the Equinox EV and Electrified GV70 are not head-to-head competitors. As one of the battery-electric touchstones of GM’s lowest-priced brand, the Equinox EV has been touted as a vehicle that will bring affordable electric vehicles to the masses. Co-Host Chris Teague, who road-tested the Equinox EV, and Host Jack Nerad will discuss how well the new Chevy accomplishes that task. The Genesis GV70 has a different mission — to bring electric propulsion to the increasingly popular and increasingly competitive small luxury crossover class. Those woods are currently filling up with EVs, many of them struggling to find willing buyers. Do the GV70’s handsome looks and 3.8-second 0-60 acceleration give it the push it needs to break through in the marketplace. Nerad, who road-tested the GV70, and Teague will bat that issue around in this episode. While we are on the subject of luxury vehicles, our special guest this week is Lexus’s Cynthia Tenhouse, who serves as vice president of the Lexus Guest Experience. Toyota’s luxury marque has proceeded very slowly in introducing battery-electric vehicles to its lineup even as virtually all of its luxury-brand competitors have charged ahead. We’ll discuss the brand’s wait-and-see strategy and many other topics with her in a wide-ranging discussion about the current state of the luxury vehicle market. You’ll want to hear what she has to say. In the news, two prominent American electric carmakers are in the midst of a dust-up in court. We’ll tell you who Tesla’s Elon Musk is suing and what’s likely to happen next. Beyond that court battle, Musk also angling to become a strong competitor to Waymo in the robotaxi wars that are set to develop in several cities around the country in the coming months. And Waymo is taking a special jab at Tesla as just one skirmish in what promises to be an epic battle. A new survey reveals that enthusiasm for driving and collector cars isn’t dying, as some would have you believe. Instead, the Hagerty-sponsored survey reveals that Americans’ love for automobiles remains strong across several generations. There is also tragedy in Chicago, as an iconic vehicle is involved in a major crash. We’ll have the details on that and so much more in this episode of America on the Road. 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
2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro: Family Vacation Texas-Style
For millions of people across the country, a week on a lake is a dream vacation. This year Host Jack Nerad and his family found that out firsthand as they drove a 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro to Cedar Creek Lake south of Dallas for some serious driving and welcome R and R. As the Nerads discovered, the Sequoia had the goods to offer dual duty as both a serious off-roader and a practical family hauler. The third-generation Sequoia three-row SUV delivered luxurious comfort, impressive technology and exceptional convenience features. The twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain offers plenty of acceleration with 437 horsepower and a whopping 583 pound-feet of torque. Towing a big boat is child’s play with an impressive 9,520-pound maximum towing capacity. For the stock-up stop at the big box store, the Sequoia offers a cavernous cargo area and an innovative multi-level cargo system. When it comes to all-terrain capability, the TRD Pro’s part-time four-wheel-drive system includes a transfer case, controlled via a button on the center console, to select between 2WD, 4WD high and 4WD low. The multi-link rear and available air suspensions keep the vehicle in firm control. Nerad will recount more of his family’s adventures as the road tests unroll. In our second road test this week, Co-Host Chris Teague will discuss his family’s recent purchase, the 2024 Honda Prologue. Making the big leap into the electric vehicle lifestyle, the Teague family has already experienced the joys and travails of battery power. Teague will share far more in this episode. Our special guest is George Baker, General Motors’ Vehicle Security Lead. He will discuss ways to avoid becoming a car theft victim. Car theft is on the rise across the country, so you’ll want to hear what he has to say. In the news, Tesla’s Elon Musk has just hinted that the debut of the carmaker’s robotaxi will be delayed. We’ll tell you why and what all means coming up. General Motors CEO Mary Barra has just revealed that her company’s goal of producing one million electric vehicles in North America is, in her words, “uncertain.” We’ll have the details and our thoughts. Meanwhile, hundreds of MINIs are scurrying across the western United States this weekend, and we”ll tell you all about that. Also in the news, Consumer Reports has released its list of the Best Electric Vehicles, and we’ll tell you about the surprising top-rated car and other surprises on the list with, of course, our comments. So we have a lot of show for you this week. 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
Toyota’s Sprowl Reveals Details of All-New 2024 Land Cruiser
The iconic Toyota Land Cruiser makes a comeback for the 2024 model year, now in a more compact form reminiscent of the original 1958 version. While the ’58 Land Cruiser lacked a hybrid powertrain, advanced driver assistance technologies, and a modern infotainment system, the essence of its rugged all-terrain capabilities remains unchanged in the all-new version. With us to tell all about the new vehicle is Kalifa Sprowl, Senior Series Planner, Large Trucks & SUVs for Toyota, an expert on the new Land Cruiser. Every 2024 Land Cruiser model comes with Toyota’s turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, offering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The Land Cruiser’s full-time four-wheel-drive system includes standard center and rear-locking differentials and an optional front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism to enhance suspension flexibility. In the exclusive interview, Sprowl will share details about the vehicle, including thoughts on its various trim levels, specialized off-road gear, and even Sprowl’s favorite feature. In our road test segment Host Jack Nerad and Co-Host Chris Teague will take long looks at two very different SUVs. The popular Subaru Crosstrek gets a number of revisions for the 2024 model year that enhance its already-solid value story. The subcompact crossover offers the same boxer engine as previous Crosstreks, but new camshafts and other revisions kick up peak torque and deliver it at lower engine revolutions. The difference isn’t stunning, but it is an example of the vehicle’s constant improvement. Another change is the decision to equip all Crosstreks with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). It has been thoroughly revised to offer a wider ratio spread and revised manual-mode ratios in an effort to give the small SUV a more responsive driving feel. Making the CVT standard has another benefit as well. It prompted Subaru to also make EyeSight driver assist technology and Subaru SI-Drive driver-selectable powertrain management standard across the lineup. So how do these and other changes manifest themselves in the driving experience? Chris Teague will tell us all that and more in this episode. In our other road test this week, Jack Nerad took the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line on a road trip to the desert to determine the midsize SUV’s ability to transport families safely, quietly, and conveniently. This year, VW changed the Atlas’s powertrain, substituting a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque for the previous four-cylinder and V6 engines. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front or all four wheels. While the first VW SUVs were generally too small for American tastes, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas doesn’t make that mistake. It is one of the roomiest and most accommodating vehicles in its class. But one thing about the interior was entirely unexpected. Nerad will explain its pluses and minuses in the road test segment. In the news, a just-released J.D. Power study shows that electric vehicles are more affordable than ever. It also asks the question: where are the buyers? We’ll have more on that. Nissan has introduced a new off-road version of its popular Rogue compact SUV, and we’ll have all the details. A battle is looming over future vehicle emissions regulations as the state of Ohio has joined a suit against California’s regulations. And a recent Supreme Court ruling could upend a variety of fuel economy, emissions and even safety regulations. Finally, we have another warning about a safety threat that could be right in front of you when you drive. Counterfeit airbag replacements are resulting in fatalities. We’ll tell you how to avoid becoming a victim. So, there’s plenty to talk about this week 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
2024 Lexus LS 500h: Can Hybrids Make Sedans Relevant Again?
When the Lexus LS was introduced as the brand’s seminal offering, full-size sedans were the flagships of every luxury lineup. But that was in 1989 when Taylor Swift was born and when Elon Musk was a teenager leaving South Africa for a new life in Canada. In the ensuing decades, American luxury car buyers have largely turned their backs on big sedans, preferring the upright stance of SUVs. But before spending a week driving the LS 500h, Host Jack Nerad had to wonder if the addition of an all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain could breathe new life into the big luxury sedan market. After all, the LS 500h offers a lot to like—superb comfort, impeccable craftsmanship, and a wealth of comfort and convenience features. But is it enough to stem the SUV tide? We’ll have our thoughts coming up. Our other road test vehicle has a fascinating story of its own. Co-host Chris Teague slipped behind the wheel of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X, the brand’s toe-dip into the battery-electric vehicle market. Despite the fact that the brand seemed lukewarm about the whole battery-electric idea, many expected that the pleasant-looking crossover would deliver a Toyota-level execution. In other words, they expected a segment-leading vehicle. But does the bZ4X live up to those high expectations? Teague and Nerad will offer their opinions. This week, our special guest is David Sargent, vice president and head of the connected vehicle practice at J.D. Power. Sargent has previously appeared on the show several times, talking about the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. Now, he has new responsibilities and a new J.D. Power service to introduce. We’re sure you’ll enjoy what he has to say. In the news this week, car dealers across the county are still reeling from the cyber attack that handicapped their ability to do business. We’ll have the details regarding this frightening occurrence. Mercury Insurance has released its latest list of the trucks and SUVs that cost the least to insure, and we’ll have more on that. There is more bad news for Tesla this week as it has recalled all of its Cybertrucks for potential safety issues. We’ll give you all the details and have so much more for you as well. 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
2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: Good-bye, Old Friend
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner is the last of its generation, and all indications are it is going to be missed. This week, Host Jack Nerad got a special chance to say goodbye to the old and respected warrior as he took the wheel for the last time before an all-new 2025 model-year 4Runner arrives. While many are excited about the new 4Runner and its equally new turbocharged powerplant, a similar number seem wistful about the passing of the current generation SUV, which has proven itself tough as a month-old bag of jerky. Some of its toughness stems from its venerable normally aspirated V6 engine, which just seems to keep ticking and ticking no matter how old or what obstacles are thrown in its way. Nerad will tell us more about his last hurrah with the 4Runner in this episode. In our other road test this week, Co-Host Chris Teague will put the new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek through its paces. While not as fully off-road capable as the 4Runner, it boasts some impressive off-road chops of its own. And despite its new body, it remains powered by the latest version of Subaru’s famed boxer engines, another powerplant that has more than proven its worth. Teague will tell us more in the road test segment. This week our special guest is Matt DeLorenzo, author of How To Buy An Affordable Electric Car, a Tightwad’s Guide to EV Ownership. An auto expert par excellence, DeLorenzo has been on the show several times before, and he always has an insightful point of view on individual cars and the car industry as a whole. Now, as electric vehicle sales have hit a lull, we’ll talk with him about what is likely to end up in your driveway going forward. Will we have an all-electric future as so many have predicted? Or is an industry reset occurring before our eyes? DeLorenzo will give us his well-informed opinions. In the news this week, Jeep has confirmed it will re-launch its Renegade as a battery-electric vehicle for the 2027 model year. And it will have a base price of less than $25,000. We’ll tell you more about Jeep’s aggressive EV plans. Speaking of EVs, Tesla’s Elon Musk will get his $56 billion pay package after all, at least if Tesla Motors’ shareholders get their way. Musk has big plans for his Texas-based car company going forward, and we’ll have more on that continuing saga. Another continuing saga isn’t going nearly as well. Fisker Motors, an EV start-up helmed by car designer turned entrepreneur Henrik Fisker, has officially filed for bankruptcy. If everybody had an Ocean across the USA, then things would be different. But it looks like they won’t. In more positive news, BMW has just pulled the curtain away from its all-new 2025 X3 small SUV. We’ll have the details and our reactions to its new look. All that and more coming up this week on America on the Road. 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
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35: Road Testing in the Malibu Hills
We admit the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 isn’t quite as sleek and sexy-looking as its sibling, the GLA, but when you’re at the controls of the compact sports utility, it immediately ceases to matter. The influx of 300+ horsepower is the biggest reason. Suddenly, you’re not operating a mundane grocery-getter, but instead, you find yourself piloting an agile, goes-where-you-point-it sports sedan that just happens to be almost five and a half feet tall. The Motor Press Guild’s annual Drive Day gave Host Jack Nerad the chance to reacquaint himself with the joys of the AMG GLB 35 4Matic+, which is the hot rod of the GLB lineup. At $59,050, it not only features an AMG-tuned version of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 302 horsepower, but also a well-tuned sport suspension that includes a multi-link rear. With giant brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, and low-profile tires, the mashup proves irresistible. Nerad will tell you more in this episode. In this week’s other road test, Co-host Chris Teague puts an all-new yet startlingly familiar vehicle to the test. The Mazda CX-70 is brand-spanking-new for the 2025 model year, and we’ll bet you haven’t seen one. But then it bears a remarkable resemblance to another vehicle that is significantly better known. Teague will describe the CX-70’s lineage in much more detail and tell us how he enjoyed driving the plug-in hybrid version of Mazda’s newest nameplate. This week our special guest is Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions. If you are thinking about buying a car this year, Sam can give you a great idea of what you can expect and how you can save some money. So we’re sure you’ll enjoy our discussion. In this week’s news, both General Motors and Ford reasserted their faith in electric vehicles this past week. At the same time, both automakers have cut their current EV production plans as sales have slowed. We have to wonder whether they are crossing their fingers when they say that they have a firm belief in an electric-vehicle future. While EVs aren’t selling as well as many had hoped, they are certainly using a lot of electricity. A new study shows how much and where. Of course, the expanded use of electricity has a lot of implications, and we’ll explore them in this episode. In other news, Tesla hasn’t been able to persuade California to call off its investigation into the way it has marketed its self-driving technology. And Toyota is doubling down on hydrogen despite the fact its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle has not garnered many sales. Both of those stories are worth exploring, too. 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
2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison AEV Edition Off-Road in Maine
Chevrolet says the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison AEV Edition is “America’s ultimate off-road beast.” After driving it on and off road for a full week in Maine, America on the Road Co-Host Chris Teague has no reason to question that somewhat boastful assessment. After all, the truck not only uses the still-new Chevy Colorado platform, but it also enhances that platform with a number of American Expedition Vehicles add-ons that give it even greater capabilities. As just a taste of that, here are some of those added pieces of kit: segment-exclusive Multimatic front and rear Jounce Control Dampers, AEV heavy-duty winch-capable front bumper, AEV rear bumper and AEV fender flares, AEV 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels with segment-exclusive 35-inch OD Mud/Terrain tires, and boron steel skid plates and rocker protectors. How did the truck’s class-leading approach angle (38.2 degrees), departure angle (26 degrees) and breakover angle (26.9 degrees) work in the rigors of a Maine off-road course? Teague will tell us in this episode. Across the country, Host Jack Nerad was putting the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Single-Motor Ultimate through its paces. Looking to add range and hit a reasonable price point, Volvo introduced the single-motor version of the XC40 Recharge this year. In doing so, the company created the first rear-drive Volvo in more than two decades. As Nerad found during his week-long test, there’s a lot to like about the single-motor version of the small battery-electric SUV. It features a torquey 248-horsepower permanent magnet e-motor on the rear axle in tandem with a new 82 kWh battery pack. The combination of a more energy-dense battery and more efficient motor allows the XC40 Recharge to deliver 293 miles of range on the combined EPA test cycle. As a further bonus, the uprated battery pack enables charging at a top rate of 200 kW DC. Charging from 10 to 80 percent state-of-charge takes approximately 28 minutes. But how does it drive? Nerad will reveal that in the road test segment. Our special guest this week will discuss a subject of vital interest to all of us who drive. Dr. Michael Warholic is Valvoline’s senior technology manager for light duty lubricants. If you want to learn more about choosing the right motor oil to keep your car or truck running at its best, there’s no-one better to talk to. So we’re sure you’ll enjoy our discussion with him. We have two very interesting vehicle introductions to tell you about this week. Jeep has pulled the wraps off its first global battery-electric vehicle — the Jeep Wagoneer S. And Toyota has announced the addition of a new Corolla model that is both sporty and affordable. And it takes Host Jack Nerad back to his Motor Trend days. We’ll tell you more about both of them coming up. In other news, a U.S. Senator is asking domestic automakers to sue the U.S. Treasury Department over the way it has implemented regulations regarding electric vehicle tax credits. (That’s what we need; more court cases.) We’ll give you the details, and offer our thoughts on that. There’s more evidence that the internal combustion engine is not on its last legs. Three automakers have announced a plan to develop new internal combustion engine technology, and it has some very interesting wrinkles. We’ll tell you more about that, too. 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
2024 Ford Ranger Chief Engineer Reveals Midsize Truck Secrets
The burgeoning midsize truck segment has a renewed entrant in the 2024 Ford Ranger. The handsome truck offers a pair of powerful turbocharged engines, including the now-available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, and it is filled with technologies previously unavailable on a midsize pickup. Of course, the all-new 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor raises the brand’s performance flag higher than ever before. To learn all about the new Ranger, Host Jack Nerad sat down for a lengthy interview with Ranger and Ranger Raptor Chief Engineer Juan de Pena. In the interview, de Pena describes the philosophy behind the truck and details its many features. If you’re thinking of buying a midsize or even a full-size pickup any time soon, you’ll want to hear what he has to say. On the road test front this week, Co-host Chris Teague will describe his weeklong test of the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer small SUV. The test vehicle was the top-of-the-line RS version, which squeezes more performance than you might expect out of its three-cylinder turbocharged engine. In our other road test, Host Jack Nerad put in more than 500 miles behind the wheel of the 2024 Toyota Sienna XSE minivan as he and his wife did some real-world testing, moving their youngest daughter (and her stuff) to Central California for a summer job before she resumes her college career in the fall. Now equipped with a thrifty hybrid powertrain and filled with convenience features, the Sienna proved to be an excellent tool for the job. We’ll tell you more in this episode. In the news this week, there is trouble in the self-driving car world as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into problems with Waymo’s robotaxis and their autonomous driving technology. With several collisions to their credit, maybe the Waymo cabs need a re-think. The news for the electric vehicle segment isn’t much better. Stellantis has just announced that it is switching production of its battery-electric Fiat 500e to a hybrid version of the car. In fact, as bad as the news is for EVs, it is that much better for hybrids, something. we precited years ago. Vehicle introductions making news this week come from Kia — the global unveiling of the Kia EV3 small crossover utility — and Acura — the unmasking of the 2025 Acura MDX three-row luxury SUV. We’ll tell you about both in this episode. 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
VW ID.7: Why You Won’t See This Car Anytime Soon
To say that the transition to electric vehicles isn’t going as predicted is putting it mildly. This week, two global manufacturers revealed that they are pausing their previously planned introductions of battery-electric sedans in the United States. That’s the reason you won’t see the Volkswagen ID.7, a staple in the European market, here in the U.S. this year. Volkswagen had previously announced that the sleek sedan would be arriving in American showrooms by the end of 2024, but then it did an about-face and took the unusual step of putting out a media advisory that it was pausing the intro of the sleek sedan here. When — or if — we will ever see it remains unclear. Another global automaker has also paused its introduction of battery-electric sedans in the United States in the wake of underwhelming sales of EVs so far this year. The car manufacturer also said it was pausing the development of future EV sedans. We’ll tell you who that automaker is and have our comments in this episode of AOTR. Our road tests this week present happier news. Co-Host Chris Teague found himself at the wheel of an auto journalist’s dream — a Eurostyle station wagon. He put the 2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country through its paces in a lengthy road test, and he’ll share the results with us. On the other coast, Host Jack Nerad got the opportunity to live with the 2024 Genesis GV60 battery-electric SUV. Not only did he drive the GV60 Performance AWD version, but he also sampled the battery-electric lifestyle in one of the nation’s hotbeds of EV ownership. His conclusions are served up in this episode. The Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest car-buying weekends of the year, so instead of a guest this week, Jack and Chris will share their recent vehicle purchase experiences and offer dos and don’ts for your potential car-buying effort. The radically increased tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles will kick in on August 1, and the suddenness of their imposition continues to stir up a flurry of reactions. We’ll have more details and our comments coming up. In non-EV news we have two car introductions to talk about, one from Honda and another from a car company we bet you’ve never heard of. But we can’t wait to see the car’s official unveiling at Pebble Beach in August. We’ll have details on both. 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
Genesis Product Planner Trevor Lai Details New 2025 Genesis GV80 SUV
The Genesis GV80 luxury crossover is the vehicle that really put the Genesis brand on the map in the United States. Prior to its introduction, the Korean-based luxury brand only had sedans in its lineup, and in the American market, that wasn’t a competitive offering, like trying to sell hot cocoa in a sauna. Now, the heavily revised 2025 Genesis GV80 further refines an offering that was already making waves. To tell us all about it, we have as our special guest this week Trevor Lai, who is Genesis product planning senior group manager. In our exclusive interview, he will share with us the importance of the GV80 to the Genesis brand, and he will detail the significant changes Genesis has made to the SUV. One of its wow factors is the 7-inch digital infotainment and driver information screen. Genesis has also improved what was already one of the most sumptuous interiors in the segment. Lai will tell us much more as we go over the key changes for 2025. In the road test segment, Co-Host Chris Teague and Host Jack Nerad evaluate a pair of vehicles that reside in the same segment but couldn’t be more different in outlook. The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness brings an unmistakable off-road ethos to the subcompact crossover market, while the 2024 Mazda CX-30 concentrates its focus on the tarmac. Both vehicles are versatile and fun to drive, but they offer their highest levels of fun in different environments. There’s fascinating news to report and comment on this week. The Biden Administration has unexpectedly increased the tariff on Chinese-built electric vehicles from 27 percent to more than 100 percent, and it is causing a hornet’s nest of reactions. We’ll have more details and our comments. We also have the story behind the recent intrigue surrounding Tesla’s Supercharger EV charging network. It seems that Elon Musk might well be one hard boss to work for. You have certainly heard of the various cars of the year, including the North American Car of the Year, on whose jury sits Host Jack Nerad. Now, to supplement the various Car of the Year programs, there is also a Road of the Year effort that has resulted in the naming of the 2024 Road of the Year. We’ll tell you the winner and give our reactions coming up. So there’s plenty to chew on this week. Please join us. 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
2024 Fiat 500e: Finally An Affordable EV You Can Have Fun With
In Europe, the Fiat 500e is leading the electric city-car market for the second year in a row, ranking at the top of that category in Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Austria. But can it achieve similar success in North America? One person who thinks so is Fiat North American Head Aamir Ahmed, and in his exclusive interview with AOTR Host Jack Nerad he’ll tell us why. One of the reasons he cites is price. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $32,500 (excluding the $1,595 destination fee), the 2024 Fiat 500e appears to be within the reach of young urban dwellers, one market that most EV makers have found difficult to exploit. Fiat’s opening salvo in its renewed attack on the U.S. market is the redhot (RED) Edition. The Italian brand partnered with (RED) to introduce what it calls “the coolest, most ethical car in urban mobility.” As you might guess, not only is red the color that my baby wore, but also the featured hue of the (RED) Edition with its red-painted exterior mirrors, front grille details, and dashboard. In the interview, Ahmed will hint at other 500e special editions to come and offer more details on the launch strategy he has prepared for this latest EV. In our road test segment this week, Co-Host Chris Teague got a very early drive in the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester. The brand’s popular entry in the popular compact crossover utility segment, the Forester has more exterior appeal than ever while retaining the bedrock Subaru values of all-wheel-drive and all-weather capability. While many brands have largely turned their backs on low- and middle-income buyers who are seeking affordability, Hyundai has not, as evidenced by the 2024 Hyundai Venue subcompact crossover tested by Host Jack Nerad. The top-of-the-line Limited test model had a base price of less than $25,000. And, surprisingly, it is filled with more standard electronic safety equipment than some luxury brand vehicles. In the news this week, Tesla is in hot water again with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over its Autopilot system, and we’ll have the details. It looks as if the all-electric Volvo EX30 is about to arrive in showrooms in the U.S., and we’ll have more info about the car and its labyrinthine journey to the U.S. Honda has just announced a plan to invest $11 billion in an EV factory in Canada with the financial help of the Canadian government and the Canadian people. We’ll have more on that, including our comments. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has offered some recommendations that could make the delivery vans we see everywhere now much safer for everyone. We’ll tell you all about that in this episode. So there’s plenty of food for thought this week. Thanks for joining us. 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
2024 Volvo S60 Recharge — The Clark Kent of Sedans
Just as Clark Kent can turn into Superman by ditching his glasses and changing his outfit, so it is wth the 2024 Volvo S60 Recharge. At first glance, like the mild-mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, the S60 Recharge looks unassuming. It’s an attractive small sedan, but its exterior doesn’t hint at the fire that burns inside. Its surprisingly potent plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering 455 horsepower no less, turns it into one of the fastest and most powerful Volvos ever. That’s what host Jack Nerad discovered when he road-tested the car this week. With its ample all-electric range, nifty road manners, and attractive cabin, the S60 Recharge is worth a second look. In our other road test this week, Co-Host Chris Teague evaluates the 2024 Nissan Ariya battery-electric SUV. There was a time when it looked as if the Ariya would lead the electrric SUV parade, but delays in its introduction sidetracked that plan. Is it more than just another battery-powered small SUV? What sets it apart from the other contenders in that increasingly crowded space? We’ll tell you in this episode. This week, our special guest is Tyson Jominy, vice president of Data and analytics at J.D. Power. Jominy keeps a very close eye on vehicle pricing and affordability, and he’ll have some exclusive information for us. If you’re thinking of buying a vehicle in the near future, you need to hear what he has to say. This week, the all-new, all-electric Acura ZDX and ZDX Type S have just rolled into dealerships across the country, and the Type S version just happens to be the most powerful Acura vehicle ever. (Take that NSX!) Also interesting is the fact that you can buy one without ever visiting an Acura dealership. We’ll tell you all about the SUV and how Acura plans to sell it. A new study from IDTechEx predicts that robotaxis will be big business in 10 years, but there are issues with the autonomous-driving technology. Will self-driving taxis change the way we live our lives? We’ll give you our thoughts. And Toyota has just created a new hydrogen headquarters, indicating its continuing commitment to that alternative fuel. What does that mean for the EV efforts going forward? Honda has just announced that it will plant 85,000 trees near its factory in Ohio. The idea isn’t new but maybe it’s time to take a second look at measures like this to combat carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rather than concentrating only on EVs. We’ll tell you more a little later in the show. So there’s plenty of food for thought this week. Thanks for joining us. 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
Exclusive: Ram’s Brant Combs Dissects All-new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO
Ram has just introduced its latest off-road performance truck, the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, and we will give you all the details in our exclusive interview with Ram North America sales head Brant Combs. Few people know more about Ram’s 540-horsepower RHO off-roader than Combs, who took time out of a busy vehicle introduction week to sit down for an interview with Host Jack Nerad. Following in the tire tracks of the Ram 1500 TRX, the new RHO features the brand-new and highly potent 3.0-liter Hurricane H/O straight-six turbo engine that cranks out 540 horsepower and 541 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant is a key to the RHO eye-popping performance that includes 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and 0-100 mph in 11.7 seconds. But, as Combs tells us, there’s much more to the truck than just its spaking-new powertrain. It also offers a unique, long-travel suspension system with adaptive damping inspired by desert off-road racers. Combs will tell us much more in this episode. This week’s road test vehicles are the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive 28i and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo. Both are small crossover utilities with more than a little performance spice. Co-Host Chris Teague chased pleasant New England spring weather in the X2, while Host Jack Nerad dodged unusual April raindrops in the CX-5. Details on both vehicles will fill our road test segment this week. Leading the news, the International Energy Agency predicts that electric vehicle sales will surge this year. But evidence on the ground suggests otherwise. Tesla, Rivian, and Fisker are among the electric vehicle manufacturers that are having issues this week, cutting prices, offering new promotions, and, in Fisker’s case, telling regulators that bankruptcy might be just around the corner. Of course, Elon Musk always has an answer that calms critics, and we’ll tell you what he said with our comments as the news segment rolls out. In other news, BMW and MINI have just introduced new and revised models. We’ll have the details on the all-new MINI Aceman, which is the brand’s big salvo in its quest to go all-electric, and info on BMW’s revised 4 Series. All that and more coming up this week. 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
Special Report: Should U.S. Adopt European Transport Model?
Many think that we in America should change the way we get around every day, increasing our use of public transportation, electric cars and commuting by bicycle much as they do in Europe. But is that a practical solution for the average American? To find out, Host Jack Nerad traveled to two major European capitals — London and Copenhagen — to find out how Europeans get to work, to the grocery store and to all the other places they need to go on a day-to-day basis. Over the course of a week in Europe, Nerad took about every kind of European transport imaginable, from planes to trains, subways, cabs, canal boats, and…well, even walking. After sampling them all he’s come to some definite conclusions. In this episode of America on the Road, he will share what he discovered. In a discussion with Co-Host Chris Teague, he will offer his thoughts on how the typical American would react to the European style of transport. He’ll point out the positives and negatives of how they travel “over there.” In the road test portion of this week’s show, Teague will deliver his thoughts on his week-long evaluation of the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4 X AEV Edition. It’s not only a mouthful, but it is also the most off-road-capable GMC Canyon ever. Also in the road test segment, Nerad will outline his findings after a week of driving the luxurious $99,000 Genesis G90 AWD 3.5T E-Supercharger. Can it compete with the op large luxury sedans from the vaunted German makes? Is the E-Supercharger really a thing? Leading the news this week, there is a lot going on at Tesla as the company tries to get Elon’s Musk’s multi-billion-dollar back pay reinstated at the same time that the company is laying off 10 percent of its workforce. We have more on that soap opera in this week’s show. While Tesla is struggling, Ford and Honda have issues of their own. Ford is recalling nearly half a million vehicles over sudden loss of power, while Honda is dealing with an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over its automatic emergency braking system that sometimes hits the brakes when there is no emergency. We’ll have details on both stories. And Ford Motor Company Chairman Bill Ford just told an industry gathering that politicians are a big problem for the auto industry. Hmm, this just in? We’ll have more of his remarks and our comments as this week’s AOTR rolls into your ear canals. Thank you for joining us. 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
2025 Ram 1500 from Top to Bottom with Chief Engineer Doug Killian
The 2025 Ram 1500 light-duty pickup truck isn’t all new, but its changes are more significant than the typical mid-cycle refresh. The biggest change is the substitution of the new twin-turbo Hurricane inline-6 for the legendary HEMI V-8. But there is a lot more to it than that, as chief engineer Doug Killian tells us in an exclusive interview. At the truck’s introductory drive event Host Jack Nerad sat down for a lengthy and insightful discussion with Killian on the heavily revised truck. From the engine, to the suspension, to the special changes Ram made in the cabin, Killian and Nerad look at them all. In this week’s road test segment, AOTR Co-Host Chris Teague slipped behind the wheel of a new model many Americans probably haven’t heard of yet — the 2024 Buick Envista Avenir. Its the top-level trim of Buick’s latest effort to build and market an affordable entry-level SUV. Does it hit the right marks? Teague tells us in this episode. At the same time, Nerad will report on his recent road test of the 2024 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited, one of the most appealing mass-market compact utes he’s driven in a long time. With plenty of horsepower, tons of interior space, and a handy size, the Tucson plug-in hybrid is an especially appealing vehicle. But it does have at least one shortcoming, which Nerad will reveal in this episode. Leading the news this week, Toyota has just unveiled its all-new 2025 4Runner, and it has Co-Host Chris very excited. We’ll have plenty of details on the all-new generation coming up. If you are about to trade in your current car and you haven’t finished making the payments on it, you might be in for a nasty shock. We’ll tell you all about that and what you can do about it coming up. Acura has just announced a new entry-level SUV that will go on sale next year. While details are scarce, speculation is rampant. We’ll tell you what we know and what we suspect is coming up. So we have a lot of show for you this week. Thanks for joining us. 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
Behind the Scenes of the Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear
You could say the Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear is the unexpected Lightning. Sporting 37-inch tires and outrageous bodywork, the Ford Performance on- and off-road demonstrator vehicle doesn’t simply get stares for how it looks but also for what it can do. That’s because the stuff it can do is pretty epic. In this week’s show we get behind the scenes of this amazing one-off truck in an interview with one of its key development engineers, Sri Pakkam. He’l give us the details on why Ford decided to build the truck, the challenges the development team has faced and what it hopes the truck can acomplish. Designed and built in collaboration with RTR Vehicles and inspired by the 2016 F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver project vehicle, the Switchgear’s arresting carbon bodywork covers off-road upgrades that take the F-150 Lightning where it’s never been. With a wider track, greatly improved ground clearance, and plenty of suspension travel, it’s a testbed for pushing the boundaries of what’s expected from electric trucks. The interview will tell you more. The road test segment will also include an electric vehicle this week. Co-Host Chris Teague was blessed with the opportunity to drive the 2024 Genesis GV60 crossover in a week of frigid temperatures, ice and snow in Maine. Across the country, Host Jack Nerad drove the 2024 Mazda CX-90 to the desert and back, battling 80-degree temperatures and sunny conditions all the way. In the news this week, we will examine the key vehicles unveiled at the New York Auto Show. Hyundai, Nissan, Kia, Porsche and Genesis showed off some notable vehicles. We offer details and give our thoughts on each one. Meanwhile, there is plenty of trouble in EV Land. Ford has just laid off or transferred two-thirds of the 2,100 workers at its Rouge plant who were building F-150 Lightning electric pickups. Things are even more dire at Fisker. The EV brand has cut prices drastically on its 2023 models as it tries to fend off imminent bankruptcy. Investors in the company have been told to prepare for the worst. We’ll have our comments on all this mayhem coming up. So we have a lot of show for you this week Please join us for this week’s episode. 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
On and Off Road in All-New 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe midsize crossover has been successful for multiple generations in the United States, but it is expected to leap to an even higher level with the imminent introduction of the all-new 2024 version. Host Jack Nerad drove the vehicle on and off the road at a recent introductory event outside Nashville, and he got the opportunity for a detailed sit-down interview with Hyundai product planner Mike Evanoff. In many ways, the new Santa Fe is a breakthrough that we expect will find a very receptive audience here in the United States. Hyundai’s Evanoff describes the meticulous efforts the Hyundai designers made to prepare the new vehicle, and he’ll detail his own camping trip in it as well. We’ll have the exclusive interview for you in this edition of America on the Road. In the road test segment, Co-Host Chris Teague will outline his recent week-long stint at the wheel of the 2024 Subaru Ascent. That crossover is the largest in the Subaru lineup, and Teague compares and contrasts it with his family’s Volvo XC90. The vehicles have some striking similarities. Also, in our road tests, Jack Nerad will describe his lengthy driving experience with the extremely pleasant 2024 Genesis G70. The midsize sedan isn’t the sportiest in the segment, but it might well be the best value, and Nerad will tell you why. Leading the news this week, Jeep has pulled the wraps off four fascinating concept vehicles in Moab, and we’ll tell you all about them. Volkswagen is on the verge of launching an all-new battery-electric vehicle brand in the United States, and if you think the timing might be a little suspect, well, perhaps we do, too. We’ll tell you more. One thing about which there is no question is auto dealers’ ire at the new Environmental Protection Agency regs that will require them to sell more EVs. One very prominent dealer says the regulations leave consumers out of the equation, and we’ll have details. Kia just introduced an all-new vehicle—the K4—at the New York Auto Show. We’ll tell you what it is, what it replaces, and give you our reaction soon. So we have a whale of a show this Easter weekend. Thanks for joining us. 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
Riding the Utah Range in 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor
Some are wondering why it took so long to arrive, but we are simply glad the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is here. We’re especially glad after flogging it both on and off the road in the wild range on the outskirts of Salt Lake City. The all-new Ranger Raptor is the most powerful and high-performance, off-road capable Ranger ever. That almost goes without saying. Ford Performance designed and engineered it to take the midsize truck’s off-road capability to the next level. And interestingly, it has been tested globally before arriving on our shores. During his lengthy stints behind the wheel, Host Jack Nerad had the chance to test the truck’s mettle in Baja-like driving conditions and in challenging rock crawls. Its long travel suspension, including a Watts link rear suspension and class-exclusive 2.5-inch FOX Live Valve shocks, is a major differentiator between it and the other brand-new Rangers. So is the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that whirs out 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. We’ll tell you more in this episode. Also in the road tests, Co-Host Chris Teague slipped behind the steering wheel of the 2024 Toyota Crown, one of the most fascinating sedans to be launched in years. He’ll have a complete report. Leading the news this week, Cornell University scientists have announced the development of a new battery that can be charged in as little as five minutes. If it can be brought into mass production, it has the potential to revolutionize the auto industry. And we’ll tell you more in the news segment. This week, we’re saying goodbye to the fastest Jeep ever, while at the same time, Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled an all-new AMG GT super coupe. We’ll have details on both. Also in the news, you’ll tell you about an interesting way to travel to the upcoming complete solar eclipse, perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So stay with us for that. This week, our special guest is Donnelly Baxter, the global marketing manager for the all-new and soon-to-go-on-sale Cadillac Escalade IQ, the battery-electric Escalade so many people have been waiting for. You’ll enjoy our conversation with him. So we have a lot of show for you this week. Please join us. 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
Volvo S90 Recharge, Hyundai Ioniq 6: Plug-In Hybrid or EV?
In this episode of America on the Road, we try to answer a question posed by our two road test cars, the 2024 Volvo S90 Recharge and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. The Volvo is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and the Hyundai is a battery-powered pure EV. Of course, they aren’t in the same segment, but looking at them can help answer the question that is on a lot of car buyers’ minds right now — should I purchase a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric? We examine both that question and the pluses and minuses of each car individually in this week’s vehicle test segment of the show. Leading the news this week, Consumer Reports says that retailers across the country could be the salvation of the troubled electric-car infrastructure that is severely limiting EV growth. CR posits that the more than a quarter million big box stores across the country should take it upon themselves to install public chargers to remedy one of biggest reasons average consumers are rejecting EVs. The only problem with that is it flies in the face of the findings of an AutoPacific study that describes what EV owners want in recharging stations. It turns out they don’t want the big box store experience. What they want is more in line with what they get at a … well, we’ll tell you the rest in the news segment. Meanwhile, one highly touted electric vehicle company is looking for salvation of its own. It’s grabbing desperately for a lifeline as it tries to stave off bankruptcy. We’ll tell you more about that and who the company’s possible savior is. Plus,we’ll give you some details on why Apple finally has pulled the plug on its once-promising Apple Car development program. Seems like a car isn’t a smartwatch after all. Our special guest this week is Tiago Castro, Midwest Regional Vice President of Nissan North America. He’s an industry veteran who’ll discuss the latest trends, including, of course, what’s new at Nissan. We’re sure you’ll enjoy our conversation with him. We have a lot of show for you this week. All that and more are headed your way on America on the Road. 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
Can 2024 Buick Envista Provide the Affordable Answer?
At America on the Road, we often complain about the fact that carmakers are offering fewer and fewer vehicles that are affordable for average Americans. But the new 2024 Buick Envista is an exception that both proves and might change that rule. Co-host Chris Teague road-tested the small SUV in the rigors of a Maine winter and found it to be an appealing vehicle with appealing prices. Yes, you can buy one today for less than $30,000, and that is something. That is difficult to find these days. At the same time, Host Jack Nerad found and road-tested another high-value vehicle that is designed to appeal to the mass market. It shouldn’t come as a shock that the 2024 Honda Accord is an excellent all-around buy. It combines a roomy interior with winning on-road performance. Even in the Accord Touring form, which Nerad tested, it delivers tons of goodness for the dollars spent on it. Interestingly, the Touring has some significant differences from other Accords in the lineup. But it does share its fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain with many of its kin. We’ll tell you more about in this episode’s road test segment. Leading the news this week, a Tesla factory has been the victim of sabotage. We’ll give you the details and Elon Musk’s interesting reaction coming up. The most recent sales numbers are in from across the industry, and one vehicle type has grabbed all the headlines. It’s probably not what you might think. We’ll tell you what’s hot and what’s not coming up. Also in the news, Honda has just unveiled a fascinating new version of its CR-V small SUV. It combines a hydrogen fuel cell with battery-electric power. We have the details. This week, our special guest is Rebecca Lindland, director of insights at Cars Commerce. Rebecca is a longtime industry observer and analyst who knows the car industry inside out. We’ll be talking with her about hot topics like affordability and electric cars. We’re certain you’ll enjoy our conversation with her. We have a lot of show for you this week. All that and more are headed your way on America on the Road. 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
Why You Should Get Over It and Buy a 2024 Ford Maverick
Sure, the Ford Maverick isn’t the most manly truck on the block. In fact, some people have the effrontery to call it a “toy truck.” But Co-Host Chris Teague came to a completely different conclusion when he road-tested the 2024 Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid in the grueling throes of a Maine winter. We’ll have his report on proving his manhood in this episode. At the same time, Host Jack Nerad and his family were about 60 degrees warmer as they tested the 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport AWD in yet another drive to the desert of the Coachella Valley. The Lexus TX is the answer to many a luxury SUV buyer’s ardent wishes. It’s a true three-row vehicle with seating for six or seven. And the passengers in the third row are not relegated to the automotive equivalent of the Gulag. Nerad will have a complete evaluation of the vehicle, including its hybrid drivetrain, in this show. The news this week is led by the just-announced Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Picks for 2024. We’ll tell you all you need to know about those choices, including our comments. Toyota has announced a fascinating alternative to electric vehicles that could be revolutionary…or could be a flash in the pan. They are touting a new technology that isn’t just carbon neutral; it actually sucks carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. You probably never guessed your car would be competing with your house plants for air, but that’s the future for you. We’ll tell you more coming up. Also newsworthy is the fact Elon Musk is now looking to disrupt the supercar market with an all-new Tesla Roadster. Of course, the Roadster was the first Tesla model so very long ago, and now he’s thumping the tub on a new hot rod. We’ll deliver our thoughts on the matter. This week our special guest is Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power. If you want to know which cars are reliable and which aren’t, Frank Hanley is the guy to talk to. J.D. Power has just released its 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study, and he’ll tell us all about it. The findings are coming up. All that and more are headed your way on America on the Road. America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, YourTestDriver.com, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com