This week on America on the Road, co-hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague take on the latest headlines, including Tesla’s new rental-car gamble, auto industry shake-ups, and major new vehicle debuts ahead of the LA Auto Show. In our road test segment, Jack gets behind the wheel of a true enthusiast’s dream car, the 2025 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium, while Chris tests the potent yet family-ready 2025 Ford Explorer ST. In our exclusive interview, we welcome Jonathan Yu, Product Expert for the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude, who shares insights on the return of one of Honda’s most iconic nameplates.

🏎️ Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2025 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium MT

Jack takes the rear-wheel-drive sports car for a spin in its purest form with a 6-speed manual transmission. Powered by a potent 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, the Supra blends BMW precision with Toyota tuning to deliver a focused and rewarding driving experience. Jack breaks down the updates, the real-world ride feel, and why this car is more than just a rebadged Z4. For one thing, it has a solid roof.

🚙 Chris Teague Test-Drives the 2025 Ford Explorer ST

Chris reviews the updated Ford Explorer ST, powered by a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. From its sharp handling to its tech-packed interior featuring Ford’s latest infotainment system, this SUV brings serious performance to the three-row segment. Chris dives into its on-road personality, cargo-toting prowess, and whether the ST is worth the upgrade for power-hungry families.

🎙️ Special Guest Interview: Jonathan Yu – 2026 Honda Prelude

Jack sits down with Honda’s Jonathan Yu to talk about the highly anticipated return of the Honda Prelude, a vehicle that was lost for a generation. The conversation covers the inspiration behind the new model, its hybrid powertrain, performance ambitions, and how it fits into Honda’s electrification strategy without losing its sporty edge.

📰 This Week’s Headlines

• Tesla Rolls Out Daily Rental Program Amid Executive Exodus

Tesla is now offering $60-per-day rentals in California to boost EV interest, even as two top executives responsible for the Cybertruck and Model Y leave the company.
 As Jack and Chris point out, this is a symptom of a bigger issue.

• FAA Staffing Crisis Turns Travelers to Car Rentals

The just-ended government shutdowns and air traffic controller shortages pushed travelers toward road trips, spiking one-way car rentals by 30%.

• 2026 Nissan Sentra Debuts with Bold Tech and Looks

From dual 12.3-inch displays to Zero Gravity seats and a luxe new SL trim, Nissan is giving the Sentra a serious glow-up as it tries to pull itself up.

• 2027 Kia Telluride Redesign Adds Luxury and Ruggedness

Longer, taller, and more tech-forward, the second-gen Telluride gets a vertical light signature, trail-ready X-Pro trim, and a reimagined interior.

• 2026 Jeep Compass Simplifies Lineup, Adds Value

Jeep’s smallest SUV streamlines to three trims, adds standard features, and debuts fresh paint options like ‘41 Green and Joose.

📩 Listener Question of the Week:

Anton from Bend, OR asks: “What’s the real-world range of EVs compared to EPA estimates?”
Jack and Chris unpack the differences between EPA ratings and actual driving conditions and what buyers should realistically expect.

📚 Jack’s Newest Book

Jack’s crime novel Only One Thing Stays the Same is available now in paperback and eBook. You’ll find purchase links in the show notes.

🎧 Where to Listen:

Catch America on the Road on one of the Sports Byline Radio Network stations each week and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble. Don’t forget to follow us for new-car reviews, guest interviews, and auto industry insights every week.

🎙️ Hosts

Jack Nerad — Award-winning auto journalist and author of Only One Thing Stays the Same

Chris Teague -- Longtime auto critic and journalist

📢 Presented by

• DrivingToday.com

• EMLandsea.com

• Mercury Insurance – Switch today and save. Californians save an average of $670.

📺 Watch & Subscribe

Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.

📨 Email: [email protected]

Check Out Matt DeLorenzo’s Book:

Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo's terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad's Guide to EV Ownership.

Special Price for Jack’s Newest Crime Novel:

Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a 67%-off price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.