America on the Road

One of the best SUVs we’ve ever tested — the 2022 Jeep Cherokee — is the subject of this week’s interview. Our special guest is David Partlow, chief engineer on the all-new vehicle. Host Jack Nerad had a chance to sit down with him at the recent introductory drive event in Moab, Utah, and he has a lot to say about the new SUV. What was Jeep trying to accomplish with the all-new vehicle? And what are aspects that set it apart from others in the segment?

Tesla is facing an investigation by the SEC in connection with the claims of a whistleblower, and we’ll have the details for you in the news segment of America on the Road. At the same time, it looks as if the continuing drama about who will lead Volkswagen might have a resolution in the next week, and we’ll have more details as that unfolds.

Of course, America on the Road always has road tests, and this week we have a couple of intriguing new vehicles to discuss. Co Host Chris Teague will be giving of his thoughts on the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. It is the most off-road capable version of the Forester, and Chris will tell us how it fared in the wilds of the Maine woods.

Host Jack Nerad had the opportunity to drive another minivan in what has become one of the hottest sectors of the market. Yes, really. The 2022 Toyota Sienna has two important distinctions in its favor. First, every Sienna is a hybrid. And the Sienna is also available with all-wheel-drive. We’ll tell you how it stacks up against the 2022 Kia Carnival and other family haulers.

Dodge is America’s premier muscle car brand. At the same time the American market seems to be moving inexorably toward an electrified future. So what does this mean for the Dodge brand? Will it go the way of the dinosaur and the do-do bird? Or does it have a path forward in light of the expected advance of the EV?

Our guest this week has the answers to those questions and many more. Tim Kuniskis is the head of the Dodge brand, and Host Jack Nerad got a chance to enjoy an exclusive interview with him recently. In the interview Kuniskis reveals details about the surprising future plans of Dodge. It is obvious the brand doesn’t just know what it stands for today, but it also has a very good idea of where it is going to be tomorrow. (EDITOR'S NOTE: A technical issue caused the absence of the Tim Kuniskis interview in the earlier edition of this episode. That has now been corrected. If you encountered this problem, delete the previous episode download and re-download. The file attached to this article contains the updated episode.)

In the road test segment of America on the Road, Co Host Chris Teague will share his thoughts on the 2022 Infiniti QX55 after a thorough road test. The QX55 has one of the most innovative internal-combustion engines on the planet, and we will examine its complications and its benefits.

Also in the road test segment, Host Jack Nerad had the opportunity to take his whole family – even Austin the dog -- on a long distance drive in the 2022 Kia Carnival. The Carnival MPV minivan replaced the venerable Sedona, and it propels Kia from being an also-ran in the minivan race to being one of the top contenders.

In the news, BMW has introduced radically designed M concept vehicle, and we’ll have the details for you. Is it fair to call it ugly? Also in the news a survey of auto executives finds they are very bullish on the prospects for electric vehicles. Their predictions verge on the incredible. So are they speaking the truth or just blowing smoke? We’ll discuss all that in this episode of America on the Road.

Lucid Motors has hit the automotive world like an asteroid, being named Finalist in the prestigious North American Car of the Year competition. The Lucid Air luxury sedan combines leading-edge technology with reach-out exterior and interior design to wow auto experts from around the world. In this episode of America on the Road Host Jack Nerad conducts an exclusive interview with the man responsible for the Lucid Air’s head-turning styling. Derek Jenkins is Chief Designer for Lucid Motors, and in the interview he will discuss the fine points of creating the hallmarks of an all-new and very exclusive automotive brand.

In the road test segment, Co-Host Chris Teague will share his thoughts on the 2022 Lincoln Corsair. The small luxury crossover boasts special interior comfort and quiet, but is that enough to justify its elevated price? And how does it compare to the other vehicles in its hotly competitive class?

Also in the road test segment, Host Jack Nerad had the opportunity to drive the 2022 Buick Envision ST. In this instance ST stands for “Sport Touring,” and that begs the question is the China-built Envision ST really a sports-oriented crossover utility? The answer to that question and others are in this week’s episode.

In the news, the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show is in the books, and it was the site of several new vehicle introductions. We’ll tell you about the best models from the show and give our predictions of their ability to compete. Among the vehicles we will discuss are the 2023 Toyota bZ4X, 2023 Nissan Ariya, 2023 Subaru Solterra, and 2023 Fisker Ocean. And if you’d like to know the most unreliable cars in America, Consumer Reports has its opinion in a just-published list. We’ll have the details for you and give you our take.

Toyota has just introduced the 2023 Toyota bZ4X crossover utility, the first in what the company says will be an extensive line of battery-powered electric vehicles. In this episode of America on the Road we will not only have all the information you need to know about the bZ4X, but we will also have exclusive information on how Toyota plans to approach environmentally conscious vehicles going forward. One thing we can assure you: their plan is far from all battery electric all the time.

Our special guest in this episode is Cooper Ericksen, group vice president, product planning and strategy for Toyota Motor North America. During the just-concluded Toyota “e-volution” event Host Jack Nerad had a chance to sit down with him to discuss the Toyota bZ4X compact crossover and Toyota’s plans for electrification going forward. What he said is fascinating stuff because it isn’t the blue-sky pablum some other manufacturers are putting out there. It’s a can’t-miss interview.

In auto news this week, the North American Car of the Year jury has announced its Finalists for its 2022 awards and we’ll have them for you in this episode. In the minds of the jurors they represent the nine best new vehicles to come to market for 2022. You’ll be amazed at what vehicles made the field and what vehicles did not.

Also in the news, if you have problems connecting your phone to your car, you are not alone. We’ll have the J.D. Power survey data for you on that and other automotive multimedia issues.

In the road test segment, Co-Host Chris Teague will be giving of his thoughts on the Ford Bronco. Is the Bronco Two-Door the right choice for a young family? How does the Bronco fare in the rigors of a Maine fall?

At the same time, Host Jack Nerad had the opportunity to drive the all-new Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup. The Santa Cruz represents an all-new vehicle type. How similar is it to the equally new 2022 Ford Maverick? And which one should you choose?

Volvo is charging ahead with its plan to electrify its fleet in less than a decade, but it continues to renew its gasoline-powered models as well. One strong example is the 2022 Volvo XC60 midsize luxury crossover that gets a completely new powertrain for the new model year. We recently had the opportunity to drive it in the hills of Malibu, California, and then spoke to its key product planner, Gauging Kalsaria. In the interview Kalsaria reveals how Volvo sees its new powertrains as stepping stones toward full electrification. And he and Host Jack Nerad explore EVs and other topics in the wide-ranging discussion.

In the road test segment,Co-host Chris Teague and Host Jack Nerad share their views on two mid-size SUVs. From his post in Maine, Chris Teague tests the 2022 Ford Explorer, the latest iteration of one of the most popular sport-utility vehicles of all time. And he’ll tell us how he thinks it fares against the current competition.

Also in the road test segment, Host Jack Nerad reports from behind the wheel of the all-new Genesis GV70 compact crossover utility. With two impressive engine choices and eye-catching styling inside and out the GV70 could be a strong contender for North American Utility Vehicle of the Year honors.

In the news, there is drama at Volkswagen this week as the automaker’s plans to shift to electric vehicles upsets its workforce in Germany. Some feel that Volkswagen is going too fast on its plan to go electric, while others suggest it is going far too slow. Will this strife cost its CEO his job? Can Volkswagen out-Tesla Elon Musk? We’ll explore that in this week’s episode.

And we’ll also discuss the lengths car dealers are going to so they can obtain cars to sell. It’s all coming upon this week’s episode of America on The Road.

Ford Motor Company is betting that its truck expertise will pay off big in its latest vehicle introduction, the 2022 Ford Maverick compact pickup truck. In this episode of America on the Road, Ford Maverick Chief Engineer Chris Mazur will talk with Host Jack Nerad about the opportunity the new small truck represents for Ford. The market has never seen anything quite like it, and Mazur is confident that his team is hitting the right notes with the new vehicle. Among other highlights, it has a standing introductory price of just $19,995, and it base model features a standard hybrid powertrain that is expected to turn in a fuel economy figure of 40 mpg.

In the road test segment of America on the Road, Nerad discusses his recent test drive in the all-new 2022 Audi A3. The A3 has always been one of the favorites of road testers the world over, and this time Audi has ladled on more good stuff including a standard mild hybrid powertrain.

Not only will Nerad review the A3 in this episode, but guest host Geno Effler, director of corporate communications at J.D. Power. will offer his firm’s insights on how the A3 fares with its buyers.

In the news this week, t turns out that the microchip shortage that has limited vehicle production isn’t just a drag for car buyers; it’s pulling down the whole economy as well. How did this issue begin? And how long will it last? Jack Nerad and Geno Effler will share their insights on those two questions. And Effler will deliver J.D.Power’s prediction on the length of the car-shortage crisis.

Because of the microchip shortfall and the labor problems that are plaguing the country, car buyers are paying more for new cars than they ever have. We’ll have the J.D.Power statistics on that and suggestions on what can be done about it coming up in this week’s show.

2022 Ford Maverick's short bed makes short work of couch-moving.

The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing delivers 200-mph top speed, coma-inducing acceleration, and commensurate handling prowess. But, amazingly, it also offers pleasant ride quality. The CT5-V Blackwing is the most powerful production Cadillac in the brand’s long history. Not only will it top 200 mph, but it will also rocket from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.4 seconds. Hold onto your synapses!

For perspective consider this — the 1984 Ferrari Testarossa, one of the most highly regarded exoticars of all time, had a top speed of just over 185 mph and took 5.0 seconds to reach 60 mph. So Cadillac has assembled an amazing car, but is the brand getting the credit it deserves?

In this episode of America on the Road Host Jack Nerad will review the CT5-V Blackwing and explore that question and others regarding this incredibly capable 4-door sedan.

We will also take a look at another performance car with more modest credentials and a much more accessible price. Co-host Chris Teague will road test the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line. Is it fast? How well do his daughters fit in the back seat? He will cover all that and more in America on the Road’s vehicle test segment.

Our special guest this week is Melinda Godec, Volkswagen product planner. She and Host Jack Nerad will discuss the heavily revised 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, the brand’s most popular model. Nerad got a chance to drive the new Tiguan at a recent Southern California-based event.

In the news, electric vehicles will get serious coverage this week. These days most global carmakers are heavily promoting electric vehicles as a solution to climate change. But a major car company just said that EVs aren’t for everyone. We’ll tell you which company that is explore why they said that in this episode.

Meanwhile Canada is none too happy about new proposed U.S. tax credits on EVs that some new legislation would institute, and some car dealers aren’t either. We’ll tell you about the special-interest deal hidden in the proposed tax credits in this episode of America on the Road brought to you by Mercury Insurance and Driving Today.com.

Toyota has just launched a new crossover SUV, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, and we’ll give you all the details about it. Our special guest is Ben Haushalter, product planner on the all-new model. Toyota is so bullish on the Corolla Cross that it built a new factory in conjunction with Mazda to assemble it for the American market. In our exclusive interview, Host Jack Nerad will discuss with Haushalter how the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross differs from the brand’s previous entry-level crossover, the C-HR.

Turning to the news, a new company with a fascinating background is about to enter the American car market with a couple of electric vehicles. You will be surprised not only at what the company plans to do but a how the company started. In this episode of America on the Road we’ll give you the details.

Also in the news this week, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has identified a piece of equipment that can decrease collisions by up to twenty percent. We’ll throw some light on that lifesaving tech in the show as well.

In this week’s road test segment Co-Host Chris Teague will take a long look at a vehicle with a very long name — the all-new 2022 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works convertible. With Maine’s fall colors in full glory, the MINI Convertible proved to be an eye-catching ride.

Also in the road test segment, Host Jack Nerad had the opportunity to test his off-road mettle with the 2021 Ford Bronco Two-Door. In many ways it is the vehicle that is most reminiscent of the original Ford Bronco, and Nerad will deliver his well-seasoned take.

Photo: Jack R. Nerad

Photo: Jack R. Nerad

Photo: Jack R. Nerad

In this episode of the award-winning America on the Road radio show and podcast we discuss a global automaker with a very proud history that is making significant efforts to increase its emphasis on the China market. Also in this edition of AOTR we discuss a brand known for its sports cars that has just announced a slew of new crossover SUVs. Is that a smart move? We’ll give you our opinions.

This week our special guest is Mark Snyder, chief engineer on the all-new Infiniti QX60 luxury SUV. Engineering a competitive luxury SUV in today’s market has grown ever more difficult. In his exclusive interview with Host Jack Nerad Snyder will tell us how he was able to navigate the difficult waters any multi-national company faces in creating a vehicle that’ll resonate with finicky luxury buyers.

In the road test segment Co-Host Chris Teague will take a long look at the all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. It’s a vehicle that has a lot of commonalities with the new Infiniti QX60. He’ll reveal how he and his family liked the Pathfinder’s many new feature.

Photo: Jack R. Nerad

Also in the road test segment Host Jack Nerad will examine another new topnotch SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. The Jeep brand has never built a successful three-row vehicle. We will let you know if they hit the nail on the head with this one.

Hear about the tech in the 2022 Wagoneer

This week Tesla has set a new sales record, and we’ll tell you how they did it. And if you aren’t using all the tech gadgets that your new car offers, you aren’t alone. A new J.D. Power study takes a fascinating look at new technology that is going unused. Does you car offer your features you just don’t care about?

This week our special guest is Tricia Morrow, a top safety engineer at Chevrolet. She’ll discuss what you can do as a driver to stay safe as we move deeper into fall. And Host Jack Nerad will ask her the special things each of us can do to keep our children safe in our vehicles.

In the road test segment Co-Host Chris Teague will take a long look at the all-new 2022 Honda Civic. It is one of the bestselling cars of the past three generations, and the 2022 model adds some features you would expect from a Civic. We’ll tell you all about them.

And speaking of different Host Jack Nerad will tell you all about his experiences in one of the most futuristic vehicles on the road today, the fuel-cell-powered 2022 Toyota Mirai. The Mirai uses hydrogen as fuel and emits nothing but water vapor. Could vehicles like the Mirai solve the environmental issues we are facing right now?