Is this really a Prius… or something else entirely? 🤔

What happens when Toyota takes one of the most recognizable cars on the road and gives it a bold new attitude? A plug-in hybrid Prius in Nightshade trim, finished in a head-turning Karashi yellow, shows up—and suddenly people are doing double takes.

How far can you really go on electric power alone—and what does that mean for daily driving, errands, or even a last-minute date night? ⚡🚗

Does the Nightshade package offer more than just looks? And has the Prius finally crossed the line from “practical” to genuinely stylish?

From blacked-out accents and premium tech to charging convenience, fuel economy, and a price point that might surprise you, this review digs into why the 2026 Toyota Prius Nightshade Plug-In Hybrid may not be the Prius you remember.

Love it or hate it… You’ll want to hear this one before judging it for yourself.

Have a question about a car review or a general automotive question? Call the KLZ560am studios in Denver during the Drive-Radio program on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm MT at 303-477-5600 or text 307-200-8222. Listen live on the KLZ560am app or at https://Drive-Radio.com.

Is It a Truck… or Is It a Car? and Does It Actually Deliver? 👀

This week on Rush To Reason and Drive Radio, John and Richard take a closer look at the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT—a vehicle that refuses to fit neatly into a single category. With turbocharged power, a new transmission, and just enough truck bed to change how you haul your gear, this compact pickup sparks some honest debate.

Who is this vehicle really for? Urban drivers? Weekend adventurers? Someone with a tight garage but big expectations? And does the updated powertrain finally hit the sweet spot at Colorado altitude?

From pricing surprises to interior comfort, fuel economy questions, and that not-quite-a-truck, not-quite-an-SUV identity—this review leaves you with one big takeaway: you won’t know if it’s for you until you hear the full story.

Curious why they say “give it a chance”? 🎬

Hit play and find out why the Santa Cruz XRT might just surprise you.

Have a question about a car review or a general automotive question? Call the KLZ560am studios in Denver during the Drive-Radio program on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm MT at 303-477-5600 or text 307-200-8222. Listen live on the KLZ560am app or at https://Drive-Radio.com.

Cold weather exposes every weakness—both in vehicles and drivers—and in this episode of https://Drive-Radio.com: The Extra Mile, John Rush cuts through winter driving myths with real-world experience and hard-earned advice. How long should you really warm up your car? Does it matter if you drive gas, diesel, hybrid, or EV? And are today’s “experts” giving advice that actually helps—or quietly causes damage?

John breaks down smart warm-up practices, explaining why temperature, engine type, and even listening to your vehicle matter more than rigid rules. He walks through diesel-specific essentials like glow plugs, block heaters, and fuel anti-gel additives—mistakes here can leave you stranded for hours. EVs and hybrids get their own reality check too, including why cold weather quietly cuts electric range far more than most drivers expect.

The episode shifts from engines to the road itself, with practical winter driving tips drawn from a snowy late-night ride home. Why do jerky movements cause trouble on ice? Where should you actually position your car in snowy lanes? And why do good tires matter more than all-wheel drive? From gentle braking to steering discipline and snow removal, this hour feels less like a lecture—and more like a survival guide.

If winter driving makes you uneasy—or you think you’ve got it all figured out—this episode may change how you start your car and drive it all season long.

HR1 Drive Radio - January 31, 2026 by John Rush

HR2 Drive Radio - January 31, 2026 by John Rush

HR3 Drive Radio - January 31, 2026 by John Rush

Warm January weather sets the stage for this fast-moving hour of https://Fix-ItRadio.com, where John Rush and Larry Unger ask a simple question: Are you using this unexpected break in winter to your advantage—or missing a critical window? From winter watering along Colorado’s dry Front Range to pruning trees, roses, and grasses, this episode is packed with timely advice that could save your landscape before spring even arrives. Should sprinklers really be running in January? How do you know if the ground is too frozen—or just frozen enough?

The conversation shifts indoors with smart, practical guidance on organization and tax prep. Are you keeping paperwork you don’t need? Is scanning receipts actually saving time—or creating more work? John breaks down realistic systems that work in the real world, not just in theory, and explains how simplifying files now can reduce stress later.

Then the show takes a sharp turn into home and vehicle security. How vulnerable are Wi-Fi cameras, alarms, and smart devices? Could thieves really jam signals, defeat systems, and steal vehicles in minutes? What role does garage clutter play in making your home a target—and why might parking inside be one of the most overlooked security upgrades?

Real callers bring real problems, from garage door signal interference to wind-related home damage, sparking conversations that connect organization, safety, and preparedness. This hour doesn’t just fix things—it challenges listeners to rethink habits that quietly cost them time, money, and security.

On this episode of https://Ready-Radio.com, host John Rush and co-host Pastor Bill Anderson of Prep to Protect (https://www.prep2protectco.com) dive into a timely question: what does true preparedness look like in a tense and unpredictable world? As protests, rising tensions, and concerns about power grid stability dominate headlines, they challenge listeners to think beyond reaction and focus on readiness, responsibility, and community strength.

When does exercising a right become poor judgment? Are you preparing wisely—or simply reacting to fear? The conversation explores the importance of situational awareness, firearm responsibility, and why training and competence matter more than simply owning equipment. Bill emphasizes that preparedness isn’t about panic—it’s about wisdom, training, and knowing when to walk away from danger.

They also ask listeners to consider: if a crisis struck your neighborhood tomorrow, would your community stand together—or fall apart? From safe firearm ownership to strengthening relationships with neighbors, the show urges practical steps that keep families safer when life’s unexpected moments hit.

Are you truly ready for the “What-Ifs” of Life? And are you preparing in ways that actually make a difference when it counts?

What sets the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ PHEV apart? Lexus blends best-selling SUV design with true plug-in hybrid power, real electric range, and premium features. Can a three-row luxury SUV support daily family life and short commutes on battery power alone? Is this the sweet spot between full EVs and traditional gas models?

John and Richard deliver the essentials on the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ PHEV: electric-only driving, at-home charging, practical third-row space, tech, safety, and pricing. Does it deliver on size and luxury? Is the premium justified? Discover why plug-in hybrids like the TX 550h+ may be ideal for flexible, family-focused driving without range anxiety.

If you’re shopping for luxury SUVs, curious about plug-in hybrids, or wondering what $85,000 really buys you today… this is one review you’ll want to hear. 🎧

Have a question about a car review or a general automotive question? Call the KLZ560am studios in Denver during the Drive-Radio program on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm MT at 303-477-5600 or text 307-200-8222. Listen live on the KLZ560am app or at https://Drive-Radio.com.

Classic Cars, Value, and the Reality Check

What really makes a car a classic—and is it an investment or just nostalgia with a price tag? In this episode of https://Drive-Radio.com: The Extra Mile, John Rush pulls listeners inside the real world of classic, muscle, vintage, and limited-production cars, cutting through auction hype and emotional buying. Why do some cars skyrocket in value while others quietly fade? And why do beautifully restored vehicles sometimes sell for less than worn-in originals?

Using real examples from high-profile auctions to everyday barn finds, John explains how supply and demand, buyer demographics, documentation, and originality drive prices. He breaks down “numbers-matching” cars, clone builds, and why repainting or over-restoring a vehicle can actually hurt its value. Are auctions designed to help you buy smart—or push you to overpay? And how do you avoid getting upside down on a dream car?

The episode also tackles inheritance scenarios, financing classic cars, and why banks often view classics as lower-risk than daily drivers. John shares practical advice on spotting problem cars fast, knowing when to walk away, and when emotion is okay—and when it absolutely isn’t. Whether you’re chasing a dream car, sitting on a family heirloom, or just fascinated by the collector market, this hour delivers a candid, insider look at how classic cars really work.