This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and Chris Teague drive a pair of compact SUVs that are among the most popular vehicles in America. Jack takes the wheel of the rugged new 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, while Chris puts the off-road-ready 2025 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige through its paces. Our news segment includes important announcements at the Los Angeles Auto Show, breakthrough developments in autonomous driving, and a surprising new partnership that puts Ford on Amazon’s digital storefront. In our exclusive interview, we welcome Ashton Munoz, Dodge Challenger & Charger Brand/Product Manager, who joins us to discuss Dodge’s latest performance direction.

🚙 Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition

Jack was one of the first journalists to get behind the wheel of Toyota’s latest SUV, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition, a model that blends hybrid efficiency with real all-weather utility. Using Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system paired with a 2.5-liter engine and on-demand AWD, the Woodland Edition enhances the bestselling RAV4 Hybrid with unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and functional upgrades aimed at light-trail users. Inside, Toyota updates the tech story with a 10.5-inch multimedia system, a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster, and 5G connectivity. Jack details how the Woodland Edition balances comfort, capability, and hybrid performance for buyers who split time between urban commuting and weekend adventure.

🚗 Chris Teague Test-Drives the 2025 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige

Chris takes the 2025 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige on- and off-road, highlighting its rugged AWD tuning and 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, off-road-friendly approach and departure angles, and a multi-link rear suspension, the X-Pro Prestige brings surprising capability to the compact SUV class. The roomy cabin offers more than 41 inches of legroom in both rows, while the dual-level cargo floor allows up to 74.1 cubic feet of storage. Chris examines its combination of refinement, cargo flexibility, and light-trail confidence, along with its 26-mpg combined fuel economy and 2,500-pound towing capacity.

🎙️ Special Guest Interview: Ashton Munoz, Dodge Challenger & Charger Brand/Product Manager

Jack sits down with Dodge's Ashton Munoz for an inside look at the brand’s new Charger product strategy as it launches a new era of muscle performance. Munoz shares insights on design direction, product planning, and how Dodge is keeping its performance identity strong in a changing market.

📰 This Week’s Headlines

Ram Could Make You a Race Car Driver

Ram is shaking up the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series with a “Free Agent” driver program that puts a rotating lineup of racers behind the wheel of the No. 25 Ram 1500. Drivers from across motorsports can apply, and each race will feature a different competitor. Ram aims to inject fresh energy into the series while anchoring the program with full-time entries from Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley.

Driverless Taxis Hit the Freeways

Waymo has expanded its autonomous service to major freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Riders can now travel highway routes, including a full 45-mile stretch from San Francisco to San Jose International Airport, entirely without a human driver. Competition is heating up, with Zoox scaling production and Tesla teasing its 2026 Cybercab.

Ford and Amazon Team Up for Online CPO Sales

Ford Blue Advantage certified pre-owned vehicles are now available through Amazon Autos in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas. Shoppers can browse, finance, and schedule pickup online, though some dealers are wary about how Amazon’s marketplace could reshape customer relationships. Up to 180 dealers have expressed interest in the program.

Subaru and Lexus Go All-In on Pop Culture

Subaru brings back its Barkley dog family for holiday ads, including a chase involving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Meanwhile, Lexus unveils a “Karaoke LX” tied to the premiere of “Wicked,” complete with emerald-and-pink detailing and Broadway-ready audio. Both brands lean heavily on pop culture to stand out during the holiday ad rush.

📩 Listener Question of the Week

Myra from LaCrosse, Wisconsin, asks:
“I’m thinking of buying a family SUV, and I’m wondering what’s the best midsize SUV for reliability? That means a lot to me.”

Jack and Chris reference the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Index for guidance.

📚 Jack’s Latest Book

Jack’s crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is now available in paperback and eBook on Amazon.

🎧 Where to Listen

Catch America on the Road each week on this station, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. Audacy, iHeart Radio, and Spotify, and check out our YouTube and Rumble channels for road tests and short videos. Please like, subscribe, and share the show with friends.

🎙️ 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

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📨 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.