Few off-roaders have the pedigree of the Toyota 4Runner, so when Toyota had us to be among the first to drive it on- and off-road, we jumped at the chance. The sixth-generation 4Runner will be available in nine different grades, including the first-ever Trailhunter and Platinum trims, and host Jack Nerad just drove virtually all of them in an event held outside San Diego, California. The vehicle is based on Toyota's tough TNGA-F global platform, which also supports the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. It includes a three-row, seven-passenger version, improved safety and infotainment features, and two new engine/drivetrain options.

Prices range from $40,770 for the SR5 trim level to $66,900 for the TRD Pro I-Force Max hybrid. Nerad’s road test this week takes a close look at an important trim — the TRD Off-Road Premium equipped with the iForce Max hybrid powertrain. The price as-tested for the vehicle was $59,420, and we’ll have all the details for you in this episode.

Across the country, Co-Host Chris Teague got behind the wheel of the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse with the Z71 package. Those who have spent a lot of time in the midsize Chevy crossover SUV see it as a good suburban grocery-getter and child transporter. But in Z71 trim, does it have the chops to become a genuine off-roader? Teague and Nerad will offer their opinions.

This week we have a terrific guest for you. Alison Rahm is Chief Engineer on the all-new Jeep Wagoneer S, the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle. Jack Nerad had a chance to sit down with her recently to discuss all the details regarding this exciting new vehicle in the midst of driving it himself. She shared the entire philosophy behind the groundbreaking vehicle, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy what she has to say.

In this week’s news segment, there are breaking stories that will change the trajectory of the auto industry and affect what vehicles might eventually land in your driveway. The new Administration is studying a rollback in fuel economy standards for new vehicles, and that might prove to be make-or-break for many of the world’s car companies. We’ll have the details.

The proposed merger of Honda and Nissan has run into a roadblock. We’ll tell which company is balking at the move and why coming up. Cadillac has introduced its first battery-electric V- performance model, and we’ll have all the details. And Honda and Acura have announced a recall of many of its largest SUVs, and we’ll tell you about that.

Listener Question of the Week

"How do different tire types affect fuel efficiency and handling?"

Wilson, Omaha, Nebraska

Special Offer

Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.

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.

Brought to you by:

• DrivingToday.com

• Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance.

• EMLandsea.com, publisher of Dance in the Dark.

We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we'll like you forever.

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