This week on America on the Road, host Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague deliver special first-drive reports on the all-new 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland and the 2026 Toyota C-HR. In the road test segment, Chris drives the off-road-ready 2026 Ram 1500 Warlock with the Hurricane engine, while Jack reviews the efficient 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD. Jack also sits down with Beatris Diaz, marketing and product expert with Toyota, for an exclusive look into the details of the all-new 2027 Toyota Highlander.

🚗 Chris Teague Test-Drives the 2026 Ram 1500 Warlock

Chris gets behind the wheel of the 2026 Ram 1500 Warlock, which harnesses the 3.0-liter Hurricane Straight-Six Turbo engine, a twin-turbo inline-six delivering 420 horsepower and 469 lb.-ft. of torque for responsive acceleration and a maximum towing capacity of up to 11,580 pounds alongside a payload rating of 1,930 pounds. This off-road-oriented trim elevates adventure with a 1-inch raised ride height, 18-inch black aluminum wheels fitted with all-terrain tires, performance-tuned shock absorbers, an electronic-locking rear axle, underbody skid plates, tow hooks, and Selec-Speed Control for superior trail performance. It’s all wrapped in a menacing blacked-out design accented by Warlock badging and optional LED fog lamps. The Warlock offers refined handling via its coil-spring rear suspension, an affordable yet capable alternative to higher-end Ram models.

🚙 Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD

Jack reviews the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Limited AWD, a compact SUV that combines plug-in hybrid efficiency with premium features and all-wheel drive. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor delivering 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, it offers 32 miles of all-electric range and a combined 77 MPGe/35 mpg rating. The refined chassis provides a comfortable ride, while the upscale interior includes leather-trimmed heated/ventilated seats, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, Bose audio, and comprehensive safety tech like Highway Driving Assist. Jack covers real-world performance, charging convenience, cargo area, and whether its near-$50,000 price tag delivers strong value in a crowded segment.

🎙️ Special Guest Interview: 2027 Toyota Highlander

Jack talks with Beatris Diaz, marketing and product expert with Toyota, to dive into the all-new 2027 Toyota Highlander. Diaz shares details on the redesigned midsize SUV’s updates, including enhanced performance, advanced technology, family-friendly features, and how it fits into Toyota’s evolving lineup.

📰 This Week’s Headlines

Toyota Expands EV Lineup with 2026 bZ Woodland

Toyota’s new rugged battery-electric SUV, the 2026 bZ Woodland, combines dual-motor all-wheel drive with 375 horsepower, up to 281 miles of range, 8.4 inches of ground clearance, and advanced tech features starting at over $45,000, arriving in March.

Toyota Revives C-HR as Electric Crossover for 2026

The 2026 Toyota C-HR returns as an all-electric compact SUV with dual-motor all-wheel drive, 338 horsepower, up to 287 miles of range, sporty styling, ample cargo space, and modern amenities like a 14-inch touchscreen, priced from about $37,000 and launching in March.

Ford Plans Profits from Affordable EVs

Ford aims to achieve profitability in its Model e division by 2029 through cost-cutting measures, a shift to lower-priced EVs like a $30,000 midsize truck, and revenue from software and energy products, despite expecting ongoing multibillion-dollar losses.

VW Faces Dieselgate Trial in France

Nearly a decade after the scandal, Volkswagen faces a criminal trial in France for using illegal defeat devices in diesel vehicles, part of ongoing global legal actions that could endanger health, with hearings not expected until 2027.

📩 Listener Question of the Week

Willard from Interlochen, Michigan, asks: “How much should I really care about resale value when choosing a car?”
Jack and Chris discuss factors like depreciation trends, brand reliability, market demand, and how resale impacts long-term ownership costs.

🎧 America on the Road is named Best Radio Show by the International Automotive Media Conference and is now in its 33rd year on the air.

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📚 Jack Nerad’s New Book

Jack’s crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon — currently at a post-Christmas sale price.

🎧 Where to Listen

Catch America on the Road on this station each week, or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Follow for newcar reviews, guest interviews, auto news, and road tests.

Sponsored by Mercury Insurance and DrivingToday.com

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