The iconic Toyota Land Cruiser makes a comeback for the 2024 model year, now in a more compact form reminiscent of the original 1958 version. While the ’58 Land Cruiser lacked a hybrid powertrain, advanced driver assistance technologies, and a modern infotainment system, the essence of its rugged all-terrain capabilities remains unchanged in the all-new version. With us to tell all about the new vehicle is Kalifa Sprowl, Senior Series Planner, Large Trucks & SUVs for Toyota, an expert on the new Land Cruiser.

Every 2024 Land Cruiser model comes with Toyota’s turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, offering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The Land Cruiser’s full-time four-wheel-drive system includes standard center and rear-locking differentials and an optional front stabilizer bar disconnect mechanism to enhance suspension flexibility.

In the exclusive interview, Sprowl will share details about the vehicle, including thoughts on its various trim levels, specialized off-road gear, and even Sprowl’s favorite feature.

In our road test segment Host Jack Nerad and Co-Host Chris Teague will take long looks at two very different SUVs. The popular Subaru Crosstrek gets a number of revisions for the 2024 model year that enhance its already-solid value story. The subcompact crossover offers the same boxer engine as previous Crosstreks, but new camshafts and other revisions kick up peak torque and deliver it at lower engine revolutions. The difference isn’t stunning, but it is an example of the vehicle’s constant improvement.

Another change is the decision to equip all Crosstreks with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). It has been thoroughly revised to offer a wider ratio spread and revised manual-mode ratios in an effort to give the small SUV a more responsive driving feel. Making the CVT standard has another benefit as well. It prompted Subaru to also make EyeSight driver assist technology and Subaru SI-Drive driver-selectable powertrain management standard across the lineup. So how do these and other changes manifest themselves in the driving experience? Chris Teague will tell us all that and more in this episode.

In our other road test this week, Jack Nerad took the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line on a road trip to the desert to determine the midsize SUV’s ability to transport families safely, quietly, and conveniently. This year, VW changed the Atlas’s powertrain, substituting a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque for the previous four-cylinder and V6 engines. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front or all four wheels.

While the first VW SUVs were generally too small for American tastes, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas doesn’t make that mistake. It is one of the roomiest and most accommodating vehicles in its class. But one thing about the interior was entirely unexpected. Nerad will explain its pluses and minuses in the road test segment.

In the news, a just-released J.D. Power study shows that electric vehicles are more affordable than ever. It also asks the question: where are the buyers? We’ll have more on that.

Nissan has introduced a new off-road version of its popular Rogue compact SUV, and we’ll have all the details.

A battle is looming over future vehicle emissions regulations as the state of Ohio has joined a suit against California’s regulations. And a recent Supreme Court ruling could upend a variety of fuel economy, emissions and even safety regulations.

Finally, we have another warning about a safety threat that could be right in front of you when you drive. Counterfeit airbag replacements are resulting in fatalities. We’ll tell you how to avoid becoming a victim.

So, there’s plenty to talk about this week

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