In this week’s episode of America on the Road, Jack Nerad and Chris Teague hit the road with two distinctly different 2025 vehicles in the spotlight: the family-focused Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade Hybrid and the ruggedly compact Ford Bronco Sport. Plus, they welcome Electrify Expo founder BJ Birtwell for an eye-opening discussion on the state of EVs and where the industry is headed next.

ROAD TEST: 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade Hybrid
Host Jack Nerad took the 2025 Grand Highlander Nightshade Hybrid on a summer family road trip through Texas, and it proved to be an ideal companion. With blacked-out trim, 20-inch wheels, and Toyota’s reliable 2.5L hybrid powertrain, the Nightshade edition adds style without compromising efficiency, returning 34 mpg combined. Inside, it’s all about family comfort, offering seating for up to eight, dual 12.3-inch screens, a panoramic glass roof, and seven USB-C ports to keep everyone connected. It’s also loaded with standard driver-assist tech like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and a panoramic view monitor. All in, the test vehicle hit just over $58,000—well-equipped and ready for real-world family duty. How did the extended Nerad family take to the Grand Highlander? We’ll have their reactions coming up.

ROAD TEST: 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Meanwhile, C-Host Chris Teague went behind the wheel of the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, a vehicle that continues to carve out a niche for itself in the ever-more-crowded small SUV market. Compact yet adventure-ready, the Bronco Sport blends its retro-modern styling with real off-road capability, thanks to standard all-wheel drive and selectable GOAT (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes. Though smaller than the full-size Bronco, it delivers big on personality and practicality. Inside, it’s smartly packaged, with fold-flat rear seats, rubberized cargo floors, and Ford’s latest Sync 4 infotainment system. Whether you’re tackling trails or urban sprawl, Chris and Jack will offer their take on the Bronco Sport and its place in the compact SUV class.

SPECIAL GUEST: BJ Birtwell, Electrify Expo Founder
BJ Birtwell, the founder of Electrify Expo, joins Jack and Chris to talk candidly about the state of electric vehicles in an increasingly skeptical market. From consumer hesitation to political roadblocks, Birtwell shares his unique view on where the EV transition is headed and why he believes the public conversation needs to shift. It’s a frank and timely discussion you won’t want to miss.

AUTO NEWS HEADLINES

Cars That Hear


German researchers are giving autonomous vehicles ears—literally—by adding exterior microphones to help them detect sirens, voices, and other sounds in real-time traffic. The tech is being tested in extreme environments across Europe and could play a key role in next-gen vehicle automation.

Jeep’s New Wagoneers


Jeep unveiled two new trims—the Wagoneer Limited and Wagoneer Super—designed to deliver more luxury at a lower price point, complete with upscale features and robust 420-hp powertrains.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Debuts

Mazda revealed a fully redesigned 2026 CX-5, boasting a bold new look, a roomier interior, and a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen with built-in Google apps and AI.

Ford Recalls Hit Record


Ford has set an unwanted industry record, issuing 88 safety recalls in the first half of 2025—more than any automaker has reported in a full year—driven by aggressive internal quality audits.

Porsche Taycan Black Edition


Porsche launched the 2026 Taycan Black Edition, offering a sportier look, bigger battery, and luxury features bundled into a sleek all-electric package starting at $120,600.

LISTENER QUESTION OF THE WEEK
“What’s a car you regret selling or wish you had bought?” — Perry from St. Paul, Minnesota

Jack and Chris weigh in with some nostalgic picks and hard lessons from the past. It’s a fun question that might make you think twice before parting with your next ride.

Check Out Matt’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.

Check Out Jack’s Newest Crime Novel:

Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.

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America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Only One Thing Stays the Same, which is available HERE on Amazon.com