This week on America on the Road, co-host Chris Teague joins host Jack Nerad for a deep dive into the latest automotive news, two insightful road tests, and a special interview with veteran journalist Gary Witzenburg. Chris reviews the premium 2026 Toyota 4Runner Limited, highlighting its refined on-road manners and off-road prowess, while Jack takes the wheel of the sporty 2025 Subaru Impreza RS hatchback, praising its engaging drive and all-weather capability. Jack also chats with Gary Witzenburg, former North American Car of the Year Jury president and Motor Trend alum, about his upcoming book of automotive reminiscences.

???? Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2025 Subaru Impreza RS

Jack drives the top-trim Impreza RS hatchback, equipped with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine, standard Symmetrical AWD, sport-tuned handling, and modern tech. The appealing compact hatchback offers surprisingly fun-to-drive dynamics, practicality, and value in its hotly competitive. Its features include 18-inch alloy wheels, RS-specific sport seats with red stitching, a Harman Kardon premium audio option, and advanced EyeSight safety systems with automatic emergency steering.

???? Chris Teague Test-Drives the 2026 Toyota 4Runner Limited

Chris explores the upscale Limited trim of Toyota’s redesigned midsize SUV, featuring available hybrid power, adaptive suspension, luxury appointments like leather seats and a massive touchscreen, and Toyota’s comprehensive safety tech. The new-gen 4Runner delivers a winning balance of comfort and ruggedness for everyday and adventurous use. It also includes premium touches such as available power-extending running boards, a power moonroof, and a digital rearview mirror for enhanced convenience and visibility.

????️ Special Guest Interview

Jack speaks with acclaimed automotive journalist Gary Witzenburg about his career highlights, time at Motor Trend, leadership in the North American Car of the Year awards, and his forthcoming book sharing behind-the-scenes stories from decades in the industry.

???? This Week’s Headlines • Toyota to Export U.S.-Built Camry, Highlander, Tundra to Japan

Toyota plans to sell American-made models in its home market starting 2026, including the Kentucky-built Camry, Indiana Highlander, and Texas Tundra—a strategic move to address trade tensions and offer Japanese buyers larger, capable vehicles.

• Volkswagen Halts ID.Buzz U.S. Sales; Ford Ends F-150 Lightning Production

VW pauses U.S. deliveries of the retro electric minivan amid high inventory and lost tax credits, shifting to fleets and autonomy, while Ford ceases Lightning production, favoring hybrid-like extended-range EVs in a cooling market.

• Delaware Court Reinstates Elon Musk’s $139 Billion Tesla Pay Package

The state supreme court overturns a prior ruling, restoring Musk’s massive 2018 compensation and boosting his wealth dramatically after shareholder approvals.

• Waymo Resumes Driverless Service After San Francisco Power Outage

Waymo robotaxis briefly paused operations during a widespread blackout that caused traffic disruptions, highlighting infrastructure challenges in autonomous deployment.

• Hyundai Elantra N TCR Joins Gran Turismo 7

Hyundai’s championship-winning race car debuts virtually in the game next month, celebrating the N brand’s 10th anniversary with enhanced in-game content.

???? Listener Question of the Week

Randall from Fresno, California, asks: “Are modern cars more expensive to maintain than older ones?”
Jack and Chris discuss evolving maintenance costs, reliability trends, and factors influencing ownership expenses today.

???? Books

Jack’s crime novel Only One Thing Stays the Same is out now in ebook and paperback—perfect for post-holiday reading at a special low price.

???? Where to Listen

Catch America on the Road on this station every week, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble. You’ll also find road test videos, interviews, and shorts on our YouTube channel.

Special thanks to Mercury Insurance for sponsoring the show and to our Sports Byline Network affiliates nationwide.

????️ 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

Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.

???? Email: editor@drivingtoday.com

Check Out Matt DeLorenzo’s Book:

Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance

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.