Ford has just introduced a new low-priced off-road version of the F-150 pickup that is sure to be a hit. And we’ll tell you all about it in this episode of America on the Road.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Rattler is a rugged, entry-level addition to the Ford truck lineup. Its standard four-wheel-drive is a tipoff to its off-road emphasis. Designed with affordability in mind, it is based on the XL series, and it leverages FX4 content. The F-150 Rattler’s list of special mechanicals includes skidplates, special off-road shocks, electronic locking rear differential, and hill descent control.

The F-150 Rattler also looks the part of a canyon cruiser with a dual exhaust system, all-terrain tires, and painted 18-inch aluminum wheels. F-150 Rattler badging on the fender vents and rattlesnake-inspired graphics let others know what its intentions are.

In the road test segment, Co-Host Chris Teague will offer a very special look at the 2022 Volkswagen GTI. Why is it special? Because the GTI isn’t just another press fleet car. Instead, it is Teague’s very own just-leased GTI, and he’ll give us the lowdown on its pluses and minuses. Does he have buyer’s remorse? We’ll find out in this episode.

Also, in this episode, Host Jack Nerad got the chance to drive the 2022 Toyota Venza as he paid a motoring visit to two of his daughters in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area last weekend. Among other things, the Venza transported Nerad and his daughters to a college baseball game, a barbecue dinner, and a fried chicken lunch. And when he wasn’t eating, he was driving the hybrid-powered Venz all over the metroplex. How did it fare? The answer will be clear in this edition.

Finally, America on the Road also has a special guest this week. Scott Caplan is co-founder of Everwash, a new company that has devised an interesting and innovative way to keep your car clean. We all wash our cars and don’t think much about it but Nerad will talk with Caplan about the ingenious business he has built revolving around car washes. That and more coming in this week’s episode of America on the Road.