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Remember when car guys road tested cars? With the current crossover SUV craze in full swing, those days seem to be over, and who are we to say it’s a bad thing. In this week’s episode of *America on the Road*, host Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague take the wheels of two five-seat SUVs: the all-new and mass-market-priced 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the premium-oriented 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium.
Chevrolet’s 2025 Equinox enters its fourth generation with a tasteful redesign, both inside and out. Under the hood, it offers a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel-drive models are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while all-wheel-drive versions feature an 8-speed automatic transmission. The interior shows it modernity, boasting an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen powered by Google . It also offers something the battery-electric version of the Equinox doesn’t, and we’ll tell you what that is, along with our overall review of the attractive SUV, in our road test segment. With a starting price around $28,600, the Equinox might well grab your attention. But how does it compare to the leaders in the compact SUV segment? We’ll offer our opinions.
While co-host Chris Teague was putting the Chevy Equinox to the test, host Jack Nerad was piloting a fascinating newcomer— the 2025 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium. A reasonably new Mazda nameplate, the CX-70 is a midsize SUV that doesn’t shy away from performance. Equipped with a 3.3-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine delivering 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, it offers a spirited driving experience. At least as spirited a a midsize crossover is likely to be. The handsome SUV features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, standard all-wheel drive, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Inside, the CX-70 impresses with red Nappa leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Additional amenities include a panoramic sunroof, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Priced at $52,450, it positions itself as a high-value alternative to European luxury SUVs. But it does have a foible or two, which we’ll describe in the road test segment.
In the News
- Ram 1500 Express Returns: Ram announces the 2026 Ram 1500 Express, a value-focused pickup starting at $44,495, featuring bold styling and a choice between a 305-hp V6 or a 420-hp turbocharged I-6 engine.
- Mercedes-Benz Expands U.S. Production: Mercedes-Benz plans to produce a new vehicle at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant by 2027, aligning with its strategy to localize production amid rising U.S. tariffs.
- Congress Challenges California’s Gasoline Vehicle Ban: The U.S. House of Representatives votes to repeal California’s ban on gasoline car sales, sparking debates on consumer choice, environmental impact, and economic implications.
- Ford Cancels $10 Billion Software Initiative: Ford abruptly ends its ambitious FNV4 software project after significant investment, raising questions about the company’s future in vehicle software development.
Special Guest
In this week’s interview segment,Tyson Jominy, Vice President of Data and Analytics at J.D. Power, joins the show to discuss the impact of tariffs on the automotive industry and offers insights for consumers planning to purchase a vehicle this year.
Thanks for joing America on the Road* for your weekly dose of expert reviews, industry news, and valuable insights to keep you informed on the latest in the automotive world.
Plenty of show this week.
Jack Nerad’s newest book
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.
Matt DeLorenzo’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.
Brought to you by:
• DrivingToday.com
• Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance.
• EMLandsea.com, publisher of Only One Thing Stays the Same and Dance in the Dark
We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we’ll like you forever.
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
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and What’s Up This Week
03:00 Introducing 2026 Ram 1500 Express
05:35 Mercedes-Benz to Build New Vehicle in U.S.
07:20 Congress Votes to Prevent Gasoline Vehicle Ban
10:18 Safe Driving Tips for Spring
12:40 Road Test: Chevrolet Equinox Review
18:30 Road Test: Mazda CX-70 Review
25:30 J.D. Power’s Tyson Jominy on Tariffs
39:50 Listener Question: Are Certified Pre-Owned Cars Worth The Money?
Keywords
automotive news, vehicle reviews, Chevrolet Equinox, Mazda CX-70, safe driving tips, car industry, electric vehicles, tariffs, certified pre-owned cars
Summary
In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss the latest automotive news, including the introduction of new vehicles, industry trends, and the implications of recent legislative changes. They also share safe driving tips and conduct in-depth reviews of the Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-70. The episode concludes with listener questions about certified pre-owned vehicles and their value.
Takeaways
Ram has introduced a new affordable pickup truck.
Mercedes-Benz is expanding production in Alabama.
The US House of Representatives is addressing California’s gasoline vehicle ban.
Ford canceled a major software initiative after significant investment.
Safe driving tips include avoiding distractions and routine maintenance.
The Chevrolet Equinox offers a comfortable ride but lacks power.
The Mazda CX-70 is a premium SUV with a complex powertrain.
Certified pre-owned vehicles provide peace of mind and warranty benefits.
The automotive industry is facing challenges with electric vehicle mandates.
Consumer preferences are shifting towards more affordable vehicle options.
Sound Bites
“$10 billion, Chris.”
“$45,000 truck is affordable.”
“It’s likely to be an SUV.”
“I think it is good news.”
“Distractions are out there.”
“I think the price is right.”
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