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Off-road vehicles are rolling off assembly lines in record numbers, and this week, we take long looks at two of the top new entrants in the high-stakes segment. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2.5T AWD was a finalist in the North American Utility of the Year competition, and Host Jack Nerad took a long second look at it this week. Powered by a robust 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, the XRT test vehicle had the looks of a genuine all-terrain vehicle. It also offers superior versatility. Its seven-passenger cabin includes flexible three-row seating and voluminous cargo space. On the tech front, it features dual 12.3-inch infotainment and driver information displays, Bluetooth hands-free technology, wireless phone charging capabilities, and an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems.
Potential buyers probably have several questions about the Santa Fe XRT: How is the third-row seating? Does the base engine have enough power? How does it perform on and off the road? We’ll answer all of those and more soon.
Our special guest, Toyota’s Warren Chou, is the expert on the other all-terrain vehicle we are looking into this week. He is chief engineer of the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Jack Nerad sat down with him for a detailed discussion about the new SUV at a recent Toyota-sponsored event, and we’re sure you’ll be interested in what he has to say.
We expect you will also be interested in what Guest Co-Host Matt DeLorenzo has to say about the 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV. A longtime auto expert and the author of How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car, Matt knows everything there is to know about plug-in vehicles. He will have a comprehensive report on the CX-90 plug-in hybrid for you.
There is plenty of important news to chew on this week:
• Potential new tariffs have the auto industry up in arms, but it might be a tempest in a teapot.
• General Motors has reasserted its commitment to electrified vehicles, and it has announced new initiatives to incorporate EVs into consumers’ homes.
• The Scout brand is coming back but now it is engaged in a controversy with the state where it will build its vehicles about selling them there.
• Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram, is undergoing a major organizational change, and that could mean less expensive vehicles in your future.
Listener Question of the Week
“I heard a rumor that the government is planning to end the $7500 tax credit on electric vehicle purchases? Is that true? How likely is that to happen, and what should I do?”
Leonard, Towson, Maryland
Last Week of Special Offer
Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. 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 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, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com
- The automotive industry is facing potential new tariffs that could impact pricing and production.
- General Motors is leading the charge in electrification with new initiatives like GM Energy.
- The Scout brand is making a comeback under Volkswagen, but faces challenges with state laws.
- Stellantis is restructuring to better meet dealer demands and improve product offerings.
- The Mazda CX-90 offers a luxurious and powerful plug-in hybrid option.
- The Hyundai Santa Fe combines off-road capabilities with a modern design.
- The Toyota 4Runner continues to thrive in the off-road segment despite market changes.
- The EV tax credit may be at risk of being eliminated, impacting consumer decisions.
- Matt’s book provides valuable insights for those looking to buy affordable electric vehicles.
- The automotive landscape is evolving rapidly with new technologies and consumer preferences.
Sound Bites
- “Tariffs have set fire to the auto industry.”
- “GM is doubling down on electricity.”
- “The Scout brand is coming back!”
- “Mazda CX-90 is a proper three-row SUV.”
- “Hyundai Santa Fe has off-road chops.”
- “Toyota 4Runner has a killer name.”
- “The EV tax credit might be ending soon.”
Chapters
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