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While some say go big or go home, others will tell you great things come in small packages. This week on America on the Road, we test both theories as Jack Nerad and Chris Teague review two family-friendly SUVs. On the Go Big side of the ledger Chris puts the luxurious 2026 Ford Expedition Platinum through its paces. Thinking smaller, Jack pilots the efficient 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid to a Fourth of July celebration — at Dodger Stadium, no less.
The pair also discuss Lucid’s leadership shakeup and missed targets, Rivian’s building momentum, Volkswagen’s potential massive job cuts, Subaru’s new Trailseeker EV, Kia’s refreshed Niro Hybrid, and Hennessey’s wild new manual-transmission hypercar. Do you have a spare $2.65 million burning a hole in your designer jeans?
🚙 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE
In a week that included a Fourth of July celebration at the third-oldest major league baseball park in the nation, Jack drove and evaluated the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE. He discovered a practical and efficient compact crossover with a 196-hp hybrid powertrain delivering an excellent 42 mpg combined. The small SUV delivers a composed ride, offers upscale XSE styling, and a roomy interior. But at around $37,449 as tested, does the package justify the price? Or are other Corolla Cross models better buys? We’ll answer all that and more.
🚗 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2026 Ford Expedition Platinum
While Jack was celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday in the Toyota, Chris tested the 2026 Ford Expedition Platinum, a premium full-size SUV that seats up to eight. With strong towing capability (up to 9,600 lbs) and refined comfort, it offers large families great stretch-out room. The big SUV is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, and it offers available four-wheel drive, Continuously Controlled Damping for a smoother ride, and impressive cargo space. So is it a better choice than the competitive Chevrolet Tahoe?
🎙️ Special Guest Interview
Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, joins the show to discuss his recent historic caravan along the Mother Road.
📰 This Week’s Headlines
Lucid Struggles with Sales
The luxury EV maker shakes up its executive team after falling short of Q2 sales targets. Does it have a way forward?
Rivian Raises 2026 Delivery Forecast
Strong second results and growing R2 demand lead Rivian to boost its full-year outlook to 65,000–70,000 vehicles.
Volkswagen Considers Major Restructuring
VW may cut up to 100,000 jobs and close factories as Chinese competition and profitability pressures provide ongoing headaches for the global carmaking giant.
Kia Refreshes 2027 Niro Hybrid
Updated styling, panoramic displays, advanced tech, and improved safety features arrive this summer.
Hennessey Unveils Venom F5-M Roadster
The extreme manual hypercar packs over 2,000 hp and is limited to just 12 units.
Subaru Launches Trailseeker EV
The new electric SUV starts under $40,000 with 375 hp, 281 miles of range, and amusing off-road capability.
❓ Listener Question
Wilver from Ames, Iowa asks: “Why have Chevrolet, Ford and the other U.S. Manufacturers just stopped making cars?” Jack and Chris explain the shift to SUVs and crossovers.
📚 Jack Nerad’s New Book
Jack’s crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon — currently at a sale price.
🎧 Where to Listen
Catch America on the Road on your local Sports Byline Radio Network station each week and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Follow for new car reviews, guest interviews, auto news, and road tests.
Sponsored by Mercury Insurance and DrivingToday.com
📺 Watch & Subscribe
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📨 Email: editor@drivingtoday.com
Look for Matt DeLorenzo’s Book on AMG
Look for guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance
Check Out Gary Witzenburg’s New Book
Pick up a copy of auto journalist Gary Witzenburg’s engaging new book Legends in Motion.
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.
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