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This week on America on the Road, host Jack Nerad delivers a fresh road test of the 2026 Toyota Crown Signia XLE, a vehicle that’s in Chris’s sweetspot, while co-host Chris Teague offers his take on the 2027 Kia Telluride hybrid. In the news segment, Jack and Chris dive into the latest JD Power Tech Experience Index findings, the rise of in-car AI agents, and Jeep’s new Wrangler Smoky Mountain Edition. They also take a long look at Genesis’s first full-size electric flagship GV90 — Will it find a market? Special guest Jenny Walker, Goodyear off-road tires expert, joins the show as well.
🚗 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Toyota Crown Signia XLE
The Crown Signia is a stylish hybrid station wagon and spiritual successor to the late, lamented Toyota Venza. The Crown Signia’s XLE trim pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors for 240 hp, and it boasts electronic AWD and 38 mpg combined (34.5 mpg observed on the highway). Plush, quiet ride, near-Lexus interior with heated/ventilated seats, 12.3-inch screens, and strong cargo space (25 cu ft behind rear seats, 66 cu ft folded) are among its many niceties. With a base price of $44,390 (as-tested $47,199), you can have a Lexus-like level of refinement and efficiency for less than you’d expect. It’s one of the smartest buys in the market right now, Jack opines.
🚗 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid
The all-new second-generation Telluride Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter turbo four with electric motors for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, delivering an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined and up to 637 miles of range on the EX FWD. Chris discovered its larger dimensions bring class-leading second-row legroom, easier third-row access, and impressive cargo space. Available dual 12.3-inch screens, generative AI voice, Ergo Motion massage seats, and heated seating for all three rows create a near-luxury cabin. Hybrid pricing starts at $46,490, though Chris’s fully equipped tester priced out near $60K.
📊 JD Power Finds Owners Like Invisible Tech
Owners prefer technology they barely notice. Automatic ignition, AI climate control, and simple Level 2 driver aids score highest; passenger screens and hands-free Level 2+ systems frustrate more. Cadillac ranked highest overall, followed by Genesis and BMW. Hyundai led mass-market brands for the seventh straight year.
🤖 AI Agents in the Cabin
AI agents could turn cars into productive “third spaces” for work and personal tasks, with voice-driven requests and productivity tools on the way. ABI Research forecasts growth from 5 million to 70 million AI-enabled vehicles by 2035. Automakers risk ceding cockpit control to external networks and cloud services, creating dependency on connectivity quality and latency. Consumers might not like the challenges.
🚙 Jeep Wrangler Smoky Mountain Edition
Jeep debuted the 2027 Wrangler Smoky Mountain special edition at the Smoky Mountain Invasion. Built on the Willys platform, it features exclusive hood decals, a body-color hardtop and flares, a gloss-black grille, unique 17-inch wheels, and terracotta accent stitching inspired by Great Smoky Mountains sunrises. Trail Rated capability remains intact, and it’s priced just $80 above a comparably equipped Willys.
⚡ Genesis GV90 Flagship SUV
Genesis unveiled its first full-size electric flagship, the GV90, with the world’s first hidden B-pillar coach doors on the Neolun version. Dual motors deliver 657 hp and 590 lb-ft; 123.5-kWh battery offers about 310 miles of range. Among the features are a lounge-like cabin with swiveling seats, pop-up OLED display, 25-inch HUD, and Bang & Olufsen audio.
🎙️ Special Guest
Jenny Walker, Goodyear off-road tires expert, joins Jack and Chris.
📩 Listener Question of the Week
Samuel from Bend, Oregon asks: “I’m having a little disagreement with my wife. How much does vehicle color really affect resale value?” Jack and Chris try to save his marriage with their answers.
💻 Investigate Jack’s New Substack
📚 Jack Nerad’s Latest 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
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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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