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Would you choose one of the least expensive vehicles in the country for a road trip to Las Vegas? Host Jack Nerad did just that, taking the $25,000 small SUV on a 600-mile out-and-back in weather topping 100 degrees. What — is he nuts? Meanwhile, Co-Host Chris Teague gave himself a more reasonable assignment, reviewing the off-road-ready 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Jack and Chris also discuss Europe’s new mandatory driver-monitoring systems, progress on solid-state batteries, and Tesla’s new (longer) three-row Model Y. Labor strife also hits the news in the form of Hyundai worker strikes and Volkswagen’s restructuring setback. Plus, Britain’s Goodwood car festival announces an American version.
🚙 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Hyundai Venue SEL
Jack reviews the 2026 Hyundai Venue SEL, one of the most affordable new SUVs available. And, inexplicably, he tests the car on one of his longest road trips of the year — a drive to Las Vegas, where a show at The Sphere was at the end of the rainbow. With a total price around $24,440 as tested, the subcompact crossover delivers nimble city handling, 31 mpg combined efficiency, and a surprisingly comfortable cabin. As he did battle with I-15, Jack discovered the usefulness of the SUV’s modern tech with its 8-inch touchscreen and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. Luckily, its strong safety features didn’t come into play.
🚗 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
While Jack talks about the Venue, Chris tests the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, the most rugged version of the redesigned midsize SUV. Powered by a 260-hp turbo 2.4-liter boxer engine with CVT and Symmetrical AWD, it features 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, X-MODE, electronic dampers, and enhanced approach/breakover angles. Not just an off-road face, the Outback Wilderness offers strong utility with increased cargo space, a 12.1-inch touchscreen, and a balance of multi-terrain capability and daily comfort.
🎙️ Special Guest Interview
Kendra Sommer, auto journalist and International Harvester Scout expert and enthusiast, joins the show.
📰 This Week’s Headlines
EU Mandates Advanced Driver Distraction Warning Systems
All new vehicles in Europe must now use cameras to monitor driver eye and head movements to combat distraction.
SwRI & SMU Advance Solid-State Battery Tech
Researchers work on ultra-thin films to stabilize lithium interfaces, a major step toward safer, higher-density EV batteries.
Tesla Launches Bigger Three-Row Model Y L in U.S.
The longer six-seat Model Y offers 325-mile range and starts at $61,990.
Hyundai Workers Launch Partial Strike
Union demands bigger bonuses and protections from robotics in manufacturing.
VW Board Rejects Major Restructuring
Supervisory board votes down CEO’s plan for massive job cuts and factory closures.
Goodwood Launches U.S. Racing Club
The iconic British motoring festival brings track days and events to California starting in 2027.
❓ Listener Question
Scottie from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, asks: “How secure are connected cars from hacking or data tracking?”
#SubaruOutbackWilderness #HyundaiVenue #TeslaModelY #CarReviews #AutoPodcast
📚 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
Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.
📨 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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