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This week we road test two vehicles with strong all-terrain credentials: the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid and the 2025 Lexus LX 700h. Co-host Chris Teague put the Toyota through its paces as winter finally turns to spring in Maine. Host Jack Nerad, accompanied by most of his immediate family, tested the luxury Lexus during a extended weekend in Texas.
Both vehicles pair a hybrid powertrain with off-road-focused equipment, so there are interesting parallels between the two in addition to their obvious — and not-so-obvious differences. The Tacoma uses the i-FORCE MAX system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and electric motor for a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The TRD Pro’s standard equipment includes part-time four-wheel drive, FOX QS3 adjustable shocks with rear remote reservoirs, and 33-inch Goodyear tires on 18-inch black alloy wheels. Unique to the TRD Pro, IsoDynamic Performance Seats use an air-over-oil shock system designed to reduce body movement on rough terrain. Exterior elements include a TRD grille, cat-back exhaust, and the exclusive Mudbath paint option.
Inside, the Teagues got the benefit of the TRD Pro’s 14-inch touchscreen with Toyota’s latest multimedia system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and JBL audio. The truck had Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign recognition, and proactive driving assist with support features like trailer backup guidance and a digital rearview mirror.
While the Teagues certainly didn’t suffer, the Nerad family basked in the ultra-luxury of the 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail. The full-size premium SUV combines hybrid performance, off-road functionality, and upscale features that set it apart from previous LX editions. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 with a hybrid system that produces 457 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, it uses a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers full-time 4WD.
While it offered a boulevard ride as we discovered on our way to and from Globe Life Field, the 700h Overtrail is loaded for bear on the off-road front. It includes Crawl Control, Active Height Control, and Multi-Terrain Select, plus 33-inch all-terrain tires, locking differentials, and a reinforced platform to support and waterproof the hybrid battery. Inside, the cabin offers massaging, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a wireless phone charger, and a cool box. As we did some house-hunting, we made extensive use of the 12.3-inch touchscreen with Lexus Interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and head-up display. Of course, we’ll offer even more detail in this episode.
Our guest this week is Frank Hanley, Senior Director, Automotive Benchmarking at J.D. Power. In his interview with Host Jack Nerad, he’ll be discussing a very important issue going forward — AI in cars, so look for that. We’re certain you’ll appreciate Frank’s insight.
In the news this week we’ll discuss a J.D. Power analysis of what the proposed tariffs would do to vehicle prices. The conclusions might surprise you, and we’ll have all the details.
The state of New York is battling the federal government over its congestion tolls, and it has implications for anyone who’s planning to travel into a big city. Plus, Chrysler is celebrating its one-hundredth birthday, and we’ll have a look back at some of that company’s innovations through the years. It’s an impressive list.
So we have a lot to talk about this week. It’s a jam-packed show.
New America on the Road Radio Affiliate
We’d like to welcome AM-1550, SLC Sports Radio in Salt Lake City and throughout the Salt Lake valley, to America on the Road. Our special thanks to Program Director Dino Costa, who also hosts a great weekday show on AM-1550.
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 America on the Road this Week
03:00 J.D. Power on Impact of Tariffs on Vehicle Prices
06:00 Congestion Tolls and Their Implications
09:18 Chrysler’s 100th Anniversary and Innovations
13:00 Vehicle Review: Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
18:00 Vehicle Review: Lexus LX700h
25:00 The Role of AI in Automotive Technology
39:45 Listener Question: Spring Maintenance Tips
Keywords
automotive news, vehicle reviews, Chrysler, Toyota Tacoma, Lexus LX700H, AI in cars, tariffs, congestion tolls, car maintenance
Summary
In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss the latest automotive news, including the impact of proposed tariffs on vehicle prices, the implications of congestion tolls in New York City, and Chrysler’s 100th anniversary. They also review the 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the Lexus LX700H, highlighting their features and performance. Additionally, they explore the role of AI in automotive technology and answer listener questions about car maintenance as spring approaches.
Takeaways
America on the Road is a long-standing automotive radio show.
Chrysler celebrates its 100th anniversary with a focus on innovation.
Proposed tariffs may not lead to significant price hikes for consumers.
Congestion tolls in New York City are a contentious issue.
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro offers impressive off-road capabilities.
The Lexus LX700H combines luxury with rugged off-road features.
AI technology is becoming increasingly important in vehicle safety.
Spring is an ideal time for car maintenance and checks.
Listeners are encouraged to send in their automotive questions.
The hosts appreciate their audience and encourage sharing the show.
Titles
Exploring the Latest in Automotive News
Chrysler’s Century of Innovation
The Future of Vehicle Pricing Amid Tariffs
Sound Bites
“This is America on the Road.”
“Chrysler is celebrating its 100th birthday.”
“Congestion tolls are a political flashpoint.”
“Chrysler has a proud history of innovation.”
“The 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is impressive.”
“Spring is a great time for car maintenance.”
“Thanks for listening to America on the Road.”
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