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This week on America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague test two legendary off-roaders. Chris evaluates the 2027 Land Rover Range Rover Sport while Jack takes a long, har look at the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser in a classic off-road-oriented matchup. The pair also dig into Toyota’s latest capability upgrades for the RAV4 and Tundra, Nissan’s decision to revive the legendary Patrol nameplate on the Armada, a new Toyota–University of Chicago quantum technology partnership, and Dodge’s continued efforts to keep the Durango relevant. Special guest Melvin Bautista, Hyundai’s senior product planning manager, discusses the brand’s 2027 XRT off-road models.
🚙 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser
Jack tested a well-equipped 2026 Land Cruiser Premium (approximately $71,200 as tested). The current midsize, body-on-frame model pairs a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with hybrid electric assistance for 326 total horsepower and a stout 465 lb-ft of torque, sent through an eight-speed automatic, full-time four-wheel drive, and a two-speed transfer case with electronically controlled differentials. The five-passenger interior is nicely trimmed with leather, a capable infotainment system, 14-speaker JBL audio, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. On-road manners surprised Jack with better composure than older Land Cruisers, though noticeable body lean remains.
🚗 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2027 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Chris spent the week in a 2027 Range Rover Sport equipped with the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (395 hp, 406 lb-ft), automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. Base price starts around $86,000; the tested example came in near $93,000. Hydro-pneumatic air suspension and Multi-Terrain Select are standard, though 21-inch wheels and low-profile all-season tires limit serious off-road ambition. The cabin features exceptionally comfortable heated and ventilated seats (earning high marks from Chris’s wife). Chris calls it a refined, capable luxury SUV that prioritizes on-road comfort while retaining Land Rover’s off-road hardware.
🚙 Toyota Sharpens 2027 RAV4 and Tundra
The 2027 Toyota RAV4 Woodland grade receives a revised suspension and increased ground clearance (9.1 inches). Plug-in hybrid versions add a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. The Tundra gains a factory TrailHunter overlanding package aimed at buyers who already modify their trucks for adventure. Both moves reinforce Toyota’s strength in hybridized, capability-focused vehicles.
🏴 Nissan Brings Back the Patrol Name
Nissan is applying the historic Patrol badge to the Armada Pro-4X trim, drawing on 75 years of Patrol heritage. The nameplate first appeared in the U.S. in 1962. The updated model will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Jack and Chris view it as a smart way to add off-road cachet to an underrated full-size three-row SUV.
🔬 Toyota and University of Chicago Quantum Partnership
Toyota has committed $1 million to a multi-year research agreement with the University of Chicago focused on quantum technologies for transportation. Areas of exploration include quantum sensing for more precise environmental detection, secure vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, and novel materials for energy storage.
🎨 Dodge Durango Still Going Strong
Dodge continues to support the long-running third-generation Durango with a new “Sub Zero” blue-gray paint option priced at $595. The model, which once seemed destined for cancellation, still sells well and offers strong towing ability alongside high-performance variants (up to the Hellcat).
🦸 Jeep Wraps Marvel Collaboration
Jeep is closing out its year-long partnership with Marvel tied to the Avengers: Doomsday film, continuing a long tradition of automotive movie promotions aimed at younger audiences.
🎙️ Special Guest
Melvin Bautista, Hyundai senior product planning manager, joins the show to discuss the 2027 Hyundai XRT off-road models and the brand’s growing focus on adventure-oriented vehicles.
📩 Listener Question of the Week
Brendan from Crystal Lake, Illinois asks: “What’s your favorite non-negotiable road trip car feature that most people overlook?”
💻 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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