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This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad is joined by guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo (Chris Teague is off). They deliver two Toyota road tests, discuss Volkswagen’s upcoming electric ID.Tiguan, the return of the Nissan Rogue hybrid, and several intriguing North American Utility of the Year contenders, including the Rivian R2, Jeep Grand Wagoneer REEV, Toyota Highlander EV, and Jeep Recon.
🛻 Matt DeLorenzo Road Test: Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Matt samples Toyota’s full-size off-road pickup. The TRD Pro rides on 33-inch Falcon Wildpeak tires with a near-two-inch factory lift, Fox shocks, and rugged suspension. Its 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 delivers 438 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, with towing capacity over 11,000 pounds. A 10-speed automatic, limited-slip differential, high/low ranges, and rock-crawling mode add capability. Matt notes the tall climb into the cabin, strong low-end torque, compliant ride, 14-inch touchscreen, and eye-catching Wave Maker Blue paint with camo-texture black accents. Real-world fuel economy hovered around 16 mpg. As-tested price exceeded $77,000.
🚗 Jack Nerad Road Test: Toyota Prius Nightshade Plug-in Hybrid
Jack evaluates the stylish Prius Nightshade PHEV. It offers roughly 39–40 miles of electric range, strong hybrid efficiency, refined driving manners, and practical features including soft-touch heated seats, heated steering wheel, available 12.3-inch screen, and solid safety tech. Jack and Matt both praise the looks and efficiency but note the steeply raked roofline makes rear (and sometimes front) access challenging. Base Nightshade pricing starts near $37,000–$38,000; the tested example stickered at $41,304. A conventional Corolla Hybrid is flagged as a more practical, less expensive alternative for some buyers.
🔋 2027 Volkswagen ID.Tiguan
VW is replacing the underperforming ID.4 with an all-electric Tiguan, first in Europe then North America. The move aims to leverage the popular Tiguan nameplate, share body panels, and boost volume at the Chattanooga plant after ID.4 sales fell far short of projections.
🔄 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
Nissan returns the Rogue hybrid with a series-hybrid system (engine acts as a generator; electric motors drive the wheels). Expected ~38 mpg combined, 225 hp, one-pedal driving capability, and pricing starting around $35,000–$36,000 for the SR. A smaller battery keeps costs closer to conventional hybrids.
🏆 North American Utility of the Year Contenders
Jack and Matt preview several vehicles expected in the NACTOY Utility category:
• Rivian R2 – more accessible midsize two-row EV SUV (~330-mile range, starting ~$57–58k)
• Jeep Grand Wagoneer REEV – range-extended EV with ~150 miles pure-electric range and strong power
• 2027 Toyota Highlander EV – all-electric three-row model
• Jeep Recon – trail-rated electric off-roader (large battery, ~222-mile range)
📩 Listener Question of the Week
Gwendolyn from Spokane, Washington asks: “Why do modern vehicles seem more expensive to repair than older ones?”
Jack and Matt point to increased electronics, sealed modules, complex safety and emissions systems, and sensor-heavy designs that raise parts and diagnostic costs.
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