This week on America on the Road, co-hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague get behind the wheels of two fascinating 2025 and 2026 model-year vehicles that approach electrification from very different angles. Jack tests the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD, an EV that combines futuristic design, high-speed charging, and luxury-grade comfort. Meanwhile, Chris reviews the all-new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Hybrid, which brings a new hybrid powertrain and off-road chops to a beloved crossover. And in our special guest segment, Jack sits down with Polestar 4 Product Manager Ola AldensjĂś to discuss the Swedish automakerâs sleek new battery-electric SUV and its first-of-its-kind lane-level AI navigation system.
đ Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD Limited
With updated bumpers, cabin refinements, and digital upgrades, the 2025 Ioniq 5 remains one of the most forward-looking electric crossovers on the road. Jack explores the high-end Limited AWD trim, which produces 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor setup. Built on Hyundaiâs 800V e-GMP platform, the Ioniq 5 offers ultra-fast charging, competitive range, and loads of tech, including a head-up display with augmented reality navigation and a new camera-based driver attention monitor. Jack dives into the interior design, real-world driving feel, and what sets the Ioniq 5 apart from rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
đ Chris Teague Test-Drives the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Sport Hybrid
Chris checks out the all-new Crosstrek Sport Hybrid, which pairs a 2.5-liter Subaru BOXER engine with electric motors in a new series-parallel hybrid system. Good for a combined 194 horsepower, the Sport Hybrid also brings key tech and safety upgrades like a 12.3-inch digital cluster, 11.6-inch infotainment screen with navigation, and standard blind-spot monitoring. With signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a rugged new attitude, this Crosstrek promises to deliver fuel savings without sacrificing off-road capability.
đď¸ Special Guest Interview
Jack chats with Ola AldensjĂś, Product Manager for the Polestar 4, from the vehicleâs North American debut in Austin, Texas. The conversation covers Polestarâs use of artificial intelligence, how the Polestar 4 rethinks EV design, and why the company believes intelligent, driver-focused features are key to EV adoption. Ola also shares details on how the new lane-level navigation system works and where itâs going next.
đ° This Weekâs Headlines
⢠EV Sales Go Cold After Incentives Endâ¨
After peaking in September, U.S. electric vehicle sales dropped significantly in October, falling from nearly 13% of the market to just over 5%. The expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30 triggered a sharp pullback. Ford, Hyundai, and Toyota all saw major EV sales declines. We look at the numbers and what it means for EV adoption going forward.
⢠Polestar + Google Debut Next-Level Lane Guidanceâ¨
Using a forward-facing camera and AI, the new system knows which lane your vehicle is in and shows which one you need to be in, all verified in real time. This breakthrough tech will roll out first in the U.S. and Sweden through over-the-air updates for the Polestar 4.
⢠Jeep Recalls Over 320,000 PHEVs Over Fire Riskâ¨
Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models from 2020â2026 are under recall after a series of battery fires. Owners are being told not to charge their vehicles or park them near buildings until a fix is in place. Stellantis says a remedy is coming soon and affected drivers will be contacted.
⢠Fordâs Maverick 300T Brings Turbo Muscle to Small Truck Gameâ¨
Ford revealed a 300-horsepower version of its Maverick pickup at SEMA. The concept uses a turbocharger borrowed from the EcoBoost Mustang, upgraded cooling, and a Borla exhaust. With 20-inch wheels and a lowered stance, itâs a preview of what could come to market in 2026.
⢠Toyota Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept Debuts at SEMA
Toyotaâs hydrogen-powered Tacoma concept uses Mirai fuel-cell tech and three onboard H2 tanks to create off-grid energy. It features an exhaust water recovery system for camping use and enough power output to charge other EVs or run an entire off-grid site.
đŠ Listener Question of the Week
Timothy from Santa Maria, CA writes: âWith the end of the year approaching, should I buy new, used, or lease my next vehicle?ââ¨Jack and Chris walk through the pros and cons of each option, especially with model-year-end incentives starting to hit dealership lots.
đ§ Where to Listen
Catch America on the Road on this station each week, or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble. Be sure to follow us for new-car reviews, guest interviews, auto news analysis, and more.
đ Jackâs Newest Book
Jackâs new crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is available now in paperback and eBook exclusively at Amazon.com.
đď¸ Hosts
Jack Nerad â Award-winning auto journalist and author of Only One Thing Stays the Same
Chris Teague â Longtime auto critic and journalist
đ˘ Presented by
⢠DrivingToday.com
⢠EMLandsea.com
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Check Out Matt DeLorenzoâs Book:
Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzoâs terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwadâs Guide to EV Ownership.
Special Price for Jackâs 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.
