Off-Road Riot: 2025 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, 2025 Lexus LX 700h
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,
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