Show notes
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the most buzzworthy vehicle to hit American highways this decade. Combining the exterior style of the classic Microbus with the chassis of a thoroughly modern electric vehicle, the ID.Buzz is a crowd-pleaser that stops traffic, as Host Jack Nerad discovered during his two weeks with the vehicle. Its exterior design features LED lighting, retro-inspired wheels, and optional two-tone paint that pays homage to its iconic predecessor. But the drivetrain is anything but retro.
The ID.Buzz is powered by a 91-kWh battery and offers two drivetrain configurations: rear-wheel-drive with 282 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles and 4Motion all-wheel-drive with 335 horsepower and a range of 231 miles. Charging is efficient, with DC fast charging replenishing 10-80% in just 26 minutes. Inside, the ID. Buzz boasts a spacious and customizable interior, offering up to 145.5 cubic feet of cargo space, flexible seating, and advanced technology, including a 12.9-inch infotainment display, IQ.Drive driver assistance, and wireless charging. It's a stark contrast to Nerad’s 1968 Type 2 “Early Bay” Bus, powered by a 57-horsepower 1600cc engine that delivered a 0-60 mph time of 37 seconds and a top speed of 65 mph. But is the ID.Buzz as good a value as that long-gone college-era VW? Nerad will have the answer.
In our other road test this week, Co-Host Chris Teague will have the answer on the all-new 2025 Ford Ranger. A finalist for North American Truck of the Year, the Ranger boasts a new engine that makes it much more competitive versus rivals that include the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, and the Toyota Tacoma. Teague is a Toyota fan, but does he see the Ranger as the better midsize truck? He’ll give his verdict in this episode.
Driving News
Our look at Driving News this week features a headline-grabbing development that could reshape the industry. Nissan and Honda, two global giants with big U.S. footprints, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a potential integration. If it goes forward, this partnership could see the companies combining their efforts in electrification, platform sharing, and advanced vehicle intelligence. With plans for a joint holding company by 2026, this is a story with far-reaching implications for drivers everywhere.
In more amusing news, Hyundai has achieved an incredible and largely esoteric feat with its Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, earning a Guinness World Records title for the greatest altitude change ever by an electric car. Over 14 grueling days, the Ioniq 5 covered more than 4,900 kilometers across India, traveling from the Himalayas’ highest drivable point to below sea level in Kerala. But what does this record prove? Jack and Chris will offer their opinions.
Switching gears to luxury, Jack and Chris will also offer their opinions on the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige AWD, a sedan that blends advanced technology, stunning design, and exceptional performance. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V6, the G80 delivers a smooth, refined ride while packing a punch under the hood. Inside, it’s all about premium touches, from Nappa leather seating to a cutting-edge OLED instrument cluster. Our two reporters will deliver their verdicts in this show
This week’s guest is Brian Jannusch, a Nissan GT-R expert with a passion for the legendary sports car. From its iconic engineering to his quest to drive one at the Nurburgring, Brian shares fascinating insights into what makes the GT-R so special. It’s a conversation that will resonate with sports car fans and anyone who appreciates automotive excellence.
The episode also tackles practical advice with safety tips for 2025 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As the year begins, it’s a good time to revisit basics like seatbelt use, sober driving, and staying alert on the road. Simple steps can make a big difference in preventing accidents and keeping your loved ones safe.
Listener Question of the Week
Listener Mike from Wisconsin asks how to protect his car’s paint during harsh winters. Jack and Chris offer practical, no-nonsense advice for safeguarding your vehicle from road salt and icy conditions, ensuring it looks great all season long.
Special Offer
Jack is gifting free copies of his book, The GR Factor: Unleashing the Undeniable Power of the Golden Rule. Email editor@drivingtoday.com to claim yours while supplies last!
Brought to you by:
• DrivingToday.com
• Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance.
• EMLandsea.com, publisher of 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, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com
Keywords
automotive news, Nissan Honda collaboration, driving safety tips, Hyundai world record, Genesis G80 review, 2025 Ford Ranger road test, 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz, Nissan GT-R expert insights, car care tips
Summary
In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague discuss significant developments in the automotive industry as the new year begins, including a major collaboration between Nissan and Honda aimed at enhancing their market positions and accelerating carbon neutrality efforts. They also share essential driving safety tips for 2025, celebrate Hyundai's unique world record, and review the luxurious Genesis G80. The hosts provide insights from their road tests of the 2025 Ford Ranger and the Volkswagen ID Buzz, and engage with a listener's question about car care during winter.
Takeaways
• Nissan and Honda's collaboration is a strategic move to enhance their market positions.
• Driving safety should be a priority, with simple tips like buckling up and avoiding distractions.
• Hyundai's world record showcases the capabilities of the IONIQ 5 in extreme conditions.
• The Genesis G80 offers luxury at a competitive price compared to German rivals.
• The 2025 Ford Ranger impresses with its refined engine and improved interior ergonomics.
• The Volkswagen ID Buzz combines retro design with modern electric vehicle technology.
• Listener engagement is crucial, as seen in the question about protecting car paint in winter.
• More collaboration among automakers may be necessary for survival in a competitive market.
• Driving sober and being aware of surroundings can significantly reduce accidents.
• The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, with new models and technologies emerging every year.
Sound Bites
"More choice is better, and I like Nissan."
"The look of the ID Buzz is staggering."
"I'm a big fan of the Nissan GT-R."
Chapters
00:00 New Year, New Beginnings in the Auto Industry
04:00 Nissan and Honda's Strategic Collaboration
08:20 Driving Safety Resolutions for 2025
11:01 Hyundai's Unique Guinness World Record
12:57 The Luxury of the Genesis G80
14:59 Road Testing the 2025 Ford Ranger
20:51 Exploring the Volkswagen ID Buzz
28:22 Expert Insights on the Nissan GT-R
30:06 Listener Questions: Protecting Your Car's Paint
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
