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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 remodeling). They deliver two fresh road tests — 2026 Lexus NX 350h and 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country — and they unpack the latest JD Power APEAL study, California’s EV funding irony and new EV incentives, Waymo robotaxi challenges, and Toyota’s 2027 Crown and Sequoia updates. Special guest Jason Allan, founder of Bestest.com, also joins the show.
🚗 Jack Nerad Road Test: 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport Handling
Jack finds the latest NX hybrid refined, quiet, and efficient (40 mpg combined in FWD form). The F Sport Handling package adds adaptive suspension, distinctive styling, and bolstered seats while keeping the focus on comfort. Strong tech (14-inch screen, available Mark Levinson audio), premium cabin, and competitive pricing make it a smart luxury compact choice. Tested example: $56,714 as equipped. Is it worth that kind of spend?
⚡ Matt DeLorenzo Road Test: 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country
Volvo’s first Cross Country EV treatment raises ride height to 7.5 inches, softens the suspension, and adds outdoor-inspired styling cues including a topographical-map fascia. Dual-motor AWD delivers 422 hp and strong acceleration (estimated 3.4 seconds to 60 mph), with EPA range of 203–227 miles. Scandinavian interior uses recycled materials but rear space is tight. Pricing starts at $49,545. Note: Volvo will discontinue the EX30 in the U.S. after the 2026 model year, so this also represents a farewell.
📊 JD Power 2026 APEAL Study: Owners Love Their Cars More Than Ever
Overall satisfaction jumps seven points to 858 on a 1,000-point scale—the biggest gain since 2018. Porsche tops premium brands; MINI leads mass-market. Importantly, the emotional gap between luxury and mainstream continues to shrink. BMW and Hyundai Motor Group dominate model awards. Battery-electric vehicles post the strongest gains.
⚡ California’s EV Push Creates Budget Irony + New Incentives
Falling fuel-tax revenue (projected billion-dollar shortfall) is driving interest in road-use charges and higher EV registration fees, even as California launches new upfront incentives ($3,500 new / $1,750 used) with MSRP caps and a California-headquartered manufacturer exception. That last is perhaps the most controversial. Ask Tesla’s employees who call California home.
🤖 Waymo Robotaxis Cluster & Weather Challenges
Dozens of driverless Waymos gridlocked San Francisco’s Presidio after Fourth of July fireworks. Separate weather-related pauses and incidents reported in Texas and elsewhere. Seems self-driving and extreme weather don’t play together well.
🚙 Toyota 2027 Crown & Sequoia Updates
The Toyota Crown gains stronger hybrid powertrains (up to 340 hp Hybrid MAX), more tech, and refined styling. The Sequoia SUV adds a new Trailhunter overlanding package with upgraded suspension, recovery gear, and locking differential.
🎙️ Special Guest
Jason Allan, founder of Bestest.com, joins Jack and Matt. If you want to get the best used car for your needs, you should check out the new resource — Shopbestest.com.
📩 Listener Question of the Week
Joshua from Wendover, Utah asks: “Do sport driving modes actually improve performance, or do they just change throttle feel?”
📚 Jack Nerad’s New 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
📺 Watch & Subscribe
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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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