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This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad is joined by guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo for a road-test-heavy episode. They review the returning Honda Prelude hybrid coupe, the refreshed Toyota bZ electric compact SUV, the luxurious GMC Acadia Denali, and the Lexus RX hybrid. Matt also shares insights on the current state of the EV market, battery costs, and why pure electrics still face major hurdles. Our listener question focuses on EV battery degradation.
⚡ Matt DeLorenzo Road Test: Honda Prelude
The Honda Prelude returns as a stylish personal sporty coupe rather than a hardcore performance car. Hybrid powertrain delivers 200 hp and 232 lb-ft with seamless direct-drive feel (no rubber-band CVT sensation) and simulated shift points. Sleek two-door design, supportive front seats, and engaging manners make it a refined two-plus-two. Attractive alternative to hot hatches for those seeking style and efficiency.
🚙 Jack Nerad Road Test: 2026 GMC Acadia Denali
The midsize three-row Acadia in Denali trim offers truckish SUV styling, strong interior space, premium appointments, and excellent wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbo four producing 328 hp with an 8-speed automatic and available AWD. Pricing starts near $65,000 and can approach $70,000 fully loaded. Comfortable and well-equipped, though questions remain about long-term turbo durability in a vehicle of this size.
🚗 Matt DeLorenzo Road Test: Toyota bZ
Toyota relaunches the former bZ4X simply as the bZ with major improvements. Larger 74-kWh battery delivers over 300 miles of range (up from ~235), more power (221 hp FWD / up to 338 hp AWD), softer interior materials, and a lower entry price around $34,000–$37,000. Native NACS charging, strong real-world charging speeds, and competitive cargo space. Some quirks remain with the high-mounted instrument display, but overall a much more compelling small EV SUV.
🔋 Jack Nerad Road Test: 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid
Discussion centers on the RX hybrid, including the 450h Plus plug-in, as a benchmark luxury crossover known for refinement, strong resale, and hybrid efficiency. Jack and Matt recommend the hybrid versions for the best ownership experience in the class.
🎙️ Special EV Deep Dive with EV Expert & Author Matt DeLorenzo
Matt discusses his book on affordable EVs and the current market reality. Battery costs still create a significant price gap versus gas vehicles. Pure EV adoption has slowed; hybrids and range-extenders (like Scout plans) are filling the practicality gap. Compact electric trucks such as Ford’s Fathom and the Slate may find niches, but full-size electric pickups face payload and cost challenges.
📩 Listener Question of the Week
William from Seattle, Washington asks: “How much battery degradation should owners expect after five years in EVs?”
💻 Investigate Jack’s New Substack
📚 Jack Nerad’s Latest 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
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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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