Special from North American Car of the Year Testing in Ann Arbor

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This week on America on the Road, host Jack Nerad and frequent guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo record a special on-location episode from North American Car of the Year testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They explain the awards process, discuss the state of the auto industry heading into the 2027 model year, and share first impressions of the strong Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year fields after driving candidates back-to-back.

🏆 North American Car of the Year Explained

Matt, a founding juror, outlines the annual program that brings eligible new vehicles together for efficient comparison drives. Awards cover Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, and Utility of the Year (added 15 years ago as SUVs dominated). The jury of roughly 50 diverse journalists from print, broadcast, web, and influencer backgrounds pays annual dues and judges independently on merit. This year’s field is heavily weighted toward utilities (a full dozen), with far fewer cars and trucks.

📈 State of the Industry

As backdrop to the awards, Jack and Matt note major flux as EVs developed under earlier mandates and subsidies arrive amid changed policy and economics. Batteries remain costly; pure-EV range and price still limit broader adoption. They see growing strength in hybrids (including series-hybrids like the Nissan Rogue) and continued ICE relevance, especially for trucks and road-trip needs. Matt’s 10-year outlook: roughly 25% pure EV (a win if achieved), 60%+ hybrid, and the balance mostly ICE for heavy-duty use. Electrification of drivetrains is the clearer trend than an all-EV future.

🚙  North American Utility of the Year Standouts

Rivian R2

Highly anticipated smaller EV SUV with hot-hatch-inspired design (VW investment influence). Quick and quiet, but both found the ride harsh (“buckboard”) and the switchless interior frustrating (difficult mirror and steering adjustments via screen/thumbwheels). Still not fully polished.

Volvo EX60

Standout EV. Quiet, quick, comfortable, and compliant. Improved screen layout and strong overall execution; priced more attractively than the struggling EX30.

Audi SQ9 / Q9

Polished three-row luxury SUV. Excellent suspension tuning, strong V8 character, thoughtful mix of screens and conventional controls, advanced lighting features, and available second-row captain’s chairs. Expensive but highly refined.

Volkswagen Atlas

Refined large three-row competitor; successive generations keep improving.

Jeep Recon

Electric trail-rated Wrangler-style SUV with removable doors/roof and familiar physical controls. Cool, distinctive styling and capable off-road character, though range is limited (around 200+ miles).

Kia Telluride

Terrific, comfortable three-row with hybrid option (~30 mpg). Strong value.

Kia Seltos

Affordable (roughly $25k–$35k), feature-packed, sharper and slightly larger than before; strong road presence.

Kia EV3

Electric counterpart with range/price trade-offs (shorter range on base battery).

Other candidates mentioned include BMW iX3, Chevrolet Bolt (ending after 2027), Nissan Rogue hybrid, Jeep Cherokee, and Mazda CX-5.

🛻 Truck of the Year Field

Nominees include Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500 TRX (Hemi performance version), and the highly anticipated Slate entry-level electric truck. The Slate was not present, disappointing given strong jury interest in its affordability and concept.

 💻 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.

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📚 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.