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Getting six adults and their luggage to a gala wedding 150 miles away is no small task. So to accomplish it, we called in Big Blue 2, our affectionate nickname for the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was chosen for the special duty. How did the full-size SUV fare? We’ll tell you this week on America on the Road.
While Jack Nerad was transporting most of his family to central California, across the country in New England Chris Teague was reviewing the 2026 Subaru Uncharted electric crossover, and we’ll have his report as well. Jack and Chris also discuss improving new-vehicle quality with lingering tech frustrations, as revealed by the 2026 JD Power Initial Quality Study. And they examine the drama surrounding Volkswagen ending its big self-driving partnership and Polestar’s departure from the U.S. market.
🚙 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited Reserve
In a special road trip report, Jack reviews the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited Reserve 4×4, a full-size luxury SUV that combines premium comfort with genuine off-road ability. Powered by a twin-turbo inline-six, it features opulent Nappa leather, a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, and upscale McIntosh audio. But did it have the room, power and gravitas to transport the six-adult entourage to its destination and back? We’ll have a complete report.
🚗 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2026 Subaru Uncharted
While Jack was traveling to the wedding, Chris tested the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, Subaru’s newest and most affordable EV. Starting at $34,995, it offers up to 308 miles of range, 338 hp with AWD, a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and up to 25 cubic feet of cargo space. Available in Premium, Sport, and GT trims, it promises practical EV motoring with Subaru’s signature all-weather capability. Did it deliver the goods? We’ll let you know.
🎙️ Special Guest Interview
Matt DeLorenzo, noted auto journalist, North American Car of the Year juror, and author of Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance, joins the show.
📰 This Week’s Headlines
J.D. Power: Vehicle Quality Improves but Tech Frustrates
Overall initial quality jumped sharply, but infotainment and connectivity issues (especially Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) remain the top owner complaints.
Volkswagen Ends Bosch Self-Driving Partnership
VW is winding down its $1.7 billion autonomous driving collaboration with Bosch as fully self-driving tech proves harder than expected. Is self-driving farther off than many suggest?
Polestar to Exit U.S. Market
The Swedish-Chinese EV brand will stop new vehicle sales in the U.S. after 2026 due to federal rules on Chinese software. But is there another reason? We’ll offer our theory.
Honda Sells 15 Million Accords in America
The iconic midsize sedan reaches a major milestone, with strong hybrid sales and decades of U.S. production in Ohio.
❓ Listener Question
Toby from Yuma, Arizona, asks: “Are today’s cars becoming too complicated for people to do their own repairs?” Jack and Chris share their thoughts.
📚 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
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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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