This week on America on the Road, host Jack Nerad flies solo as co-host Chris Teague tends to a sick dog. Jack brings you road tests of two standout vehicles–North American Truck of the Year Ford Maverick Lobo and Mazda CX-30–and the latest automotive news. Among the stories we cover California Governor Gavin Newsom is making a new EV push; Volvo is targeting range anxiety, and Lucid is unveiling a new robotaxi. Our special guest interview looks behind the scenes at the all-new 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.

🚗 Test Drive: 2026 North American Truck of the Year Ford Maverick Lobo

Jack reviews Ford’s compact street-performance pickup, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. It features a lowered suspension, upgraded brakes with dual-piston front calipers, a dedicated Lobo drive mode for closed-course thrills, 19-inch black wheels, and a graffiti-inspired interior with Grabber Blue accents. Starting at $35,930, the Lobo balances everyday utility with on-road dynamics, a high-value performance variant in the Maverick lineup.

🚙 Test Drive: 2026 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Aire Edition

In the second review on this week’s show, Jack takes on Mazda’s subcompact CX-30 SUV, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed automatic, and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. It offers agile handling with G-Vectoring Control Plus, a premium interior with white leatherette seats and gray suede-like inserts, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bose audio, and advanced safety like Mazda Radar Cruise Control. At $34,410 as tested, the CX-30 delivers enthusiast appeal with balanced ride quality and some degree of SUV versatility.

📰 This Week’s Headlines

California EV Incentives Return

Governor Gavin Newsom proposes $200 million in new rebates as EV sales drop 41% year-over-year and automakers scale back electrification plans.

Volvo EX60 Targets Range Anxiety

The midsize electric SUV promises over 500 miles of range and 211 miles added in 10 minutes of fast charging, built on the new SPA3 platform with megacasting.

Ram Enters NASCAR with Reality TV

“Race for the Seat” pits 15 aspiring drivers in challenges for a 2026 Truck Series ride with Kaulig Racing, premiering January 25 on FOX.

GM Opens New Detroit Headquarters

The automaker returns to Woodward Avenue with a modern design at Hudson’s Detroit, highlighting its $123 billion U.S. economic impact and $60 billion in recent investments.

Lucid, Uber, Nuro Reveal Robotaxi

Based on the Lucid Gravity, the Level 4 autonomous vehicle features 360-degree sensors, NVIDIA AI, and seating for six, with production starting later this year.

🎤 Special Guest: Volkswagen’s Shylar Abshire

Jack interviews Shylar Abshire, 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Product Expert, discussing the latest features and updates in the newest generation of Volkswagen’s popular compact SUV.

📩 Listener Question of the Week:

Sid from Joliet, IL asks: “I’ve been car shopping recently, and I’m having a hard time with the amount cars cost right now. Are car prices ever going to come back down?”
Jack shares insights based on his expertise in the auto industry and consumer trends.

📚 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 post-Christmas sale price.

🎧 Where to Listen

Catch America on the Road on this station each week, or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Follow for newcar reviews, guest interviews, auto news, and road tests.

Sponsored by Mercury Insurance and DrivingToday.com

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Check Out Matt DeLorenzo’s Book:

Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance

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.

2026 Ford Maverick Lobo: North American Truck of the Year Hits the Street