This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad puts Mazda’s new 2026 CX-70 Turbo S Premium to the test, while Chris Teague drives Volvo’s smallest and quickest electric SUV, the 2026 Volvo EX30. Jack and Chris also break down the top stories shaping today’s car market, from Tesla’s big shift in the way it charges for driver-assistance features to Volvo’s bold claim that its new EX60 electric SUV can finally put range anxiety to rest. In addition, the show digs into the growing strain of auto loan debt across generations and a controversial federal court ruling that requires that taxpayer funds be spent on electric-vehicle infrastructure.

🚗 Road Test Segment

Chris Teague Test-Drives the 2026 Volvo EX30

Chris reviews Volvo’s compact electric SUV with dual motors, 422 horsepower, rapid acceleration, and a minimalist Scandinavian interior, examining performance, range, charging capability, and where the EX30 fits in the small-EV market.

Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2026 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium

Jack evaluates the latest iteration of Mazda’s two-row midsize SUV powered by a turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assist, covering pricing, performance, ride quality, interior refinement, and how the CX-70 stacks up against the closely related CX-90 and logical competitors like the Lexus RX.

📰 This Week’s Headlines

Tesla Restructures Driver Assistance Features

Tesla removes Autosteer from standard equipment, placing self-steering behind its Full Self-Driving subscription as it pushes recurring software revenue.

Volvo Officially Unveils the All-New EX60 Electric SUV

Volvo reveals a midsize electric crossover promising up to 400 miles of range, ultra-fast charging, and direct access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Auto Loan Debt Is Squeezing Every Generation

A new LendingTree study shows millennials and Gen X carry the largest balances, while Gen Z borrowers face the highest interest rates and the greatest strain on income.

Federal Judge Forces EV Charging Funds to Move Forward

A court blocks the administration from halting billions in EV infrastructure spending, even as future EV demand projections are revised downward.

🎙️ Special Guest Interview – Mike Musheinesh – CEO, Detroit Axle

Mike Musheinesh, CEO of internet auto parts retailer Detroit Axle, joins the show to discuss how recent tariff policy changes have affected the automotive aftermarket, supply chains, and global parts manufacturers.

📩 Listener Question of the Week

Lula from Spokane, Washington asks: “I only drive about 8,000 miles a year. Am I better off buying or leasing my next car?” Jack and Chris break down the real-world math and practical considerations for low-mileage drivers.

📚 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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📨 Email: editor@drivingtoday.com

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 Mazda CX-70 Turbo S Premium: Are 2 Rows Better than 3?