This week on America on the Road, host Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague review the 2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country and the 2026 Cadillac Escalade. In the news this week, they discuss the tsunami of used EVs that’s about to crash over the market, MINI’s 25th anniversary, and Ford pressing the pause button on its partnership with Chinese automaker Geely. The intrepid hosts also take a look at the new Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric and the refreshed 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.

🚙 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country

Jack tests the 2026 Volvo V60 Cross Country, a likable vehicle that blends station wagon practicality with SUV-like capability. Powered by a 247-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter mild-hybrid four-cylinder, it delivers refined comfort, confident handling, and 26 mpg combined. Jack covers its upscale Scandinavian interior, strong safety suite, practical cargo space, and why it stands out as a distinctive alternative to traditional crossovers.

🚗 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2026 Cadillac Escalade

Chris Teague puts the 2026 Cadillac Escalade through its paces, evaluating the flagship luxury SUV’s commanding presence, powerful V-8 performance, and opulent cabin. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 pounds and available supercharged Escalade-V muscle that rockets to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, the Escalade delivers surprising capability alongside flagship-level luxury. Chris highlights the massive 55-inch OLED digital dashboard, premium leather interior, advanced Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, and how the Escalade balances comfort, technology, and sheer size in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

🎙️ Special Guest Interview

Veteran auto journalist Gary Witzenburg joins the show. The former President of the North American Car of the Year jury discusses his new book, Legends in Motion.

📰 This Week’s Headlines

Porsche Unveils 2026 Cayenne Coupe Electric

Porsche introduces the high-performance Cayenne Coupe Electric with up to 1,139 horsepower, ultra-fast charging, and coupe styling inspired by the 911.

Get Ready for a Used EV Glut

A surge of leased electric vehicles is returning to the market, with lease returns expected to jump to 300,000 this year and 600,000 in 2027. The influx could lower used EV prices for buyers but create challenges for dealers and automakers.

MINI Marks 25 Years of Modern Production

MINI celebrates 25 years since the first modern MINI rolled off the line in 2001. The brand is also launching registration for MINI Takes the States 2026 rallies across California, New York, and Florida.

Ford and Geely Pause U.S. Partnership Plans

Ford and China’s Geely have put U.S. collaboration talks on hold and shifted focus to Europe amid regulatory and political hurdles.

Mitsubishi Prices Refreshed 2026 Outlander

The updated 2026 Outlander features a new 1.5-liter turbo mild-hybrid powertrain and starts at $29,995, offering strong value with upgraded tech and a 10-year powertrain warranty.

📩 Listener Question of the Week

Roscoe from Buellton, California, asks: “New car prices are so high — I’m thinking of buying a used car for the first time since I was in my twenties. Is it worth it to buy a Certified Pre-Owned car?”

📚 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

Check Out Gary Witzenburg’s New Book

Pick up a copy of auto journalist Gary Witzenburg’s terrific 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.