This week on America on the Road, host Jack Nerad welcomes guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo for road tests of two very different vehicles: the value-packed returning 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV and the rugged-yet-comfortable 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT compact pickup. They also offer personal reminiscences on Acura’s 40th anniversary, break down Kia’s aggressive new Seltos and EV3, check out fresh family haulers from Volkswagen and Chrysler, and discuss Hyundai’s big expansion plans plus Honda’s surprising urban delivery vehicle.

🚗Matt DeLorenzo’s Road Test: 2027 Chevrolet Bolt

Matt DeLorenzo tests the all-new 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, a budget-friendly electric hatchback starting near $29,990 with an EPA-estimated 262 miles of range. It features GM’s efficient X76 drive unit, fast 150+ kW DC charging, an 11.3-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in, available Super Cruise hands-free driving, bidirectional vehicle-to-home charging, and over 20 standard safety features—making it one of the most accessible long-range EVs on the market.

🚙Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT

Jack reviews the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT, a crossover-based compact pickup that delivers SUV comfort with added off-road attitude. Powered by a 281-hp turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder and HTRAC all-wheel drive, it offers strong performance, a fun unibody chassis, practical bed features including a tonneau cover and under-bed storage, 3,500-pound towing capacity, and a well-equipped interior with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and advanced safety systems at a tested price of $43,350.

🎙️Special Guest Interview

Matt DeLorenzo, veteran auto journalist and author of the new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance, joins Jack as guest co-host and shares insights from his latest work on AMG’s high-performance heritage.

📰This Week’s Headlines

Acura Celebrates 40 Years in America

The first Japanese luxury brand in the U.S. marks four decades with the debut of a special Integra 40 Racer tribute car at the Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Kia Launches 2027 Seltos & All-Electric EV3

The larger, upscale 2027 Seltos brings best-in-class rear legroom and three powertrains including hybrid, while the compact EV3 promises up to 320 miles of range on the E-GMP platform with fast charging.

Volkswagen Unveils All-New 2027 Atlas Three-Row SUV

The family hauler gets a premium cabin refresh with Nappa leather, massaging seats, a massive 15-inch touchscreen, and an updated 282-hp turbo engine while retaining 5,000-pound towing capacity.

2027 Chrysler Pacifica Returns with Family Upgrades

The versatile minivan adds premium tech like Amazon Fire TV rear entertainment and Harman Kardon audio while keeping its signature Stow ’n Go seating and huge cargo space.

Hyundai Plans 36 New or Updated Models by 2030

Hyundai will roll out a mix of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles while increasing North American production to over 80% backed by a $26 billion investment.

Honda Enters Last-Mile Delivery with Fastport eQuad

Honda’s new electric micromobility vehicle is a pedal-assist delivery quad designed for bike lanes, complete with swappable batteries and a Fleet-as-a-Service model for urban logistics.

❓Listener Question

Osgood from Salem, Oregon, asks: “How long before solid-state batteries actually mean something for buyers?” Jack and Matt weigh in with their expert take.

📚 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 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.

Bolt From the Blue: The Electrifying 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV Is Back For Another Try