This week on America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Chris Teague test the 2026 Volvo XC90 and Kia K4 Hatchback. In the news, they unpack climbing gas prices tied to global tensions, which are driving an uptick in searches for electrified vehicles, and cover the upcoming 2027 Infiniti QX65 fastback luxury crossover, the updated 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, and sweeping safety recalls affecting Hyundai Palisade and Ford vehicles. They’ll also discuss ambitious plans from Rivian and Lucid to reach mainstream buyers as consumer interest in battery-electric vehicles wanes.

🚗 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Ultra

The Volvo XC90 remains a benchmark in the midsize three-row luxury SUV segment, and the 2026 T8 plug-in hybrid Ultra trim delivers calm, refined performance with a combined 455 horsepower from its turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor setup. Jack tested it during his Spring Training trip to Arizona, praising its smooth power delivery, quick acceleration, quiet cabin, excellent ride comfort, premium Nappa leather interior with ventilated seats and four-zone climate control, advanced Google-based infotainment, comprehensive safety suite including Pilot Assist, and up to 32 miles of electric-only range. At around $89,695 as tested, it excels in family practicality, safety, and relaxed long-haul comfort over aggressive sportiness.

🚙 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo

Chris Teague spotlights the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo, the sporty flagship of Kia’s new compact five-door lineup. It combines a peppy 1.6-liter turbocharged engine (190 hp, 195 lb-ft) with an eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, plus a sport-tuned suspension, multi-link rear, and upgraded brakes for engaging handling. The hatchback design boosts versatility with generous rear legroom, 22 cubic feet of cargo, and easy loading. Inside, it shines with dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless connectivity, premium touches like ventilated seats and robust driver aids. But does it have the performance credibility its looks suggest?

🎙️ Special Guest Interview

Sang Lee, National Manager of Product Planning at Kia North America, joins the show as our expert on the all-new 2026 Kia Telluride three-row SUV, discussing its fresh design, updated tech, enhanced capability, and why it has become a standout in the competitive family SUV class.

📰 This Week’s Headlines

Gas Prices Spark EV Interest

Rising gas prices over $3.75/gallon, driven by Iran tensions, have boosted electrified vehicle searches from 20.7% to 22.4% per Edmunds, but experts say short-term curiosity rarely leads to purchases.

Infiniti Unveils Sleek 2027 QX65 Crossover

The all-new 2027 Infiniti QX65, a fastback-style two-row midsize luxury SUV inspired by the classic FX, debuts in just a few days, with New York Auto Show reveal and U.S. sales starting early summer.

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Gets Major Upgrade

The refreshed 2026 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid arrives in May with 45 miles of EV range, 297 horsepower, sharper handling, refined interior, and pricing from $43,245.

Hyundai Halts Palisade Sales After Fatal Seat Incident

Hyundai has stopped sales of select 2026 Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims and plans to recall nearly 70,00 vehicles due to an apparenr power seat defect linked to a child fatality.

Ford Issues Massive Recalls on 1.8M+ Vehicles

Ford is recalling over 1.8 million vehicles for headlamp glitches, faulty EGR valves (multiple models), and rearview camera failures causing shutdowns or inverted images in ~1.74 million units.

Rivian Launches Affordable R2 Compact SUV

Rivian’s new R2 compact electric SUV starts around $46,495, offers up to 656 hp, 330 miles of range, off-road capability, and begins production in spring 2026 to challenge the Tesla Model Y.

Lucid Targets Mainstream with Sub-$50K EVs

Lucid revealed a new midsize platform for three models under $50,000—including SUVs Cosmos and Earth—plus cost-cutting Atlas drive tech and a Lunar robotaxi concept partnered with Uber.

❓ Listener Question

Ricky from Topeka, Kansas asks: “Are extended warranties worth it on today’s modern cars?” Jack and Chris offer their seasoned perspective based on reliability trends and real-world ownership.

📚 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.