Episode Details

This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and Chris Teague review two impressive SUVs — the high-performance 2026 Acura MDX Type S and the fun and fuel-efficient 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. They also dive into rising used car prices, Tesla’s crackdown on Full Self-Driving hacks, GM’s new distracted driving tech, Volkswagen’s U.S. production shift, the new MINI Red Line Edition, and Toyota’s updated 2027 Land Cruiser.

🚙Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

Jack reviews the 2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus, which combines 219 total horsepower, standard AWD, excellent 38 mpg combined efficiency, and rugged outdoors styling. He covers its smooth hybrid powertrain, composed ride, upscale interior, 10.25-inch display with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, strong safety suite, and assesses its value at $43,265 as tested.

🚗Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2026 Acura MDX Type S

Chris tests the 2026 Acura MDX Type S, the most powerful and luxurious three-row SUV in Acura’s lineup. It features a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, 10-speed automatic, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive with torque vectoring, adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, massaging seats, and an available 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. Is it still the go-to in the luxury three-row segment?

🎙️Special Guest Interview

Ray Shefska from CarEdge joins the show. With over 40 years in auto retail, he shares expert insights on extended warranties and smart car-buying strategies.

📰This Week’s Headlines

Used Vehicle Prices Surge

Tight inventory and strong tax-refund demand push the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index up 6.2% year-over-year, with wholesale prices nearing $20,000 and supply at record lows.

Tesla Cracks Down on FSD Hacks

Tesla is remotely disabling Full Self-Driving on vehicles using unauthorized unlock devices, voiding warranties and raising ownership and safety questions.

GM Fights Distracted Driving

General Motors’ new Driver Attention Assist technology and a major awareness campaign aim to reduce the 3,200+ annual deaths caused by distracted driving.

Volkswagen Shifts U.S. Production

VW ends ID.4 production in Chattanooga to focus on the gasoline-powered next-gen Atlas SUV.