This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo test two vastly different vehicles, both with stellar performance potential. In our road test segment, Matt and Jack share their drives of the new 2026 Audi A5 and S5, now a liftback duo that replaces both the A4 sedan and A5 Sportback. Jack also reviews Hyundai’s most luxurious electric SUV yet, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy. And in our interview segment, Jack speaks with Matthew Jones, founder of Towlos, a fast-growing trailer-sharing marketplace with a unique origin story.

Jack and Matt also reflect on the aftermath of the Los Angeles Auto Show, where the pair got a first look at several major debuts. They also share insider commentary as longtime jurors for the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards, which announced their 2026 finalists at the show.

???? Road Tests Matt DeLorenzo Test-Drives the 2026 Audi A5

Matt gets behind the wheel of the redesigned Audi A5, now a single model that blends the roles of the A4 and former A5 Sportback. With standard all-wheel drive, a 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a spacious hatch, and a composed ride, the A5 aims to balance performance with everyday usefulness. Matt walks through the car’s comfort, cabin design, and how it stacks up against key German rivals. Jack and Matt both chip in with info on the S5, which Jack drove during NACTOY testing in Michigan recently.

Jack Nerad Reviews the All-New 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy

Looking for a family-size EV? Jack tests Hyundai’s flagship three-row battery-electric Ioniq 9. Riding on the brand’s E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy offers a large 110.3-kWh battery, available AWD, up to 335 miles of range, fast 800-volt charging, and a quiet, lounge-inspired interior. Jack explains where it shines on refinement and technology, and what buyers should know as Hyundai pushes further into premium EV territory.

????️ Special Guest Interview Matthew Jones, Founder of Towlos

This week’s guest is entrepreneur and self-described car enthusiast Matthew Jones, who created Towlos, a peer-to-peer trailer-sharing platform that’s solving a long-overlooked problem in the towing world. He joins Jack to talk about the idea that sparked the company, how the platform works, and why trailer accessibility matters more than people think.

???? This Week’s Auto Headlines 2026 North American Car, Truck & Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists Announced

The Los Angeles Auto Show kicked off with the reveal of this year’s NACTOY finalists. As jurors, Jack and Matt share inside perspective on the surprises and standouts.

Car Finalists: Dodge Charger, Honda Prelude, Nissan Sentra

Truck Finalists: Ford Maverick Lobo, Ram 1500 Hemi, Ram 2500

Utility Finalists: Hyundai Palisade, Lucid Gravity, Nissan Leaf

DOT Introduces a New Female Crash-Test Dummy

For the first time, regulators are adopting a crash test dummy built to reflect real female body proportions. With more than 150 sensors, it is designed to better measure how women experience crash forces. Safety gaps between genders have persisted for decades, and this marks a long-overdue shift.

Tesla Faces Lawsuit Over Model 3 Crash and Fire

Tesla is under new scrutiny after a lawsuit alleges sudden acceleration, battery-fire risks, and electric door-handle failures contributed to a fatal 2023 Model 3 crash. The case adds to a growing list of complaints about Tesla’s door designs and comes as federal investigators review similar failures.

Hyundai Reveals CRATER Off-Road Concept

Hyundai showed off the CRATER Concept in Los Angeles, an adventure-ready compact off-roader with 33-inch tires, removable camera-mirrors, a rugged cabin, and playful touches like a recovery hook that doubles as a bottle opener. The concept hints at future XRT-themed models.

???? Book Spotlight

Matt DeLorenzo has a new book out: Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance. Jack and Matt spend a few minutes discussing the project, AMG history, and what readers will find inside.
Jack’s latest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is also now available in paperback and ebook formats.

???? Where to Listen

Catch America on the Road every week on this station, and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble. You’ll find new-car reviews, interviews, industry news, and more. Special thanks to Mercury Insurance for sponsoring the show and to our Sports Byline Network stations across the country. And thank you for listening.

????️ Hosts

Jack Nerad — Award-winning auto journalist and author of Only One Thing Stays the Same

Chris Teague — Longtime auto critic and journalist

???? Presented by

• DrivingToday.com
• EMLandsea.com
• Mercury Insurance – Switch today and save. Californians save an average of $670.

???? Watch & Subscribe

Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.

???? 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.