A major automaker has just announced an exciting cross between a compact SUV and a pickup truck, and America on the Road was there for the global debut. We’ll tell you all about the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz in this episode of AOTR.

With the all-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson compact sport utility as its basis, the Santa Cruz brings pickup truck-like utility to the compact segment for the first time in years. A four-door, the new vehicle will have room for five accompanied by a four-foot bed. Like the Honda Ridgeline, the floor of the bed hides a lockable trunk. The bed can also be secured with a lockable tonneau.

The new model will offer two four-cylinder powertrains, one of them offering a heady 275 horsepower, and the choice of front-drive or HTRAC all-wheel drive. The normally aspirated four-cylinder will be backed by an eight-speed conventional automatic, while the turbo-four will be teamed with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In the interview segment, host Jack Nerad will talk with Mike Darrow, who is the president and CEO of TrueCar, a nationally known auto information and buying site. TrueCar has improved its offerings for car-buyers, and we’ll have the details about how you can get yourself a better car deal using it as a tool.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport really comes alive when you turn it off the pavement and onto the dirt.

In the road test segment, co-host Chris will take a detailed look at the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. According to Chris, he changed his opinion about the vehicle markedly midway through his test period, and he’ll tell you what he discovered.

Also in the road test segment, Jack Nerad will take a long look at the all-new and very impressive 2022 Acura MDX. The vehicle has really stepped up in luxury and convenience but one feature might end up turning off more buyers than it entices.

The all-new 2022 Acura MDX is a highly improved version of one of the leaders in the luxury 3-row class.