2026 Ford Explorer Tremor, 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport, Toyota, Mitsubishi, 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, Ford's Matt Duffield

This week on America on the Road, we bring you an exclusive interview with Matt Duffield, Ford Explorer Brand Manager, for a deep dive into the all-new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor. In a one-on-one conversation with Host Jack Nerad, Duffield walks us through how the Explorer Tremor trim raises the bar for off-road-ready family SUVs. He shares how customer feedback shaped the new model’s development and explains the performance upgrades that make the Tremor more trail-capable. As Duffield details, the Explorer Tremor boasts improved ground clearance, special suspension tuning, and dedicated off-road tires. The Ford exec also discusses the Explorer’s evolving role within Ford’s SUV lineup, and how this rugged new variant fits into the bigger picture. Co-host Chris Teague’s road test features the all-electric 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and it’s nothing short of a revelation. The Ioniq 5 N brings track-car personality to the EV world with 641 horsepower, launch control, and simulated gearshifts that make it feel more like a rally car than a crossover. Hyundai’s N division didn’t just tweak the standard Ioniq; they reengineered it. The result is blistering performance, precise handling, and a surprising driving experience. But in the end, does it load on too much tech and deliver too little visceral involvement? Chris and Jack will offer their thoughts. But it still retains everyday usability, offering a spacious interior and decent range. Jack calls it one of the most exciting EVs to hit the road—fun, fast, and futuristic. In our second road test, Jack Nerad takes the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD for a week-long spin. He discovered it’s the most dynamic RX yet, pairing a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a high-output electric motor to deliver 366 horsepower and plenty of soul-satisfying torque. This isn’t your in-laws’ RX, that’s for sure. Instead, the well-styled SUV is more sharp-edged and tech-loaded than you would imagine a hybrid crossover to be. With a panoramic roof, F Sport styling fillips, and a plush interior featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and Mark Levinson audio, the RX 500h walks the line between luxury and performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Chris and Jack will offer additional details in the road test segment this week In the news this week, Tesla has quietly launched a limited robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas. Just weeks ahead of stricter state autonomous vehicle regulations, Tesla’s driverless Model Y program runs invite-only rides under close monitoring. While it's a milestone for Tesla, we have to wonder if it meets the standards for readiness and safety that it should. Also newsworthy is the fact Toyota is set to raise prices across several models in July, with average increases of $270 for Toyota vehicles and $208 for Lexus models. Inflation, rising import costs, and competition are cited as reasons for the increases, which mirror recent moves by Mitsubishi. General Motors is betting big on affordability with the upcoming 2027 Chevy Bolt. Expected to launch in early 2026, reporting by Motor Trend suggests it will be built on the Ultium platform and deliver a 300-mile range and an estimated $30K price tag. It could become a welcome alternative for budget-conscious EV buyers — if such people exist. In other news of note, Stellantis may offload Maserati amid steep losses and brand bloat. With sales down over 50% and no new models on the horizon, internal tensions are building. The company also reshuffled its executive team, with new CEO Antonio Filosa slashing direct reports to streamline operations. We wrap up this episode with a listener question from Seibert in Bend, Oregon, who asks: “Gas is pretty expensive here, so I think I might get a plug-in hybrid. What is the best plug-in hybrid under $40,000?” Jack and Chris weigh in with their top picks. Tune in for all this and more on America on the Road. Jack Nerad's newest book