Wedding Bell Blue: 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Takes on Central CA

Getting six adults and their luggage to a gala wedding 150 miles away is no small task. So to accomplish it, we called in Big Blue 2, our affectionate nickname for the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was chosen for the special duty. How did the full-size SUV fare? We’ll tell you this week on America on the Road.

While Jack Nerad was transporting most of his family to central California, across the country in New England Chris Teague was reviewing the 2026 Subaru Uncharted electric crossover, and we’ll have his report as well. Jack and Chris also discuss improving new-vehicle quality with lingering tech frustrations, as revealed by the 2026 JD Power Initial Quality Study. And they examine the drama surrounding Volkswagen ending its big self-driving partnership and Polestar’s departure from the U.S. market.

🚙 Jack Nerad’s Road Test: 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited Reserve

In a special road trip report, Jack reviews the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited Reserve 4×4, a full-size luxury SUV that combines premium comfort with genuine off-road ability. Powered by a twin-turbo inline-six, it features opulent Nappa leather, a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen, and upscale McIntosh audio. But did it have the room, power and gravitas to transport the six-adult entourage to its destination and back? We’ll have a complete report.

🚗 Chris Teague’s Road Test: 2026 Subaru Uncharted

While Jack was traveling to the wedding, Chris tested the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, Subaru’s newest and most affordable EV. Starting at $34,995, it offers up to 308 miles of range, 338 hp with AWD, a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and up to 25 cubic feet of cargo space. Available in Premium, Sport, and GT trims, it promises practical EV motoring with Subaru’s signature all-weather capability. Did it deliver the goods? We’ll let you know.

🎙️ Special Guest Interview

Matt DeLorenzo, noted auto journalist, North American Car of the Year juror, and author of Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance, joins the show.

📰 This Week’s Headlines

J.D. Power: Vehicle Quality Improves but Tech Frustrates

Overall initial quality jumped sharply, but infotainment and connectivity issues (especially Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) remain the top owner complaints.

Volkswagen Ends Bosch Self-Driving Partnership