Hitting the Hybrid Highway in the 2026 Lexus NX 350h

This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad is joined by guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo (Chris Teague is off remodeling). They deliver two fresh road tests — 2026 Lexus NX 350h and 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country — and they unpack the latest JD Power APEAL study, California’s EV funding irony and new EV incentives, Waymo robotaxi challenges, and Toyota’s 2027 Crown and Sequoia updates. Special guest Jason Allan, founder of Bestest (shopbestest.com) also joins the show.

🚗 Jack Nerad Road Test: 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport Handling

Jack finds the latest NX hybrid refined, quiet, and efficient (40 mpg combined in FWD form). The F Sport Handling package adds adaptive suspension, distinctive styling, and bolstered seats while keeping the focus on comfort. Strong tech (14-inch screen, available Mark Levinson audio), premium cabin, and competitive pricing make it a smart luxury compact choice. Tested example: $56,714 as equipped. Is it worth that kind of spend?

⚡ Matt DeLorenzo Road Test: 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country

Volvo’s first Cross Country EV treatment raises ride height to 7.5 inches, softens the suspension, and adds outdoor-inspired styling cues including a topographical-map fascia. Dual-motor AWD delivers 422 hp and strong acceleration (estimated 3.4 seconds to 60 mph), with EPA range of 203–227 miles. Scandinavian interior uses recycled materials, but rear space is tight. Pricing starts at $49,545. Note: Volvo will discontinue the EX30 in the U.S. after the 2026 model year, so this also represents a farewell.

📊 JD Power 2026 APEAL Study: Owners Love Their Cars More Than Ever

Overall satisfaction jumps seven points to 858 on a 1,000-point scale—the biggest gain since 2018. Porsche tops premium brands; MINI leads mass-market. Importantly, the emotional gap between luxury and mainstream continues to shrink. BMW and Hyundai Motor Group dominate model awards. Battery-electric vehicles post the strongest gains.

⚡ California’s EV Push Creates Budget Irony + New Incentives

Falling fuel-tax revenue (projected billion-dollar shortfall) is driving interest in road-use charges and higher EV registration fees, even as California launches new upfront incentives ($3,500 new / $1,750 used) with MSRP caps and a California-headquartered manufacturer exception. That last is perhaps the most controversial. Ask Tesla’s employees who call California home.

🤖 Waymo Robotaxis Cluster & Weather Challenges

Dozens of driverless Waymos gridlocked San Francisco’s Presidio after Fourth of July fireworks. Separate weather-related pauses and incidents reported in Texas and elsewhere. Seems self-driving and extreme weather don’t play together well.

🚙 Toyota 2027 Crown & Sequoia Updates