Getting Desert Dusty in 2027 Kia Telluride X-Line SX Prestige

This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad is joined by co-host Chris Teague to deliver fresh road tests of the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride X-Line SX Prestige and the expanded 2026 Lexus RZ lineup. Looking at news and comment, they detail the latest on Hennessey’s pure-analog hypercar, Genesis’s first high-performance EV, and the end of the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Especially for car buyers — and industry observers — they outline the record trade-in equity owners currently enjoy while also explaining the ongoing decline in car leasing and what that means to car buyers. Our special guest Ezra Peterson, vice president of insurance and auto refinance at Way.com, also joins the show.

🚗 Jack Nerad Road Test: 2027 Kia Telluride X-Line SX Prestige

As Jack Nerad outlines in his in-depth review, the second-generation Telluride grows in size, style, and capability. The X-Line SX Prestige hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter turbo-four with electric motors for 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, delivering 0-60 in about 6.4 seconds and 31 mpg combined with more than 500 miles of range. A longer wheelbase, boxier rugged looks, dual 12.3-inch screens, generative AI voice assistant, and strong three-row space make it an impressive family SUV. With an as-tested price around $61,000, the new Telly provides strong value and lush refinement. But how do we feel about the turbo-hybrid setup?

⚡ Chris Teague Road Test: 2026 Lexus RZ

Chris Teague puts the Lexus RZ eletric car through its paces. This model year Lexus expands its all-electric crossover with three powertrains: RZ 350e (221 hp FWD), 450e (308 hp AWD), and 550e F SPORT (402 hp AWD). Ranges run from roughly 301 miles down to 229 miles depending on model and wheels. NACS port, refined ride, dual-zone climate, heated/ventilated seats, 14-inch screen, and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 are standard. Higher trims add Mark Levinson audio, head-up display, and panoramic roof. This is a polished, quiet luxury EV focused on everyday usability, but is it a good choice for your family?

🏎️ Hennessey’s $2.5 Million Blackbird Hypercar

Hennessey Special Vehicles unveils the Blackbird—an analog, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 hypercar with six-speed manual, screen-free cabin, rear-drive, and active stabilizers inspired by the SR-71. The vehicle “targets 800-850 hp, “ — whatever that means, and it is expected to weigh under 3,000 pounds. Expect 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, and a 220-mph top speed. Limited to 71 examples from $2.5 million, more than two-thirds already allocated.

⚡ Genesis Announces GV60 Magma Pricing

Genesis has priced its first high-performance EV at $69,950. Dual-motor AWD delivers more than 600 hp (up to 641 in Boost), Drift Mode, Virtual Gear Shift with “authentic sound,” and Magma-specific aero and bucket seats. The zippy sportster will arrive soon at select California, New York, and New Jersey retailers.

📊 Record Trade-In Equity

Average positive equity on trade-ins hit a record $13,330 in Q2 2026, nearly double pre-pandemic levels. Everyday trucks and crossovers (F-150, Silverado, Ram 1500, CR-V, RAV4, etc.) lead with five-figure equity. Higher loan rates make that equity especially valuable as a down payment, especially with transaction prices reaching record levels. On the sadder side, negative equity also hit records for those who bought at peak prices in the dark days of the pandemic.

📉 Decline in Vehicle Leasing