2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT: Surfing the ‘Soft-Roading’ Wave
This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and Chris Teague road test and review two very different Hyundais — the futuristic 2026 Ioniq 9 battery-electric three-row SUV and the realistic 2026 Tucson XRT. They also offer details on Ford’s aggressive new Explorer ST Sinister package and premium Bronco Filson edition, Lucid’s major Gravity software update, Subaru’s enhanced 2027 BRZ, and Audi’s stunning 1,001-hp Nuvolari supercar. Our special guest is Demo Days founder BJ Birtwell with news about an exciting series of events that will unfold through the balance of the year.
🚙 JACK NERAD’S ROAD TEST: 2026 HYUNDAI TUCSON XRT AWD[https://drivingtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CROP-2026-Hyundai-Tucson-XRT-profile-300x169.jpeg]
Jack reviews the 2026 Hyundai Tucson XRT AWD, a mildly rugged-looking compact SUV with an affordable price and approachable personality. Jack and Chris applaud its 187-hp 2.5-liter engine, conventional automatic transmission, standard all-wheel drive, and roomy and upscale interior. With excellent cargo space and a comprehensive safety suite, the $36,815 (as-tested) Tucson variant gets a thumbs-up for its strong value, everyday comfort, and semi-adventurous styling.
🚗 CHRIS TEAGUE’S ROAD TEST: 2026 HYUNDAI IONIQ 9 SEL AWD[https://drivingtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CROP-2026-Hyundai-Ioniq-9-profile-300x169.jpeg]
Chris tests the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 SEL AWD, a comfortable three-row electric family SUV with a 110.3 kWh battery, dual-motor AWD producing 303 hp, and an EPA-estimated 320-mile range. He highlights its smooth ride, spacious and flexible interior, and fast DC charging (10-80% in ~24 minutes). Sporting advanced tech with a dual 12.3-inch display and a strong safety suite, the Ioniq 9 is worth a long look if you intend to buy a battery-electric SUV, but if you don’t , its starting price of around $67,920 might take the wind out of your sails. Palisade, anyone?
🎙️ SPECIAL GUEST INTERVIEW
BJ Birtwell, founder of Electrify Expo / Demo Days, joins the show to discuss the evolving EV landscape and consumer experiences. The first of his series of Demo Days [https://demodaysfestival.com/] events will unfold soon at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. We are unsure if the little old lady will attend.
📰 THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
AUDI UNVEILS 1,001-HP NUVOLARI SUPERCAR[https://drivingtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CROP-Audi-Nuovolari-Protype-300x169.jpg]
A hybrid hypercar with F1-inspired tech, limited to 499 units, and blistering performance.
FORD LAUNCHES EXPLORER ST SINISTER PACKAGE
The new sub-model sports a blacked-out, aggressive appearance with unique badging and wheels, giving a new edge to the popular performance SUV.
FORD BRONCO FILSON SPECIAL EDITION
A premium off-road adventure model with Filson-inspired rugged materials, Sasquatch package, and high-end utility features arriving in early 2027.
LUCID GRAVITY GETS MAJOR SOFTWARE UPDATE
Hands-free highway driving, smarter navigation, adaptive headlights, and improved charging tools now available via over-the-air update.
SUBARU REFRESHES 2027 BRZ
Enhanced EyeSight safety, Brembo brakes on tS model, and other upgrades for the engaging rear-drive sports coupe.
❓ LISTENER QUESTION
William from Lincoln, Nebraska asks: “Which driver-assistance features are genuinely useful and which are gimmicks?”
#HyundaiIoniq9 #TucsonXRT #FordBronco #AudiNuvolari #CarReviews #AutoPodcast
📚 JACK NERAD’S NEW BOOK
Jack’s crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same [https://www.amazon.com/Only-One-Thing-Stays-Same/dp/B0DXPZTBT8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21CB5RU9E3JW5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CT1mBcyNVTXJknz-TNEaS20u2QBkNtTwBc6j3_q_jgc.ogcpDymt6fPf1AjoqrWKlaEsejr-WsyE9Gl185_Qebs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Only+one+thing+stays+the+same&qid=1764205923&s=books&sprefix=only+one+thing+stays+the+same+%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1], is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon — currently at a sale price.
🎧 WHERE TO LISTEN
Catch America on the Road on your local Sports Byline Radio Network station each week and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Follow for new car reviews, guest interviews, auto news, and road tests.
Sponsored by Mercury Insurance and DrivingToday.com
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📨 Email: editor@drivingtoday.com
LOOK FOR MATT DELORENZO’S BOOK ON AMG
Look for guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance [https://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-AMG-Race-Bred-Performance-Matt-DeLorenzo/dp/0760394458]
CHECK OUT GARY WITZENBURG’S NEW BOOK
Pick up a copy of auto journalist Gary Witzenburg’s engaging new book Legends in Motion [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/legends-in-motion-gary-l-witzenburg/1149143946?ean=9781291918939].
SPECIAL PRICE FOR JACK’S NEWEST CRIME NOVEL
Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same [https://www.amazon.com/Only-One-Thing-Stays-Same/dp/B0DXPZTBT8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21CB5RU9E3JW5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CT1mBcyNVTXJknz-TNEaS20u2QBkNtTwBc6j3_q_jgc.ogcpDymt6fPf1AjoqrWKlaEsejr-WsyE9Gl185_Qebs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Only+one+thing+stays+the+same&qid=1764205923&s=books&sprefix=only+one+thing+stays+the+same+%2Cstripbooks%2C143&sr=1-1], at a 67%-off price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price. [https://www.amazon.com/Only-One-Thing-Stays-Same-ebook/dp/B0DXJ9JFQV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PHIBTQL7KP52&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gjI-KZteUzXSWzGvyGfMYeDkYyTCSmcxiYrHCjqFUG5cfVN9Y9Qads8tUeQaNdPmOxCFZmQW4cVjJvQDm8_C-8gDFDhmBJhyft-VVjqC7zwGPIA5LneX12UEPOq_vZWHvYIUH_KOygdIY8sizlY-3RVnVW71pUt0fxqIBqBmvJHT8fd0eTfrm4tot6hWcMIf8L9Pxbav6zZao9F7pkG8NhXjQL38HSNRwPIJchAVz64.Dm6eJonF1Zr0zZae7WmrkyPwrWP-HjkVxsg8WFh_vLk&dib_tag=se&keywords=Only+One+Thing+Stays+the+Same&qid=1740181056&sprefix=only+one+thing+stays+the+same%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1]
[https://drivingtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CROP-ONLY-ONE-THING-eBook-Cover-200x300.jpg]https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Dark-Jack-R-Nerad/dp/1732687676/ref=sr_1_17?crid=3BL38E18SFH09&keywords=Dance+In+The+Dark&qid=1683259839&s=books&sprefix=dance+in+the+dark%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-17
