2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra: Would SUV by Any Other Name Smell as Sweet?

This week on America on the Road, we put the spotlight on two 2025 model-year vehicles that represent very different segments with wildly different powertrains but share a commitment to technology, practicality, and style — the 2025 Volvo EX40 and the 2025 Hyundai Palisade.

Leading off, host Jack Nerad delivers a detailed road test of the 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra. While the name may sound new, the EX40 is essentially a renamed version of Volvo’s previous XC40 Recharge. This all-electric compact SUV features dual motors delivering 402 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 78 kWh battery that provides up to 275 miles of range. Its minimalist Scandinavian interior includes heated seats front and rear, a panoramic sunroof, Google-powered infotainment, and a Harman Kardon audio system. With DC fast-charging capabilities and a long list of advanced safety features, the EX40 offers luxury EV buyers a stylish and well-rounded all-wheel-drive package, but is its as-tested price of $62,045 a hill too high?

Next up is co-host Chris Teague’s road test of the 2025 Hyundai Palisade, a three-row SUV that’s become a go-to family vehicle thanks to its spacious cabin, upscale features, and user-friendly tech. Powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Palisade delivers confident performance through an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It earns an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined, giving it solid range for long-distance travel. Inside, the Palisade offers seating for up to seven, 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and a maximum of 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded. It also tows up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Its near-luxury feel, intuitive tech, and extensive standard safety features win it kudos from both Chris and Jack, and they’ll have more in this road test.

This week’s special guest is Frank Hanley, Senior Director of Automotive Benchmarking at J.D. Power. Frank joins the show to break down the results of the 2025 APEAL Study, which measures how emotionally satisfying a vehicle is to own and drive. He explains which brands are connecting with owners on a deeper level and what manufacturers can learn from the data. It’s an insightful and data-rich segment that pulls back the curtain on the psychology of car ownership.

• Chrysler Gets Rugged with the Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept


Chrysler has revealed an overlanding-ready concept minivan, the Pacifica Grizzly Peak, at Overland Expo Mountain West. Featuring lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, roof storage, and a reconfigured cargo area, the concept taps into the booming “van life” trend with AWD practicality.

• New Tax Break Replaces EV Credit

A new U.S. tax policy will let buyers deduct interest on car loans for new vehicles built in the United States, replacing the expiring $7,500 EV credit. The deduction, estimated to save buyers about $576 (roughly), applies to U.S.-made gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles purchased between 2025 and 2028, but excludes leases and used cars.

• Tesla Hikes Cyberbeast Price by $15K


Tesla has increased the price of its flagship Cybertruck variant, the Cyberbeast, to $114,990, adding a new “Luxe Package” with Full-Self Driving and Supercharger access. The move has puzzled analysts, as Cybertruck sales remain slow despite massive early demand.

• NHTSA Investigates Honda, Acura Engine Failures


Over 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles are under investigation for engine defects that could lead to sudden failure. The NHTSA probe focuses on V6-powered models like the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot, with more than 400 complaints filed to date.

• VinFast Abandons Direct Sales Model

Vietnamese EV maker VinFast is shifting away from its Tesla-style direct sales approach in the U.S. The company has opened its first franchised dealership in San Diego and now has nearly 30 locations nationwide, hoping traditional retail will boost brand visibility.

• Kia’s Steven Center Retires

Steven Center, Kia America’s COO, is retiring after a 46-year career in the auto industry. Widely respected across sectors, Center plans to remain active in the field through consulting and teaching roles.

And finally, our Listener Question of the Week comes from Petey in Spokane, Washington: “I’d like to change up our car some, and maybe add some performance stuff, but my wife says she doesn’t want anything to do with that. What’s your take on tuning a daily driver? Is it a good idea or bad?”
Jack and Chris offer their thoughts on balancing everyday practicality with performance upgrades, and whether tuning your daily driver makes sense in today’s market.

Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad’s Guide to EV Ownership.

Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.

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