2026 Audi A5/S5: Putting Audi’s New Liftbacks to the Test
About this episode
The episode dives into the latest automotive news, featuring discussions on the 2026 Audi A5/S5, North American Car of the Year finalists, and a new crash test dummy designed to better represent women. Co-hosts Jack Neerad and Matt DiLorenzo share insights from the Los Angeles Auto Show, including thoughts on the Hyundai Crater Off-Road concept and Tesla's recent controversies. They also review the Audi A5 and Hyundai Ionic 9, highlighting their performance, features, and pricing. The episode concludes with an interview with Matthew Jones, founder of a trailer-sharing marketplace called Tolos.
This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo test two vastly different vehicles, both with stellar performance potential. In our road test segment, Matt and Jack share their drives of the new 2026 Audi A5 and S5, now a liftback duo that replaces both the A4 sedan and A5 Sportback. Jack also reviews Hyundai’s most luxurious electric SUV yet, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy. And in our interview segment, Jack speaks with Matthew Jones, founder of Towlos, a fast-growing trailer-sharing marketplace with a unique origin story.
Jack and Matt also reflect on the aftermath of the Los Angeles Auto Show, where the pair got a first look at several major debuts. They also share insider commentary as longtime jurors for the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards, which announced their 2026 finalists at the show.
🚗 Road Tests Matt DeLorenzo Test-Drives the 2026 Audi A5Matt gets behind the wheel of the redesigned Audi A5, now a single model that blends the roles of the A4 and former A5 Sportback. With standard all-wheel drive, a 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a spacious hatch, and a composed ride, the A5 aims to balance performance with everyday usefulness. Matt walks through the car’s comfort, cabin design, and how it stacks up against key German rivals. Jack and Matt both chip in with info on the S5, which Jack drove during NACTOY testing in Michigan recently.
Jack Nerad Reviews the All-New 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 CalligraphyLooking for a family-size EV? Jack tests Hyundai’s flagship three-row battery-electric Ioniq 9. Riding on the brand’s E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy offers a large 110.3-kWh battery, available AWD, up to 335 miles of range, fast 800-volt charging, and a quiet, lounge-inspired interior. Jack explains where it shines on refinement and technology, and what buyers should know as Hyundai pushes further into premium EV territory.
🎙️ Special Guest Interview Matthew Jones, Founder of TowlosThis week’s guest is entrepreneur and self-described car enthusiast Matthew Jones, who created Towlos, a peer-to-peer trailer-sharing platform that’s solving a long-overlooked problem in the towing world. He joins Jack to talk about the idea that sparked the company, how the platform works, and why trailer accessibility matters more than people think.
📰 This Week’s Auto Headlines 2026 North American Car, Truck & Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists AnnouncedThe Los Angeles Auto Show kicked off with the reveal of this year’s NACTOY finalists. As jurors, Jack and Matt share inside perspective on the surprises and standouts.
Car Finalists: Dodge Charger, Honda Prelude, Nissan Sentra
Truck Finalists: Ford Maverick Lobo, Ram 1500 Hemi, Ram 2500
Utility Finalists: Hyundai Palisade, Lucid Gravity, Nissan Leaf
DOT Introduces a New Female Crash-Test DummyFor the first time, regulators are adopting a crash test dummy built to reflect real female body proportions. With more than 150 sensors, it is designed to better measure how women experience crash forces. Safety gaps between genders have persisted for decades, and this marks a long-overdue shift.
Tesla Faces Lawsuit Over Model 3 Crash and FireTesla is under new scrutiny after a lawsuit alleges sudden acceleration, battery-fire risks, and electric door-handle failures contributed to a fatal 2023 Model 3 crash. The case adds to a growing list of complaints about Tesla’s door designs and comes as federal investigators review similar failures.
Hyundai Reveals CRATER Off-Road ConceptHyundai showed off the CRATER Concept in Los Angeles, an adventure-ready compact off-roader with 33-inch tires, removable camera-mirrors, a rugged cabin, and playful touches like a recovery hook that doubles as a bottle opener. The concept hints at future XRT-themed models.
đź“š Book SpotlightMatt DeLorenzo has a new book out: Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance. Jack and Matt spend a few minutes discussing the project, AMG history, and what readers will find inside.
Jack’s latest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is also now available in paperback and ebook formats.
Catch America on the Road every week on this station, and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble. You’ll find new-car reviews, interviews, industry news, and more. Special thanks to Mercury Insurance for sponsoring the show and to our Sports Byline Network stations across the country. And thank you for listening.
🎙️ HostsJack Nerad — Award-winning auto journalist and author of Only One Thing Stays the Same
Chris Teague — Longtime auto critic and journalist
📢 Presented by• DrivingToday.com
• EMLandsea.com
• Mercury Insurance – Switch today and save. Californians save an average of $670.
Find America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.
📨 Email: [email protected]
Check Out Matt DeLorenzo’s Book:Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance
Special Price for Jack’s Newest Crime Novel:Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a 67%-off price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.
Kia Palisade
"Yeah, I thought the Kia Telluride was kind of an interesting look, sister to the Palisade, but a little bit more rugged and off-road ready."
The Kia Palisade is another SUV from Kia that is similar to the Telluride, providing lots of room for families and good features for comfort and safety.
The Kia Palisade is a mid-size SUV that shares a platform with the Telluride, offering a similar spacious interior and family-friendly features, but with a slightly different design and focus.
Kia Telluride
"Yeah, I thought the Kia Telluride was kind of an interesting look, sister to the Palisade, but a little bit more rugged and off-road ready."
The Kia Telluride is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of space inside and is designed to handle rough terrains, making it great for outdoor activities.
The Kia Telluride is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and rugged design, making it suitable for both family use and off-road adventures.
Hyundai Palisade
"...de was kind of an interesting look, sister to the Palisade, but a little bit more rugged and off-road ready...."
The Hyundai Palisade is a big family car that can fit a lot of people and their stuff. It's popular because it's comfortable and has many safety features, making it a good choice for families.
The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and strong value proposition. It has gained popularity for its family-friendly design and comfortable ride, making it a significant player in the competitive SUV market.
North American Car of the Year
"The North American car, truck and utility vehicle of the year finalists have been announced. They were announced in Los Angeles as jurors. Matt and I are both jurors."
The North American Car of the Year is an award given to the best new cars in North America. A group of car experts decides which vehicles are the best based on things like safety and performance.
The North American Car of the Year is an annual award recognizing the best new vehicles in North America, judged by a panel of automotive journalists. It highlights innovation, design, safety, and performance among new cars, trucks, and utility vehicles.
EVs
"Yeah, you know, in the utility segment, we had one of the most expensive and one of the cheapest EVs on the market as finalists."
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles.
Audi A5
"My test vehicle is an Audi A5, which was a very interesting luxury sedan."
The Audi A5 is a stylish car that is part of Audi's luxury lineup, offering a comfortable ride and good performance.
The Audi A5 is a luxury coupe and sedan that combines style with performance, known for its elegant design and advanced technology.
Hyundai Ionic
"...ng luxury sedan. I'm going to be testing the 2026 Hyundai Ionic 9, an electric vehicle in calligraphy trim. Our s..."
Hyundai Ioniq 9
"I'm going to be testing the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, an electric vehicle in calligraphy trim."
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a new electric car that is expected to be released in 2026, focusing on being environmentally friendly.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an upcoming electric vehicle known for its innovative technology and eco-friendly design.
Honda Prelude
"...r Carthier, they are the Dodge Charger, the Honda Prelude, and the Nissan Sentra. What's your take on this ..."
Nissan Sentra
"For Carthier, they are the Dodge Charger, the Honda Prelude, and the Nissan Sentra."
The Nissan Sentra is a small car that is good for everyday driving. It's known for being reliable and fuel-efficient.
The Nissan Sentra is a compact car that offers practicality and efficiency, making it a popular choice for daily commuting.
Dodge Charger
"...nd a little bit. For Carthier, they are the Dodge Charger, the Honda Prelude, and the Nissan Sentra. What's..."
electric motor
"It's very interesting because it uses an electric motor instead of a transmission. So there's some interesting technology there."
An electric motor is what makes electric cars move. Instead of using gas, it runs on electricity, which can be better for the environment.
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, used in electric vehicles to drive the wheels without a traditional internal combustion engine.
Honda Civic
"... Sentra is a very nice vehicle, but last year the Civic Hybrid one, and I don't think the Sentra really b..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people love because it's dependable and saves on gas. It's also fun to drive, which makes it popular among younger drivers.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive industry for decades, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty design. It often garners attention for its performance variants and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
straight six
"...and that straight six is amazing."
A straight six is an engine with six cylinders lined up in a row. It runs smoothly and is often found in powerful cars.
A straight six is a type of engine configuration where six cylinders are arranged in a straight line. This design is known for its smooth operation and good power delivery, making it a popular choice in various performance and luxury vehicles.
horsepower
"I mean it makes over 500 horsepower. It's just really a true American muscle car."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, indicating how much work an engine can perform over time. In automotive terms, higher horsepower typically correlates with better performance and acceleration.
Ram 1500
"...out trucks real quick, the Ford Maverick Lobo Ram 1500 Hemi, the return of a favorite, and the Ram 2500,..."
Ford Maverick
"...hat. Let's talk about trucks real quick, the Ford Maverick Lobo Ram 1500 Hemi, the return of a favorite, and..."
Ford Lobo
"Let's talk about trucks real quick, the Ford Maverick Lobo Ram 1500 Hemi, the return of a favorite, and the Ram 2500, their heavy-duty truck."
The Ram 1500 is a big truck that's great for carrying heavy loads and is comfortable to drive.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, comfortable ride, and advanced technology features. It is popular among both work and leisure users.
Dodge Ram
"...k about trucks real quick, the Ford Maverick Lobo Ram 1500 Hemi, the return of a favorite, and the Ram ..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or play. It's popular because it's comfortable to drive and has lots of useful features.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram 1500, is a full-size pickup truck that is celebrated for its strong towing capacity, comfortable ride, and innovative features. It competes fiercely in the truck market, appealing to both work and leisure users.
Ram 2500
"the return of a favorite, and the Ram 2500, their heavy-duty truck."
The Ram 2500 is a bigger truck than the Ram 1500, made for heavy work and towing things.
The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for tougher tasks and towing capabilities. It offers more power and payload capacity compared to the Ram 1500.
Hemi
"Well, you know, I like the fact that they've reintroduced the Hemi to the 1500 Ram, much needed."
Hemi is a type of engine that helps cars go faster and perform better by allowing air and fuel to mix more efficiently.
Hemi refers to a specific type of engine design featuring hemispherical combustion chambers, which allows for more efficient airflow and combustion. This design is known for producing higher power outputs.
Cummins diesel
"The 2500 really, you know, it's the Cummins diesel, nice interior, nothing new there."
Cummins diesel engines are strong engines that help trucks pull heavy loads and last a long time.
Cummins diesel refers to a line of diesel engines produced by Cummins Inc., known for their durability and high torque output, making them popular in heavy-duty trucks.
Lucid Gravity
"...But we have, at the top end, the Lucid Gravity, which is kind of like an SUV version of the Lucid sedan. And then at the bottom end of the electric market,..."
The Lucid Gravity is a new electric SUV made by Lucid Motors. It's designed to be a luxury vehicle, similar to their electric sedan but with more space and utility.
The Lucid Gravity is an all-electric SUV from Lucid Motors, known for its luxury features and high performance. It represents the brand's expansion beyond sedans into the SUV market.
Nissan Leaf
"we have the Leaf, which is an entry-level EV, starts at around $30,000."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that is designed to be budget-friendly and easy to drive. It's often seen as a good choice for people looking to switch to electric vehicles.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric vehicle (EV) that is known for being affordable and practical for everyday use. It is classified as a hatchback, despite Nissan's marketing efforts to position it as a crossover SUV.
hatchback
"It's still a hatchback car. I mean, I'm sorry."
A hatchback is a type of car that has a back door that opens up, making it easier to load and unload things. They are usually smaller than SUVs but can carry a lot of stuff.
A hatchback is a car design featuring a rear door that swings upwards, providing access to the car's interior and cargo area. Hatchbacks are known for their practicality and versatility, often offering more cargo space than sedans.
Toyota Rav4
"...e my favorite amongst the bunch is the new Toyota RAV4, the best-selling vehicle, I think, in 2024."
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV that many people choose because it's roomy and good for families. It's known for being reliable, which means it usually doesn't have many problems.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has consistently been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States. Its combination of practicality, reliability, and versatility makes it a favorite among consumers looking for a family-friendly vehicle.
Volkswagen Tiguan
"...the other one was what was my dark horse was also the VW Tiguan. A beautiful interior, terrific compact."
The Volkswagen Tiguan is another small SUV that looks nice and has a comfortable interior. It's a good option if you're looking for a stylish vehicle with plenty of features.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV known for its stylish design and high-quality interior. It competes in a crowded market, offering a blend of performance and comfort.
Tesla Model 3
"...st Tesla controversy because there's been another Model 3 fire, and the thing that's frightening to me here..."
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that doesn't use gas and can go really far on a single charge. It's known for being high-tech, but there have been some worries about safety after a few fires.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan that has revolutionized the automotive industry with its impressive range, performance, and advanced technology features. It has sparked discussions around electric vehicle safety and infrastructure, especially following incidents like fires.
electronic door latches
"Now, I don't know if it's cost-driven to go with these electronic door latches and things. You have to have a way to get out of a vehicle, you know, whether it's gas or electric."
Electronic door latches are like electric door handles but specifically refer to the part that keeps the door closed. They can be opened with buttons or key fobs, making it easier to get in and out of the car.
Electronic door latches are mechanisms that allow a vehicle's door to be opened electronically, often integrating with the vehicle's central locking system. They can improve convenience but may pose risks if they fail during an emergency.
electric vehicles
"The thing about that makes it even more terrifying with the electric vehicles that those fires really burn hot and long, and they're very difficult to put out."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment but can catch fire in certain situations, which can be hard to put out.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered entirely by electricity, using batteries instead of traditional internal combustion engines. They are known for being environmentally friendly but can present unique safety challenges, such as fire risks.
Hyundai Crater Off-Road
"Well, here's something we both saw at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Hyundai Crater Off-Road concept, a striking looking vehicle."
The Hyundai Crater Off-Road is a new vehicle idea shown at a car show. It's meant to see if people like it and if Hyundai should make more off-road cars in the future.
The Hyundai Crater Off-Road is a concept vehicle showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show, indicating Hyundai's interest in the off-road segment. Concept vehicles are often used to gauge public interest and explore new design ideas.
off-road
"You know, it shows that the Koreans are interested in hardcore off-road, that it's not going to be left to Jeep and Land Rover."
Off-road means driving cars on rough ground instead of smooth roads. Some cars are specially made to handle bumps, rocks, and dirt.
Off-road refers to vehicles designed to be driven on rough terrain, such as dirt, rocks, and trails, rather than on paved roads. This segment of the automotive market includes vehicles that can handle challenging conditions and provide a rugged driving experience.
vehicle handling
"But I think the vehicle just hand ... Germans really have a secret sauce when it comes to handling."
Vehicle handling is how a car behaves when you drive it, especially how it turns and responds to your steering. Good handling means the car feels stable and easy to control.
Vehicle handling refers to how well a car responds to driver inputs, such as steering and braking. Good handling is often characterized by precise steering, stability, and the ability to navigate turns effectively.
steering
"Steering was spot on."
Steering is how you control which direction the car goes. When you turn the steering wheel, it makes the car turn left or right.
Steering is the mechanism that allows the driver to control the direction of the vehicle. It involves the steering wheel and the components that connect it to the wheels, enabling the car to turn left or right.
Audi S5
"Right. And you had experience in the S5, which is the more powerful, sporty version of..."
The Audi S5 is a sporty car that has a powerful engine and feels great to drive. It's also very comfortable inside, making it a nice choice for both fun and daily use.
The Audi S5 is a high-performance version of the Audi A5, known for its powerful engine, sporty handling, and luxurious interior. It appeals to drivers looking for a blend of performance and everyday usability.
torque
"It's got a V6 turbocharged engine that makes 362 horsepower and over 400 pound-feet of torque."
Torque is a measure of how much force an engine can produce to make the car move. More torque helps the car speed up faster.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, which affects how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a stop. Higher torque means better performance in terms of acceleration.
all-wheel drive
"Audi is known for its all-wheel drive system. So, you know, you'll have very sure-footed handling."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, helping it grip the road better and handle well in different weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and handling, especially in adverse conditions.
fuel economy
"I think in the A5 I was driving, the fuel economy was pretty decent. It's a combined 26mpg."
Fuel economy tells you how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The better the fuel economy, the less gas you need.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured in miles per gallon (mpg). Higher fuel economy means the vehicle can travel further on less fuel.
Chevrolet C7
"I was solving my own problem, Jack. I just got a C7 Corvette, which you may be able to see behind me."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car that many people dream of owning. The C7 model is especially liked because it looks great and drives really well.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and affordability compared to other high-performance vehicles. The C7 generation, in particular, has been praised for its powerful engine and advanced technology.
Honda Accord
"... car hauler. And that's great for hauling a Honda Accord. But it does not work well if you're trying"
The Honda Accord is a comfortable car that can fit a lot of people and their things. It's known for being reliable and lasting a long time, which is why many people choose it.
The Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan that has earned a reputation for its reliability, spacious interior, and strong resale value. It is often discussed for its balance of performance and comfort, making it a popular choice among families and commuters alike.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT
"about 10 years ago. Now they have the AMG GT, which is their own car. They build their own eng..."
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a fancy sports car that goes really fast and looks amazing. It's designed for people who love driving and want a high-quality car.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a high-performance sports car that showcases the brand's engineering prowess with its powerful engine and luxurious features. It is often highlighted for its stunning design and driving dynamics, appealing to enthusiasts and luxury car buyers.
Mercedes-Benz Aclass
"And all the other stuff that they tuned. Everything from G-waggons to A-class that ants. So it's a compelling story."
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a small luxury car that looks stylish and has lots of high-tech features. It's a great choice for people who want a fancy car without going for something bigger.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a compact luxury car that offers a blend of style, technology, and performance. It serves as an entry point into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, appealing to younger buyers seeking a premium experience.
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