If you want to be the coolest parent at this Fall’s first soccer game arrive in the new 2022 Acura MDX Type S. Yes, it is a three-row SUV, but its performance helps you forget that when you’re behind the wheel. The hottest variant of Acura’s flagship MDX, the Type S is the most powerful, best-handling, and most lavishly equipped Acura SUV built since the planet was formed.

In this episode of “America on the Road,” extremely rigid Co-Host Chris Teague tests the extremely rigid, fourth-generation MDX platform in Type S trim. It helps the SUV reach an elevated level of performance aided by its new 355-horsepower Type S Turbo V6. The model also features torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, Brembo front brakes, and a 10-speed automatic transmission reengineered to handle the engine’s stout torque production.

Also in the road test segment, Host Jack Nerad puts the fun-to-drive Mazda CX-30 through its paces. The vehicle can prompt debate on whether or not it’s an SUV, but there is no debate about its engaging driving performance. In standard trim, it offers 186 horsepower, but our testers were drawn to the 250 horsepower turbocharged version. Go figure.

Do want to know what the highest quality vehicles are for 2022? Probably, and lucky for you, we have J.D. Power’s 2022 Initial Quality Study results. Many of the top models aren’t what you’d guess, and we’ll have the details plus our incredulous reactions.

Also in the news, Volkswagen has just pulled the wraps off an all-new battery-electric sedan concept called the ID.Aero. With smooth styling and a lot of range on a charge, it could give Tesla a run for its money when it arrives on our shores in a year or two.

If you are thinking about buying a car, you’ll be interested to hear what our special guest has to say about that. Jason Barrie is the chief operating officer of Digital Air Strike and an expert in auto retailing. Interviewed by Host Jack Nerad, he will bring his insight on today’s bizarre and challenging car market. And that insight could help save you some money. And heartache.

All that and more are coming up on “America on the Road,” brought to you by Mercury Insurance and Driving Today.com.