Top Stories
Automakers – and Auto Buyers – Soon Could Be in For Tariff Refunds
A federal judge Thursday delivered a stinging defeat to the White House, ruling U.S. importers are “entitled to benefit” from the Supreme Court’s own decision tossing out Pres. Trump’s import tariffs. In other words, those who paid those illegal duties are due refunds. That includes the estimated $25 billion the U.S. auto industry paid out. Will they collect? And will they pass on any money to auto buyers? More from Headlight.News.
Dealers Sue to Prevent Scout Brand from Selling Direct to Consumers
Scout Motors, the electrified vehicle brand the Volkswagen Group is set to bring back to life, faces an assortment of lawsuits aimed at preventing it from selling direct to consumers, the approach embraced by rival start-ups Tesla, Rivian and Lucid. Headlight.News looks at who’s suing Scout and why.
New Study Shows Drivers Can be Tracked Using Tire Pressure Sensors
The battle for the privacy rights for vehicle owners has been steadily heating up as today’s cars, trucks and SUVs become ever-more connected. A new study isn’t likely to assuage privacy wonks’ concerns, as researchers found drivers can be tracked through the sensors in tire pressure monitoring systems. Headlight.News has details.
Soaring Vehicle Delivery Fees Are Becoming “Budget Breakers”
New vehicle prices have been running at record levels over the last several years, and posted another big jump in February. A lot of factors catch blame, including the Trump administration’s auto tariffs. But there’s another factor buyers often overlook: the delivery fees manufacturers tack on – in some cases adding more than $3,000 to a vehicle’s MSRP. Headlight.News has more.
February Sales Remain Steady Despite Storms; Future Sales Look Uncertain
New vehicle sales remained stable during February, but fallout from turmoil over Iran and around hangs over the economy. However, with the threat of a protracted conflict in the Middle East hanging over the industry, the numbers look more impressive. Get details at Headlight.News.
Podcasts
Get the Latest Auto News on the HEADLIGHT.NEWS Podcast
California’s Kindred Motorworks Resurrects Best of Automotive’s Past
The old car hobby is full of joys — yet rife with struggle. While a lot of vintage car aficionados revel in the joys of the fight to keep the cars alive, there exists another group who want the joy without the pain. These are the people for whom Kindred Motorworks was founded. Check out the company’s magic at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 3-2-26
On this week’s edition of the Headlight News podcast, we look at the impact of the surge in oil prices, plus we look at the latest problem plaguing the auto industry: software glitches. Additionally, talk about no bonuses or profit sharing at Stellantis as well as reviewing the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 2-23-26
This week’s Headlight News podcast covers the latest on Trump and his tariffs, improved new car affordability, VW cutting costs and that EV owners are a loyal group while reviewing the 2026 Toyota C-HR and looking back at this week in automotive history.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 2-16-26
The Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 2-16-26 covers big Ford losses, sliding EV sales, the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV, President Trump pushing to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, plus we review the 2026 Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus and look back at this Week in Auto History. Give us a listen.
Latest Reviews
A Week With: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum
Automakers continue to carve up the SUV segment into smaller, more specific niches. It used to be just compact, midsize, and large utes heading into the last decades. Then consumers were looking for … more. Nicer, slightly bigger, slightly smaller, sporty, rough-and-tumble, and more. So Toyota introduced the Grand Highlander, the larger, nicer version of its longtime favorite, the Highlander. Find out if it’s better in our review at Headlight.News.
Kia Betting Big on Telluride Hybrid
Kia this week officially launched production of the first-ever Telluride Hybrid…and it sees the new package as the opportunity to give a big boost to what has already been one of its biggest hits. If the gas-electric model lives up to expectations it could meant the SUV will triple its original sales expectations. More from Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Musters More Power, Better Mileage
This is a very big year for Jeep, the automaker rolling out a variety of new and updated models and powertrains. Among the most significant launches: the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. As a mid-cycle refresh, there are some modest design updates, new technology and safety features. The big news, however, is the debut of the new Hurricane 4 Turbo, the engine delivering both a big boost in power and a substantial improvement in fuel economy. Headlight.News has this review.
A Week With the 2026 Land Rover Range Rover SE LWB
Before the introductions of the Bentley Bentayga and the Rolls Royce Cullinan, the Land Rover’s Range Rover sat unopposed at the pinnacle of luxury SUVs. Headlight.News reminds that the Range Rover offers capabilities those other luxury models don’t. Check out our review.
First Drive: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Grows Later, Adds More Features
Mazda’s midsize CD-5 gets a major makeover for 2026 and there’s a lot to like about the redesigned crossover which gets bigger, more lavishly equipped and, later in the year, will add the first hybrid drivetrain the automaker has developed in-house. Headlight.News headed out to California for a drive and here’s our review.