Since it made its debut nearly 35 years ago, The Ford Explorer has had a profound impact on the American auto industry, helping convince millions of motorists to move from sedans and coupes to SUVs and CUVs. Now, the automaker is rolling out a big update and while the 2025 Ford Explorer does get some design updates, much of the focus is on the new “Ford Digital Experience.” Headlight.News has this review.
Paul Eisenstein
Feds Launch Probe of Jeep, Ram Models Over Engine Stalling Problems
Federal investigators have launched a probe of 150,000 Stellantis vehicles after receiving numerous reports that their mild hybrid engines can unexpectedly stall out. In some cases, owners find it difficult to then restart the vehicles. More from Headlight.News.
U.S. Regulators May Ban Chinese Software from New Vehicles
Your next new car is likely to be loaded with all sorts of digital technology – and the software to run it. And that means it may know “a lot about you.” And how that information is used has raised growing privacy concerns. That’s why the U.S. Commerce Dept. may impose restrictions on the use of software coming from China.
Want a Brand New EV For Just $14,000? There’s Just One Catch
The high cost of today’s EVs has slowed demand. But there’s one model now priced at just $14,000, making it one of the lowest-priced vehicles on the market. But there is one catch: those 3,000 Fisker Ocean SUVs are being liquidated as part of the automaker’s bankruptcy. Whether you’ll be able to get parts and service going forward is far from certain.
2025 Cadillac Escalade Gets A “Mid-Cycle Major” Makeover
The Cadillac Escalade gets an update for 2025, but it’s more than what you’d normally expect, mid-cycle. Along with the requisite tweaks to exterior and interior styling, it adds an assortment of new tech features, including power-operated doors and a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar digital display borrowed from the new, all-electric Escalade IQ. Here’s a closer look.
VinFast Hits the Brakes, Delays U.S. Plant Opening Until 2028
Vietnamese EV start-up VinFast announced a “prudent,” 3-year delay in the opening of its first U.S. assembly plant. It’s the latest in a series of setbacks for the automaker which suffered a wave of harsh reviews for its initial offering, the VF 8 crossover.
Hyundai Seven Concept Reappearing as New 3-Row EV Due Later This Year
Hyundai confirmed a three-row EV will start rolling into U.S. showrooms later this year. The automaker isn’t saying much about the all-electric crossover but it appears likely to be based on the automaker’s Seven Concept and will likely adopt the Ioniq 7 nameplate.
Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Could Be 1st of Several New Special Editions
Looking to build momentum for its latest – and now, all-electric – 500e, Fiat launches a special edition named for fashion legend Giorgio Armani. And it hints that it may bring a second new model to the U.S.: the Grande Panda crossover which debuted last month in both hybrid and all-electric form.
Toyota Reportedly Ready for Return to F1 in Partnership with Haas
Will it or won’t it? That’s the big question in the racing world this week as Toyota reportedly prepares to announce plans to reenter Formula 1 racing. It would mark a return after a failed effort ended 15 years ago. But Toyota is said to be partnering up this time, likely with the American F1 Haas team.
$25 Million Ransom Reportedly Paid to End Hack That Took Down 15,000 U.S. Dealers
Things are back to normal at 15,000 U.S. showrooms after a hack that brought operations nearly to a halt last month. Data processing firm CDK apparently paid a $25 million ransom to regain control of software controlling everything from sales prospects to payroll. But the damage has topped $1 billion in lost sales and other issues.
Automated Driving Systems Aren’t Improving Safety, Finds New Study
More than half of the automotive models now on sale offer some form of partial automation, whether to help steer, brake or accelerate. Manufacturers have promoted these technologies as a way to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities – but, with the exception of front automatic emergency braking, a new study finds “partial automation…doesn’t confirm additional safety benefits.”
These Are the Best EVs You Can Buy Today According to Consumer Reports
From compact crossovers to full-size SUVs, roughly 100 new battery-electric vehicles have come to market over the last two years. But which ones are the best when you factor in things like range, reliability, maintenance and everyday practicality? Consumer Reports has named its 14 top choices and it includes a variety of different sizes, prices and features. But three brands – Hyundai, Kia and BMW – stood out.