The BMW iX3 was the big winner at this year’s World Car Awards, taking both overall honors and a trophy in the best-EV category. Who else was honored this year? Headlight.News has more.
Awards
IIHS Reveals the Safest Vehicles You Can Buy
Today’s newest vehicles are, on the whole, safer than ever and even as it tightens its standards, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found 63 new models earning Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ ratings – up from 48 last year. Still, IIHS says automakers can yet improve their crash technology. More from Headlight.News.
First Drive: 2027 Kia Telluride Makes a Good Thing Better
It’s always a challenge making a good thing better. But that’s what Kia set out to do with the 2027 Telluride. The original model won an assortment of awards. And the Korean automaker is determined to score again with the second-generation SUV. Check out this review of the 2027 Kia Telluride to find out whether it’s succeeded.
Ford’s Recall of 4M Pickups, SUVs Underscores Industry’s Epidemic of Software Problems
Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 4 million pickups and SUVs due to a software glitch that can cause their brakes to stop working and turn signals to fail, along with other exterior lights. The problem underscores a new study that finds software-related problems have become one of the industry’s biggest headaches. More from Headlight.News.
Own an EV? Study Finds You’ve Got a 96% Chance of Trading in On Another
EV owners are becoming increasingly satisfied with their vehicles and, as a result, their likelihood of trading in for another all-electric model is nearly 100%, according to a new study by J.D. Power.
Consumer Reports Names its Top 10 Picks – and They’re All Electrified
Consumer Reports released its annual Top 10 Picks in New Cars, Trucks and SUVs and potential buyers might notice a theme running through them, all of the choices either a hybrid – or available as one – or an EV. Separately, the non-profit announced its first-ever “Safety Verdict,” ranking 29 automotive brands on a variety of factors. Who came out on top? Some surprises here, as well, reports Headlight.News.
Big Year Ahead: Ford Racing Reveals F1 Racer, Le Mans Hypercar
It’s going to be a big year for Ford Racing, the Detroit automaker’s motorsports arm on Thursday night revealing plans for an array of projects, starting with the reveal of the new F1 racer that will campaign under the Oracle Red Bull Racing flag this year using a new Ford hybrid powertrain. Ford, meanwhile, confirmed its returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a new hypercar. Headlight.News has more.
Dodge, Ford Hyundai Take Home Trophies as North American Car, Truck, Utility Vehicle Winners Revealed
The Dodge Charger, Ford Maverick Lobo and Hyundai Palisade were the big winners Wednesday as a panel of 50 jurors announced their choices for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year. Headlight.News has more.
Buzz Kill: VW Says it Won’t Offer the 2026 EV Microbus in the U.S.
Volkswagen has decided not to offer the 2026 ID.Buzz microbus in the U.S., citing weak “market conditions” for the unexpected move. But it says it is “excited” about bringing back the all-electric van in 2027. Headlight.News has more.
Subaru At the Head of the Class in 2026 Consumer Reports Auto Report Card
Little Subaru is a brand that has frequently surprised its bigger rivals and it does it again as the top-ranked marque in the 2026 Consumer Reports Auto Brand Report Card, besting manufacturers like Toyota, Honda and second-ranked BMW. That was one of the surprises in this year’s study. Headlight.News has more.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 11-24-25
Headlight News for the Week of 11-24-25 covers the LA Auto Show, Hyundai going off-road, Porsche’s new Cayenne EV, more robotaxis coming and the NACTOY finalists. We also review the 2026 Nissan Leaf Premium+ and look back at this week in automotive history.
EVs, Hybrids Dominate List of North American Car, Truck, Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalists
While EV sales may be taking a hit as 2025 draws to a close, you wouldn’t know based on the nine finalists for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year. Two-thirds of the models chosen by a panel of 50 U.S. and Canadian journalists are either hybrid or all-electric. Headlight.News has the list.