NEW: Get Updates by Email

Consumer Guides

First Drive: 2025 Kia K4 — More than Just a New Name

First Drive: 2025 Kia K4 — More than Just a New Name

It came as far from a surprise when Kia confirmed plans to introduce a new version of its long-in-the-tooth Forte sedan at the New York Auto Show last spring. Nor were we shocked to learn the new model would get an entirely new name. But, after finally getting a chance to drive the 2025 Kia K4, we were struck by just how much better it is than the outgoing four-door model. Here’s our review.

Santa Brings Motorists an Early Gift – But the Grinch Could Take it Away

Santa Brings Motorists an Early Gift – But the Grinch Could Take it Away

Nearly 120 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles over the long Christmas/New Year holiday. If you’ve been planning your own trip you might have noticed fuel prices have come tumbling down across the U.S. in recent weeks. But the Grinch might be ready to steal that early holiday present, experts noting fuel prices are starting to climb back up in many parts of the country.

Kia Looks at a Pickup, Other “White Space” Opportunities – But Trump is the Wild Card

Kia Looks at a Pickup, Other “White Space” Opportunities – But Trump is the Wild Card

It’s been a big year for Korean carmaker Kia, U.S. sales set to reach a new record. To keep momentum going it’s launching plenty of new products in 2025 and looking to enter still more “white space” beyond – a pickup one opportunity under study. But planning ahead is on hold until at least “January 21,” said the brand’s U.S. marketing chief, with the incoming Trump administration poised to address such issues as EV sale mandates and incentives, as well as tariffs on foreign-made vehicles.

First Drive: 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona – Who Needs a Hemi?

First Drive: 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona – Who Needs a Hemi?

If you’re a muscle car fan, is there life without a big V-8? That’s the question a lot of Dodge loyalists have been wondering since the performance brand ended production of the Charger and Challenger models a year ago. The Charger is about to stage its return – but for now, at least, it will be available in just two all-electric packages. The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack package pumps out a tire-spinning 670 horsepower. But is it a suitable replacement for the legendary Hemi-powered model it replaces? Headlight.News had a chance to check out the all-electric beast and here’s our review.

First Look: Toyota 4Runner Gets a Complete Makeover for 2025

First Look: Toyota 4Runner Gets a Complete Makeover for 2025

The 4Runner may be one of the oldest models in the Toyota line-up but it’s about to become one of the freshest, the Japanese automaker giving the 6th-generation SUV a complete makeover for 2025. The new model year brings not only an updated design but a new choice of drivetrains and new Platinum and off-road-focused Trailhunter trims. Here’s a closer look at the new SUV.

Lucid Hopes to Get Off the Ground as Production of Gravity SUV Begins

Lucid Hopes to Get Off the Ground as Production of Gravity SUV Begins

Lucid Motors has started rolling out its second product line and the all-new Gravity line is likely to determine whether the struggling start-off takes to the air or comes crashing back to earth. The first version of the electric SUV will start at $96,550, with lower-priced trims to follow late next year.

EV Charging is About to Get A Lot Easier

EV Charging is About to Get A Lot Easier

Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, there are some clear challenges to owning an EV, starting with using public chargers. The good news is that more and more are going in across the country – and seemingly by the day. And it’s about to get easier to use them without having to set up separate accounts with each charger brand. In fact, you’ll soon be able to “plug-and-charge” without having to use an app or credit card, making the process even easier than getting gas.

Sony-Honda Set to Reveal Near Production-Ready Afeela EV at CES

Sony-Honda Set to Reveal Near Production-Ready Afeela EV at CES

Four years after announcing plans to set up its own mobility division – and three years after confirming it would partner with Honda to develop a new EV – Sony will reveal a near production-ready version of an all-electric sedan at the Consumer Electronics Show next month. The all-wheel-drive model will put a premium on in-car entertainment technology and be marketed under the brand name Afeela.

Consumer Reports Has Some Big Surprises as it Hands Out its Annual Automotive Report Card

Consumer Reports Has Some Big Surprises as it Hands Out its Annual Automotive Report Card

Ready to invest in a new car, truck or crossover? There are plenty of choices these days. But how do you know what’s right for you? Consumer Reports is offering a helping hand as it releases its Automotive Report Card. The annual study helps you figure out which brands and models are reliable, feature-loaded and fun to drive – and which products to steer close of. And this year’s report contains more than a few surprises.

Mazda CEO Reveals More on Rotary Engine Revival and Plans for the U.S.

Mazda CEO Reveals More on Rotary Engine Revival and Plans for the U.S.

Almost a month after confirming plans to launch a rotary-powered sports car based on its Iconic SP sports car, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro has offered more insight into what it expects to bring to market – and it means the eventual vehicle might be both smaller and more powerful than originally expected, especially for the U.S. market.