I’ve given back cars ten times as expensive and not given them a second thought, but the Versa offered so much value and enjoyment, it’s only been gone a couple of hours and I miss it already. HeadlightNews.com has this review.
Consumer Guides
Fewer Vehicles Qualify for This Year’s IIHS Top Safety Pick and Pick+ Awards
Nearly a third fewer vehicles qualified for awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety this year, compared to 2024. This reflects toughening crash test guidelines meant to protect rear-seat occupants. Headlight.News looks at which vehicles took IIHS’s coveted Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards this time around.
2026 Toyota bZ4X – Will Better Range, Performance, Faster Charging Win Over Critics?
Toyota may be one of the top-selling brands in the U.S. but its first serious foray into the battery-electric vehicle market hasn’t done much to charge up U.S. EV buyers. The automaker is hoping more of them will plug in with the launch of a mid-cycle update, the 2026 Toyota bZ4X getting a boost to both range and performance while cutting charging times. Here’s a first look.
At Just $15,000, This is the Affordable Toyota EV You Can’t Have
The new Toyota bZ3X is, at less than $20,000, the sort of affordable EV American motorists are craving. The problem is you can’t have it. Not unless you’re thinking about moving to China. But it’s certainly connecting with motorists in the People’s Republic. And it might offer some insight into the sort of product Toyota just might eventually be able to come up with for the U.S.
MOPAR Does its Stuff with a Custom Version of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO
The battle of the behemoths got even hotter this year with the launch of the Ram 1500 RHO. But there are always some folks who want to take things up another notch and add a unique level of customization. That’s precisely what Mopar has in mind with a special-edition...
Trump Gives Auto Industry One-Month Tariff Reprieve
Little more than a day after announcing plans to enact 25% tariffs on goods imported from the Mexico and Canada, Pres. Donald Trump threw a temporary lifeline to the auto industry by granting a one-month reprieve on automotive parts and vehicles. But the threat remains that sanctions could still follow if the U.S. can’t reach resolution with its two neighbors and leading trade partners – something Ford CEO Jim Farley warned “would blow a hole in the U.S. industry.”
First Look: Volvo ES90 Boosts Range, Shortens Charging Times
While other manufacturers may be rethinking their EV strategy, Volvo is charging ahead, on Wednesday revealing the latest entry to its all-electric line-up, the new ES90. The design doesn’t readily fall into any one category, whether sedan, hatchback or even crossover. But Volvo is betting its roomy and well-appointed interior, as well as lightning-fast charging and extended range of more than 430 miles will help win over new buyers.
Trump Tariff’s Sticker Shock Could Cripple Auto Industry
President Donald Trump, as expected, launched new tariffs targeting Canada and Mexico while also increasing prior tariffs on China. All three countries responded with their own trade sanctions. The tariff war will increase prices on everything from avocados to semiconductors but economists warn few consumer goods will feel the heat more than automobiles – some models set to see price hikes of $12,000 or more. At a time when sticker shock is already impacting sales, analysts fear the U.S. auto industry could see sales and profits tumble – while job cuts also could be in the offing.
Mercedes “Getting Closer” to Launch of New Vision V
Mercedes is getting ready to pull the wraps off the new Vison V, a show car previewing the next-generation, all-electric vans it’s set to put into production next year. “The future model line-up will range from entry-level family vehicles and exclusive VIP shuttles to spacious and luxurious limousines,” the automaker said Monday.
More Trump Tariffs Coming This Week; Expect to Spend More for Your Next Vehicle
Barring a last-minute change of mind, the White House has signaled Pres. Donald Trump will announce new tariffs targeting America’s largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, on Tuesday. The move is expected to increase the cost of many common goods substantially, including not only fully assembled vehicles imported from America’s nearest neighbors but other cars, trucks and crossovers assembled in the U.S. That’s because virtually all of those models rely on at least some Mexican and Canadian parts, components and raw materials.
Kia Reveals 3 New Models as Part of Mainstream EV Blitz
Kia continues to roll out new EV models that the Korean brand hopes will help it counter moves by market leaders Tesla, as well as fast-growing Chinese brands like BYD and Geely. But whether it can keep its strong momentum going in the U.S. as Pres. Donald Trump enacts new anti-EV policies remains to be seen.
First Drive: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is the Affordable 3-Row SUV You Shouldn’t Forget About
Of all the Japanese brands now available in the U.S., Mitsubishi is the one most likely to run under the radar for most buyers. But for those looking for a three-row SUV, it’d be a mistake to ignore the Mitsubishi Outlander. Surprisingly well-equipped, it is also one of the most affordable models in its segment. If anything, it becomes an even bigger bargain for 2025 with a modest mid-cycle update, as Headlight.News discovered during a day’s drive in and around Los Angeles. Here’s our review.