This week’s podcast includes: the return of the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Xterra, Ford CEO Jim Farley and the 1,000-hp SUV, a review of the Kia Sportage Hybrid and more. Check it out at Headlight.News.
EVs and batteries
First Drive: 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
it wasn’t all that long ago that Kia was little more than an afterthought on the American market. But sales have soared in recent years and are on track to set another record for 2025. The Sportage, Kia’s best-selling product line is a key reason why. It’s attractive, affordable, and adds plenty of value for the money – especially if you’re considering the high-mileage 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Here’s our review.
At “Pivotal Moment,” Nissan Prepares Product Blitz, Including Reborn Xterra, Electrified Rogue
Nissan will roll out 20 new and updated products in less than two years for the North American market, top company executives told dealers meeting in Las Vegas this week. That will bring the return of the Xterra, for one thing, as well as a hybrid version of the brand’s best-selling Rogue model. Infiniti will also benefit from the plans, top officials, including global CEO Ivan Espinosa, said. More from Headlight.News.
Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept Could be the “Ultimate Adventure Minivan”
Who says you have to be a soccer mom to drive a minivan – and only then on well-paved roads? The new Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept is designed to demonstrate how a “people-mover” can be part of a much more adventurous lifestyle once you get past where the pavement ends. Headlight.News checks it out.
Jeep Cherokee Makes a Long-Awaited Return – in Hybrid Form
After a nearly three-year absence, the Jeep Cherokee is making its return for the 2026 model-year. Benefiting from a ground-up makeover, the midsize SUV features a new design, a roomier interior and a wide range of new features. It also debuts with a first-ever hybrid drivetrain expected to yield not only 37 mpg but plenty of power, whether on highway, trail or pulling a trailer. Heaadlight.News has the details.
Ford May Build 1,000-hp Off-Road Supercar
With its new Mustang GTD getting now inproduction, Ford Motor Co. may add another supercar to its line-up – this time a 1,000-hp off-roader that could handle desert road races like the Dakar Rally, said CEO Jim Farley. Headlight.News has more.
First Drive: 2026 Hyundai Palisade
Six years after it made an auspicious entry into the three-row SUV market, Hyundai is giving its flagship Palisade model a major makeover, and with a first-time hybrid drivetrain, the 2026 package delivers more room, more power – and up to 629 miles range per tank. It’s also adding a “more off-road-capable” XRT Pro package. Headlight.News headed out to California wine country to put the 2026 Hyundai Palisade through its paces. Here’s our review.
Consumers Weary from High Auto Prices Focusing on Affordability
The jump in new car prices coming out of the pandemic hasn’t subsided, and when combined with the rise in interest rates, vehicles are more expensive than ever. A new study shows consumers are now focused on affordability than any other factor when it comes to buying a new car. Get details at Headlight.News.
EV Sales Set to Slide as Fed Tax Credits Expire – Forcing Desperate Automakers to Roll Out Big Deals
EV sales will “flatten considerably” once federal tax credits expire at the end of September, according to a new study. Even with more affordable models coming to market, EV market share will be nearly half what was previously expected before Congress voted to eliminate the incentives. Hoping to clear out inventory before then, automakers have launched a variety of deals that could put some buyers behind the wheel of an EV for less than $100 a month. More from Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 8-18-25
The Headlight News podcast discusses EV sales and charger expansion, Ford’s new cheap EV plan, and reviews the 2025 Genesis G80 and more. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Get a Glimpse of Corvette’s (Possible) Future with the CX and CX.R Concepts
The new ZR1X has been called the “ultimate” Corvette. But is it really, at only 1,250 horsepower? Chevrolet is showing off two exotic prototypes during Monterey Car Week that could take things up to 2,000 hp. And while the Corvette CX and CX.R Concepts might have been designed for the Gran Turismo videogame, they also provide some clues as to where Chevy might go with the next-generation sports car. Headlight.News has more.
The Acura RSX is Back – as an All-Electric SUV
The Acura RSX has made its return debut and what was once a sporty, gas-powered coupe has morphed into an all-electric SUV. Officially, the new model is a “prototype.” But, based on what we’ve seen before, the production Acura RSX will stray only slightly from what’s on display as part of Monterey Car Week. Headlight.News has more.