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.
First Drive
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 Drive: 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE Plug-In Hybrid SUV
You might think that Toyota is the poster child for their fleet going hybrid. But check out Lamborghini. Gas-electric hybrids are flooding out of the automaker’s Sant’Agata factory. We spent a couple days in Italy checking out the latest entry, the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE Plug-In Hybrid SUV.
Morgan Returns to the United States with the Morgan Plus Four
Boutique British automaker Morgan is returning to the U.S. market after a two decade absence with a new rendition of the Plus Four sports car.
First Drive: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz – The Electric Microbus Finally Reaches the U.S.
The buzz is back – the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz, that is, finally reaching U.S. showrooms decades after the demise of VW’s original Hippie Van – and two years after going on sale in Europe. If you’re one of the folks who’ve been anxiously waiting for the arrival of this new electric microbus, the good news is that the wait has been worthwhile. It’s not cheap, but the Buzz delivers a lot for the money.
First Drive: 2025 Subaru WRX tS – Almost an STI
We’re supposed to issue judgement here, so my verdict is, if you want a track-capable Subaru you can drive every day, the new 2025 WRX tS is your ride. Read the whole review at HeadlightNews.com.
First Drive: 2025 Nissan Kicks
Millions of American motorists have been priced out of the new vehicle market. So, what do you do if you don’t want to settle for something used? The Nissan Kicks is one of a handful of affordable options currently available. And the complete makeover it’s getting for 2025 makes it far more appealing than many of the alternative entry-level options now on the market. Headlight.News has this review.
First Drive: 2025 Polestar 3
If one thing is certain, Polestar isn’t in a rush when it comes to releasing new models. More than seven years after introducing its first model, the gas-electric Polestar 1, the EV maker is finally rolling out the third entry in its line-up. But is the Polestar 3 the product the Volvo spin-off needs? Here’s our review.
First Drive: 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz – Updating the Urban Adventurer
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the modern incarnation of the compact pickups wildly popular with then-young Baby Boomers a half-century ago. But it’s no retro-mobile. Santa Cruz gets a distinctive design that blends the functionality of a pickup with the decidedly modern curves of today’s Hyundai Tucson. Barely three years after the Santa Cruz made its auspicious debut, Hyundai is ready to roll out a mid-cycle update. It tweaks the truck’s distinctive design, adds a variety of new features and fixes some of the original model’s problems. Here’s our review of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
First Drive: 2025 Hyundai Tucson Takes Aim at Toyota, Honda
It may trail the leaders, Toyota and Hyundai, in the compact crossover market, but Hyundai is determined to give them chase and, based on the updated 2025 Tucson, the competitors need to be looking over their shoulders. Headlight.News spent time checking out the Korean CUV and files this review.
Road Test Review – 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and Jetta Sport – Value and Performance Reign Supreme
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and Jetta Sport are attempting to solidify their unique place in the compact car segment with new technology and sharpened driving dynamics. But is it enough to help it stand out against growing CUV and SUV demand?
First Drive: 2025 Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance
If you ask CEO Jim Rowan, the new Volvo EX90 “is a statement for where we are and where we’re going.” It’s not the first all-electric model from the Swedish automaker but it’s certainly the most powerful and lavishly equipped, serving as a counterpoint to the familiar XC90. To get a sense of what the new model is all about I spent a couple days driving the top-line Twin Motor Performance package around the Southern California coast. Here’s what I learned.