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.
This week’s Headlight News podcast looks what’s coming at the NY Auto Show next week, BMW’s newest iteration of the i3, and why Hyundai’s ordered dealers to stop selling the new Palisade. We also offer up some insights about the 2027 Kia Telluride after our time behind the week and more. Take a listen. Tell us what you think!
To paraphrase a deep and meaningful movie line, “Something is afoot at Mercedes-Benz.” With apologies to fans of Mercedes and “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” change is in the air at the German luxury carmaker when it comes to its EQS lineup. We see just how much in our review of the 2026 EQS 400 at Headlight.News.
After ordering an all-time industry record 153 recalls in 2025, Ford Motor Co. hoped to bring its problems with quality and reliability under better control this year. But with three more service actions announced this week the automaker has already had to recall another 7.4 million vehicles to address potential safety problems. More from Headlight.News.
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.
On this week’s Headlight News podcast, we cover how EV sales will be affected by $4 gas, Honda’s big financial hit, Mazda’s launch of the CX-5 hybrid and review the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland Review.
Hyundai told U.S. dealers to halt sales and deliveries of two of its top-trim Palisades models due to an apparent defect not linked to two injuries – including one leading to the death of a young child. Headlight.News has more.
With so much focus on Mazda’s midsize and large SUVs, it can be difficult to remember that it was smaller vehicles like the Mazda 626 sedan and 323 hatchback that put the brand on the map. If you’re looking for a little reminder of just how good Mazda’s legacy of compact hatchbacks is, spend a week with the 2026 Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 S Premium — with a 6-speed manual. See how we liked it at Headlight.News.
The recent shuffle of top executives at Stellantis forced many to look again to see if Chrysler was still alive. If new leadership alone won’t assuage you, perhaps the arrival of the 2027 Chrysler Pacifica might. The updated offering gets tweaks worth checking out, which you can do at Headlight.News.
The Headlight News podcast examines if an energy shock is coming as hybrids set a new sales record. Overall, February new vehicle sales slowed. We examine the most fuel-efficient car brands in the U.S. while reviewing the new Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. Give us a listen and some feedback!
Making more out of less. That should be Toyota’s real motto, and the latest example of that is the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE. The latest crossover creation from the automaker reveals just how good it is at taking what it already has and creating something new and excellent. Check out our review to find out why it’s so good at Headlight.News.
The battle for the privacy rights for vehicle owners has been steadily heating up as today’s cars, trucks and SUVs become ever-more connected. A new study isn’t likely to assuage privacy wonks’ concerns, as researchers found drivers can be tracked through the sensors in tire pressure monitoring systems. Headlight.News has details.