Once given up for dead, the midsize pickup segment is booming — but faces a real battle as more players get set to enter the game. Get the story at Headlight.News.
Sales
Mitsubishi Set to Enter U.S. Midsize Pickup Market — With Help from Nissan
Mitsubishi is the latest automaker to announce plans to enter the increasingly crowded market for midsize pickups. The move is part of the troubled Japanese automaker’s push to expand its light truck presence in the U.S. and requires a helping hand from Nissan, reports Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series
Having worked as Gottlieb Daimler’s chief design engineer, Wilhelm Maybach (my-BOCK) is as much responsible for the development of the automobile as both Daimler and his contemporary, Karl Benz. His impact on the industry is honored by Mercedes-Benz a special line of vehicles, including the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, Headlight.News reviews.
First Drive: 2026 Lexus ES sedans
Lexus arrived on the scene in 1989 with two new vehicles ready to compete in the luxury world: the LS and the ES. Flash forward nearly four decades and the ES not only survives, it thrives and the brand is making sure it continues to do so with the new model for 2026. Headlight.News got some time behind the wheel and can confirm it’s still among the best offerings in the segment in our First Drive.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 5-26-26
This week on the podcast, we cover news from Stellantis, Volkswagen’s revival of the ID. Buzz, Ferrari finally building an EV, the Luce, and we review the 2026 Toyota Camry SE Nightshade. Check it out.
A Week With: 2026 Toyota Camry SE Nightshade
Toyota’s decision to stick with sedans a decade ago when other makers fled the segment didn’t guarantee a better version of its mainstay Camry — it was the brand’s history of constant improvement that ensured the 2026 Camry would be excellent. A week in the Camry SE Nightshade confirmed that to be true. Go to Headlight.News to check out our review.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 5-18-26
On the Headlight News podcast this week, we look the rise of hybrid sales and the moves by Honda and Mazda to meet demand. We also cover the looming shortage of base oils due to the conflict with Iran. Finally we review the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SRT. Check out the podcast, give us some feedback.
Oil Shortage Takes Another Step Toward Critical Mass
The ongoing war with Iran poses plenty of automotive-related problems, including higher gas prices, but there is a looming crisis when it comes to lubricants, which will only add to the draw on the bank accounts of Americans. Get the details at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Subaru found itself caught with nothing to offer during the initial years of the SUV boom back in the 1990s. To compensate, the marque raised the ride height of its Legacy station wagon and billed it as the Legacy Outback — the “World’s First Sport Utility Wagon.” Now the brand has a “proper” ute in the 2026 Outback Wilderness and it’s unclear if it was necessary to make the change. Get the answer in our review at Headlight.News.
Might Trump Open the Door to Chinese Autos to Ease Strained Relations?
President Donald Trump’s summit meeting with Chinese President Ji Xinping is expected to cover a broad range of topics straining relations between the two countries, from the future of Taiwan to trade. Few would be surprised if Xi doesn’t press his American counterpart to open the door to Chinese autos. And that has the U.S. automakers — and some key lawmakers worried. Get details at Headlight.News.
America’s Falling in Love With Hybrids — And It’s Not Just About Saving Fuel Anymore
If the word, “hybrid” brings to mind an awkward little vehicle sacrificing space, comfort and anything close to the “fun-to-drive” factor for better fuel economy you might be in for a shock should you check out the latest hybrid offerings. Get the story at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo
Kia built its first car in 1974, some 30 years after the company was founded. Nineteen years later, the company launched its first model in the United States: the Sephia. It was a decent, if something of an ordinary car — a word that cannot be applied to any of the marque’s offerings. A good example of this is the Headlight.News review this week: the 2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo Hatchback.