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.
Technology
A Week With: 2026 Mazda3 2.5 S Premium
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.
These Are the EVs That Have Been Cancelled or Delayed — So Far
Honda revealed it’s canceling three battery-electric vehicles it planned to offer in the U.S. But it’s just the latest manufacturer pulling back on its EV program as sales plunge following the phaseout of federal tax credits last September. Headlight.News looks at other EV programs that have been cancelled or delayed.
Chrysler Lives! 2027 Pacifica Minivan Gets Updates
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.
Muscling Through the Snow in the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan
If you own a muscle car, chances are you live where the weather’s usually warm and the roads dry. But Dodge is determined to win over skeptics in the Snowbelt, as well, with the newest entry in its lineup. Headlight.News took the automaker up on its challenge, heading to the northern wilds of New England to drive the 2026 Dodge Charger R/T sedan. Here’s our review.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 3-9-26
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!
A Week With: 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE
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.
Hyundai, Kia Putting Brakes on 2026 EV Models
Sell or be killed. When talking about electric vehicles, that’s likely going to be the criteria for survival for the near future. Hyundai is doing just that, confirming the demise of an EV in its portfolio. Find out more at Headlight.News.
New Study Shows Drivers Can be Tracked Using Tire Pressure Sensors
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.
February Sales Remain Steady Despite Storms; Future Sales Look Uncertain
New vehicle sales remained stable during February, but fallout from turmoil over Iran and around hangs over the economy. However, with the threat of a protracted conflict in the Middle East hanging over the industry, the numbers look more impressive. Get details at Headlight.News.
California’s Kindred Motorworks Resurrects Best of Automotive’s Past
The old car hobby is full of joys — yet rife with struggle. While a lot of vintage car aficionados revel in the joys of the fight to keep the cars alive, there exists another group who want the joy without the pain. These are the people for whom Kindred Motorworks was founded. Check out the company’s magic at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum
Automakers continue to carve up the SUV segment into smaller, more specific niches. It used to be just compact, midsize, and large utes heading into the last decades. Then consumers were looking for … more. Nicer, slightly bigger, slightly smaller, sporty, rough-and-tumble, and more. So Toyota introduced the Grand Highlander, the larger, nicer version of its longtime favorite, the Highlander. Find out if it’s better in our review at Headlight.News.