Top Stories
A Week With: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Few vehicles enjoy the loyalty and fervor that the Toyota 4Runner does. And when Toyota rolled out the sixth-generation model, the expectations were high. Find out if they were met in the Headlight.News review of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.
Rivian Chief RJ Scaringe Upbeat Despite Loss of Fed Tax Credits, Threat of Chinese Competition
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says he has “never been more confident than I am today” about the future of the struggling EV manufacturer. That’s despite a series of challenges facing the battery-electric vehicle sector in general – including the loss of federal EV tax credits and the rise of the low-cost Chinese competitors who are threatening to enter the U.S. market. A critical test will come early next year with the launch of Rivian’s more affordable R2 model line. But it’s also counting on joint ventures and alliances like those with Volkswagen and Amazon, reports Headlight.News.
Automakers Come Up With Their Own EV Deals to Offset Lost Federal Tax Credits
While federal EV tax credits expired on September 30, automakers hope to maintain sales momentum – or, at the least, head off a threatened slump – with makers like Hyundai, GM and Ford coming up with deals of their own, including big price cuts and incentives matching the lost federal tax credits. They could help boost demand, according to a new Harris poll. More from Headlight.News.
It’s No Longer “If,” But “When” Chinese Automakers Will Crack Open the U.S. Market
Tariffs enacted by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump effectively closed the door on auto imports from China – only a few products now entering the U.S. But, despite the current hefty tariffs, observers expect that the Trump administration will soon open the American market up to Chinese products, while also encouraging manufacturers like BYD and Geely to set up U.S. manufacturing operations. While American motorists would likely welcome vehicles like the $20,000 BYD Dolphin, this could pose an “existential threat” to traditional automakers, reports Headlight.News.
Dodge May Drop 900-hp Charger Banshee While Other Electrified Stellantis Models Are Also at Risk
Stellantis is backing away from its aggressive electrification plans. It’s already abandoned the all-electric Ram REV pickup and a plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Gladiator. Now, it appears, the 900-hp Dodge Charger Banshee could be among other battery-based models set to be axed. Headlight.News has more.
Podcasts
Get the Latest Auto News on the HEADLIGHT.NEWS Podcast
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 7-21-25
Headlight News for the Week of 7-21-25 includes Ford setting a recall record, President Trump’s next move could cripple Tesla, plus Subaru makes moves in Uncharted territory. Plus we review the 2026 Genesis GV70 and we travel through this week in automotive history.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 7-7-25
This week’s Headlight News podcast takes a look at the latest moves by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He’s founding his own political party as Tesla sales continue to tumble. Can anyone say “Hello Nero!” Check those stories and more on this week’s show. Get it at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 6-30-25
On this week’s Headlight News podcast: Cadillac Delivers Most Expensive Model Ever, A New Oil Crisis, a Honda CR-V TrailSport Review, and This Week in Automotive History. Check it out at Headlight.News.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of June 23, 2025
Headlight News for the Week of 6-23-25 includes: Trump Iran Attack and Gas Prices; New Corvette Hypercar; Tesla Launches Robotaxi; and more.
Latest Reviews
A Week With: 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible
When you think of a luxury touring car, most of the time a sumptuous, tech-laden sedan comes to mind these days. However, not everyone needs or wants that experience. Fortunately, Lexus has those folks covered with the 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible. Check out our review of the ragtop at Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade
The shape of vehicles continues to evolve, often begging the question: What kind of car is this? The 2026 Toyota Crown Nightshade stylishly and efficiently blurs that line. Check out our review at Headlight.News.
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.
A Week With: 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited
The shrinking number of sedans for sale only serves to call attention to the really good examples that remain, in particular, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid. With impressive exterior styling and a near-luxury cabin, the other-worldly fuel economy puts it at the top of must-drive vehicles if you’re in the market for a midsize sedan. Check out our review at Headlight.News.
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.