Top Stories
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.
As Fuel Prices Surge – Expect to Pay More at the Pump and the Grocery Store
Heading into the weekend, fuel prices topped $3.32 a gallon and are expected to continue rising fast as long as the U.S. war against Iran drags on. For the typical motorist the increase over the last week is adding about $5 a fill-up. But consumers, in general, can expect to see this translate into still further price hikes on food, clothing and other goods should the war continue, reports Headlight.News.
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.
Automakers – and Auto Buyers – Soon Could Be in For Tariff Refunds
A federal judge Thursday delivered a stinging defeat to the White House, ruling U.S. importers are “entitled to benefit” from the Supreme Court’s own decision tossing out Pres. Trump’s import tariffs. In other words, those who paid those illegal duties are due refunds. That includes the estimated $25 billion the U.S. auto industry paid out. Will they collect? And will they pass on any money to auto buyers? More from Headlight.News.
Podcasts
Get the Latest Auto News on the HEADLIGHT.NEWS Podcast
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 12-22-25
On the Headlight News podcast for the Week of 12-22-25 we cover Ford killing the Lightning, the end of the line for the Ford Escape, the last Jaguar gas-powered model, Trump sued over EV chargers, a review of the new Lexus GX 550 Overtrail+ and the Week in Auto History. Check it out.
Headlight News for the Week of 12-15-25
In the Headlight News podcast for this week, we cover everything from the pending drop in U.S. new vehicle sales for the next two years to the debut of the all-new Kia Seltos to Porsches bricking in Russia. We review the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and take a look back at this week in automotive history. Give us a listen.
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 12-8-25
In this week’s episode of the Headlight News podcast, we talk about Kei cars, the Trump administration cutting fuel economy standards, the latest grades from Consumer Reports, Toyota’s new supercars, plus a review of the 2026 Infiniti QX60 Autograph as well as look back at this week in automotive history. Check it out and give us some feedback!
Headlight News Podcast for the Week of 12-1-25
This week’s Headlight News podcast covers slumping new vehicle sales as well as moves by some automakers to cut back on their electric vehicle production and plans. However, Mercedes is charging ahead with a new all-electric supercar for next year. We talk about new talks between Nissan and Honda and review the 2026 Subaru Outback. Give it a listen!
Latest Reviews
Toyota Bucks the EV Pullback with All-Electric Highlander
While much of the industry may be paring back their EV plans, Toyota is moving in a very different direction, on Tuesday evening pulling the wraps off the latest entry into its line-up an all-electric 3-row SUV. Headlight.News checks out the 2027 Toyota Highlander EV.
A Week With: 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD
Toyota is once again king of the world when it comes to new vehicle sales, and one of the reasons why it’s the company’s best-selling vehicle of all time: the Corolla. Once simple, affordable transportation, today’s Corolla comes in multiple variations, including a hybrid. We spent a week with the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE with all-wheel drive (AWD) and we have thoughts. Check out the review at Headlight.News.
Consumer Reports Names its Top 10 Picks – and They’re All Electrified
Consumer Reports released its annual Top 10 Picks in New Cars, Trucks and SUVs and potential buyers might notice a theme running through them, all of the choices either a hybrid – or available as one – or an EV. Separately, the non-profit announced its first-ever “Safety Verdict,” ranking 29 automotive brands on a variety of factors. Who came out on top? Some surprises here, as well, reports Headlight.News.
A Week With: 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Hybrid Autobiography
With its formal look, elevated driving position and luxurious accoutrements, one might be tempted to think the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Hybrid Autobiography is just another hifalutin luxury SUV. Find out just how true that is in our review at Headlight.News.
First Look: 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is Far More than the Typical “Mid-Cycle Refresh”
It’s industry norm to make some changes midway through a vehicle’s lifecycle, though the updates are typically modest. Not so the “refresh” coming with the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. According to the automaker’s CEO, more than 2,700 components have been replaced, with updates to everything from its new “Digital Light” headlamps to its MB.OS supercomputer – and it even gets industry-first heated seatbelts. More from Headlight.News.