If You've Ever Wanted To Drive Through A Tree, There's A California Redwood Waiting For You

Joel was previously an editor at Autoblog for nearly a decade, covering cars from humble economy hatchbacks to high-end sports cars. He has extensive driving experience with plenty of track time, and even dabbles in motorcycling. Joel has shared his experiences in the car world not just in text, but also on podcasts and web videos.

It's all dashboard lights and touchscreen warnings these days For decades, the vast majority of cars had a very simple tool to help owners properly maintain their car. That tool was a dipstick, and it enabled a quick, objective look at whether or not an engine or transmission had enough fluid inside for safe operation. Today, many cars don't offer that same simple tool to their owners. Instead, they offer digital displays that are often hidden deep in touchscreen menus. That can feel like a real step backward for DIY drivers. There is, however, a reason behind the change.

A lot of British slang doesn't seem to make a lot of sense at face value, but there is always a reason for it. Terms like 'Chelsea tractor' or 'sleeping policeman' are examples that no Brit would blink an eye at, and alongside them sits the 'jam sandwich.' Among the many key differences between American and European police cars, or in this instance, specifically British ones, is that police vehicles from a very specific era in Britain picked up the nickname 'jam sandwiches.' The reason is simple.

Brett T. Evans has more than a decade of experience driving, writing about, and evaluating automobiles. His early career comprised writing about pre- and post-war classic cars, as well as late-model performance diesel trucks. These varied experiences allowed him the chance to gain expertise in every corner of the auto world. Today, he spends much of his time on modern car culture and mass-market news. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible is getting some special attention from a most unlikely place. The Bow Tie's Japanese business arm will build a rare special edition of the V8-powered droptop, and although the changes are primarily cosmetic, hardcore Corvette fans may want to consider moving to Hokkaido or Kyoto to get their hands on one. Although oddly, the new V8 Tourer – as it's called – doesn't even get the American market's updated 6.7-liter small-block engine. This could be the first time that JDM "forbidden fruit" is less tasty than the American varietal.

The Toyota 4Runner's reputation depends entirely on what you're comparing it to. Park it next to a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and it reads like a relic — a body-on-frame truck with fuel economy that struggles to crack 20 mpg highway. Park it next to a Jeep Wrangler and suddenly it feels like a luxury vehicle. There's a similar contrast between the 4Runner and its Japanese rivals, too. The Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot both embrace basic unibody construction and a family-sized crossover ethos that makes a side-by-side comparison with the 4Runner feel unfair. Though, Nissan has apparently taken notice, with reports indicating a body-on-frame Pathfinder variant could arrive as early as 2029 to run alongside the existing unibody model. The 4Runner is simply a machine designed for a specific purpose, and the degree to which that purpose aligns with what you're shopping for can make the 4Runner's architecture a strength or an embarrassing oversight. The similarly sized Jeep Grand Cherokee has moved firmly into near-luxury crossover territory.