Land Rover LR4

2011 Land Rover LR4

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Shopping for a 2012 Land Rover LR4? MSRP: $48,900

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The Land Rover LR4 is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle aimed at those who want to combine a luxurious interior and top-notch comfort with serious off-road ability. The LR4 was introduced for the 2010 model year and follows solidly in the steps of the LR3—as well as the Discovery before that (which it's still called in some overseas markets_. The current competitive set for the LR4 includes the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Audi Q7, Lexus GS 460, Volkswagen Touareg, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Compared to the LR3 before it, the LR4 looks a little better detailed inside and outside. On the exterior, the look is tall and tough. You might call it conservative, as it's the most 'classic' in appearance of the current Land Rover lineup, with its very upright, safari-chic look, but details like like the headlamps and taillamps, along with the blacked-out A-pillar, give it a contemporary edge. Inside, there's rich wood trim, a leather-trimmed dash, and details like soft premium leather with contrast stitching—all things that outdo the previous LR3. Instrument panel controls also make more sense and feel less cobbled/cluttered than those in the LR3.

The Land Rover LR4 is by no means clumsy on the pavement, but it takes an off-road trail for this model to truly shine. That said, it's strong on the boulevard or the highway; the 375-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 that's shared with Jaguar is impressive and capable of rocketing this nearly 6,000-pound SUV to 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds. The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, the full-time four-wheel drive system does quite well with wet or snow-covered highways, and the fully independent suspension deals well with pockmarked streets. Since the driving position is so high, the LR4 can feel a little tipsy and cornering ability is fair, the LR4 never feels unsettled in ordinary driving.

Off-roading is the LR4's forte. It draws from years of systems that blend traditional mechanical components with electronic controls—in a system called Terrain Response, which includes a rotating knob on the console for different surfaces like sand or snow. Other electronic aids, and an adaptive suspension, make the LR4 hard to fluster even in precarious situations that would rattle other utility vehicles or be impassible to some crossovers.

The LR4 has three rows of seating, but the third row is for kids only. Outward visibility is good, thanks to the high seating position, and the second row is quite comfortable, positioned slightly higher in a 'stadium' layout. Both the second and third rows can be folded flat to open up to 90 cubic feet of cargo space. Safety features—just as the layout itself—are family-friendly, with side-curtain bags that protect the rearmost occupants; parking sensors and a rear camera system aid visibility in the driveway or parking lot.

As a luxury vehicle, the LR4 includes things like a dual-zone climate control system, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. HSE models add a heated steering wheel, a nav system, park distance control, power heated mirrors, and upgraded audio, while a cooler box, HID headlamps, and adaptive front lighting are available.

The LR4 has received a few rolling upgrades over the past couple of model years. For 2011, the LR4 gained Hill Start Assist, Gradient Acceleration Control, and an improved version of Terrain Response (all useful off-road aids), while for 2012, the navigation system was updated to include real-time traffic and voice controls.