Like every vehicle with a Land Rover badge, the midsize LR4 is best known for its uncanny ability to traverse the most demanding terrains: steep, slippery, rocky or loose. An LR4 manages such tasks while seating up to seven adults, and providing an abundant helping of luxury amenities and craftsmanship. Body-on-frame construction, a height-adjustable air suspension, and its standard Terrain Response system help make these feats possible.
What's New for 2016
Except for one new body color, little has changed for the 2016 model year. The infotainment system has a refreshed home screen, said to offer convenient access to navigation, phone, and audio.
Choosing Your Land Rover LR4
All LR4 models use the same powertrain: a supercharged 3-liter V6 that develops 340 horsepower, mating with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The LR4 has a steel unibody mounted on a boxed full frame. Full-time four-wheel drive with a single-speed transfer case is standard. An optional Heavy Duty Package includes a two-speed transfer case with an active locking rear differential and rock-crawl mode, as well as a full-size spare tire.
Land Rover’s Terrain Response system helps increase traction when in four selectable surface conditions. The air suspension may be raised to increase ground clearance when off-road, or lowered to smooth the ride while rolling along solid pavement. Fuel economy is estimated at 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway (16 mpg combined).
Three abundantly-equipped trim levels are offered:
Any LR4 can be fitted with optional black lacquer interior trim (including matching steering wheel) and 20-inch wheels. A Black Design package includes black exterior trim and black 19- or 20-inch wheels.
Any LR4 delivers refinement and on-road comfort, as well as off-road expertise. Because the difference between trim levels is around $5,000, we recommend taking the middle ground and picking an HSE. That choice gives you navigation and seven-passenger capacity, as well as access to more safety features.