2014 Land Rover LR4
The Land Rover LR4 is almost become a singular vehicle in today’s market. As a boxy, truly offroad-capable SUV, it is moving upstream against current trends in 7-passenger crossovers. Yet much of its charm resides in its very contrarian mien. No doubt, as the English company overhauls its product line the LR4 will be replaced with something more eco-friendly and aerodynamic. Yet many of us—and a significant number of buyers, based on the resale value of used ones—find the myriad charms of the current machine to be superior to what else is out there, and what’s forthcoming.
They surely start with the way the LR4 looks; honestly upright and geometric, it really does utilize space better than almost any other SUV; all three rows are useable by real humans, and with the backs folded it is a capacious carryall. The “throne like” driving position, combined with the low beltline and large amount of glass, give the driver and occupants a commanding view out that is also becoming more rare as SUVs morph into something much more akin to tall station wagons.
In top, HSE Luxury trim (as tested), the Land Rover has a compelling interior of very high quality materials, and if the touchscreen-based infotainment interface is overdue for replacement (coming in the next generation), it is at least faster-acting than in prior model years. Some of the recent LR4 changes are retrograde, however, such as the rotary-style shifter and the overly sensitive cross-traffic alert system.
This Land Rover drives like little else on the market today. Though stiffened in roll response and spring/damper rate compared to the older LR3, it is still softer and more absorbent of urban road acne and other rough stuff than anything else in the company’s portfolio. There’s also a polish to the major control weightings that eludes many competitors’ vehicles.
New this year is the fitment of the corporate 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 and eight-speed automatic. This powertrain certainly isn’t without its merits, especially here in Colorado, where its forced induction means it retains a much larger percentage of its 340 horsepower and 332lb-ft of torque than the outgoing, normally-aspirated V8. The SC engine makes it really quick out of the blocks, and it pulls very hard to extralegal speeds, too. What is missing is a compelling soundtrack; gone is the lovely eight-cylinder backbeat, replaced by an industrial moan. There’s some upside in that the six cylinder seems to eek out one or two more miles per gallon all around. Regardless, the LR4 remains a classically configured, incredibly compelling offering in a segment that is quickly become more about mainstream acceptance than individual excellence.
EPA ratings: 14/19mpg; 16mpg combined
Price as tested: $64,975
Here is what Land Rover has to say.
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