2015 Land Rover LR4

The Land Rover LR4 is in many ways the classic modern Land Rover, a midsize luxury sport-utility known in the rest of the world (and previously known here) as the Discovery. The LR4 seats five, or can carry seven when equipped with a third row.

For 2014, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine replaced the previous V8. The V6 is rated at 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15/19 mpg City/Highway. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with CommandShift and Sport modes. An LR4 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 7.7 seconds, according to Land Rover, a sprightly pace given the LR4's hefty weight of 5655 pounds.

For 2015, side steps are standard, and the LR4 gains connectivity with Land Rover InControl Apps and smartphone integration. A new option for 2015 blends dual-tone Windsor leather seats with a wood/leather steering wheel.

Three versions are offered: LR4, LR4 HSE, and LR4 HSE LUX. The Land Rover LR4 and Range Rover Sport share platforms, powertrains, drive systems and sophisticated suspensions. The LR4 comes standard with slightly less luxury equipment than does the Range Rover Sport, though most of those features are available as options. A single-speed all-wheel-drive transfer case is standard, and a 2-speed 4WD transfer case is available.

We've found the LR4 impressive on- and off-road. The LR4's capability off-road is nothing short of phenomenal. Its suspension articulation, coupled with the latest in traction control technology, allow the LR4 to creep over extremely rugged terrain, the worst off-road trails, the most primitive of roads, and in all kinds of weather.

For off-highway travel, the available two-speed transfer case can be shifted on the fly.

But the magic lies in the Terrain Response System, with its five settings: Highway, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl. All you have to do is look out the windshield, select the correct setting for the terrain, and the LR4 will coordinate all of its off-road technology accordingly, including setting the suspension height. The system also includes Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration control, which helps maintain downhill speeds on rough or slippery terrain when Hill Descent Control isn't set.

The hard-drive navigation system, standard on the up-level HSE model, features user-friendly graphics. A guidance feature supplements the junction map and icon-based information with details of the actual road signage seen along the route. Say What You See voice activation for onboard and connected devices helps the user learn applicable voice commands, by displaying a step-by-step format on the 7-inch touch-screen.

The Land Rover LR4 is to some extent in its own class but is most comparable to the Lexus RX 350, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, Audi Q5, Acura MDX, and BMW X5.
Full Review