Yes, indeed… the LR4 is fully qualified for any task!
If you read part 1 of my LR4 review (HERE) then you got a taste of its feel and capability. Journey with me now – to the hard to traverse obstacle called, “cost.”
For what you get and what it represents, the 2010 Land Rover LR4 is a bit of a bargain. Prices start north of $47,000 and plateau at nearly $56,000. Expensive? Yes – for those who are in a mid-level market. For those who were looking at a BMW, Audi, Mercedes or Lexus equivalent – the LR4 undercuts all of them significantly.
Off road, (yup, I took this nearly $55,000 puppy off road) calling a mountain goat would be an insult for the LR4. I deliberately found some of the most dreadful, queasy-stomach-inducing trails I could find. Remember: Colorado is still in the midst of snow season. So, mixing rutted, stone filled roads with snow, slush, mud and muck makes for EXCELLENT testing.
The Land Rover LR4 managed to frighten me more than I frightened it.
On ANY terrain, the 2010 Land Rover LR4 was completely at ease. Even with its street-biased tires, the LR4 was resolute in its competence. Steering feel is good. Just as rewarding, as I ventured back to Interstate 70, leaving the Rockies, the LR4 shook off the mud, re-aligned itself for street driving (with a flick of a switch and turn of a knob), and zoomed back to civilization.
Happy ending?
Well, no. I neglected to mention the serious thirst this thing has. As I finished each loop of my weekly test, I had to top off. My road/highway average was around 15 mpg and combining off-road activities, I averaged about 13 mpg. So, this is one of the few things left over from the LR3 that has yet to be fixed. Now, think about it, this truck (it IS a truck) weighs over 5,700 lbs! It’s a big, heavy, powerful OFF-ROAD machine. So, the reality is: sacrificing good mileage is a must.
If you need a SUV that gets good mileage – get a hybrid (and avoid dirt) or buy a diesel.
As it stands, I find this interpretation on an already brilliant ride fantastic. This would be a vehicle I would not hesitate to purchase if I were in that price bracket AND if I go off the beaten path recreationally. Yes, the 2010 Land Rover LR4 is THAT good.
Bravo Land Rover!
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