Overview & Reviews

Producing a car that purports to be all things to all drivers is often fraught with peril. Inevitably, compromises must be made, as is the case when attempting to combine off-road ruggedness with luxury. Land Rover, however, has managed to develop a reasonable blend of the two with its Land Rover LR4.

In fact, the degree to which this midsize luxury SUV integrates both urban sophistication and serious off-road capability is nothing short of remarkable. On the style front, the Land Rover LR4 offers a ruggedly handsome exterior and an interior filled with upscale bells and whistles and high-quality materials. While this deluxe truck has its downsides -- dismal fuel economy, for instance -- this is one of only a handful of vehicles that seems every bit as much at home pulling into the valet stand at some swanky bistro as it does exploring all those blank spots on the map.

Current Land Rover LR4
The Land Rover LR4 is a midsize sport-utility vehicle that's offered in a single well-equipped trim level. Five seats are standard, but a roomy pair of third-row seats is optional. Power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 that cranks out 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive round out the powertrain details. Unfortunately, EPA fuel economy estimates are well below most of its competitors.

Given its price that undercuts that of many other large luxury SUVs, the LR4 refreshingly includes a wealth of standard features, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, front and rear sunroofs (the rear is fixed) and Bluetooth. Stand-alone options include a locking rear differential, a rear seat DVD entertainment system and a multiple-camera system that provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle. There are also several options packages, which add items like xenon headlights, a rearview camera, a heated steering wheel, heated seats (first and second rows), a navigation system and a premium audio system.

While the Land Rover LR4's interior doesn't quite swaddle passengers in silky grades of premium leather like the high-buck Range Rover, it's still one of the nicest cabins in its class. The seats, steering wheel, dash and console use high-quality materials that feel rich to the touch. Stadium-style rear seating provides ample room in all three rows, while large side windows and a fixed rear sunroof contribute to the cabin's expansive feel. Raising and lowering the third-row seat can be a bit of a struggle, but doing so helps free up a maximum of 90 cubic feet of cargo space, which is quite cavernous.

Despite the LR4's upscale cabin, it has a no-nonsense side when you come to where the pavement ends. At the heart of this capability is Land Rover's Terrain Response system that allows you to select the type of conditions you want to tackle (mud, rocks, snow, sand, on-road) and lets the LR4 automatically dial in the optimal suspension and powertrain settings.

Back on the pavement, the LR4 performs admirably for such a hefty vehicle, with the V8 and six-speed automatic delivering ample acceleration. Precise, nicely weighted steering makes the LR4 feel more agile than you'd expect, but it should come as no surprise that its weight and tall profile make it feel a bit lumbering compared to many other large crossovers. The suspension is very well-tuned in terms of ride quality, however.

Used Land Rover LR4 Models
The Land Rover LR4 was introduced for the 2010 model year and has undergone only minor changes since.

User Reviews:

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  Fantastic powerful ride - 2011 Land Rover LR4
  By BK - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Been driving my LR4 Lux for 2 weeks, nothing but good things to say, powerful, luxurious interior, easy hands free. Lowering of vehicle 2" is great for my 2 young kids to get in and out, they love the ambient lights in the doors! Drove a 06 RR sport, this vehicle is better appointed more powerful and cost $15k less! I use this vehicle for work. hauling virtually everything and anything, slick back seats. iPod cord transfers everything to the display easy to use. Cameras are a little over kill but have come in handy parking tight to curbs!

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  Its a head turner - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By FirstLR4 - November 26 - 11:56 am

  I am proud to say I have an LR4. The car is chock full of options and amenities that make it feel like it should be much more expensive. I test drove the Mercedes ML350 at about the same sticker price and it lacked several of the options and features of the LR4. Very happy with my decision and would highly recommend to anyone. Reliability was the only question in my mind, but the thing feels solid when you drive it. While I probably will never take my LR4 off-roading, its nice to know that no matter the situation, Ill likely be able to get out. Get to your nearest dealership and test drive one.

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  1st time LR buyer - 2011 Land Rover LR4
  By batesoh - April 14 - 1:38 am

  Bought the LR4 LUX (new) over the BMW X-5 turbo and Volvo XC90 V8; Mercedes was +$12,000 for similar engine/options. An absolute pleasure to drive. Plenty of power for all 7,000 pounds. An absolute delight on the freeway. Excellent visibility from drivers seat. A few electrical/communication issues, but dealer has been there to support us all the way. 19,000 miles and counting.

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  Awesome - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By arogin - April 4 - 9:13 am

  I LOVE this truck. ordered an Alaska white with ebony interior LUX package. other than the fact that the gas mileage stinks, i am completely in love with it.

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  LR4 after 13,000 miles - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By lr4fan - August 14 - 8:50 pm

  The LR4 is one of the most practical and useful automobiles available for persons interested in off road capabilities, adult seating for up to 7 and civilized handling and ride manners. The ride is firm but does not cause road fatigue on bumpy or uneven pavement. The interior is spacious and the seating is plush but not overdone. Heated seats and steering wheel have come in handy this winter (global warming aside). Rear view camera and front/rear parking sensors are handy in parking lots. This suv is easy to drive and has a small turning radius. The nav and ipod electronics have worked well. There have been no problems or warranty work. Gas mileage: 16-17 in town and 20 on highway.

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  Great Car - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By william kimball - August 11 - 12:33 pm

  I think it is one of the best cars I have ever purchased. It goes through snow like a knife through butter.Very comfortable , stereo is great , fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. I think it is the best value from Lexes to Mercedes. The power of the car is awsome.

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  6 Month Report - 2011 Land Rover LR4
  By tanker6 - March 31 - 12:38 am

  I had been looking to replace a 2001 Toyota Landcruiser with a new one. The Toyota dealer said he did not have one but if he did, it would have been $75,000. So here I am with a 2011 LR4. 6,000 miles/6 months and I could not be happier. No issues to date. Very fast, comfortable and well designed. 22 mpg on the highway 15 mpg in town. Extremely competent off-road, and I am off road a lot. Also great on road. Smaller than the Landcruiser but every bit as functional.

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  Third LR - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By Finman - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Loved my previous 2005 and 2008 LR3s. This is the best of all. Smoother, much quieter, significantly more powerful. Speeding ticket within 3 hours of ownership! Outside facelift is a huge improvement, much classier looking, head/taillights, grille. Inside, overall much nicer and higher quality except a few pieces, better leather, inside of doors is a huge improvement. Miss the old headrests with the handles on them, adjustable headrests should be better, but love the old handles. Off road is amazing, love climbing boulders in this thing. No significant problems in any of the 3 LRs. Gas mileage is a little worse than previous LR3s. Sound system is improved somewhat, nav also...both are fine.

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  Best SUV in class - 2010 Land Rover LR4
  By Stephen - August 20 - 8:43 am

  I just bought my LR4 a few days ago. I upgraded from an Audi A4. The LR4 is so much fun to drive, and you will definitely catch people looking at it. I test drove the Mercedes GL but decided to go with the LR4. I havent had any regrets. Of course, it is too soon to talk about reliability but so far I love my LR4. It feels so strong and safe on the road.

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  An Automobile with a Custom Fit - 2011 Land Rover LR4
  By bjlondon - March 26 - 8:32 pm

  This is the fifth Land Rover we have purchased. The previous four Land Rovers were purchased with my husband as the intended primary driver, and then subsequently passed on to me as we replaced them with newer models. This is the first LR purchased primarily for me--a petite woman. I feel as if this vehicle was custom-designed for me. It is absolutely the most comfortable auto Ive ever driven. Everything w/in the cockpit is at my fingertips. The body is compact and easy to maneuver and control. Despite having the controls close at hand, this is an extremely roomy automobile. You would be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable or luxurious ride in a more expensive luxury car.