Used 2016 Land Rover LR4

The 2016 Land Rover LR4 is a rolling ode to the legendary British brand itself. Tough on the outside, plush within, and capable of venturing farther off-road than most owners could ever dream. It’s among a handful of rugged, body-on-frame luxury SUVs that remain, joining other holdouts such as the Lexus GX. Even within Land Rover’s evolving lineup, the LR4 stands apart with its blocky looks. This is all good news if you want a 5- or 7-passenger premium SUV with a tough attitude and the chops to back it up. But the LR4’s off-road prowess comes at the cost of ride quality, efficiency and everyday practicality. In those respects, rivals like the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 and Audi Q7 have the upper hand.

For such a tall and rugged SUV built on a truck-like body-on-frame chassis, the 2016 Land Rover LR4 is more comfortable and stable than you may expect. Suspension engineers can do wonders these days. And while no amount of work will enable such a big and heavy utility vehicle to defy physics, under normal driving conditions the LR4 manages just fine. For a vehicle designed to traverse off-road, the LR4 is quite capable running errands around town. Its tight 37.5-foot turning radius makes parking easier. This Land Rover’s 3.0-liter supercharged V6 adeptly gets this rig up to speed, and shifts are smooth via the 8-speed automatic transmission. Point the LR4 off-road and its true nature shines thanks to its ability to tackle terrain ranging from snow and rocks to loose sand or deep mud. A push of a button via the Terrain Response controls optimizes the LR4 for whatever’s ahead.

The LR4 is available as a 2-row, 5-passenger SUV or with 3-row/7-passenger seating. Base models come with the 5-passenger configuration standard (seven is optional), while the HSE and HSE LUX trims come with the two small seats in back that enable seating for seven. No matter which you go with, there is good leg- and headroom across the first two rows and over 42 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. As should be expected from a luxury SUV, quality materials abound, including leather upholstery. The dash’s button layout can appear busy, and the 7-inch touch-screen display’s response time can lag.

The LR4 is like a modern twist on a classic Land Rover. Even as the rest of the Land Rover/Range Rover line evolves into more rounded, organic shapes, the LR4 retains its tough, blocky profile. Whatever it lacks in aerodynamics, this luxury SUV makes up for in space within. The LR4’s large windows provide a better view out, and its asymmetrical tailgate is distinctive and useful. The downside is that it’s not power-operated. We’re also fans of the "Alpine Roof" – a power glass sunroof over the front seats and glass panels over the rear seats.

COMMANDING VIEW
Whether you’re snaking your way down a narrow trail or slogging it out in the urban jungle, the 2016 LR4 puts you in a commanding driving position. The British luxury SUV’s tall stature and the high driver’s seat, along with large window designs, enable you to see up, over and around.

4-CORNER AIR SUSPENSION
One of the 2016 Land Rover LR4 SUV’s best features is its adjustable air suspension. With just a push of a button the LR4 can raise itself to clear treacherous obstacles, or lower itself to allow easy entry for passengers and cargo.

The 2016 LR4 remains available in a trio of trims: Base, HSE and HSE LUX. Base models include leather interior, power front seats, dual-zone climate control, rearview camera with parking aid plus Land Rover’s bevy of off-road hardware and software. The infotainment system is centered around a 7-inch touch screen and includes an 11-speaker/380-watt Meridian audio system. HSE models add 7-passenger seating as standard, xenon headlights, navigation and keyless entry. HSE LUX LR4 models have a 17-speaker/825-watt audio system, upgraded leather seating and the Climate Comfort Package that bundles heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, and heated windscreen.

Blind-spot monitoring is available on the LR4 and always a welcome safety feature. Also on hand is a 5-camera system that relays a surround view of your LR4, letting you see where your eyes can’t. Other extras include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and adaptive cruise control with forward-collision alert and mitigation braking. Those who plan to do serious off-roading should consider the Heavy Duty Package that includes a locking rear differential, low range for the transfer case and a full-size spare tire. The Tow Package enables the LR4 to pull up to 7,716 pounds.

The 2016 LR4 luxury SUV is powered by a potent 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, this setup provides strong acceleration but fuel economy that tops out at only 19 mpg. In an effort to eke out more efficiency, the V6 features start/stop technology that shuts off the engine at an extended stoplight. Be aware that while some drivers get used to this quickly, it can be jarring and annoying to others. Also know that premium gasoline is the LR4’s drink of choice. Towing capacity is rated at 7,716 pounds when equipped with the towing package.

3.0-liter supercharged V6
340 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
332 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 mpg