Used 2014 Land Rover LR4

To meet ever-tightening fuel economy standards, the 2014 Land Rover LR4 SUV replaces last year’s V8 with a new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and a new 8-speed automatic. The change improved fuel economy by two mpg in the EPA’s city, highway, and combined scale, but unfortunately it’s still unimpressive. The good news is that the 2014 LR4 retains all the off-road capability it was born with, including available low-range gearing and 4-corner air suspension. It lets you drive your big SUV places soft-roaders like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and BMW X5 would fear to tread. On the other hand, if blazing trails isn’t your thing, maybe one of those would be a better pick thanks to the LR4’s still-bad fuel economy.

Unlike most of its competition, the 2014 Land Rover LR4 uses old-school-SUV body-on-frame construction. This helps it tackle the toughest off-road terrain, but not at the expense of on-road comfort. Land Rover has tamed the LR4 underpinnings to also deliver a smooth highway ride. A lot of its off-road prowess translates to city driving too: The tight 37.5-foot turning circle is great for trail maneuverability, or navigating tight parking lots. New this year is a 3.0-liter V6 engine, replacing last year’s thirsty V8. Its 340-hp is less than the V8, but it uses a new 8-speed automatic, so there’s little loss of acceleration. While there’s enough straight-line power, the LR4’s top-heavy design leans in corners at speed. Venture away from civilization, and the LR4 can be optimized to conquer a variety of terrain – from snow to sand to rocks – by merely twisting a dial.

The 2014 Land Rover LR4’s cabin was already upscale and modern, but this year, it adds a Windsor Leather Package as standard equipment on the LR4 HSE LUX trim. Quality materials abound, and the intuitive and clearly labeled buttons and dials have a visual and tactile heft. An optional third row extends seating from five up to seven, but that optional rearmost seat is best left to kids. Otherwise it’s roomy: There’s good 2nd-row legroom, with more than 40 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row.

The 2014 Land Rover LR4 looks like the box a sleeker SUV was shipped in. But that’s OK, as the upright squared-off shape is indicative of its utilitarian, go-anywhere mission. Land Rover has softened the look this year with new headlights and a new front bumper, along with new wheels and paint colors. The effect is one of upscale utility, which sounds like an oxymoron until you look at an LR4. It’s easy to see out of thanks to all the windows, and the 2-piece asymmetrical tailgate is both visually distinctive and useful. The panoramic glass roof? That’s just pure luxury.

4-CORNER AIR SUSPENSION
One of the things we love about the 2014 LR4 is its adjustable air suspension. Whether you need to raise the body to clear boulders on the trail, or lower it so you won’t overtax grandma’s hip replacement, the LR4 is happy to oblige at the push of a button.

HILL DESCENT CONTROL
To help even novice drivers tackle demanding trails, Land Rover includes Hill Descent Control in the LR4. Hill Descent Control supplements the Terrain Response system, letting you automatically maintain a slow and steady speed down steep grades, all without ever touching the pedals.

The 2014 Land Rover LR4 comes in Base, HSE and HSE LUX trims. Base models come standard with seating for five, and are comprehensively equipped, including the air suspension, start/stop technology for the new V6, the single-speed transfer gear, a Meridian sound system, and front and rear parking sensors. The HSE and HSE LUX trims come standard with seven seats. The HSE also adds front park distance control, xenon headlights, and a navigation system. The full-boat HSE LUX adds surround sound to the Meridian system, the Extended Windsor Leather package, and unique wheels.

A nifty 5-camera system is available 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. 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. Seven-passenger seating is optional on base models. Interestingly, the LR4 does not offer adaptive cruise control or a pre-collision system, unlike competitors from Acura, Mercedes-Benz, or just about everyone else.

Land Rover has ditched its old 5.0-liter V8 in favor of a new 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, there’s little change in acceleration, but a noteworthy one in fuel economy. The V6 also features start/stop technology that shuts off the engine at an extended stoplight, and the heavy dual-range, off-road-ready transfer case is now optional, rather than standard. It all combines for better fuel economy, but the improvement is from terrible to simply bad. Remarkably, towing capacity for the V6 is unchanged from the V8, staying at 7,716 pounds.

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: 14/19 mpg