Rugged LR4 smooths out its looks

There are lots of SUVs with four-wheel drive, but taking most of them into the mountains or deserts on rugged off-road trails would be a big mistake.

But that's certainly not the case with the Land Rover LR4, the newest version of the vehicle that the British sport utility builder introduced in 1989 as the Discovery.

Land Rover changed the name to LR3 for the North American market when the third generation was introduced for 2005, although the Discovery name remains on the vehicle in other markets.

While this newest model continues to have the legendary off-road capabilities of the first three generations, Land Rover says its exterior was made less boxy and more rounded to appeal more to those who have no interest in driving off road.

This is understandable, because with its $48,100 (including freight) base price, the LR4 has stiff competition from a variety of SUVs and CUVs — crossover utility vehicles — in the same general price range, and most of those are aimed more at the on-road crowd than at those of us who revel in off-road exploring.

There's lots of muscle under the hood, too, with a new 5.0-liter direct-injection V-8 engine that boasts 375 horsepower and 375 foot-pounds of torque, up from 300 horsepower and 315 foot-pounds of torque from the 4.4-liter V-8 in the 2009 LR3. The engine is the same one used in the new Jaguar XF sedan.

For the LR4, the engine's drive belts have been waterproofed, along with the alternator, air-conditioning compressor, power-steering pump and starter motor, allowing the engine to become nearly submerged during extreme water crossings. The vehicle can run in up to 27.6 inches of water in off-road mode.

EPA fuel-economy estimates remain the same, however, at 12 mpg city/17 highway. That's not very efficient in today's vehicle climate, but buyers of vehicles that cost this much or more sometimes aren't as sensitive to operating costs as those who buy less expensive cars.

Still, it would be nice to have at least a V-6 option, with much better fuel economy, for those who do care about how much gasoline they use. In Europe and other markets, the third-generation Discovery is available with a 2.7-liter V-6 diesel or 4.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine.

The difference in markets is the reason. In the United States, Land Rovers are sold as high-end luxury vehicles; but in many other parts of the world, they're less expensive and aimed at less affluent consumers. As a result, Land Rover always has been a small niche brand in North America.

A new six-speed automatic transmission is the only one available in the LR4. In other markets, a six-speed manual has been offered along with the automatic. U.S. buyers won't have that option, as consumers in this price class generally prefer automatics.

Permanent four-wheel drive is standard, and there is a low-range gearing for serious trail driving.

Land Rover says the V-8 engine will propel the LR4 from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which won't win any races with sports cars but is fairly impressive for a heavy SUV.

That kind of acceleration is superfluous off road, however, as the rule there for eco-conscious four-wheelers is to go “as fast as necessary, but as slowly as possible.” That helps the vehicle “Tread Lightly,” and there is a nonprofit organization and Web site dedicated to this concept: www.treadlightly.org. (Land Rover North America is a member).

Land Rover says it has improved the LR4's on-and off-road performance with this makeover, including the capabilities of the Terrain Response system, which has driver-selectable modes for different types of trail surfaces — such as sand, mud or rocks.

With the remake, the vehicle remains on the same body-on-frame chassis architecture of the previous generation, which was developed under the guidance of previous owner Ford Motor Co. before the brand was sold last year to India's Tata Motors.

The vehicles still are built in England, where they have been assembled since the brand began in 1948.

Land Rover says “comprehensive changes” for the LR4 include improved suspension components, steering, brakes, traction control and enhancements to the Terrain Response system.

Exterior changes are most obvious with the “smoother and simpler surfaces at the front, including a new, more aerodynamic bumper,” the company said. There is a lower front chin spoiler and new front-wheel deflectors designed to reduce drag.

Outside lights now include LEDs at the front and rear, and the headlights switch automatically between low and high beams.

New 19-inch wheels and tires are designed to reduce rolling resistance and to improve tire wear, the company said. Optional are 20-inch wheels.

There is a more upscale look to the interior, rather than the functional theme that has prevailed throughout previous generations.

Some cool new features include an optional five-camera “surround” system that is great for parking and towing trailers, but also for negotiating tricky, narrow off-road trails.

A smart-key system allows for keyless entry and push-button starting. Other new features include an interface for portable music players and an optional HD radio.

Land Rover's Hill Descent Control system was improved with a new feature, called Gradient Release Control. This helps control start-up when going down steep inclines and increases control when the brakes are released at extreme angles, the company said.

Standard on all models is a new heated steering wheel, with a revised layout for the driver information switches. It also has audio controls and cruise-control buttons.

Other interior features include a choice of wood trims, along with stitched and wrapped fascia, door casings and center console.

There are three rows of seating, with room for up to seven people.

Two models are offered, the base LR4 and the HSE version, which is created by adding the $3,650 HSE Package. It brings 19-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking assist, a cold-climate package with heated front and rear seats and windshield, on-and off-road satellite navigation system, a four-wheel-drive information system, Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth phone connection.

Among available options is the HSE LUX Plus package ($11,115), which includes the seven-seat comfort package, the surround camera system, premium leather seats and a 480-watt Harmon/Kardon audio system with 14 speakers.

The seven-seat package by itself is $1,150 and brings second-row fold-flat seats; third-row, fold-flat, forward-facing seats; side-curtain air bags; map lights; accessory power outlet; rear luggage net; an additional front cup holder; and second-row heating/air-conditioning controls.

A rear-seat entertainment system ($2,500) is available, with dual screens and a six-disc DVD changer, wired headphones and remote control, along with input jacks for video games and MP3 players.

Available as separate items are the 20-inch alloy wheels ($2,500), special exterior paint colors such as “Lugano Teal Metallic” ($950) and the Bluetooth phone system ($400).