2016 Land Rover LR4

Being the last of the boxy Land Rovers, the LR4 traces is upright silhouette to the old Discovery and gives traditionalists a more rugged place to put their Land Rover dollars. In keeping with the brand, it’s off-road credibility is unassailable and its interior appointments are posh.

Having ditched the very thirsty V8 engine last year, the LR4 runs with a slightly less thirsty 3.0L supercharged V6 making 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Hooked to an eight-speed transmission, it does an admirable job of moving this heavy ute, but a combined 14.3 L/100 km (premium fuel) shows it is working against considerable mass. Auto start/stop is included.

The LR4 has a smooth ride and outward visibility is excellent. The standard height-adjustable air suspension with four settings (Access, Standard, Off-Road and Extended) keeps body motions reasonably in check on the road, but handling is more ponderous than agile. The LR4 really comes into its own when the road ends. Multi-mode Terrain Response drivetrain management is also standard.

The Land Rover LR4 will tow up to 3500 kg.

The base model LR4 at $59,990 gets 19-inch alloys, heat for front seats and steering wheel, Bluetooth, sunroof, fog lights and walnut interior trim.

Moving up to the $64,990 LR4 HSE adds heated rear seats, upgraded leather, halogen headlights, proximity key, navigation, XM and 11-speaker Meridian audio. This trim also allows for extra packages – Black Design Package with 20-inch wheels ($3500), Heavy Duty Package ($1500 – two-speed transfer case, full size spare and locking rear differential) and Seven Seat Comfort Pack ($2500).

The $72,990 HSE Luxury get standard seven-seating, front and rear park assist with rearview camera, Windsor leather, Xenon headlights, 825-watt Meridian sound and panoramic sunroof.

All models can be fitted with the Vision Assist Package (LR4 and HSE - $2800, HSE Luxury - $2100) that adds a smattering of modern tech – blind spot detection, surround view camera, auto headlights with high-beam assist, rear traffic alert, front collision warning and tow hitch assist with T-Junction Camera.

Think of the tall-boy LR4 as the throw-back Land Rover. The touchscreen interface is dated, you can’t get lane assist or adaptive cruise, but if you were to pick one vehicle from the Range Rover/Land Rover stable for a run across Mongolia, this elegant Brit would be the one.