by: Jag Dhatt
Of the plethora of quality SUV’s in today’s market, the 2015 Land Rover LR4 is notably one of the most premium, efficient, and versatile available today, and is best suited for consumers who are prone to take advantage of the great outdoors. If road trips and lengthy drives are your thing, look no further than the 2015 Land Rover LR4. This SUV is equipped with a broad array of infotainment and technologies to keep guests comfortable and entertained. It doesn’t matter if you’re going camping or taking the kids to hockey, the spaciousness of this SUV will enable a comfortable ride for all. Equipped with a 340 HP, 30.0-liter V-6, along with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle is just as adaptable to city life just as it is to the great outdoors.
The 2015 LR4 is exceptionally well suited to off-road driving, whilst maintaining high levels of comfort and driving positions. The LR4 combines all the quintessential off-road SUV elements without compromising on its fundamental British character. Needless to say, the LR4 is a proper representation of the values of the designers and engineers that have created them. Add to that a supercharged V6, complete with dual-independent variable cam timing and a high compression ratio, and you’ll notice that the LR4 stands out from its competitors in the league. The new supercharged V6 is a gem, and provides exceptional and efficient power sans a V8. Personally, the V8 was the one of the biggest reasons I wouldn’t have looked at an LR4, and all that changed when the supercharged V6 was introduced, which provides almost the same power.
An additional feature that I really like in the LR4 is the intelligent Stop/Start System, designed to enhance fuel efficiency and decrease emissions. A warning signal lights up on the instrument panel to indicate the stoppage of the vehicle, making it super eco-efficient and environmentally friendly. I’ve had some of my friends say it’s a gimmicky feature, but for those like me who care about the environment, I wish this feature was on every vehicle. Finally, the 8-speed electronic automatic transmission always ensures that there is the perfect amount of power when necessary. So now for the negative – even though the motor and transmission are great, fuel economy was still meager. Granted that is current generation LR4 doesn’t have much aluminum as do other Land Rover/Range Rover models, I was expecting better fuel economy. Oh well, can’t have everything.
The LR4’s cabin is also state-of-the-art and exceptionally comfortable for all passengers in the front and second rows. Keep in mind that the 3rd row seats are best suited for children. This Rover can fit seven people comfortably with its stadium seating, which ensures everybody gets picturesque and unobstructed views of whatever adventures you’ve set out on. The outward visibility from the front seats is particularly great. I thoroughly enjoyed the seating position and honestly, could drive from Vancouver to California without complaining.
The cabin filters out most external wind and road noise, adding to the comfort level and overall enjoyment. This is an unexpected feat, taking into consideration the truck-like appearance of the Land Rover LR4. A key feature that is completely Land Rover is the dual sunroofs, which provide an abundance of light into the cabin, making the interior seem ever bigger than it already is. One gripe here is that on very sunny days, the perforated sunroof liners don’t really keep the light out; I would prefer a more opaque liner. In addition, my son had a very difficult time pulling out the cup holders in the second row; he needed to be quite aggressive to pull them out. Never-the-less, aside from these minor issues, the LR4 has a great balance of interior design and practicality.
The 2015 Land Rover LR4 has been an iconic off-road vehicle for decades. It retains the character and standards that one has come to expect from Land Rover. Despite some minor flaws that I noticed, the LR4 is a great and let’s admit it, practical vehicle for today’s modern family. So, if you don’t want the minivan, take a serious look at this SUV because trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
