Land Rover LR4 Makes Playing in the Dirt Classy

You can think of Land Rover as a very high-class pair of hiking boots -- expensive, luxurious, but also able to handle the rigors of the wilderness.

The 2010 Land Rover LR4 exemplifies this.

The LR4 has a 375-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine that offers colossal power. It is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

Don't expect great fuel economy numbers; the LR4 is rated at 12 mpg city and 17 highway according to EPA.

But what you sacrifice in fuel economy, you gain in strength -- Land Rover says the LR4 can tow up to 7,716 pounds and has a payload rating of 1,670 pounds.

The LR4 offers its driver a number of conveniences, such as front and rear parking aids and a rearview camera. Optional is a camera that gives a 360-degree view, which assists when negotiating tight spaces. It also offers a projection for which direction your trailer is heading upon backing up, to make it easier to plan such maneuvers.

If you're the adventurous sort who will occasionally go off road, you might find the electronic air suspension to your liking. It allows you to adjust ride height, yielding higher ground clearance.

And a couple of features, terrain response and hill descent control, let the driver of the LR4, which has all-wheel drive, deal with rugged or slick surfaces.

On the inside, you can't help but admire the handsome design the LR4 possesses.

The walnut-wood trim is very rich-looking, complemented by leather accents.

For your pleasure, there is a 240-watt Harman Kardon audio system with nine speakers and an auxiliary input, a touch-screen interface, rear headphones, HD and satellite radio and a DVD entertainment system.
The LR4 is priced at around $47,300.

If you're looking for an SUV that can make playing in the dirt a classy affair, the LR4 will fit the build.