2013 Land Rover LR4

Land Rover invented the luxury SUV when it started importing the Range Rover to the U.S. in the 1980s. Before that, rugged and capable Land Rovers were going where no vehicles had gone before, from the desert to the Arctic. Despite off-road prowess, the brand gained notoriety for building SUVs that broke down frequently and expensively. Even today, the brand retains its reputation, as Consumer Reports’ reliability data confirms. Used Land Rovers are risky purchases. Still, the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport offer comfortable interiors, powerful engines, and a presence that makes them popular choices for Hollywood stars and British aristocrats alike. The Defender has matured into a luxe off-roader, losing some charm but gaining creature comforts. The brand is now part of Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata, a conglomerate based in India.

Land Rover LR4 fills the same space in the lineup as the LR3, with a larger and more powerful V8 engine. The powerplant also returns better fuel economy than one fitted to the LR3. Superior controls and interior quality also make for a nice upgrade. The roomy passenger compartment is quiet, comfortable and nicely luxurious. Cargo capacity is admirable and the third-row is a viable seating position. Ride quality is supple and handling is secure, though neither tops the class. As expected, off-road capabilities are prodigious. The 2014 models supplanted the V8 engine with 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Blind spot monitoring, collision warning and rear cross traffic alert are options.