2009 Land Rover LR3

When it comes to LandRovers, most who own one of these rigs aren't likely to venture off the pavement. But, for those that have the pleasure of traversing rugged terrain from behind the wheel of an LR3, they are afforded experiences that no other vehicle in this class can provide.

The midsize luxury SUV segment has many good choices that will satisfy your thirst for owning and driving a finely-made machine with all the creature comforts. But only one model, Land Rover's LR3, stands out in terms of being on-road friendly and off-road talented

In fact, "off-road talented" is a huge understatement. The LR3 is as rugged and accomplished off the pavement as you can get in this class.

The LR3 was the first Land Rover to offer the incredible Terrain Response system, which enables anyone to tackle difficult surfaces with absolute confidence.

The system is automatic. All the driver has to do is turn a console-mounted switch and the LR3 lets you conquer grass, gravel, snow, mud, ruts, sand, and even rocks.

LR3 rides on an adjustable-height air suspension system that offers excellent ground clearance and a Hill-Descent Control system makes it easy to navigate steep and/or slippery grades.

The off-road experience is further enhanced with a display screen that lets the driver see what mode the drivetrain is in and a special navigation display that let's you mark your trail.

The on-road experience is quite nice, too. However, because of LR3's tall profile and heavy (5,796-pound) curb weight, it's not as sprite as its competitors.

As you might expect, there is a fair amount of body lean when taking corners at speed. But, for normal boulevard and highway driving, the LR3 is rather confident and comfortable.

LR3's standard 300-horsepower 4.4-liter V-8 engine delivers plenty of power, but LR3 is a very thirsty vehicle (12/17 mpg city/highway) and it requires premium unleaded fuel. LR3's engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive system. Overall, the on-road experience is surprisingly nice considered how rugged this vehicle is off-road.

The cabin is spacious and comfortable. Because LR3 has an upright design, the driver has a commanding view of the road and there's plenty of headroom in front and back.

For those that need seating for more than five, LR3 offers an optional third-row seat, giving the vehicle seven-passenger seating.

Land Rover has simplified the LR3 lineup for 2009 with just one model. However, HSE and HSE LUX trim levels are offered as separate option packages.

The LR3 includes elegant leather upholstery, six airbags, power sunroof and fixe Alpine roof, a 240-watt harman/kardon audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer, rear park distance control and a long list of other standard equipment.

My tester featured the HSE LUX package ($6,750), which added a long list of upgrades including a fantastic-sounding 550-watt harman/kardon Logic7 surround sound system and a nifty center console cooler box that keeps your favorite beverages or snacks cool.

If you have to have your cake and eat it, too, LR3 is it. If you don't plan to go trail-hunting, there are other vehicles in this segment worth looking at.

2009 Land Rover LR3

Engine: 4.4-liter (300 hp) V-8

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Drive Type: AWD

Fuel Economy: 12 city/17 highway

Base Price: $45,975

As Tested: $55,400 (including $775 for destination)

Website: www.landroverusa.com