2011 Land Rover LR4 HSE

The LR4 is Land Rover's seven-seat family SUV, the one you pick when you want genuine off-road ability in a vehicle that also hauls kids and gear. On pavement it feels big and deliberate, but the real story is how confidently it climbs over rocks and wades through mud that would stop most SUVs. The cabin is properly upscale with soft leather and wood trim, and the third row is tight but useful for occasional passengers. Plan for premium fuel and maintenance that costs more than a typical family SUV, which is the price of all that capability. The HSE comes well-equipped from the start, while the HSE Lux adds luxury touches like upgraded leather and wood trim. Its 5.0L V8 makes 375 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, routed through a six-speed automatic to four-wheel drive that lets it crawl confidently over rough terrain. Terrain Response lets you dial in rock, sand, or mud modes with a knob, and the air suspension can raise the body for extra clearance.