2011 Land Rover LR4 Review

The luxurious mountain goat gets new muscle under the bonnet. Here's a full review including any reliability issues, pros, and cons.

The Land Rover LR4 made its debut in our marketplace as a 2010 model as a replacement for the outgoing LR3. The LR4 represents the mid-range offering for the storied British brand, but with this latest iteration, it is obvious that the product planning team sought to raise the bar for this segment. My test rig gave me a new appreciation for the level of refinement, equipment, and performance the company is packing into its current line-up.

There are four trim levels available including the LR4 V8, HSE, HSE Luxury, and a “Limited Edition” model featuring a monochromatic paint treatment and distinctive two-tone wheels. The LR4 is tall, long, and wide just like its forebears.

Many wrongly assume that these styling elements are retained largely as a nod to Land Rover’s more utilitarian past, but in reality, this design allows for increased interior room and a wider track. The latter helps bestow the LR4 with the stability of a mountain goat when the conditions get slick or steep.

2011 Land Rover LR4 Review rear
2011 Land Rover LR4. Photo: Russell Purcell

The LR4 features Land Rover’s Terrain Response System, which is a well-sorted and user-friendly full-time four-wheel-drive system that allows the driver to select from five settings – Pavement, Grass/Gavel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand Launch Control, and Rock Crawl – to custom tailor the vehicle’s operational set-up for different terrain conditions.

The vehicle also employs a highly adaptable air suspension system that can raise the ride height up to 125mm (4.92”) when operating in extreme off-road conditions when having optimal clearance is a plus, but it also features an “access” mode that drops the vehicle by almost two inches to facilitate the loading of passengers or cargo.

LR4 Interior and Cargo Capabilities

2011 Land Rover LR4 Review front interior
2011 Land Rover LR4. Photo: Russell Purcell

During my time with the LR4, I took it for a long highway run to the Okanagan Valley complete with a full load of passengers and cargo. My travel companions had all just returned from an extended trip to Europe so they had plenty of pieces of luggage to stow, but the large cargo area behind the second row of seats was commodious enough to handle the load.

The cargo area is accessed via a split door design which features a compact, folding tailgate (which seconds as an excellent seat when putting on your Wellies) and an up-swing lift gate to protect you from the rain. If long items need to be carried you can readily fold both the second and third row seats.

I was lucky that the three adults seated in the rear compartment were of average size, as I would have had to be a little more creative with the placement of their bags had I needed to utilize one of the two stow-able seats that reside beneath the floor panel at the rear of the vehicle.

2011 Land Rover LR4 Review gauges
2011 Land Rover LR4. Photo: Russell Purcell

Despite being travel-weary and relatively exhausted from their long journey that day all three individuals commented on how comfortable and relaxing they found the rear passenger compartment. The LR4 proved to be an excellent grand touring vehicle. The passenger compartment is well insulated from wind, road and engine noise, and its highly adaptable air suspension provides a smooth ride, predictable handling, and exceptional steering response. 

Power and Performance: V8 produces 375 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft.

The new 5.0-litre V8 is mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission with Normal, Sport, and Manual (CommandShift) capabilities. This is a very sophisticated transmission, as it has been engineered to “actively respond to driving style and driving conditions by reconfiguring shift patterns for optimum driveability in all situations.” 

In short, this means it is quick to respond to driver inputs and when left alone, will seek to promote the most efficient use of the vehicle’s power resources.

2011 Land Rover LR4 Review front
2011 Land Rover LR4. Photo: Russell Purcell

The 5.0-litre V8 produces 375 horsepower and 375 lb.-ft. of torque which is sufficient to hustle this luxurious beast from zero to 100 km/h in about eight seconds. The LR4 has a wide torque band which means there is plenty of grunt available at most engine speeds.

It excels as a luxurious city shuttle and highway cruiser but is equally proficient when the pavement ends and you seek to take a family adventure.

It made short work of the extended climbs we faced as we navigated the mountain passes on our way to the city of Kelowna, even when faced with sloppy spring snow and slippery road conditions.

The quality of the leather seating, trim pieces, and interior build materials is all top-notch. The tall windows and raised seating positions promote excellent visibility throughout the vehicle, but it was enhanced in my test unit by the presence of a trio of glass roof panels.  

Skids plates, Hill Assist, chill box and more

2011 Land Rover LR4 Review sideview
2011 Land Rover LR4. Photo: Russell Purcell

Unexpected touches on my test unit include adjustable front seat armrests, a heated steering wheel, and a chill box for beverages and snacks hidden in the centre console.

Other new additions to the LR4 for 2011 include Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control which help the driver maintain control and vehicle speed when operating in off-road conditions.

Remember, the LR4 is one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the planet, and as such, is also equipped with a full complement of skid plates to protect vital components.

2011 Land Rover LR4 Used Model Reliability Issues, Pros, and Cons

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 is generally considered a reliable luxury mid-size SUV, but like any used vehicle, it can have its share of issues and common problems. Here are some things to be aware of when buying a used 2011 Land Rover LR4:

Electrical Issues: Land Rovers, including the LR4, have been known to experience electrical problems, including issues with sensors, navigation systems, and various electronic components. Make sure all electrical systems are in good working order.

Air Suspension Problems: Some LR4 owners have reported problems with the air suspension system, which can be expensive to repair. Check for any signs of suspension issues, such as a sagging or uneven ride height.

Cooling System: Keep an eye on the cooling system, as overheating issues can sometimes occur. Check for any signs of coolant leaks or temperature gauge abnormalities.

Transmission Problems: While not extremely common, transmission issues have been reported in some LR4 models. Pay attention to any unusual noises or shifting problems during your test drive.

2011 Land Rover LR4 badge on rear door
2011 Land Rover LR4. Photo: Russell Purcell

Oil Leaks: Check for oil leaks, especially around the valve covers and oil pan. Leaking oil can lead to engine problems if not addressed promptly.

Maintenance History: Be sure to obtain a complete maintenance history for the vehicle you are considering. Regular maintenance and servicing are crucial to keeping a Land Rover in good condition.

Rust: Inspect the LR4 for any signs of rust, especially in areas prone to corrosion. Rust can be a significant problem in older Land Rovers.

Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear can be a sign of suspension issues or misalignment. Check the condition of the tires and ensure they wear evenly.

Transfer Case Problems: Some LR4 owners have reported issues with the transfer case, which can result in drivability problems. Be attentive to any strange noises or vibrations when driving.

Check for Recalls: Make sure there are no outstanding recalls for the specific LR4 you’re interested in. Recalls are issued by the manufacturer to address safety or performance issues.

Pros

  • Room for seven passengers
  • Unmatched off-road prowess
  • Iconic styling

Cons

  • Thirsty at the pump
  • Cumbersome in the tight confines of the city
  • Third-row seats best reserved for small folk

Takeaway: Land Rover LR4 HSE vs. the entry-level model?

An entry-level LR4 V8 is pretty well equipped, but I assume most buyers will step up to the HSE trim to get electronic goodies such as a navigation system, front park distance control, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, heated steering wheel, and a touch-screen stereo with iPod interface and  USB port. 

My tester also featured three-row seating, a premium leather package, a rear-view camera, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with LED Vision Assist and LED, a cooler box, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat bolster, Logic7 surround sound system, and rear-seat headphone sockets.

There are very few sport utility vehicles on the road today that can match the capabilities of the LR4. It excels as a luxurious city shuttle and highway cruiser but is equally proficient when the pavement ends and you seek to take a family adventure.

Also, take a look at our 2014 Land Rover LR4 review.

2011 Land Rover LR4 Specs & Images

  • Base price when first went on sale: $48,500 to $49,500 USD or $59,990 to $70,790 CAD
  • Price as tested: $72,160 CAD (includes freight and PDE -$1270; A/C tax – $100]
  • Type: 5 or 7-passenger, full-size SUV
  • Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
  • Engine: 5.0-litre V-8, DOHC, 32 valves
  • Horsepower: 375-hp @ 6,500 rpm
  • Torque (lb.-ft.): 375 @ 3500 rpm
  • Transmission: 6-speed ZF automatic transmission with CommandShift
  • Cargo capacity (L/ cu.ft.): 2,558 / 90.3 (with all seats folded)
  • Towing capacity: 3,500 kg. (7,716 lb.) (With optional towing package)
  • Fuel efficiency (L/100km): City 17.1 (17 mpg) / Hwy 11.6 (24mpg)
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Author:
Russell Purcell
Russell Purcellhttps://www.flickr.com/people/autoexposurecanada/
Russell Purcell is an award-winning automotive journalist and photographer based in Vancouver, B.C. His passion for automobiles was sparked at the tender age of six, when a family friend gave the wide-eyed first grader a ride to school in a track prepared Porsche 911 RSR. He continues to fan the flames by building an impressive library of automotive related books as well as a vast collection of interesting automobilia and motoring artefacts. Russell is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, and is active on Twitter as RoadTestRuss.