Conclusion

As we said in our introduction, it's never easy to perform these kinds of tests. For some, 4x4s are designed primarily for off-road use and should be judged accordingly. Others will remind you that 95 % of SUV owners will never see nothing but paved roads; therefore, these vehicles should be evaluated on their all-around, daily performance.

Our comparative test aimed to take both viewpoints into account and to find a judicious middle ground. Without a doubt, the Land Rover LR2 fits the mold, offering the most obvious qualities in all circumstances.


Some aspects could not be assessed, such as long-term reliability, resale value and dealership service. You'll understand that these data are difficult, even impossible to collect during such a brief session.

In the end, consumers are the ones who can best evaluate the aforementioned criteria and decide what truly makes a great 4x4 in their opinion. In most cases, enjoying good driving dynamics and ride comfort means compromising the extreme off-road capability -- and vice versa.


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux