Initially I struggled to write a Mom review of the LR4.  What do I say about a luxury SUV designed for off-roading?  Then it hit me, if there were ever a road requiring ability to navigate all terrains……rocky, sandy, muddy, snowy, and steep…..it’s motherhood.  In this respect, the LR4 is perfect.  It handles all.  And while a large part of Mom driving consists of quick runs to Babies R Us and day care pick-ups….let’s face it..the road of motherhood is paved with long stretches of flat and boring….the LR4 delivers here too.  On plain highway or just getting around town, the LR4’s 375-hp, V-8 engine makes driving smooth and effortless.   And if you’re like me, taking an occasional curb in the shopping mall garage, the LR4’s got you covered.  On curves and bends, I did feel cautious due to its high center of gravity, but getting in and out of parking spaces was easy with its quick responsiveness.  The biggest driving drawback is that it drinks gas like I can put back chardonnay at a family summer picnic.

On the height aspect, driving the LR4 brought back childhood memories of trips to Great Adventure, faced with those signs, ‘you must be at least this tall to go on this ride’. While my Italian heritage blessed me with many savory qualities, long legs and height advantage weren’t included.   At 5’2″ it was a stretch for me getting in and out.  Forget wearing a pencil skirt.  And hoisting my daughter in and out of the car seat took care of this week’s upper body workout.   On the plus side, the car seat installation was one of the easiest ever.  A+ on latches.  They’re accessible and in prominent view.  The base rested flat and secure on the back seat.

Now let’s get to the best part. The interior.  Land Rovers are known to be tough and rugged for outside, with luxurious comfort on the inside.  The model I drove was graced with the HSE LUX package.  Some highlights: comfortable premium leather seats (the kind that smell good), a 17 speaker, 825-watt Harmon Kardon sound system and a mini refrigerator in the center console.  Yes.  A refrigerator.  Large windows give the cabin an extra roomy feel.  And with 90 cubic feet of cargo space, the LR4 is ready to go anywhere and stay there a while with all your supplies.  Optional third row seating makes this people-mover a superb family choice.  For a better picture, check out these possibilities:

Land Rover LR4 SUV Photos, Videos and Media | Land Rover USA.

My overall impression is that this is a first-rate luxury SUV.  If you don’t mind frequent fill-ups on your motherhood journey, the LR4 will take you wherever you want to go.

Some Basics
MSRP: $48,900 – $59,725
engine: 5.0L V8
hp/torque: 375 hp / 375 ft.lbs.
drivetrain: AWD
fuel economy: 12 city / 17 hwy
IIHS Rating:  not yet rated 

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
tall, rugged, luxurious

What’s the best thing about it?
beautiful interior, 90 cubic feet of cargo space

What’s the biggest drawback?
it guzzles gas

Mom-friendliness score: A-

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I’m your Clint Eastwood of cars”