For lovers of the road, on–Again, off-Again can be the perfect style

Published: August 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Dan Byers
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For many people, a car is the ultimate expression of personal style. Like it or not, your car says a lot about you, and what you drive may be the only face that thousands of fellow motorists see.

With an investment as large as a new automobile, many shoppers look for a car that perfectly suits their style. But while style can be defining, it can also be confining. The right choice for a night under the stars may not be appropriate for a night on the town.

If you are just as comfortable on a trip to the backcountry as you are on the trip back to the city, consider a car that's at home in any environment. Fortunately, these two iconic vehicles prove that a smart shopper doesn't have to choose.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

In 1984, Jeep redesigned the four-door, four-wheel drive Cherokee, effectively ushering in the era of the modern sport utility vehicle. The redesign featured ample room for passengers and their gear while dramatically reducing overall length and weight. The Cherokee's on-road manners and off-road attitude proved difficult to resist. Heads turned, sales soared, and other automakers quickly followed suit.

Twenty-six years later, the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee brings fresh refinement to one of the most authentic SUVs on the market. Offered in tree trim levels — Laredo, Limited, and Overland — the new Grand Cherokee combines sleek city style and comfort with Jeep's legendary off-road performance.

Base power comes from a 290 horsepower, 3.6 liter V-6, with a 360 horsepower, 5.7 liter V-8 as an option. The Grand Cherokee's sure-footed gait is solidified even further with fully independent suspension and the choice of three 4x4 systems, featuring Quadra-Lift air suspension and the Selec-Terrain system, which allows drivers to specify one of five different driving conditions. Hill descent control is also available.

The new interior features panoramic sunroof, more luxurious materials and premium options such as leather trimmed seats, wood/leather wrapped steering wheel, hand-stitched instrument panels and trim.

Style can be high altitude and high tech as well, and options such as live mobile TV (FLO TV), SIRIUS Backseat TV and UConnect Web, which transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle, are sure to make any trip to the backcountry more enjoyable.

2010 Land Rover LR4

In the 60 years since its introduction, Land Rover has become well known for its adventurous side. From the pages of National Geographic to television's “Wild Kingdom”, Land Rovers have been boldly going where few vehicles have gone before.

The fourth generation of Land Rover's iconic SUV, the LR4, continues the award-winning tradition of the outgoing LR3 while delivering Range Rover style luxury. Exterior changes soften corners while maintaining an instantly recognizable profile. But the most noticeable refinements can be found under the hood and inside the cabin.

The LR4's new 5.0 liter V-8 powerplant cranks out 375 horsepower, a 25 percent improvement over the 4.4 liter engine it replaces. Direct injection and variable valve timing provide the bite, while a new six-speed adaptive transmission and electronic stability control keep the beast under effortless control.

Once behind the wheel, the line between Land Rover capability and Ranger Rover luxury and comfort becomes blurred. The new interior features more elegant materials and a softer, handcrafted feel. Redesigned controls, ambient LED mood lighting, a new console layout and design bring a dash of style to even the most adventurous off-road dash.

The terrain response system is the heart of the LR4 and allows the driver to set up the vehicle for general driving, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts or rock crawl. These settings, along with the award-winning hill descent control let even the most inexperienced off-roader handle any obstacle with style.