2014 Land Rover LR2: City Mouse, Country Mouse

With no blind spot monitoring system or lane departure warning system on the options sheet, some shoppers are going to look to European or Japanese premium competitors.

One upside of the LR2's tall roof is decent interior space.

Versatility with the veneer of respectability wrapped in tradition is what you're getting with this compact SUV.

It's a bit of a cliché to describe a Land Rover as being fit for both 'town and country,' but it's precisely that extra-urban demographic that the 2014 Land Rover LR2 is seeking out.

There are very few obstacles Mother Nature can place in the path of the LR2 that could halt its forward progress.

One of the 2014 Land Rover LR2's most obvious anachronisms is its shape, a traditional box-like design that makes heavy use of right angles to convey strength and utility.

The styling works for those seeking a conservative-looking ride.

Most of the gear that you can find in competitive rigs is also on offer inside the LR2, including a decent navigation/infotainment system.

More planted than athletic, the compact Land Rover's handling is confident despite its tall ride height.

There are definitely some old-fashioned aspects to the Land Rover's execution, but overall the LR2 has managed to stay relevant for so long by refusing to dilute its core identity.

The 2.0-liter mill is good for 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque and is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission.