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MANCHESTER, VT – The new ’10 Land Rover LR4 is a true dual-use vehicle, as confident on the highway as it is navigating some of the toughest off-road trails imaginable.

The passages traversed during a test drive here aren’t “trails” but carved-out sections of forest littered with massive boulders, wide streams, thick tree roots and various other woodland obstacles.

Dangling precariously close to toppling over, there are several times when it seems no vehicle could complete the course.

But like a sure-footed mountain goat, the LR4 finds its way, thanks to the updated Terrain Response system. With it, the driver can toggle between the “rock crawl” and “mud and ruts” settings, and it automatically applies precise amounts of power and braking, when needed, to individual wheels.

While the original Terrain Response system was no slouch, Land Rover engineers make significant improvements for ’10. The Hill Decent Control system, in particular, makes for a wholly controlled sedate ride, instead of a white-knuckled rollercoaster plummet.

New-for-’10 is the Gradient Release Control, designed to keep tension on the brakes once the pedal is released while the vehicle is descending. Pressure is relieved gradually to control the vehicle’s momentum and acceleration until the targeted off-road speed is achieved. It’s extremely effective.

Combined with other terrain-conquering upgrades, including a new Sand Launch program, the LR4 is one of the most capable off-road vehicles available.

The revised sheet metal better reflects its off-road prowess than the outgoing model. Although the design is awkwardly boxy and utilitarian, it suits the LR4, distancing it from suburb-bound SUVs.