The 2010 Land Rover LR2 delivers strong off-road handling, a smooth on-road ride, outstanding safety, and the premium construction quality and design that are the norm for Land Rover. The LR2 isn’t exactly cheap, with a $36,350 starting price, but it certainly gives you what you paid for, and it’s the least expensive (and smallest) Land Rover on the market.

The LR2 underwent a major redesign in 2008 and remains essentially the same for 2010. It comes in just one trim level, the HSE, although a Plus and a Luxury package are available. This compact premium SUV seats five and has practical versatility for those who spend time both on and off pavement.

Land Rover’s Terrain Response technology configures the drivetrain and traction settings with the turn of a knob to match your driving situation: on-road, grass, gravel, snow, mud, ruts, or sand. The standard, full-time four-wheel-drive system further enhances off-road or difficult-conditions driving, although it does not have a low-speed transfer case. But if you’re not tackling boulders or the most extreme off-road trail, that shouldn’t be an issue. And even if you are in some hairy spots away from civilization, the LR2’s obstacle clearance (8.3 inches) and wading depth (19.7 inches) plus the Terrain Response system should help you cope successfully.

When you return to the road, the LR2’s fully independent suspension and adjustable rack-and-pinion steering provide a responsive and comfortable ride, while the Roll Stability Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems ensure safety. Yes, the LR2 can lean during fast cornering, but overall it has a stable feel, especially for a vehicle that is so potent off the pavement.

The LR2 is powered by a 3.2-liter V6 (230 hp and 234 lb-ft of torque at 2,300 rpm) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with CommandShift, which offers manual sequential gear changes and a sports mode. Land Rover reports that the LR2 goes from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds and the maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. The fuel efficiency isn’t as appealing at 15 city/22 highway mpg, but what else would you expect from a 4,300-pound SUV?

The LR2’s mix of performance capabilities is reflected in the LR2’s styling, which is both rugged and refined. The basic look is derived from Land Rover’s classic angular design, but with more rounded edges, especially along the sides and the sporty front fender. Not only can the LR2 handle mud and city traffic with equal aplomb, it looks good in both places as well.

The cabin also merges styles (sensing a theme here?), blending sophistication and sport. The copious amounts of glass in the rear and the enormous panoramic sunroof give the interior a very open and airy feel, although the perforated sun shades are overmatched on the hottest days and can allow in too much light and heat. The blocky design for the gauges and controls is typical Land Rover, and they are all logically placed. The leather trim, solid plastics, and detailed construction give the cabin a refined feel.

Standard features include cruise control, automatic climate control, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, a six-way adjustable passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front fog-light and headlamp powerwash, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rear tailgate spoiler, bright tailpipe finishers, tungsten door handles, and a 320-watt Alpine AM/FM stereo with nine speakers, an in-dash 6-CD changer, and an auxiliary input jack. Available features include Bluetooth, DVD navigation with a touch screen, rear seat headphone sockets, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

The front seats offer plenty of leg and headroom, and the driver has excellent sight lines. The rear seat is also comfortable, though probably best suited for two adults or three children, and not three adults. The LR2 has 26.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 58.9 cubic feet when the second row is folded flat.