THERE are a growing number of hands-free all-wheel drive cars on the roads giving invaluable service in such sticky situations as the school run.

And while they may enjoy an annual holiday outing to the beach, tow the family caravan or be a godsend in Britain's newly acquired arctic winters, there is no real reason to understand what alchemy is going on in their differentials. However, if you are going to do any serious off roading you will need a 4x4 as happy providing humanitarian aid in a war zone as it is picking up the groceries.

Toyota's Land Cruiser LC4 is a rugged, full-blooded off roader immediately defined by a number of buttons which select levels of traction and the ratios within the five-speed automatic gearbox, including hill descent, central diff lock and stability control.

Learn them well because this is a high-value competitor to both Shogun and Range Rover and there is no fun to be had contemplating your investment up to the windows in sea water or marvelling at the botanical variety of a ditch. On the face of it the LC4 may be slower than some would expect. What limits out and out power is Toyota sticking with a four-cylinder three-litre diesel rather than a V6 but there is loads of low-down grunt.

Take note, this is a big as they come car and demands respectful handling. Even so roll is limited in the corners and the ride is forgiving over small  deviations. Seven air bags come as standard and there is a security package including glass break sensors which suggest low-life look elsewhere

The LC4's interior is both practical and comfortable. There are plenty of extras; multi-function sound system, electric leather seats, touchscreen navigation and Bluetooth display with all the other expected automation and some bright ideas like a traffic avoidance system.  It also comes with seven forward facing seats as standard and with back two folded there is bags of room for the dog or luggage. So what's it like on the road? Well, understandably, slightly awkward on crowded streets but parking is given every aid with a high-definition reversing camera.

On the open road there is an underlying toughness to the ride, many miles from a hair shirt but not quite the Jermyn Street cut of a Range Rover. Acceptable given that the real strength of the LC4 is off road where the Toyota legend will not be beaten.

A separate-frame chassis and Toyota's comprehensive Active Traction Control four-wheel drive system underpin go anywhere off road ability. Of course driving a 4x4 this big will make you as popular with some people as spontaneous combustion but if your driving life demands traction over rough terrain without sacrificing comfort the Land Cruiser LC4 delivers.