Three Days in the Valley - Crossing Death Valley - Off-road SUV Comparison

Day 2: Death Valley

Decked out in hot-weather gear, our crew motors quickly across the floor of Death Valley to beat rising temperatures by climbing to elevation. After a couple hours driving on the two-lane highway, mid-90-degree temps, and sub-sea-level elevations are far behind, replaced by cool breezes and 75-degree temps at 5500 feet.

After descending 3500 feet, it's almost noon before the turnoff on Saline Valley Road and up again onto Lippincott Mine Road. From here it's only 10 miles to the Death Valley's famous "Racetrack," but seven of those miles require serious 4x4 vehicles, with high clearances and experienced drivers.

"Stay close to the vehicle in front of you and pay attention to where they are placing their tires," comes sage advice from veteran Williams, who's taken the wheel of LR2 -- again concerned about the limited ground clearance and lack of low range and underbody protection.

I rotate through the Xterra, then the Jeep, then the FJ. All low ranges and crawl gears are engaged, all dash lights are on -- diff lock, A-TRAC, you name it -- yet despite the rough terrain, none put a tire wrong during the slow and serious climbing.

Turn after rock-strewn turn reveals breathtaking views of Panamint Valley below. A few warts are revealed as well, like the limited visibility in the FJ and Hummer. Both are compromised by their chunky, adventure-inspired styling; the view forward is fine, but rear-mounted tires and small windows inhibit back and side visibility. Not so in the LR2, which boasts the largest sunroof opening after the Jeep's convertible top. This Land Rover continues to impress through this mountainous traverse, it doesn't just keep up, it leads the way-taking our convoy past the Racetrack, Ubehebe Crater, to a steak dinner and beds in Furnace Creek.