Overview & Reviews

As consumers gravitate toward car-based crossover SUVs, manufacturers are rolling out even more models to meet demand. Luxury-brand automakers have been focusing on introducing small crossover utility vehicles, and one of the first to join this segment was the Land Rover LR2.

The LR2's small size makes it maneuverable in urban environments. At the same time, the LR2 still retains the superior off-road ability for which Land Rovers are known. This dual-purpose approach leaves the Land Rover LR2 in a somewhat compromised position, however. Its on-road performance disappoints, as the LR2 lacks both the straight-line performance and on-road handling feel of its competitors. For the small group of consumers who want a small luxury SUV with a fair amount of all-terrain capability, these sacrifices may have been acceptable when it was introduced, but with Land Rover's stylish and well-rounded Evoque coming on line, the LR2's strengths have faded.

Current Land Rover LR2
The Land Rover LR2 is available in a single trim level. Motivation comes from a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission choice is a six-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard.

With its reputation for off-road performance to uphold, Land Rover endowed the LR2 with technologies to make it both capable and confident when the journey is off the beaten path. Chief among these is Terrain Response, which is standard on the LR2. Terrain Response adapts the responses of the vehicle's engine, transmission, AWD system, suspension electronics, and stability and hill descent control systems to match the demands of the terrain. It optimizes drivability and comfort as well as maximizing traction. All the driver has to do is select from one of four driving conditions via a rotary knob, and the LR2's computers automatically optimize the vehicle's systems for the selected setting.

The LR2 has a significantly less luxurious cabin than its Land Rover and Range Rover siblings, not to mention its competition. On the upside, many of its standard features are often optional on competitors. These include: keyless ignition/entry; a panoramic dual-panel sunroof with one-touch control; front and rear foglights and power headlamp washers; rain-sensing wipers; rear parking sensors; power leather seats; 18-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control. Notable optional features include a navigation system, memory seating, bi-xenon adaptive front lighting, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio and a surround-sound audio system.

In reviews and road tests, we've found the Land Rover LR2 to be down on power. When combined with this vehicle's relatively hefty curb weight, it's no wonder that acceleration seems mediocre for a luxury SUV. Meanwhile, the LR2 is notable for a compliant suspension compatible with off-road mobility. At the same time, the pronounced body roll and nose dive that results doesn't deliver the kind of sportiness that people expect on pavement, although outright cornering grip and braking distances do not suffer, and the ride quality is comfortable.

If your intent is to take your small luxury crossover SUV off-road, then the LR2 should be near the top of your consideration list. Though the soft suspension settings compromise a sporty performance on the pavement, the LR2 still delivers superior traction and control on light- and medium-duty trails. And while the LR2 lacks low-range gearing, the Terrain Response system does indeed give the driver a high level of confidence when the going gets rough, bridging the performance gap between the light-duty AWD systems on most car-based SUVs and the dual-range 4WD systems on more traditional SUVs.

Used Land Rover LR2 Models
The Land Rover LR2 debuted for 2008. For that model year alone, it was available in a base SE trim level, which varied little from the HSE.

Though the LR2 is technically in its first generation, Land Rover's first compact utility, sold in this country from 2002-'05, was known as the Freelander and was similar in size and styling to the present model.

User Reviews:

• 

  From Audi All Road to L R 2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Audiallrd to LR2 - September 17 - 5:26 am

  I must say that since I purchased 4 of 07 that the LR2 has been perfect in every aspect of driving pleasure, no problems or unexpected annoyances. This SUV is a great vehicle. Land Rover is great!

• 

  Stylish Beast - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Mike J - July 31 - 11:36 am

  The best looking crossover out there, with tons of safety features- in the safety department, second to none. Everyone thinks its a Range, but its half the price and does the trick for me. Ive had it for over a month and still love getting inside to drive every day.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Allan - July 31 - 10:03 am

  This is my first SUV and Im enjoying the experience immensely. The first 2000 miles have been a joy and the quality is amazing. This is definitely an excellent value. The comfort is better than the Mercedes CLK it replaced. The safety features are second to none. The upgraded 14 speaker sound system has a range that makes it a joy to listen to, especially the classical music, where the highs and lows are lost in most vehicles. The upgraded halogen headlights follow the steering wheel around corners and up and down hills. There is so much to recommend in this vehicle, I suggest you take it for a spin. This is my first Range Rover, but it wont be my last.

• 

  Excellent purchase - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By steve - July 24 - 9:23 am

  I felt I got A LOT for the price. I was very impressed by how it drove but the style of the vehicle is very impressive !!! I get stopped a lot by people telling me how sharp my car looks. I see a lot of LR2s around beautiful Santa Barbara. Kids love their own sunroof for the backseat !

• 

  Great CUV with Offroad Capability - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By BAM - July 18 - 3:36 am

  This is a great crossover SUV, maintains offroad capability while still offering a very nice onroad experience. I spent quite a bit of time comparing to RDX and X3 and test driving each, and disagree with the Edmunds review about "workaday" interior with the LR2 compared to the X3. The seats are great and the interior is sharp too. Acceleration wont be winning any races, but its just fine for what it needs, I never feel like the engine is straining at any speed. Although the cargo space is listed as lower than the X3, it didnt really seem so after taking a look inside. I would definitely recommend this car to a friend.

• 

  Very Impressed - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Craig - July 8 - 9:50 pm

  The 2008 Land Rover LR2 is a great little car. I bought it 3 months ago and have put nearly 11,000 miles on it. Zero problems. Runs perfectly -- averages 22 mpg everyday -- 25 mpg on trips (no kidding). Comfortable with plenty of power -- cant believe its a six. Whats not to like about this vehicle! Get the nav upgrade -- the sound system is one of the best I have ever heard.

• 

  So Far So Good - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By rgosalvez - July 4 - 8:20 pm

  I have owned my LR2 for 3 weeks now. I am very impressed with the level of standard equipment on this vehicle for the price. Comparably equipped X3s and RX 350s are several thousand dollars more. After 3 weeks, I have had no problems at all. I have, however, had many people provide positive comments on the look of the vehicle. The ride is very comfortable and the fuel economy is about what I expected. Most of the interior build and quality seems good except for some creaking I have noticed in the door panels.

• 

  I Love my LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By nekemomo - April 16 - 7:13 pm

  I have to say I was getting discouraged with some of the cross- overs as I was looking for a new vehicle. My husband sent me the link to check out the LR2 and I instantly was intrigued. We went and test drove the vehicle and it was a done deal. It handles exceptionally well, has a smooth ride and excellent technology. Whenever I am driving in town people check out my car, and I get tons of compliments. You dont see many of them on the road, which is another great thing about Land Rover. I couldnt be more in love with my car!

• 

  A little more HP please - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Kevin - March 18 - 9:46 am

  I purchased my Stornoway Gray LR2, with all all options, in late April and now at 2100 miles I still am impressed. Originally I was thinking about buying a LR3 but needed something a little smaller and the BMW X3 didnt cut it. Overall the exterior and interior look of the vehicle is sharp but I wish the engine had a little more HP...like 275- 280. I primarily use the LR2 for work so its mostly paved road driving which is very comfortable. However I recently took it off road and realized it was truly a Land Rover but it does have a pretty good sway over rough terrain. For myself, my wife and dog this is our weekend getaway vehicle and it is more than enough room and very fun.

• 

  Great SUV - 2010 Land Rover LR2
  By silthedoc - December 19 - 11:01 pm

  Im rather stunned by some of the lame reviews Ive read here. Ive driven BMWs, Jaguars, etc., and my LR2 is by far the best vehicle I have owned for the value. If youre not obese you will be o.k. with the armrest. What the heck do people put inside a console anyway?? If your family does not resemble the Brady Bunch, youll be just fine with cargo space, and with space in general. The SUV is well built, rides smoothly and comes with tons of features for which youll have to pop extra bucks on RX350s, X3s or X5s, ML 350s or GLK350s. Trust me, it is a beautiful machine that looks no where near what everybody drives. My SUV is fully loaded and I paid less than $28,000.