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:
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1,000 Mile Review - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By roverfanatic7 - February 20 - 5:49 amI just bought this car a few weeks ago. I wanted an SUV and was having trouble deciding. First, I looked at the FJ Cruiser. Love that car, reliable, safe, fun to drive and a great offroader. However, the visibility was horrible. Next, I looked at the Nissan Xterra. The price was very high considering the features. Then, I looked at the Acura RDX. I liked it, but found it small and didnt have a strong offroad capability. I also looked at the Jeep Liberty, but found the ride horrible despite the nice interior and features. So, I stumbled upon this LR2. I wanted to stay away from Land Rover because of the reliability. However, this car has it all. No problems yet! Look below at the features!
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Fun to Drive - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Dan - February 11 - 8:53 amI have really enjoyed the LR2. I have 1800 miles on it so far. I own 2 other SUVs and an Audi. This is the most fun to drive. Many positive comments from people of all ages. Smooth drive, great stereo (even without tech) and the headlights are super.
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Excellent AWD Medium SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Stonefoxx - January 19 - 7:03 pm2200 miles so far, I test drove everything in the med. SUV class, BMW overcharges for every option- many standard features w/ LR2 including real leather seats. This by far was the best overall ride and comfort. I have had a minor issue with the audio 2x when I put the key in the audio was muted- after I took the "unit" (lr2s name for the remote key) out and put it back in all was well. I highly recommend this vehicle to any one looking for a safe med. SUV
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Great Little SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By mks - November 4 - 9:33 pmHavent been this happy with a vehicle in a long time. Luxury, fun and practical all in one. Averaging about 19 mpg with an average speed of only about 35 mph combined driving. Have a fully loaded SE that I got for several K less than the wifes hybrid Highlander and like it much better. Feels more solid and handles much better. Love the stereo and Nav system. Very sure footed in the snow and smooth on the highway. Just fun to drive.
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New and loving it so far - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By sww - November 4 - 2:00 amFinally bit the bullet and made a decision and glad I did. So far the LR2 has been great fun to drive and is a very comfortable ride. I purchased the cold climate package (love the seat heaters), Nav and stereo upgrade (I think they have me hooked on Sirius) and the lighting package, which might be my favourite part. The lighting package is like having a stadiums worth of spotlights behind you showing you the way. Added on the roof rails (they should be standard)
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Excellent. I dont miss my Mercedes CLS - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Daniel - October 29 - 4:03 amI just purchased LR2 with all available options a week ago, so I cannot comment on reliability. Safety: Ive seem some crash photos from UK, and LR2 seems to be a solid truck. Power: 230HP/234lb.ft. Number isnt impressive, but thats how the engine should be for SUVs;Torque. Plenty quick. Warranty: Meets STD 4yr/50K. Maintenance included for 4 years is very nice. Other things: Its unbelievably quiet for an SUV, its tech upgrades work well.(great nav system, bluetooth, etc.) Unbeatable off-road capability. Exterior looks top-class and interior is small but luxurious and super comfortable. I dont miss my 2006 V8 Mercedes CLS (trade-in) at all. Not as fast, but I love the new LR2
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ONE FINE TRUCK - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By BILL - September 6 - 6:43 amhandles and rides great. terrific in snow and off road. radio could be better. visibility great. fit and finish perfect. warranty a little short. nothing locks interior
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Fun to Drive - 2009 Land Rover LR2
By forester2 - July 31 - 7:26 pmThis is a fun car to drive and is amazingly capable. It is truly a 4X4 and is not just a car with an all wheel drive attached. It handles like a sports car around town and a jeep off road. I have been driving 4X4s at work for near 35 years and cant believe how this rig takes all the drama out of muddy roads. This is a real 4X4 and Land Rover stuffed in about every technical option available somewhere into this high quality rig. No problems so far.
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Would buy it again! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By pressare - July 15 - 7:56 amIve had the LR2 for a little over a month (February- March) in Cleveland Ohio, so saying that, Ive been impressed by how the truck both handles & performs in this harsh climate. I really like it & Ive owned a BMW & Jeeps & neither truck comes close. The fuel mileage is bad, but who cares, it probably cost me an extra $300-$400 year (worth it!)
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From an X5 to LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By horsedoctor - April 4 - 10:20 amComing from an 03 BMW X5 makes it difficult to give this vehicle perfect marks in any departement. But a new X5 with similar options was well over 50K - my loaded LR2 was purchased for under 35K and as usual in life: you often get what you pay for. The layout and the interior design gets high marks-as well as comfortable seats and nice features such as satellite radio, heated windshield and seats, sport drive feature, security of full time all wheel drive - all while approaching 24mpg hwy and Im getting 19mpg combined. The storage areas are a bit lacking and I would have rather had a nice center armrest with more storage below it than the drop down ones. Overall this is a great SUV.
