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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BEWARE OF THIS CAR! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By mtd130 - October 10 - 7:16 amI bought this car and have had nothing but major saftey issue. It just died on me while I was driving before I had driven it 2000 miles. It got towed to the dealership and they had a software update for it. I then took it back and then less then a week, it died again. The tech at Land rover told me it was a "docking of the key" problem and it loses communicaton with the fuel line! No fix out there for this computer- key problem and yes there are getting more complaints about this issue. As of right now, I am not getting into this car.
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Sorry I did not buy another BMW - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Chris - July 2 - 8:26 pmMy BMW X5 was coming off of lease and I decided to be practical and buy an LR2 - a 2008 "leftover". I previously owned a Discovery and a Range Rover (no problems with these). After 650 miles, the LR2 started to burn oil. The dealers shop said they could not find the problem. After 1700 miles it started to burn oil again. The car is in the shop for a week as they take the engine apart to find out why its burning oil. Not happy with this lemon. My BMW has 56000 (3 years old) and NO problems ever. I have opened a case with LR and have demanded they take the car back. So much for being practical!
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Quality not so good - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Mary - September 25 - 7:30 pmI am very unhappy with the quality of my SR2. The exterior paint is very thin, the drivers side seat has torn, the performance is horrible, the only good thing is the fuel economy. I have never been this unhappy with a vehicle in my life, I paid approx. $39,000 in Aug. of 2007. I was recently offered $25,000 trade in from the same dealership I paid $39,000 only a year ago. Wow! I have to take a $14,000 loss on this vehicle. I am so unhappy with this vehicle I am going to take the $14,000 loss just to get out of it, however I will never ever purchase another Land Rover or Range Rover ever!
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Worst Car I Ever Bought - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Kerstin - September 25 - 3:23 pmThis is the 2nd Land Rover Ive purchased. I had a 2006 LR3 and should have known better but figured the 2nd one couldnt be as bad as the first one. Wrong! The car was beautiful, orange, black leather, loaded. It was in for repairs more than I had it. I had some serious electrical issues that the dealer was unable to diagnose. Once the car stalled at a traffic light and I had to coast out of a major intersection. I only kept the car 6 months. It was not reliable and I worried constantly about being stranded in it. Never knew if it would start up or die on me. Only got 18mpg! (when it was running!)
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Dont Buy!! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By caroline shek - February 10 - 6:40 pmThis is my second LR2--the first one (brand new) needed a transmission overhaul after 2 weeks. They gave me another one that has overheated twice. Just this past weekend, it overheated while I was driving and smoke began coming out of the hood. Stay away from this car! Its unsafe and unpredictable.
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new LR2 experience so far - 2010 Land Rover LR2
By Ann Montgomery - November 19 - 12:26 amMy new LR2 has 230 miles on it.I knew the day after I purchased it that it was ergonomically all wrong for me. The arm rest is very thin and cuts the circulation no matter what height or arm position. If you put the arm rest up there is no where to put your arm. What is worse is that in the up position, the metal adjustment screw, (about 2" x 3")sits inches from the right temple area of your head. Scary. The seat positions are limited, inability to angle front of drivers seat cuts leg circulation. It rattles alot and "ka-thunks" in several areas, over every little bump. I sure hope it has good off road ability to make up for the lack of comfort and road noise.
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Totally disappointed - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Totally disappointed - July 16 - 5:43 pmI loved the looks of the SUV. But the maintenance is terrible. New brakes and Rotors at 22,000? Never before in a vehicle Have I had this happen and then New tires needed at 28,000. I was Told that I got the average life out of brakes and Max out of Tires. I had problems with air noise and with the front end steering from day one. I have traded car for BMW that has showed me a Rover is not the way to GO. Very disappointed in the up-keep of this SUV. Glad to no longer be an owner of this SUV.
