4 Star Reviews for Land Rover LR2

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.40/5 Average
132 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 11 through 20 of 132.00
  • Good! but could have been Great - 2008 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    I bought the LR2 inspite of its poor reliability reputation. It was the right size, price and looked great. I compared it to X3, RDX, RX350,CX7 and it drove and felt the best overall. I would have rated it excellent but for some irritating issues that seem to magnify each day. First off the gas mileage Ive been getting for in-city is 12.5. . Secondly there is no storage area for the driver. All my other cars had something on the dash or below the right arm to store sunglasses,CDs, papers. The bluetooth on this car does not sync w Smartphones which renders it useless. And the Cold Climate package gets you a windshield that produces glare from oncoming traffic. Other than that its great.

  • Be warned - 2009 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    Great car until you you need to buy parts. A cracked windshield 3 month back order. Front bumper 6 weeks minimum. Accesories out of sight. 1600 for a tow package, 1000 for roof racks. Already had a fuel pump leak 2 months after buying it. It cost 41,700 I tried to trade it 3 months later and the best i could do is 30,000 and that was at the dealer I bought it from, Before it had a scratch on it. So much for resale value. Drives great good gas milage for an AWD great stereo but will never buy another Landrover at any price

  • 3 Year Report - 2008 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    My 2008 Tambora Flame LR2 just turned 3 years old. I am still completely satisfied with this vehicle. It has remained very dependable, comfortable, and fun to drive. Outside of regular maintenance, it has only been in for service for a couple of very minor issues over the past 3 years. It still gets lots of looks and I still get lots of positive comments from people. It is a really nice mix of a rugged "go anywhere" SUV and a comfortable luxury SUV at a very reasonable price considering all the standard equipment it came with. I am still very happy with my purchase.

  • Love my LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    I got my LR2 as a winter car last October. I was well aware of Land Rovers past reliability problems. I have to say that I love my LR2. Some claim it has poor performance for a luxury SUV, but I think it does fine. I have a G35 coupe as well, and I dont think the LR2 is slow for an SUV, and I dont expect it to be a race car. Overall, its a great ride for someone who wants a very comfortable plush smaller SUV with eye-catching style and lots of technological bells and whistles without paying a fortune. If you want a full-size SUV, itll disappoint. If you want a car-like SUV, probably not for you. But if you want an SUV for winter driving and occasional trips, the LR2 rocks

  • LR is slipping - 2008 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    3rd and last Land Rover! For such a stunning car (we had the cool orange, one) what a pile of poo! Bought it new and almost an instant headache. I broke down in SEVEN different states! From NC to CA! Left a LR service center in NM, 6 hrs later I was broke down again in CO! Constant PRICEY services, and with the sporadic dealer locales it can be a bit of travel. Inside, the car is very cheaply "thrown together." After 20k miles you never ride in silence!! With everything rattling inside and wind noise it can turn a grouchy morning into an epileptic fit! If youre looking for a car to look at then look no more! If you actually use and DEPEND on a vehicle for more than an eyegasm steer clear

  • better postioned than the Freelander - 2009 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    Having previously owned an Lr3 and Freelander, the Lr2 sits comfortably as the entry Land Rover. Off road/Snow capabilities are very strong, and extended driving stretches of 8 plus hours with a family of four are certainly comfortable. Great driver visibility all around. Sun roof in front/moon roof in back make the cabin feel airy and spacious. Armrests are comfortable enough, but lack the plushness of the Lr3. Adequate storage space in back, good sound system, great warranty. Would recommend for those looking for a compact SUV with better than average snow/off road capabilities.

  • Adaptive Lighting - 2008 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    Adaptive lighting failed whilst driving at night on the day I collected my new car. Dealership "upgraded" the software however, this did not rectify the problem. After several emails to Land Rover UK, the diagnosis is that one of the motors needs replacing as the light is not swiveling as far as it should. Identical issue as misswho. Will advise once motor replaced if this solves the problem. I currently (touch wood) have no issues with starting the engine!

  • Looks good, runs bad! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    I have owned the car for a little over 90 days now, and it has been at the dealership for repair for 35 of those days. Parts to fix the LR2 seem to be quite complicated to get, I have been waiting 2 weeks for a gasket on my new cylinder head. But then, who would think you have to replace a cylinder after 90 days? I also had problems with the car not starting/stalling out.

  • Just got it - 2008 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    Just got it 4 days ago & love it. The gas millage is brutal, but love the truck! Cant believe that there are no floormats- thats crazy!

  • Must love bumps! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
    By -

    This vehicle is amazing at making bumps feel insignificant on the trail. I got 24 MPG highway on my first tank on the highway up to northern Michigan with cruise set at 70 MPH. The bad part is my 2002 Ford Expedition can climb a sand hill way better since the LR2 doesnt have 4 wheel low but has the power to weight advantage. The second day I drove it there were three things wrong with the vehicle. The air bag system warning light is on, a 12 volt power outlet quit working and the MP3 jack quit working. The key (Landrover calls it "the unit") has to be inserted into "the reciever" and then you push the start button to start the vehicle. This process doesnt always work. Bad luck or quality?

Land Rover LR2 Reviews By Year:
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