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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  LR2 2008 mixed feelings - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By pmtjrt - January 10 - 7:50 pm

  Delivered in Late November of 2008. Ride and design is great BUT currently having major issue with the Car shifter getting locked into Neutral. It will fo into reverse, park and neutral but will not engage into drive, sometimes as long as 20 minutes before it releases. I am having to shut the car down and restart, not once but several times. This has happened 6-8 times and have gone to the dealer 2 times in less then 2 weeks, and am having to go again. Dealer is telling me no problem showing up when checking system. Has anyone else had this problem? Or does any one have a solution.

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  Reliability is the problem - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By BAD choice ;LR2 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Once i saw this car i loved the exterior and interior and lots of extras it came with. So i dropped my first choice back then which was the vw Touareg, as i had a concern about the vw reliability. Unfortunately i was totally wrong cause it i never suffered with a car like this LR2, every now and then it should be towed to the dealer for electrical problems, that actually there is no real solution for them. Engine fault and transmission fault are keeping flashing in your face! tail gate got stuck more than once. What a great loss i had spent a fortune to own this LR2 and i cannot depend for long journeys in it.

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  Broke Down at 2800 Miles - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Samuel - September 15 - 11:20 am

  Beware. Look elsewhere. Car completely broke down at 2800 miles. Excuses from Land Rover have been key fob software problem. How does a key fob effect coolant being burned out of the engine at 2800 miles? Car would not start looked under hood coolant below way below minimum. Car in shop now for 3 weeks. Land Rover clueless as to what is going on and wants us to be the Test Pilots. No Thank you. Same problem happening with other buyers. Land Rovers Solution is that when your car stalls on the freeway to just pull over and take the key out and let it reset and then try again! Would not be good if the car stalls on incline doing off road excursion. Looks like an accident waiting to happen.

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  LR2 Gets the Job done - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By slojas1 - July 27 - 10:00 pm

  The LR2 fits 5 passengers comfortably with a good amount of room for storage. The 3.2L I6 engine provides enough power for passing at high speeds. The fuel economy is passable at a combined 17.5 mpg. The LR2 is a great buy combined with the Land Rover no service charge for scheduled maintenance. Other premium services such as road assistance, and others are included with purchase. These features scores major points as they are services that are usable.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Rover Girl - March 22 - 1:50 pm

  Another satisfied owner, at least so far. Only owned two months & driven 1,200 mi., but absolutely love the vehicle! Gets lots of attention, yet have only seen one other LR2 on the road here since they existed. Love that - driving something unique, not the same vehicle in everyones driveway. Just holding my breath that it proves to be reliable. Replaced my Montero Limited, which had only one minor issue over nearly 100K miles. Dont expect that from a Land Rover, but hoping for the best! Like most people, I considered nearly every other SUV out there in this class, but liked this one the best. Planned on an LR3, but the LR2s are actually more advanced, & look to be much more reliable.

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  Solid Small SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Jason in California - October 15 - 6:06 pm

  Ive been driving my LR2 in Northern California for more than a year and Ive had no problems at all (and Im surprised to read about othes who have had problems). In fact, Im quite happy with it. Acceleration is mediocre, but it feels confidently solid and smooth at speed on the highway. Steering can be a bit sensitive, but it is easy to get used to. I found the fit and finish pretty nice, with with leather seats and rubberized utilitatian knobs. Particularly for its price. It is sure-footed in the snow and has seems to have more rugged capabilities than others in its class. With the seats down, theres lots of room. Ive been very happy with my LR2.

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  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.

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  Great hidden gem. - 2013 Land Rover LR2
  By Tom - December 13 - 3:18 am

  I have a 2013 lr2 which I bought used and its been an absolute delight to drive. Its tough in the snow and handles it with ease an expertise, easily navigating the accumulated feet of snow and ice collected on our streets here in Buffalo NY. Its got great pick up and can be described as peppy as the engine picks up pretty quickly with pretty good acceleration and passing speed. Everyone who gets inside of it is impressed by its understated class and prestige and its commanding presence. The seats are more similar to the cockpit of an airplane as you sit straight up with armrests that are similar to a planes with great visibility if the road from all windows. Despite its off road credentials, its a really smooth ride. The Bluetooth works great and its awesome not having to fool around with an aux chord. As soon as I get into the truck, it syncs and plays all of my downloaded music. It has heated seats and a heated steering wheel as well as a winter mode which automatically raises your wipers off the ceiling to avoid freezing to the windshield . For someone who doesnt want to dump the cash into a range rover, has a small family and doesnt need the 3rd row seating of the lr4 and if you dont like the newer rounded style that land rover is adopting in contrast to the classic classy boxy lines still possessed by these, then it might be a great choice. Not sure why they never caught on in the US but now as an owner, I believe its our countries loss.

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  1 year and going strong - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Rick - October 27 - 7:13 pm

  I have had my Tambora Flame LR2 for just over 1 year now. I have had no problems with my vehicle at all. I still get lots of positive comments about its looks. The only time my vehicle has been in the shop has been for scheduled maintenance and 1 moonroof recall. I am still impressed with all the standard equipment for the price and still very impressed with the ride and comfort for a compact SUV.

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  Would buy it again! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By pressare - July 15 - 7:56 am

  Ive 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!)