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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Loving my new LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By highwaydude - February 7 - 7:10 pmI am going on my 3rd week of owning the new LR2 and have had no problems. It rides very comfortable, very quiet on the road, and the best sound system I have yet to have in a vehicle.
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45K Report - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By DH - January 17 - 4:43 pmBeenn nothing but perfect so far. Average over 22 mpg and the only problem was a clip in the tailgate came loose. Great comfort and visibilty. Easy and fun to drive. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Sound system is great as well as the lighting system. Not so sure about the key. Several times if you install the key and hit the start button prior to getting your foot on the break the computer gets confused and it has trouble starting. Take the key out and get the sequence right and it just resets. Not a big deal if you know about it, but otherwise you could sit for a while. Just a really nice small sized SUV.
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Fell in love with Rimini Red - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Love the LR2 HSE - January 17 - 8:16 amLooked for a smaller SUV to replace Grand Crapokee Overland and test drove lots of others. Loved the LR2 and bought it. Rimini red/Alpaca is beautiful and the 19" wheels are striking and not tacky. Kudos to LR for this excellent midsize SUV. Drives like a sports car. Return LR/RR customer.
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Traded the 99 DISCO II - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By EZ - December 27 - 6:40 pm90K miles later, we traded the 99 Discovery II for the LR2, SE, Narvik Blk, Alpacha, Cold Pack, Light Pack, and Teck Pack. I drove all the others and kept coming back to Land Rover. Had great service from the DISCO and have 550 miles on the LR2. Fun to drive, much better MPG than the Disco. The key system is a bit funky, but if you let the vehicle recieve the key instead of shoving it in, there will be no probs. Added the roof rack, cross bars, mud flaps and trailer hitch for bike rack. Drives smooth and plenty of power from the 6 cyl. Not the boss hog SUV for sure, but for the mid-size it is a winner.
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Great car & look, needs better mileage - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Eunice - June 29 - 10:40 pmIve had this vehicle for 5 months now and I havent had any problem with it. I am impressed with how smoothly it drives and the turns are fantastic. It is very quiet and the seats are extremely comfortable. The car looks small but there is plenty of leg room.
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LR2 - Excellent for new families! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Duane - April 16 - 4:00 pmThe LR2 is the perfect car for someone who is expecting their first child or travels out of the city. The cabin fits 5 passengers comfortably with a good amount of room for storage. The engine provides enough power, but does not perform like a sports car. The issue is whether that is what you are looking for. The fuel economy is fine, if you learn how to drive the engine. The LR2 is a great buy combined with the Land Rover no service charge for scheduled maintenance and other premium services such as road assistance are included with purchase.
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Love it - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By MAS - April 1 - 11:00 amCouldnt be happier. Very practically design. Have a black, fully loaded SE that I got for less than the wifes Highlander. Looked at them all and if you want useful features, this is the most for the money. Handles great, I get 19.5 mpg averaging 41 mph combined driving. Very comfortable, Nav & bluetooth are great as well as the heated windshield. Have to love the Volvo engines, 240 K on my last one and it still ran as good as the day I bought it. You can tell its built for the long run. Only 3600 miles on it thus far no problems. I didnt even know the LR2 exited when I was looking. Saw it on Edmunds, ended up test driving it 6 times before buying.
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Love it! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Gary Wood - March 8 - 11:10 pmOther than one misalignment of the sunroof (which has worked perfectly after repair), the LR2 has been a gem. I am completely satisfied and with close to 45K, it is still like new. We have driven it across country a couple of times without a problem.
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A little glitch but still good - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Dwheels - January 13 - 1:00 amI bought my LR2 and took it home, unfortunately the fan module broke and the fan ran for an hour after I got home, I had to disconnect the battery and take it back in the morning. They patched it up and I was on my way. I work in Construction, and this car rocked out on the site, no problems in the sand or mud, it wa great! Got it a bit dirty, but handled great. I expect a few more glitches to come, but the service staff was great, so I didnt worry.
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Fun little SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
By Mike - November 27 - 8:16 amJust purchased my LR2 a month ago. I love it! Its fun to drive, comfortable, and looks great. Im making my first trip to Montana next month and will submit an off road review then. Im sure I wont be disappointed. I traded my Audi A6 S- line in for this. I thought I was going to compromise some driving performance for a better fishing vehicle, surprise! The LR2 has a very sprited inline 6 that wont leave you wanting for more power. Great job Land Rover!
