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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  My LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By rovergal - January 5 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had my car for over a year now and still havent found anything to complain about. Im getting over 25 mpg, it is extremely comfortable to drive, has lots of power when I need it, can traverse muddy, rutty roads with ease, and is just a great car!

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  Excellent medium SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By JAY - July 20 - 9:26 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 3 months, driven it about 4,000 miles and so far has proven to be a great car. Perfect size for 4-5 people. The nav system is simple to operate. There is a lot of information available on the screen. Once you get familiar with it, it becomes easy to read on the fly. Off Road this car showed its Land Rover DNA. The sport mode makes it fun to drive. Great car overall. Very happy with my purchase.

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  So far so Good! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By BluzVox - July 19 - 5:26 am

  Im 64", good head and leg room, comfortable seats, easy access to instruments, good acceleration/power, a lot of extras for the money, good on highway and surface streets, handles well and smooth ride over rougher surfaces - good suspension. Rides like a heavier SUV, drives like a sports car. Really enjoying it! Gas mileage is 19 - 23 highway so far

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  BMW X3 - Watch out! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Sam Pack - July 17 - 10:40 pm

  We went from driving an 05 X5 to this beauty! Thought I would really miss the room but this is just fine for the two of us. The finishing is superb, the look is awesome and we get looks from a lot of people on the road, both young and older. Ours is Narvik Black with tan interior and all the options, GPS, adaptive headlights, upgraded stereo. This true luxury, not BMWs faux luxury and leather"ette". And what a great price difference! Its nice, also, to be different and not look like every other "curve" on 4 wheels out there.

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  2.2 DIESEL LR2 but not in the USA - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Mr. B - June 26 - 6:33 am

  My wife was transfered for temporary assignment in England last year and was provided a car expense fund. She chose a "DIESEL" LR2 (Freelander 2) that is available everywhere in the world except the USA. It is a 2.2 liter common rail, turbo charged unit with an automatic transmission. On a number of trips we took into mainland Europe, we averaged low to mid 30 MPG on the highway and low 20 MPG in city driving. The build quality was excellent and durability was bullet- proof. And the MPG was a shocker! Note: Fuel prices in Europe are considerably higher. She got a great small/mid-sized SUV with all the creature comforts - loaded - for significantly less money compared to BMW or Mercedes.

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  62000 mile report - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mks - May 28 - 5:13 pm

  Still love it. All I have done is change the oil and tires. Average 21 mpg, comfortable and fun to drive. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Would buy another in a minute. Runs great, lots of great features and everthing is wo easy to use.

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  Great 4x4, should have been a sports car - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mike - April 21 - 4:46 pm

  Very impressed with ths vehicle. Glad we waited for its release. The size is right and it handles like a sports car unlike what you might expect. My only gripe might be gas mileage which is increasing as it breaks in. Otherwise we are pleased with all other aspects of this vehicle. My kids love the nav- (we have all options) and find it very easy to use. Would recommend to anyone who wants a real 4x4 and all the options without the big bloated feel of most other 4x4s.

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  Great Fun! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Roverette - March 19 - 9:53 pm

  Enjoyable car to drive. Handles well. Drive is comfortable. Not too hard, not too soft. You have the ability to change how the tranny works and the suspension changes, too. Very roomy, great visibility. Nice looking vehicle. Runs great. Quiet on the road. You can buy this and feel confident that it will be running well for years to come. Very solid automobile.

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  Love the LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By tom m - February 20 - 4:46 am

  This vehicle continues to amaze me with its incredible design features which makes it so enjoyable to drive. It is very comfortable to drive with precise steering and powerful brakes. The fuel economy has been much better than I had expected with mileage rarely less than 20 MPG and as much as 30 MPG when driven at steady 60 MPH. My major problem is getting the car before my wife takes it.

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  More bang for your buck! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By John67 - February 4 - 1:23 pm

  Wow! My new LR2 has been the greatest car Ive ever owned. Where do I begin? Great styling. Other people love it also. Plenty of pep. I like the maintenence being included. I have yet to have any problems. What is there not to like about this car? By far the best in its class. A lot of great standard options. Sunroof standard. Not everyone has one which I great. Im sure Ill start seeing more since they have only been out less than a year and only bring a few into the U.S..Just a great, fun car! Wow!