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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  24 months and still going strong - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Land Rover Lover - December 20 - 7:56 pm

  I have had my LR2 for 24 months now. This was my 1st land rover purchase but definitely wont be my last. The only problems I have had over the past 2 years have been very minor and very easily and quickly resolved by excellent service at my dealer. I still get many admiring looks and questions about my Tambora Flame colored LR2. I would have paid thousands more for a comparably equipped X3, Q5, or RX350. Considering that routine maintenance was also included sealed the deal. Overall, I have been very happy with my purchase and am always surprised to hear stories of "bad experiences" with LR2s since my experience has been the exact opposite (dependable, comfortable, and reliable).

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  Very Pleased So Far - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Mr. Bill - July 3 - 10:53 am

  After 3 months I have no complaints at all. Its the best riding SUV Ive ever owned. The dark blue looks great on the outside and the alpaca tan leather looks fantastic on the inside. The build quality is excellent all around. After getting used to the ignition system, I dont even think about it anymore.

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  A winner for Land Rover - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mike - May 1 - 10:26 pm

  Excellent vehicle so far! So glad we waited till these were available. Handles like a much smaller vehicle, but feels so capable! Very impressed and confident driving this SUV. Purchased with all options and the color shown on this web site. Excellent Volvo engine pulls very nicely with lots of torque. Nav is great. Wife and kids love it too! The size is just right without that big and bloated feeling we had with other SUVs. Must say the brakes are fantastic and build is top notch!

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  Surprised over-all; very pleased. - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Dave - March 28 - 4:33 am

  I purchased an LR2 with a little trepidation due to the lack of reliability expressed by media auto sources. However, the brand has one of the highest loyalty bases among car owners, so they must be doing something right. I purchased it primarily due to the smaller size and potential economic advantages of a smaller SUV. I have been pleasantly surprised by the vehicle. The mileage is outstanding for an all-wheel drive SUV. I average almost 20 mpg in mostly city driving (Dallas area, and get 23+ on the highway. The ride is not at all typical of a short wheel base SUV. It is extremely comfortable while still giving plenty of control on the road. Fun to drive, and will take me anywhere!

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  I Love It - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By GSR - January 29 - 5:20 am

  I love the Land Rover. I have owned Jags and Mercedes plus most of the American and Japanese cars. After 3 months, I am sold on the LR-2 HSE as a real winner. Certainly, I wish it got a little better gas mileage (I can eek out 17 mpg around town). However, I find the ride quality superb and have absolutely no quarrel with the pick-up. For over all quality, I believe the LR2 iS a stand-out and a fantastic bargain when compared with the BMW, Mercedes, or other top of the line compact SUVs.

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  N - 2010 Land Rover LR2
  By Dirky - January 8 - 4:36 am

  MPG during a 600 mile trip on highway was 27MPG. City is about 22 so far

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  New - 2010 Land Rover LR2
  By LR2 Owner - January 5 - 1:03 am

  I have had my LR2 for a few days now and drove it from New Jersey to Florida and me and my wife are very happy. I have owned 8 cars in the past 10 years and this one is nice! I bought the car with 2000 miles on it and put about 1000 on it during our drive down. Dont listen to all the BS people put on here about how bad it is. Go Google the number one reliable car "Honda accord" and add problems into the search and you will see bad stuff. All cars have problems. The Landrover line of cars are nice and built solid. All newer cars have electrical issues and if you dont like it then purchase an antique car.

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  NO PROBLEMS - 2009 Land Rover LR2
  By Jerry - November 21 - 6:20 pm

  I have just bought this vehicle while away on vacation. I drove it home 525 miles and it was a joy. Gas mileage was 24.8 - 25 mpg while doing 75mph. Everything works as described. I purchased vehicle with the technology and the cold climate packages. I must have bought at the right time because I got $10,000 off the sticker which put the price right at $30,800.

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  150,000 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mks9 - October 27 - 5:09 pm

  Just about to turn 150,000 miles. Been a great vehicle. Only thing that has gone wrong is AM radio and a broken spring on the shift lever. Have only done routine maintenance. Still on 3rd set of tires, brakes replaced at about 75K and oil changes. Best vehicle I have owned and have been driving for about 40 years. Lots of nice little features, and well designed. Handles great and has been reliable. I tow a small boat, carry bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards during the summer. Average about 21 mpg, mostly highway.

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  LR2 is solid - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By yeomancavalry - September 24 - 12:40 pm

  Excellent visibility, excellent ride, and very little wind noise. Standard luxury interior, standard features are simply remarkable for a vehicle within the $35,000 price range. For a small ute it has excellent leg space and headroom. The wide body gives a nice distance between driver and passenger. Dependable terrain response. Fully more off-road capable than initially expected despite not being a true 4x4. GPS is awesome! Well laid out. Very solid doors. Lots of safety standards like drivers knee airbag. Related to the Volvo S81, so you know its safe! Peppy motor and easy access maintenance. Awesome 7.1 channel Dolby, 14 speakers surround sound!