Overview & Reviews

For decades, Land Rover SUVs were known primarily for their utility and off-road prowess. During the 1980s, they became more luxurious, but their ability in the dirt has never been in question.

A prime example of this change was the Land Rover LR3, which replaced the aging Discovery. The old "Disco" was long on utility but a little shy on amenities. The LR3 offered a lot more style. Unfortunately, it still suffered from an underwhelming engine, quirky ergonomics and a poor reputation for reliability.

If all-terrain adventures are a frequent family activity and the thought of owning a pedigreed SUV appeals to you, it's hard to think of a better-suited vehicle for the task than a used Land Rover LR3. But if you'll be sticking primarily to pavement, other luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX or Lexus RX 350 will be better choices.

Most Recent Land Rover LR3 Models
The Land Rover LR3 was produced from 2005-'09. Originally, there were SE and HSE trim levels. The SE came standard with a 216-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 (we would avoid this), while the HSE got a 300-hp 4.4-liter V8. The V8 became standard on all LR3s for 2008. The HSE trim essentially became an option package in the final production year. Aside from the third-row seat becoming standard on the HSE for '06 and in the SE for '08, other changes were limited to additional standard features.

Though smaller than the Range Rover, Land Rover's midsize LR3 was still capable. V8 versions could tow up to 7,700 pounds and the LR3 was hard to beat off-road. All variants came standard with fully independent adjustable air suspension and a host of electronic off-road aids. Combined with a locking center differential, an optional electronic rear locker and the LR3's new Terrain Response system, this truck had the ability to climb boulders in a single bound.

At the same time, the LR3 also provided a useful interior as well. There was seating for seven adult passengers and both the second- and third-row seats folded flat to make cargo-hauling easier. The cabin design was a tad utilitarian and lacked the luxurious ambience of its competitors or its successor, the LR4. Another downside was the chaotic mess of little buttons spread upon the dash that could be confusing to use at a glance.

Other than being underpowered given its hefty curb weight, there were few complaints about the way the LR3 drove. It delivered the kind of tight, refined ride we expected from a luxury SUV and the steering provided excellent road feel and more feedback than many of its competitors. A tight turning circle and an effective power assist kept it nimble in parking lots.

In reviews, we were endlessly impressed with the Land Rover LR3's capabilities off-road and continuously surprised at how well it performed on road. However, besides the above concerns, there's also the matter of its thirst for fuel and poor record for reliability. As such, buying an out-of-warranty LR3 without being close friends with a Land Rover mechanic is not the wisest idea.

User Reviews:

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  Amazing Vehicle that keeps giving! - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By socalrover1 - April 13 - 11:50 pm

  The LR3 is the most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned. We have two kids & a dog & weve had our LR3 for 6 months. Interior space is very ample. This truck drives like a car in the city. Its easy to park. Snow or mountains, the LR3 has blown me away at its capabilities. It can do far more than Ill ever have the guts to push it to do. The LR3 is built like a tank. I feel so comfortable with my wife and kids driving around in it. I get about 17 MPG city & 20 on long trips. Painful with prices where they are now, but not bad considering the size and weight of these vehicles. We looked at Mercedes, Volvo, Lexus, Acura, and BMW. No regrets! The family loves the LR3 more each day!

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  What a great family vehicle - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 in VA - March 29 - 8:46 am

  After testing about 6 other mid size SUVs, by far this was the best. Im glad we purchased it!

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  Gas Guzzler - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Asif - January 7 - 4:06 pm

  Just bought the new LR3 SE. Love the drive and the feel of the vehicle. Probably one of the best handling and safest SUVs Ive ever driven. In the last 10 days I filled up the 23 gallon tank 3 times with the recommended premium gas. Each fill up ran about $55. The vehicle got about 250 miles to the tank full or about 11 MPG in city/highway driving. It is suppose to get 14 city/18 highway. Remember it is 4 wheel drive 24/7 and has a V8 300hp, and it is one of the heaviest SUVs out there (over 7,000 lbs.) I would recommend that any potential owner rent this vehicle for one day and track the mileage based on the way you drive. If youre satisfied with the results, then buy this vehicle.

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  All that glitters is not gold!!! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By pat - January 6 - 10:36 am

  I bought my LR3 hot off the presses. But from the get go there was a problem. A nagging vibration in the ride which the dealer claimed he could not feel. The my entire electronic system malfunctioned. The car spent the entire month of Feb. at the dealer. Got the car back only to notice that it would change height by itself when in park mode. After two more visits, Im still holding my breath. The vibration in the ride is still noticeable to me. Oh, and finding a bag of garbage in the cargo area of the car after when I got the car back after one of many visits was not reassuring. Its a beautiful car. The veneer dash inlay for an extra fee is worth it. All that glitters is not gold!!

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  not so reliable - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By vince lombardi - June 20 - 4:10 am

  First Land Rover ive owned kind of disappointed. Its been in the shop too many times in the last year. Plastic Panels on the exterior fallen off 3x, breaks have squeek that dealership has not resolved. Its too bad because i like the ride, great on road trips, although automatic transition through gears could be smoother. There are cheap plastic pieces that cover the front seat tracks affixed to the floor that have cracked in various places, kinda cheap. I have to agree the gas mileage is far from ok, likely $100 to $150/wk in gas. tons of space in the rear w/o the 7 seater, lots of headroom and cabin space. A good friend of mine had his LR3 declared a "lemon"?? Be wary!

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  1st year status - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By 9k9 - June 4 - 4:03 am

  The cooler is great but it will run down the battery. We use it camping. A queen air bed just fits in the back and the LR tent is great. Gas mileage is not so good but we have a Fit for zipping about town. We get suspension faults about once every three months but stopping and resetting the car clears it. First trip was to LA from San Francisco down 5. Cruising at 100 was like being in a jet in first class. During last winter I hit patch of water about 6 inches deep at 50 mph. The car was rock solid and carried straight through. Off road it works well but be aware that steep slopes will cause you to have to reset it.

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  This is a REAL 4X4. - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Stillwaters - March 16 - 10:36 am

  The LR3 is a true 4X4 off road vehicle. Everything else is just a station wagon! I dont know where to begin. The ride on road is smooth, stable, and quiet. Off road, this thing is a "Mountain goat!" Couldnt get it stuck (I tried). The build quality is fantastic, tight, sound and poised; simple, yet elegant. If you have been thinking of buying the Lexus, Acura, or Mercedes, do yourself a huge favor and test drive the LR3. Those other cars are just station wagons is disguise (and boring to look at). The LR3 has personality, and rugged profile, and a cast iron constitution. It will take you anywhere you want to go and then carry you home safe (with a huge smile on your face)...

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  Landrover LR3 HSE - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By F. A - December 27 - 8:06 am

  A remarkable vehicle that sets the benchmark for capable off-roading SUV with refined on-road capabilities. Very ergonomic, has all of the features and more expected from a luxury SUV. If you want plush trim select another SUV e.g. Lexus GX 470. If you want a car with many intuitive features, without sacrificing the need for a "go-anywhere" SUV then the LR3 should be on the top of your test drive list. The V8 is very adaptable and will not leave you wanting more power when you have to get out of the way quickly. The terrain response is really neat and will help you avoid potential accidents. A must in the colder northern US states.

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  05 LR3 SE Bonnetti Gray w/ Charcoal - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Vic in Arlington - November 28 - 2:23 am

  Love to drive this truck. I wish that I had purchased the HSE to get the options. Ive had numerous issues with the truck but the dealership strives to make them right.

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  One Big Problem - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By amf - October 25 - 4:10 am

  Big Problem : This is our familys third Land Rover. A Discovery in 1994, another Discovery in 1998. We loved them both and loved our Service Manager. We needed more power to pull a trailer, so in December we took delivery of a fabulous LR3, V8, HSE. Fabulous except for one thing that makes driving, especially long distance driving, really miserable: the driver (and front passenger) headrest is slanted forward at a really uncomfortable angle. No matter where the seat itself is positioned, the headrest is tilted so that the drivers neck is bent forward; it is impossible to sit up straight and have your back, neck, and head rest comfortably. Check this out before you buy or lease !!!