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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  Best truck I have owned - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By TN - October 24 - 2:46 pm

  changed from a lexus GX to LR3 and its been great. Rides a lot better than the lexus, handles well, tows my boat over anything where the lexus always felt strained. Advanced drive systems do work well in the truck off road. Alot of room and a great load carrier. If you need a real SUV and not just a road machine then this Landrover is the one to go for. It can be thirsty and so far i have only had one fault which was fixed by the dealer while i waited.

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  LR3 HSE7 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By KandG - October 16 - 3:16 am

  We cross shopped the BMW X5 4.8is, X5 3.0 (0nly one with a manual) and Volvo XC90 V8. LR3 won out over others for features at price point and legendary capability of the marque. So far so good. Mileage has been better than average (approx 19.7mpg) LR3 is very stable at triple digit speeds on the autobahn. Utility, versatility and ergonomics are great. Steering feel is perfect and not overboosted like the Volvo. Only wishes really are for a manual tranny, cloth seats/rubber mats (leather is too much to upkeep) and Tdi options stateside. Navigation could have better input control such as a column stalk/selector. Touch screens tend to get tedious. Voice Command is really unnecessary.

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  Fabulous Beast - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By bgsntth - September 5 - 5:00 am

  I just turned in our SE V8. It was a truly wonderful truck, and we fully utilized every aspect of its function and performance. We have had many luxury SUVs that performed the dual duty of soccer mom mobile and ranch truck. The LR3 exceeded beyond everything in both aspects, and was more reliable than all the others barring the Lexus GX. Cargo area is huge, rear seats are roomy and comfortable for adults, off-road capability with Terrain-response is w/o peer -barring my wifes 08 RR. Only wish it had the Dynamic Response and a diesel option.

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  Love/Hate Relationship? - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By jclay1965 - August 26 - 4:36 am

  After pondering the decision to buy a LR3 V8 HSE after renting one for a week in California last year, finally got around to doing it this week. I can already tell it will most likely be a love/hate relationship. Right out the door, had to bring the LR3 back to the dealership the very next day, as there was some noticeably bad wobble/vibration coming from one or more of the wheels/tires. Also the seat memory switch #1 was DOA. While it was in being fixed, apparently the check engine light came on, and they fixed that as well, after running an engine diagnostic. I love the car, but we are off to a rough start. The dealership, on the other hand, is fantastic!

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  A Car with a Feel Good Factor - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By GuyC - June 24 - 4:03 am

  On a whim went for a test drive & I have to say the ride surprised me. I came away wanting to buy the car but needed to do some ‘web’ research. I found so many negative reviews, the fuel economy & bad reliability that I rang the dealer & declined the deal we had discussed. A couple of days later I felt the pain of ‘non buyers remorse’ I dug deeper & found the fuel economy is really no different to any other SUV of this size and capability. I went back, got the car, The fuel economy on commute is ~16mpg. When I drive, it feels like I should take a picnic to a polo game. This is without a doubt a car that makes you feel good and well worth the time to investigate properly.

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  Getting your dream SUV - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By natosanj - June 21 - 1:36 am

  I have a fully loaded LR3 HSE 2006. Great SUV. Dream come true. Sluggish at the starting line. Breaks make noise when try to stop at low spped. For a 60K car I am little dissapointed. Besides the breaks I can not wait to go off road and see its capability. Drove it on an icy road with TR on Wet and slippery. The SUV drove like a champ. Not a single slip at any urban speed.

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  Great Vehicle SHORT TERM.. NO longevity - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By jaison - June 4 - 10:46 pm

  Love the vehicle for the past 6 months+ few quirks that the dealer had to fix. Terrible gas mileage. I am not a stickler on gas though I am getting ONLY 10 miles to the gallon on average between city & hwy. It says that it should give you 14 city 18 hwy (B.S.) That is 60 percent less than expected! I have come from an Escalade and even that brougth me close to 15 mpg. Love staying with american products.

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  Good Ride - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Fast Eddie - April 17 - 9:50 am

  I own a new LR3 and enjoy the ride qualities of this SUV, very smooth and quiet. On the freeway it seems a bit sluggish but once up to speed it really holds its own and again the ride is very smooth. I have had some issues with the check engine light coming on and off, make sure you screw the gas cap on snuggly the MILS system is very sensitive and this will cause the engine light to come on. One thing to be leery of is the vehicle only takes super unleaded (91 octane) that is a huge chuck out of your wallet with the price of fuel, the dealer will not tell you this. Overall I do enjoy driving and owning the LR3.

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  Fun to Drive - - - When Not In the Shop - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Colt45 - April 14 - 3:46 pm

  My LR3 has spent more time on the road than on the road - - 3 weeks so far. (With 2 weeks parked while on vacation, and 2 weeks actual driving it.) - - There was paint peeling from the front bumper and the nav system isnt working properly. My local dealer has been excellent. Im hoping LR will figure out whats wrong. I enjoy driving the LR3 during those times Ive had it on the road. Sigh, maybe itll be out of the shop by next week - - Week 4.

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  LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Gary Alzona - April 5 - 4:43 pm

  This is a fantastic vehicle. Very smooth and solid especially when during harsh road condition. I have nothing but praise for this vehicle. Very enjoyable to drive every day.