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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  Awesome Luxury SUV for the Money - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Mark Bulleri - December 17 - 2:13 am

  We love our LR2. We tested the MDX and Nissan Murano and as soon as we got into the LR2 and started it up, we were hooked. Our eyes said it all and our salesman knew he hooked us. There are 2 improvements that I would have wanted, more horsepower for changing lanes on the highway and the bluetooth doesnt work with my blackberry. But all in all, I would highly recommend the LR2 it is fun to drive and is super stylish.

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  Great hidden gem. - 2013 Land Rover LR2
  By Tom - December 13 - 3:18 am

  I have a 2013 lr2 which I bought used and its been an absolute delight to drive. Its tough in the snow and handles it with ease an expertise, easily navigating the accumulated feet of snow and ice collected on our streets here in Buffalo NY. Its got great pick up and can be described as peppy as the engine picks up pretty quickly with pretty good acceleration and passing speed. Everyone who gets inside of it is impressed by its understated class and prestige and its commanding presence. The seats are more similar to the cockpit of an airplane as you sit straight up with armrests that are similar to a planes with great visibility if the road from all windows. Despite its off road credentials, its a really smooth ride. The Bluetooth works great and its awesome not having to fool around with an aux chord. As soon as I get into the truck, it syncs and plays all of my downloaded music. It has heated seats and a heated steering wheel as well as a winter mode which automatically raises your wipers off the ceiling to avoid freezing to the windshield . For someone who doesnt want to dump the cash into a range rover, has a small family and doesnt need the 3rd row seating of the lr4 and if you dont like the newer rounded style that land rover is adopting in contrast to the classic classy boxy lines still possessed by these, then it might be a great choice. Not sure why they never caught on in the US but now as an owner, I believe its our countries loss.

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  new LR2 experience so far - 2010 Land Rover LR2
  By Ann Montgomery - November 19 - 12:26 am

  My new LR2 has 230 miles on it.I knew the day after I purchased it that it was ergonomically all wrong for me. The arm rest is very thin and cuts the circulation no matter what height or arm position. If you put the arm rest up there is no where to put your arm. What is worse is that in the up position, the metal adjustment screw, (about 2" x 3")sits inches from the right temple area of your head. Scary. The seat positions are limited, inability to angle front of drivers seat cuts leg circulation. It rattles alot and "ka-thunks" in several areas, over every little bump. I sure hope it has good off road ability to make up for the lack of comfort and road noise.

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  1 year and going strong - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Rick - October 27 - 7:13 pm

  I have had my Tambora Flame LR2 for just over 1 year now. I have had no problems with my vehicle at all. I still get lots of positive comments about its looks. The only time my vehicle has been in the shop has been for scheduled maintenance and 1 moonroof recall. I am still impressed with all the standard equipment for the price and still very impressed with the ride and comfort for a compact SUV.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By NY / SI - October 11 - 9:06 am

  Had it since April-no major problems (no sound from radio fixed by software re-load, small ratle in the door fixed during 6 mo. service. Great car overall with very decent acceleration esp in Sports mode, very comfy seats and very decent OEM sound system

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  Needs a diesel engine! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Ray Moss - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my LR2 (called a Freelander 2 in England) in the UK. I wanted a diesel engine so I opted for the UK version. Its strong and gets about 35 MPG around town. The manual 6 speed is smooth. Ive been off road and up and down the highways. I love this vehicle.

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  Totally disappointed - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Totally disappointed - July 16 - 5:43 pm

  I loved the looks of the SUV. But the maintenance is terrible. New brakes and Rotors at 22,000? Never before in a vehicle Have I had this happen and then New tires needed at 28,000. I was Told that I got the average life out of brakes and Max out of Tires. I had problems with air noise and with the front end steering from day one. I have traded car for BMW that has showed me a Rover is not the way to GO. Very disappointed in the up-keep of this SUV. Glad to no longer be an owner of this SUV.

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  500 miles and loving it - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Kman - June 27 - 11:16 am

  I recently purchased the new LR2 and must say that at 500 miles I love this vehicle. It may to a little too early to tell but I am confident this will set a new bar for LR. The vehicle has the 3 options packages (climate, lighting and tech) which I was at first apprehensive on paying for. However when you consider that Hondas and Suzukis come with leather, navigation and decent sound systems it only makes sense to get a Land Rover loaded.

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  Great Choice When Off-Road is a Priority - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Jean Orr - June 22 - 6:23 am

  Have owned since the end of August, & have put 6,000 miles on the vehicle. I bought it because Im a Real Estate Broker and sell large acreage properties upstate NY and wanted a good off-roader that wouldnt break the bank in the mpg department. Also, something with alittle snob appeal to impress my clients. This vehicle fits the bill perfectly--great off-road over hill and dale (and the back 40-- acres--that is), but has a wonderful on-pavement ride, my clients find it very comfortable, love the climate control, visibility, good acceleration, sound system, easy-to- use nav system, and, the interior finish is understated but elegant with nice wood accents. Has been mechanically perfect so far.

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  Great Buy! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By DPA - June 8 - 12:50 pm

  I bought the LR2 in July 07 and just hit 28,000 miles. Other than taking it in every 7500 miles for service, there have been no problems to report. It rides very smooth on the road, and handles well at high speeds.