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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  Love it - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By MAS - April 1 - 11:00 am

  Couldnt be happier. Very practically design. Have a black, fully loaded SE that I got for less than the wifes Highlander. Looked at them all and if you want useful features, this is the most for the money. Handles great, I get 19.5 mpg averaging 41 mph combined driving. Very comfortable, Nav & bluetooth are great as well as the heated windshield. Have to love the Volvo engines, 240 K on my last one and it still ran as good as the day I bought it. You can tell its built for the long run. Only 3600 miles on it thus far no problems. I didnt even know the LR2 exited when I was looking. Saw it on Edmunds, ended up test driving it 6 times before buying.

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  Love it! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Gary Wood - March 8 - 11:10 pm

  Other than one misalignment of the sunroof (which has worked perfectly after repair), the LR2 has been a gem. I am completely satisfied and with close to 45K, it is still like new. We have driven it across country a couple of times without a problem.

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  I think I bought a lemon - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By DLW - February 27 - 9:43 am

  I loved my LR2 so much, until numerous electrical issues, having to get it towed twice, $900.00 break jobs. The car looks great inside and out, but I have had nothing but problems with it and it is exceptionally expensive to service. Even oil changes...can only be done by the dealer. I would not recommend this car, unless you have a lot of expendable income you would like to blow on service issues!

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  A little glitch but still good - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Dwheels - January 13 - 1:00 am

  I bought my LR2 and took it home, unfortunately the fan module broke and the fan ran for an hour after I got home, I had to disconnect the battery and take it back in the morning. They patched it up and I was on my way. I work in Construction, and this car rocked out on the site, no problems in the sand or mud, it wa great! Got it a bit dirty, but handled great. I expect a few more glitches to come, but the service staff was great, so I didnt worry.

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  Fun little SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Mike - November 27 - 8:16 am

  Just purchased my LR2 a month ago. I love it! Its fun to drive, comfortable, and looks great. Im making my first trip to Montana next month and will submit an off road review then. Im sure I wont be disappointed. I traded my Audi A6 S- line in for this. I thought I was going to compromise some driving performance for a better fishing vehicle, surprise! The LR2 has a very sprited inline 6 that wont leave you wanting for more power. Great job Land Rover!

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  Fantastic SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By MarkHalp - November 23 - 1:40 pm

  I traded "down" to the LR2 from the Range Rover Sport and love this SUV. In some ways it is a more enjoyable vehicle. It has more interior room than the Sport, a comparable stereo, looks and for 2/3rds of the price. Although I have only owned this vehicle for a month it has had no problems which is better than I experienced with the Sport in the same time period. Recommended.

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  Very Nice for the price - 2009 Land Rover LR2
  By Willy - October 30 - 9:20 pm

  IT is a very nice car if you are looking for smaller SUV. there are lots of competition from Medz, Lex, BMW, Volvo, Acura ect. But the price is very fair for what you get. It is more like a truck than the other car- based. But still rides nice. Eventhough it is the lowest end Land Rover, it has the look and feel of the more e xpensive one, like the Sport.

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  94,000 mile review - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mks9 - October 29 - 4:12 am

  Been very reliable. Only routine maintenance. Oil changes, brakes at 75,000 miles, tires about every 42,000 miles. Fun to drive, good gas mileage for its size. Still dont like te key, but it seems to be the new trend. At the moment, its the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. Its my 6th vehicle and I never get rid of them with under 150K miles on them.

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  Dig it - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Jim - October 22 - 2:10 pm

  The car is truly great to drive. Love the standard features and overall look of the car.

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  love my LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By gerd Budden - September 11 - 3:26 pm

  I leased the car Sept 07 and drive about 15k a year. We had a lot of snow this winter in Oregon. the 4-wheel drive system is outstanding. often I was the only driver in my family, could go everywhere. there are no blind spots, the finishing is superb. this is a quality car that pleases. I took some trips and got up to 26.9 miles on the freeway. I give it a 10