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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  Adaptive Lighting - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Trooper - June 5 - 11:56 am

  Adaptive lighting failed whilst driving at night on the day I collected my new car. Dealership "upgraded" the software however, this did not rectify the problem. After several emails to Land Rover UK, the diagnosis is that one of the motors needs replacing as the light is not swiveling as far as it should. Identical issue as misswho. Will advise once motor replaced if this solves the problem. I currently (touch wood) have no issues with starting the engine!

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  Looks good, runs bad! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Nikki - June 3 - 11:26 pm

  I have owned the car for a little over 90 days now, and it has been at the dealership for repair for 35 of those days. Parts to fix the LR2 seem to be quite complicated to get, I have been waiting 2 weeks for a gasket on my new cylinder head. But then, who would think you have to replace a cylinder after 90 days? I also had problems with the car not starting/stalling out.

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  62000 mile report - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mks - May 28 - 5:13 pm

  Still love it. All I have done is change the oil and tires. Average 21 mpg, comfortable and fun to drive. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Would buy another in a minute. Runs great, lots of great features and everthing is wo easy to use.

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  Just got it - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By newguy9 - April 30 - 3:30 am

  Just got it 4 days ago & love it. The gas millage is brutal, but love the truck! Cant believe that there are no floormats- thats crazy!

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  Great 4x4, should have been a sports car - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By mike - April 21 - 4:46 pm

  Very impressed with ths vehicle. Glad we waited for its release. The size is right and it handles like a sports car unlike what you might expect. My only gripe might be gas mileage which is increasing as it breaks in. Otherwise we are pleased with all other aspects of this vehicle. My kids love the nav- (we have all options) and find it very easy to use. Would recommend to anyone who wants a real 4x4 and all the options without the big bloated feel of most other 4x4s.

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  Great Fun! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Roverette - March 19 - 9:53 pm

  Enjoyable car to drive. Handles well. Drive is comfortable. Not too hard, not too soft. You have the ability to change how the tranny works and the suspension changes, too. Very roomy, great visibility. Nice looking vehicle. Runs great. Quiet on the road. You can buy this and feel confident that it will be running well for years to come. Very solid automobile.

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  Love the LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By tom m - February 20 - 4:46 am

  This vehicle continues to amaze me with its incredible design features which makes it so enjoyable to drive. It is very comfortable to drive with precise steering and powerful brakes. The fuel economy has been much better than I had expected with mileage rarely less than 20 MPG and as much as 30 MPG when driven at steady 60 MPH. My major problem is getting the car before my wife takes it.

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  More bang for your buck! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By John67 - February 4 - 1:23 pm

  Wow! My new LR2 has been the greatest car Ive ever owned. Where do I begin? Great styling. Other people love it also. Plenty of pep. I like the maintenence being included. I have yet to have any problems. What is there not to like about this car? By far the best in its class. A lot of great standard options. Sunroof standard. Not everyone has one which I great. Im sure Ill start seeing more since they have only been out less than a year and only bring a few into the U.S..Just a great, fun car! Wow!

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  Must love bumps! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Nlighten1 - January 27 - 1:26 am

  This vehicle is amazing at making bumps feel insignificant on the trail. I got 24 MPG highway on my first tank on the highway up to northern Michigan with cruise set at 70 MPH. The bad part is my 2002 Ford Expedition can climb a sand hill way better since the LR2 doesnt have 4 wheel low but has the power to weight advantage. The second day I drove it there were three things wrong with the vehicle. The air bag system warning light is on, a 12 volt power outlet quit working and the MP3 jack quit working. The key (Landrover calls it "the unit") has to be inserted into "the reciever" and then you push the start button to start the vehicle. This process doesnt always work. Bad luck or quality?

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  An authentic off road vehicle - 2009 Land Rover LR2
  By Forester - January 16 - 1:30 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. It is great on the highway and very capable off road. I have driven in mud, deep snow and dirt roads. It may look like a Lexus but the LR2 can really go off road. After 6000 miles no problems. Seems to be put together very well.