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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  LR-2, a great vehicle for all occasions! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Fred - November 29 - 3:36 am

  Car is a bargain for the money. Lots of thought went into it, lots of standard equipment. Engine is good, not overly robust, but good. Road characteristics are great and car is quiet. Seating position is very good. HVAC system is excellent. Car should go a long way to erase old stereotypes of Land Rovers. Liked the fact that Ford owned company, dont know how the new owner, TATA will favor. High-intensity headlight option package is terrific, worth the money.

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  Back on the map - 2009 Land Rover LR2
  By Thorsten - November 19 - 4:50 am

  A great car and great value for your money. So far I had no issues, the car feels well build and I love to drive it. For an SUV you can drive it very sporty (has enough power)without feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. The stereo system (Alpine Dolby Surround)is fantastic, bluetooth connects right away to any of my phones (con: could be louder). Navigation is terrific but the updates are very pricey. The breaks are great (I have the 19" wheels) and the engine sounds awesome, Fuel economy is great on average 14-16 mpg city, 23-26 mpg highway (what do you expect it is an SUV). In summary it is a great all- round vehicle, which puts Land Rover back on the map

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  LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By obie - November 6 - 10:06 am

  Drives like a car,very quiet. Turns on a dime and can tow 3600 pounds with trailer with brakes. A fun luxury SUV

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  Thank you Land Rover! - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By u2fan1967 - October 27 - 1:00 pm

  Just picked up a Stornoway Gray, Ebony Interior with the cold Pack. Had it for 3 weeks and absolutely love it. Ive owned 3 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 2 Audis and an Acura TSX and this has been the most fun to own and drive. Handles like a dream and to me the performance is just fine. In Sport Mode rocks! Dont be fooled by the motor trend article that criticizes the perf. Plus the breaking and handling of this SUV is wonderful. Great value when you consider a Toyota Rav4 Limited w/Leather and sunroof runs $30k. The LR2 with cold pack is $34. The X3 was way over priced and the RDX was way to harsh like my TSX was. I wanted smooth and posh, now I got it in style! Thank you Land Rover!

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  Rent before you buy! - 2009 Land Rover LR2
  By W. Debley - October 7 - 11:33 am

  The LR2 was my first choice because of the styling taken from its big brother, the Range Rover sport. Thank goodness I rented before I took the plunge (I backed out). The LR2 is under powered and presents a problem when passing on the highway. The body roll is significant, and if you had to swerve to miss and object in the road , it could get dicey. The off-road capability is robust and it does about 90% of what its larger counter-part can do, so, no complaints there. The seats are small, and hard as a board. The seating position is high and upright. The interior is small, without much cargo space. So forget bringing your buddies and their gear on an outing. The interior is pretty basic.

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  AWESOME! - 2009 Land Rover LR2
  By AWESOME! - August 3 - 9:03 pm

  The LR2 is the best choice in its class period! The stylish and rugged look is what the land rover is about. The interior works for this vehicle and is easy to control. There is more then enough room in the back and excellent head room compared to any of the other vehicles that we looked at. Its a land rover, its unique and its should be on your list of SUVs.

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  Baby Rover - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Chris Nordstrom - July 7 - 5:40 am

  It is sad to read the bad reviews by some owners. I have had many vehicles over the years (including other Land Rovers), but have to say this has been a great vehicle so far. I have owned the vehicle since April and to date have 12,000 miles on it with no problems. Ride, comfort and handling are all great. I average any where from 18-24 MPG depending my combined driving. Better fuel economy would be nice, but it seems to be on par with others in its class and engine size.

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  I love my LR2 - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Jen in 5280 - July 5 - 12:20 pm

  Ive had my LR2 16 months now. I love it. It has never let me down. I have had a few minor problems that the dealer was happy to fix. They even fixed the minorist of complaints. I asked them to readjust my windshield wiper spray and my headlights. The car is excellent in the mountains, excellent in the snow and an excellent daily driver. I have great confidence in my Rover and wouldnt hesitate to drive it anywhere.

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  2008 LR2 HSE - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By LTC - May 22 - 7:10 am

  I have owned it for just under 2 yrs. All service free and one quick recall item while in for service. Average 20 MPG with much stronger V6 than previous Freelander. It handled the record DC snowstorm with ease.

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  Love the car, but - 2008 Land Rover LR2
  By Russ - April 26 - 6:53 am

  We bought the car in Oct 07 fully loaded. We have had the car in the shop 13 different time to repair things like sensors, temp sensor, tire pressure sensor, occupancy sensor on passenger seat (still not working right). We have had many problems with the bluetooth. They put a new module and microphone (still not working right). Navigation problem, not to mention weather stripping and other trim parts replaced. Front drivers seat was replaced after leather cracked. Front windshield had a stress fracture that they replaced. The car has been in the shop the last 5 days they are saying it needs a fuel pump and maybe more. not sure.