2005-2008 Land Rover LR3: Road Test

We haven't driven the V6, but the V8 delivers good, not great, scoot in this weighty SUV. Land Rover says LR3 does 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds, placing it midpack for this class. There is ready power in highway passing, but the transmission is slow to downshift on hills. Throttle response changes depending on the transfer-case setting; it is less sensitive in low range for better off-road control. Engine noise is nicely subdued; some highway-speed wind noise is the only demerit of note. Fuel economy is typical of a big SUV, poor. Our test SE averaged 12.8-14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. A test HSE averaged 15.5 mpg in exclusively freeway travel. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel. Ride and handling are also typical for a large SUV in this class. The LR3 is comfortably absorbent over bumps, though rear-seat passengers notice some hop on rough roads. Dips and wavy surfaces induce some residual bobbing. The steering is nicely weighted and the tires are grippy, but LR3 feels a bit top heavy on twisty roads and in fast lane changes. A tight turning circle means good parking lot maneuverability. The brakes are easy to modulate and have impressive stopping power. Over hills, mud, and rocks, the LR3 is a billy goat, and the Terrain Response System takes guesswork out of most off-road driving. The interior has some of the quirks that Land Rover is known for. Small print makes the gauges difficult to read at a glance, and the controls are a somewhat confusing jumble of switches, knobs, and buttons. The radio and navigation and climate systems are hard to decipher. On the positive side, the off-road settings trigger a graphic display of front-wheel angle--a useful feature. Interior materials are of high quality, but the lack of wood or fancy trim lend LR3 an upscale outdoorsy look rather than uptown opulence. Those who like SUVs will be pleased with the commanding driving position. The seats are comfortable and upright. Head and leg room are ample. Visibility is excellent, and is aided by front and rear obstacle detection on HSE. Step-in height is acceptable when the LR3 is set to the lowest suspension setting; difficult at the highest setting. Climbing into the 3rd row is complicated by the tall step-in and narrow pass-through. The 2nd and 3rd-row seats, however, are unusually comfortable, with ample head and leg room. Three adults fit in the 2nd row, but we wouldn't recommend it on long drives. Utility is also a plus. The tall cargo hold has ample volume with five seats, and reasonably good load space with seven. Both of the rear rows fold flat to create a spacious load floor, but are awkward to fold/unfold. The clamshell-style tailgate is open to debate: some testers say it complicates loading/unloading, others praise its versatility. There are numerous useful bins and cubbies in the cabin, but the glovebox difficult to open if passenger seat occupied.

Value for the Money
In a class trending toward ever-more-carlike SUVs, the tall, off-road-oriented LR3 seems anachronistic. In reality, it's used exactly the way its more-carlike competition is, and in that capacity, delivers good passenger and cargo room and unexpected comfort. Though compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics, as well as poor fuel economy, the LR3 is worth a look for anyone who wants a capable off-roader that is civilized enough for every day duty.