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2006 Land Rover LR3 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2006 Land Rover LR3 Review
LR3 is Land Rover's least-expensive model, and the only one available with seven-passenger seating. It comes in base form with a 216-hp V6 and as SE and HSE models with a 300-hp V8. All have a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. A 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity is standard on HSE, optional on Base and SE models. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags for all seating rows are standard. LR3s have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. This system has a console switch that enables the driver to change suspension and powertrain calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading. A locking center differential is standard, a locking rear differential is available. ABS, traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors, and hill descent control are standard. LR3 has an air-spring suspension with four available ride heights and load leveling. A navigation system is standard on HSE, available on SE. Also available are leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights, and heated front seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X.
News
LR3 is now just two model years old, so no major changes are expected for a while.
2006 Land Rover LR3 Road Test
Pros Cons
Passing power Instruments/controls
True off-road ability Fuel economy
Passenger and cargo room Entry/exit (3rd-row)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SE HSE Class Average
6 6 6.2

No opportunity to test V6 version. V8 delivers good, not great, scoot in this weighty SUV. Land Rover says 8 sec 0-60 mph, which is midpack for this class. LR3 has ready power in highway passing, but transmission slow to downshift on hills. Throttle response changes with transfer-case setting, is less sensitive in low range for better off-road control.
Fuel Economy

SE HSE Class Average
2 2 3.4

Test SE averaged 12.8-14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test HSE averaged 15.5 mpg in exclusively freeway travel. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

SE HSE Class Average
6 6 5.5

Rear-seat passengers notice some hop on rough roads, but LR3 is comfortably absorbent over bumps big and small overall. Dips, wavy surfaces induce some residual bobbing.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SE HSE Class Average
4 4 5.7

Steering nicely weighted, tires grippy, but LR3 feels a bit top heavy on twisty roads and in fast lane changes. Tight turning circle means good parking lot maneuverability. Brakes easy to modulate and have impressive stopping power. Over hills, mud, and rocks, the LR3 is a billy goat, and Terrain Response System takes guesswork out of most off-road driving.
Quietness

SE HSE Class Average
7 7 6.6

Some highway-speed wind noise is the only demerit of note.
Controls

SE HSE Class Average
6 5 6.6

Small print makes gauges difficult to read at a glance. Controls a somewhat confusing jumble of switches, knobs, buttons. Radio, navigation, climate systems hard to decipher. Off-road settings trigger graphic display of front-wheel angle--a useful feature. Interior materials of high quality, but lack of wood, fancy trim leans to upscale outdoorsy rather than uptown opulent.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE HSE Class Average
7 7 7.5

Commanding driving position. Comfortable, upright seats. Ample head, leg room. Excellent visibility aided by front and rear obstacle detection on HSE. Step-in SUV-acceptable when vehicle set to lowest suspension setting; difficult at highest setting.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SE HSE Class Average
7 7 6.3

Second, 3rd-row seats unusually comfortable, with ample head, leg room. Three adults fit in 2nd row, but we wouldn't recommend it on long drives. Climbing to 3rd row complicated by tall step-in, narrow pass-through.
Cargo Room

SE HSE Class Average
8 8 7.9

Tall cargo hold has ample volume with five seats, reasonably good load space with seven. Both rear rows fold flat to create spacious load floor, but are awkward to fold/unfold. Clamshell-style tailgate open to debate: some testers say it complicates loading/unloading, others praise its versatility. Numerous useful bins, cubbies in cabin, but glovebox difficult to open if passenger seat occupied.
Value within Class

SE HSE Class Average
5 5 5.8

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. Ultimately, it's compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics. Fuel economy is subpar, too.
Total Score

SE HSE Class Average
58 57 61.5
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
52
Average Score
61
High Score
73
2006 Land Rover LR3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 4-door wagon $38,285 $34,839 $715
SE 4-door wagon $44,985 $40,936 $715
HSE 4-door wagon $52,985 $48,216 $715
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 4-wheel traction control, locking center differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, hill descent control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power front seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, height-adjustable and load-leveling air suspension.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, rear fog light.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/60HR18 tires, alloy wheels.
SE adds to Base:
Powertrain
4.4-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/alcantara upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, power sunroof, Harman/Kardon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, iPod connector, rear radio controls, illuminated visor mirrors, glass roof panels.
HSE adds to SE:
Safety
3rd-row curtain side airbags, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Memory system (driver seat, mirrors), 3rd-row split folding seat, rear climate controls, navigation system, upgraded Harman/Kardon sound system, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers, front fog lights, 255/55HR19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
SE Premium Pkg.
Base
$3,000
$2,730
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 6-way power passenger seat, front-seat folding armrests, power sunroof, Harman/Kardon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, glass roof panels.
Luxury Pkg.
HSE
$1,750
$1,593
Cold Climate Pkg. plus center-console cooler box, steering-linked adaptive headlights.
Rear Seat and Climate Pkg.
Base, SE
$2,200
$2,002
3rd-row curtain side airbags, 2nd-row 35/30/35 split folding seat, additional front cupholder, 3rd-row split folding seat, rear automatic climate controls and vents, rear map lights and auxiliary-power outlet, cargo net.
Cold Climate Pkg.
Base, HSE, SE
$1,300
$1,183
Heated front and 2nd-row seats, heated windshield, heated washer jets.
Lighting Pkg.
SE
$1,400
$1,274
Rear-obstacle-detection system, automatic bi-xenon headlights w/washers, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights.
Heavy-Duty Pkg.
Base, HSE, SE
$625
$569
Locking rear differential, full-size spare tire w/alloy wheel.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SE
$2,650
$2,412
Includes voice activation. Requires Lighting Pkg.
Satellite radio
Base, HSE, SE
$400
$364
Requires monthly fee. Base requires SE Premium Pkg.
Wireless cell phone link
SE
$400
$364
Center-console cooler box
SE
$250
$228
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
Base, HSE, SE
$400
$364
2006 Land Rover LR3 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Land Rover LR3 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 113.6
Overall Length, in. 190.9
Overall Width, in. 75.4
Overall Height, in. 74.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 5315
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 90.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.8
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 40.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 42.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.6
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.0 /245 4.4 /268
Horsepower @ rpm. 216 @ 3000 300 @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 269 @ 3000 315 @ 4000
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
6-speed automatic 14/19 14/18
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Land Rover LR3 4-door wagon
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 6/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance 4/50,000 LR3 and Range Rover only.
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: England
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive
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