Acceleration

V8 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. Maximum towing capacity is 7700 lb.

Fuel Economy

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
2	2	3.6

Test V8 models averaged 12.8-14.1 mpg in mixed driving, 15.5 mpg with more highway use. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
6	6	5.7

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

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
4	4	5.6

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 control. Over hills, mud, and rocks, the LR3 is a billy goat, and Terrain Response System takes guesswork out of most off-road driving.

Quietness

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
7	7	6.5

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

Controls

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
5	4	6.5

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.

Details

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Most interior materials are of high quality, but the lack of wood or other fancy trim makes the cabin feel more durable than rich.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
7	7	7.3

Commanding driving position. Comfortable, upright seats, though some testers find them too firm. 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. Visibility aft compromised by headrests when third-row seat is in place.

Room/Comfort (rear)

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Second, 3rd-row seats unusually comfortable to most, some testers found the cushions too firm. Ample head room, but leg room only adequate. 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

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
8	8	7.8

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 subject of 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

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
5	4	5.9

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, and so is Land Rover resale value.

Total Score

V8 SE	HSE	Class Average
63	61	67.6

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		54
Average Score		67
High Score		82