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2008 Land Rover LR2 Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
2008 Land Rover LR2 Review
The 2008 Land Rover LR2 is this premium SUV maker's new entry-level model. It seats five and has all-wheel drive without a low-range gear for off-roading. SE and up-level HSE models are offered. The sole powertrain teams a 230-hp inline 6-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. LR2 comes with Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which uses a console switch to alter suspension and powertrain calibrations to suit a variety of on- and off-road conditions. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Standard features include leather upholstery, rear-obstacle detection, and a sunroof. HSE model additions include body-color trim, a rear spoiler, and 19-inch wheels. There are three option packages available: a Lighting Package that includes steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and a driver's seat/mirrors memory system; a Cold Climate Package that includes an electrically heated windshield; and a Technology Package that includes a navigation system and satellite radio.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact SUVs are luxury SUVs that are compact in size. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommend Pick is the Infiniti EX35.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Infiniti EX35 and Land Rover LR2.
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2008 Land Rover LR2 Road Test
Pros Cons
Ride Steering feel
Visibility Brake-pedal feel
Handling/roadholding Radio controls
Build quality
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SE Class Average
5 6

Adequate overall, aided by a smooth and responsive automatic transmission. Land Rover claims 8.4 seconds 0-60 mph, but it doesn't feel that quick. LR2 lacks solid midrange punch and struggles a bit up steep grades.
Fuel Economy

SE Class Average
5 4.5

In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 20.2 mpg. Land Rover recommends premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality

SE Class Average
6 5.5

Few compact SUVs ride better overall. LR2's soft suspension with long wheel travel absorbs big ruts and dips but allows mild pitching. SE's 18-inch tires can cause minor thump and jiggle on sharp bumps and rippled freeways. The stout-feeling structure compensates. We have not yet tested an HSE, which has 19-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SE Class Average
6 6.3

Stable and well-planted on-road feel, though LR2's tall body leans more than we like in fast turns, and the steering is a tad sloppy and slow. One test model's brakes felt touchy at times. The Terrain Response system and generous ground clearance provided sure passage on tricky off-road driving courses despite the fact that this vehicle doesn't have low-range gearing.
Quietness

SE Class Average
6 6.3

This engine is a bit loud at full throttle but sounds nice and is unobtrusive otherwise. Wind rush is moderate at highway speeds and some tire thrum is noticed on grooved or coarse pavement.
Controls

SE Class Average
6 6

Most switchgear is simple, handy, and intuitive, though a few dashboard icons puzzle. The climate controls are low-set but easy enough to operate. The audio system is independent of the navigation system, a plus, but its display is tough to read. The gauges are large and legible. The navigation system lacks voice activation but is pretty easy to program and its screen is big.
Details

SE Class Average
7 6.5

The LR2's cabin takes a cue from more expensive Range Rovers by offering high-quality wood and leather trim, solid-feeling plastics, and a blocky design imparting an upscale but sporty feel. LR2 comes with a two sunroofs, but Land Rover provides only perforated sunshades, which don't do a great job of keeping out heat and bright rays.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE Class Average
6 6.8

Large folks might find it slightly cozy, but there's adult-size legroom and headroom on supportive, chair-height seats. Step-in is a bit high, but manageable. The driver gets fine outward visibility, though the thin heating wires embedded in the optional heated windshield take some getting used to.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SE Class Average
5 5.3

Like other compact-class SUVs, LR2 isn't wide enough for three adults to sit comfortably in back, but two have good headroom and shoulder space, plus decent knee and leg space unless the front seats are moved well rearward. Some of our testers found the bench seat nothing special, but others found it firm and supportive. Rear entry and exit are a bit tight due to LR2's high-rider stance and smallish door openings.
Cargo Room

SE Class Average
8 8

Load volume isn't generous for a compact SUV, but what's there is usefully shaped and easily accessed. The split rear seat double-folds to increase space and form a flat cargo deck. Good cabin storage includes large door pockets with bottle holders.
Value within Class

SE Class Average
6 5.8

The LR2 mainly targets the Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35 in price and market position. It's somewhat slower and a bit less agile than those rivals but trumps them and most others in ride quality and off-road ability. Basically, Land Rover shrinks what's best about its larger, costlier LR3 model into a more sensibly sized and remarkably refined new package.
Total Score

SE Class Average
66 67
Scores for all Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
61
Average Score
67
High Score
73
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2008 Land Rover LR2 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
SE 4-door wagon $33,985 $30,926 $775
HSE 4-door wagon $35,375 $32,191 $775
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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
LR2 0%-5.9% financing. Customer 06/30/08
LR2 $2750 dealer incentive. Dealer 06/30/08
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
SE
Powertrain
3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, driver knee airbag, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, hill ascent and descent control, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, power sunroof w/fixed rear glass panel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Adjustable suspension, 235/60VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
HSE adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 235/55R19 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Technology Pkg.
HSE, SE
$3,500
$3,185
Navigation system, Dolby sound system, satellite radio, rear radio controls, wireless cell phone link.
Cold Climate Pkg.
HSE, SE
$700
$637
Heated front seats, heated windshield w/heated washers.
Lighting Pkg.
HSE, SE
$1,050
$956
Bi-xenon headlights, mirror-mounted puddle lights, memory system (driver seat, mirrors).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Satellite radio
HSE
$800
$728
Includes wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
HSE, SE
$400
$364
235/60R18 tires
HSE
$0
$0
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2008 Land Rover LR2 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 2008 Land Rover LR2 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 104.7
Overall Length, in. 177.1
Overall Width, in. 85.7
Overall Height, in. 68.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 4255
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 58.9
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.9
Rear Head Room, in. 39.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.2 /195
Horsepower @ rpm. 230 @ 6300
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 234 @ 3200
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
6-speed automatic 16/23
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 2008 Land Rover LR2 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 --
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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