2008 Land Rover LR3: Road Test
2008 Land Rover LR3 ▼
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- MSRP: $48,525 -$54,025
- Invoice: $44,158 -$49,163
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Our road test for the 2008 Land Rover LR3 includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Land Rover LR3 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Land Rover LR3, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Land Rover LR3 help you decide if a 2008 Land Rover LR3 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
The V8 delivers good, but not great, acceleration in this weighty SUV. Land Rover says 8.5 seconds 0-60 mph, which is midpack for this class. The LR3 has ready power in highway passing, but its transmission is slow to downshift on hills. Throttle response changes with the transfer-case setting, it is less sensitive in low range for better off-road control.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 3.2 |
Dismal, even for the class. In Consumer Guide testing, we averaged 12.8-14.1 mpg in city/highway driving and 15.5 mpg in exclusively freeway travel. Land Rover recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Rear-seat passengers may notice some hop on rough roads, but overall the LR3 is comfortably absorbent over bumps big and small. Dips and wavy surfaces induce some residual bobbing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
The steering is nicely weighted and the tires are grippy, but the 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 control. Over hills, mud, and rocks, the LR3 is a billy goat, and the 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 |
The gauges have small print that makes them difficult to read at a glance. The controls are a somewhat confusing jumble of switches, knobs, and buttons. The radio, navigation, and climate systems are hard to decipher. Off-road settings trigger a graphic display of front-wheel angle--a useful feature.
DETAILS
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
The interior materials are of high quality, but the lack of wood and other fancy trim leans to upscale outdoorsy rather than uptown opulent.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.4 |
LR3 offers a commanding driving position with comfortable and upright seats. There is ample headroom and legroom. Excellent visibility is aided by front and rear obstacle detection on HSE. Step-in is SUV-acceptable when vehicle set to lowest suspension setting but is difficult at the highest setting.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
The second and 3rd-row seats are unusually comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom. Three adults fit in the 2nd row, but we wouldn't recommend it on long drives. Climbing to the 3rd row is complicated by the tall step-in and a narrow pass-through.
CARGO ROOM
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
The tall cargo hold has ample volume with five seats, and reasonably good load space with seven. Both rear rows fold flat to create a spacious load floor, but the seats are awkward to fold and unfold. The clamshell-style tailgate is the subject of debate: some testers say it complicates loading and unloading, while others praise its versatility. There are numerous useful bins and cubbies in the cabin, but the glovebox is difficult to open if the passenger seat is occupied.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
In a class trending toward ever-more-car-like SUVs, the tall, off-road-oriented LR3 seems anachronistic. In reality, it's used exactly the way its more-car-like 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
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | 64 | 68.1 |
Total Score: 65
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