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2008 Land Rover LR3 Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Land Rover LR3 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover LR3 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Land Rover LR3 Review
The 2008 Land Rover LR3 loses its V6 engine but gains a standard power front passenger seat and revised interior trim. This is the only Land Rover with seven-passenger seating. It comes in SE and HSE trims, both with a 300-hp 4.4-liter V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 7716 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. 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, and a locking rear differential is available. LR3 has an air-spring suspension with four available ride heights and automatic load leveling. A navigation system and bi-xenon headlights are standard on HSE, available on SE. Heated front and rear seats are optional for all, and adaptive headlights are optional for HSE.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
News
LR3 is now four model years old--quite young by Land Rover standards--so no major changes are expected for a while.
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2008 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
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
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
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 1 | 1 | 3.3 |
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
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
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
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
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
Some highway-speed wind noise is the only demerit of note.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Some highway-speed wind noise is the only demerit of note.
Controls
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
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
The interior materials are of high quality, but the lack of wood and other fancy trim leans to upscale outdoorsy rather than uptown opulent.
| 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)
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
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)
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
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
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
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
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.
| SE | HSE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
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 | 69.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 60 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 80 |
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2008 Land Rover LR3 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| SE 4-door wagon | $48,525 | $44,158 | $775 |
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| HSE 4-door wagon | $54,025 | $49,163 | $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 |
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| LR3 | 0%-5.9% financing. | Customer | 06/30/08 |
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| LR3 | $6000-$7000 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
4.4-liter V8 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, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, hill descent control, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls and rear controls, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, harman/kardon AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, rear radio controls, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, glass roof panels, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, headlight washers, front and rear fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Height-adjustable and load-leveling air suspension, 255/60HR18 tires, alloy wheels.
HSE adds to V8 SE:
Safety
Front-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), wood interior trim, navigation system w/voice recognition, passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid mirror, upgraded harman/kardon sound system, wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights, 255/55HR19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Luxury Pkg.
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HSE
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$2,750
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$2,503
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Cold Climate Pkg. plus upgraded leather upholstery, center-console cooler box, steering-linked adaptive headlights.
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Technology Pkg.
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SE
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$3,500
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$3,185
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Navigation system w/voice recognition, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, center console cooler box.
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Cold Climate Pkg.
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HSE, SE
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$1,300
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$1,183
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Heated front and 2nd-row seats, heated windshield, heated washer jets.
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Heavy-Duty Pkg.
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HSE, SE
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$625
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$569
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Locking rear differential, full-size spare tire w/alloy wheel.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Wireless cell phone link
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SE
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$800
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$728
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Includes satellite radio.
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Satellite radio
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HSE
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$400
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$364
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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HSE, SE
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$400
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$364
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Bi-xenon headlights
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SE
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$750
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$683
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Includes front-obstacle-detection system.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 5796 |
| 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
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.4 /268 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 300 @ 5500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 315 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 6-speed automatic | 12/17 |
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 | -- |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Land Rover LR3 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Land Rover LR3 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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