| Premium midsize SUV; Built in England |
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| Good condition price range: $12,500 – $32,700* |
2005 Land Rover LR3
2005 Land Rover LR3
2005 Land Rover LR3
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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. Though compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics, as well as poor fuel economy, the LR3 is worth a look for anyone who wants a capable off-roader that is civilized enough for every day duty.
Overview
Land Rover redesigned its best-selling model for 2005, giving it a new name, new styling, and more power. The LR3 replaced the 1994-2004 Discovery and was nearly 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 5.7 inches longer overall, and some 850 lb heavier. Cargo volume increased by 27 cu ft, but passenger space was little-changed. LR3 retained Discovery’s raised rear roof section, but the spare tire mounted inside instead of out, and a glass liftgate with drop-down tailgate replaced a swing-out cargo door. It had seating for five, or for seven with an optional 3rd row. Front side and curtain side airbags were standard. The curtain airbags covered all seating rows.
LR3 launched with a 300-hp V8 (Discovery had a 217-hp V8). Released midyear was a base V6 version with 216 hp. Both had a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing was standard and included a locking center differential for severe off-road conditions. A locking rear differential was available. Also standard were antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction/antiskid control, and hill descent control. New was Land Rover’s Active Roll Mitigation designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce the chances of a roll.
The V6 LR3 was offered only as the base model. V8 models were the SE and HSE. HSE had 19-inch wheels vs. base and SE’s 18s, plus additional equipment and unique trim. LR3 replaced the Discovery’s solid axles and metal springs with an independent air-spring suspension with four available ride heights and automatic load leveling. LR3 also introduced Land Rover’s Terrain Response system as standard; twisting a dial changed suspension and powertrain electronic calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading.
Yearly Updates
| 2006 LR3 There were no significant changes for 2006. |
| 2007 LR3 Leather upholstery became standard on all versions of the LR3 for 2007. |
| 2008 LR3 The 2008 Land Rover LR3 lost its V6 engine but gained a standard power front passenger seat and revised interior trim. |
| 2009 LR3 The 2009 Land Rover LR3 got a revised model lineup but was otherwise largely unchanged. Instead of SE and HSE trim levels, LR3 now came as a single Base model with two option packages called HSE and HSE LUX. |
