2
0
Compact SUV; Built in England
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,500 – $34,400*


2008 Land Rover LR2


2008 Land Rover LR2 Rear


2008 Land Rover LR2 Interior


2008 Land Rover LR2 Profile


2010 Land Rover LR2 Front


2010 Land Rover LR2 Rear


2010 Land Rover LR2 Interior

Pros:
  • Build quality
  • Ride
  • Visibility
Cons:
  • Radio controls
  • Steering feel
  • Brake-pedal feel

In price and marketing position, the LR2 has mainly targeted the Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35. 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 shrunk what’s best about its larger, costlier LR3 model into a more sensibly sized and remarkably refined package.

Overview

Joining the Land Rover Group for 2008 was the LR2, this premium SUV maker’s new five-passenger compact model. Although it came standard with all-wheel drive, the system lacked a low-range gear for off-roading. SE and up-level HSE models were offered. The sole powertrain teamed a 230-horsepower 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. LR2 came with Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which used a console switch to alter suspension and powertrain calibrations to suit a variety of on- and off-road conditions. Standard safety features included antilock brakes, traction control, an antiskid system with rollover sensor, front side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment.

Standard equipment included leather upholstery, rear-obstacle detection, and a sunroof. HSE model additions included body-colored trim, a rear spoiler, and 19-inch wheels to replace the SE’s 18-inchers. Hill ascent and descent control were standard. Three option packages were available: A Lighting Package that included steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and a driver’s seat/mirrors memory system; a Cold Climate Package that included an electrically heated windshield; and a Technology Package that included a navigation system and satellite radio. Maximum towing capacity was 3500 pounds. LR2 competed in the growing Premium Compact SUV category against the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Infiniti EX35.

Yearly Updates

2009 LR2
The base SE trim level was discontinued, leaving only the HSE model with newly styled 19-inch alloy wheels. Turn-signal lenses switched from amber to clear, and a new HST exterior styling package became available. Otherwise, changes were few for 2009. Options included a navigation system, satellite radio, heated front seats, steering-linked headlights, and wireless cell-phone link.
2010 LR2
The 2010 Land Rover LR2 was largely unchanged.
2011 LR2
The 2011 Land Rover LR2 sees no major changes.
2012 LR2
The 2012 Land Rover LR2 received only minor trim changes.
2013 LR2
The 2013 Land Rover LR2 marked the biggest one-year change since the model’s debut. The headline developments were a restyled interior, additional standard features, and a switch from 6-cylinder to turbocharged 4-cylinder power. The LR2 also got a few new styling touches but no dimensional changes.
2014 LR2
The LR2 saw no significant changes for 2014.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive

Only one powertrain was available for the 2008-12 LR2: A 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 230 horsepower. In 2013 Land Rover switched to to 240-horsepower turbocharged 4 cylinder. Both linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

dohc I6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.2/195
Engine HP 230
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 234
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 16/23

 20.2
Turbocharged dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/122
Engine HP 240
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 250
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 17/24

Road Test

Acceleration is adequate overall, aided by a smooth and responsive automatic transmission. Land Rover claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds, but LR2 doesn’t feel that quick. The LR2 lacks solid midrange punch and struggles a bit up steep grades.

Fuel economy is passable. A test LR2 averaged 20.2 mpg. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel.

Few compact SUVs ride better overall. The LR2’s soft suspension with long wheel travel absorbs big ruts and dips but allows mild pitching. There’s minor thump and jiggle on sharp bumps and rippled freeways, but the structure itself feels stout.

Stable and well planted on-road feel is the rule, though LR2’s tall body leans more than we’d like in fast turns. Also, 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 lacks low-range gearing.

Land Rover’s 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.

Gauges are large and legible. Most switchgear is simple, handy, and intuitive, though a few dashboard icons puzzle. 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 navigation system lacks voice activation, but is easy enough to program and its screen is large.

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. LR2s came with two sunroofs, but Land Rover provided only perforated sunshades that don’t do a great job of keeping out heat and bright rays.

Large folks might consider the front seat 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 windshield can be annoying, at least initially.

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

Cargo 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.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 LR2 SE

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 59

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
104.7 177.1 85.7 68.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
58.9 18.5 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.2 39.8 41.9 36.4
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A Not tested 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Engine noise
Description: A whistling noise from the engine at low speeds may indicate balance shaft gear failure. (2012)
Rear axle noise
Description: Rear differential may have humming, rumble, or whine noise. (2008-11)
Steering problems
Description: Some vehicles have a defective inner ball joint in the steering gear. (2013-14)
Steering problems
Description: Weld spatter in steering gear piston tube can cause knocking noise. (2010-12)
Sunroof/moonroof
Description: The sunroof panel may get crooked or jam due to the guides breaking. (2008-09)
Electrical problem
Description: The adaptive lighting system may quit working and the warning light may come on because the system loses track of the stepper motor position requiring a module reflash. (2008)
None
Description: Vehicle may not restart after hot soak due to lack of fuel pressure to overcome vapor lock. (2008)
None
Description: Vehicle may not restart after fording a stream because water enters the starter for which a snorkel is available for retrofit. (2008-09)
None
Description: Engine may be hard to restart or stumble when started requiring software update to the body control module, instrument module and sun sensor. (2008)
None
Description: The parking brake may not work properly requiring cable adjustment and burnishing the brake shoes. (2008-09)

Recall History

2008 LR2 with sunroof
Description: Failure of guide rail can occur when sunroof is operated; excessive stress could lead to cracking, which might cause fragments of plastic to detach and obstruct sunroof operation.
2010-14 LR2
Description: A faulty control unit may prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying or deploying properly in a crash.
2010-2011 LR2
Description: The shorting bar in the clock spring may become disconnected when the driver’s air bag module connector is installed. The driver’s frontal airbag may not deploy as intended or at all.
2012 LR2
Description: Insufficiently torqued brake-caliper bolts could result in a detached brake caliper and loss of brake function.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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