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The 2007 Land Rover LR3, Kicks it up a notchBill’s Thoughts…
There is no doubt in my mind that when one thinks of a premium off road vehicle, the crème de la crème name that comes to mind for most is Land Rover. Some first-class news for the true off-roaders out there, the 2007 LR3 has been beefed up. There’s a new integrated body-frame construction that uses magnesium and boron steel making it an even stronger vehicle. That means the LR3 can handle off road challenges nearly as well as its bigger siblings.
Staying true to the Land Rover heritage of off-road muscle with take me to the ball elegance, the new LR3 comes with a host of improvements over earlier models. Some of the standard features include, third-row seating, and rear park distance control, but in truth, there’s too much to list here.
While all those upgrades give the LR3 more pizzazz, this new model also has 850 lbs of added weight. The good news is, the weight is offset by a new 4.4 liter V8 engine that bumps horsepower from 217 to 300, and boosts torque to 317 lb-ft. That powerplant is mated to a six-speed transmission making acceleration relatively smooth and seamless and adds even more to the robust off road capabilities of the LR3. There is a price for the bigger displacement and horsepower though in terms of fuel economy. The LR’s in town numbers are 14mpg but 12 mpg is more realistic.
Driving the LR3 there is no doubt that it’s an SUV built for off road but it’s not bad on the highway either, so the bottom line, the LR3 offers a tough yet somewhat docile SUV with a long rich history. For anyone enamored with Land Rover but not willing to spend over $50,000 for a vehicle, the LR3 may be just what you’ve been looking for.
Cathy’s thoughts...
I’m so impressed with the Land Rover LR3. I took one look at that off-road boxy beauty and started fantasizing about driving through England on my way to pick up Prince William, when in reality I’m going to Safeway to pick up toilet paper. The nice part is whatever your lifestyle, the Land Rover can accommodate your needs or dreams.
The Land Rover’s off-road Terrain Response system setup is so easy to use. It comes complete with show and tell icons of mud/ ruts, sand /rock crawl, and water/rocks.
I’m going to suggest an icon of curb/Starbucks like the one I jump all the time.
The Land Rover is the new improved Tiffany’s version of the old Discovery; so hats off to Ford for reconstructive surgery making the Land Rover more like its big brother, “Range Rover.” The cabin of the SUV has a restrained elegance and subtle luxury with high stadium seating fit for a King or a Queen or a neighborhood “Princess.”
I was very impressed with the rear of the Land Rover because of its bi-level tailgate which is higher on the left side than on the right. Its practical purpose enables you to lift-over cargo conveniently on the right side while retaining full length support on the left side. Ingenious! A woman must have come up with it.
The windows are unobstructed all around including an “alpine roof” (sunroof). It was so large I had to apply sun block on the way to the office. Those l9’ wheels added to its athletic stance and regal appearance. The only downside was the gas mileage, but heck I can get a second job.
I had fun going off road (that is if you call the neighbors desert landscaping off road), and pulling up to the Ritz Carlton for that evening’s events and for the first time since I can remember, having the best looking rear end at the party.
Specifications:
Engine:
4.4 liter V8
300hp @5500
315lb-ft torque @4000
Price:
Base $41,435 V6, $48,235 V8
EPA Est. 14/19
Base Warranty 48 months 50,000 miles
Bill Z and Cathy D are automotive journalists with over 40 years of diverse automotive experience. You can listen to them every Saturday afternoon at 2PM on KKNT 960AM.