Bill: The LR2 is Land Rover's all-new compact 5-seat SUV that joined the lineup early in 2007 as a 2008 model, taking the place of the Freelander. The LR2 is an all-new vehicle with a structural design that delivers a good balance between handling and ride comfort on the road but doesn’t sacrifice too awfully much of Land Rover’s renowned off-road capability. The LR2 utilizes an electronically controlled center differential to vary the torque between the front and rear axles as needed. The LR2 features Terrain Response, which first debuted on the LR3, and the first use of Roll Stability Control in a Land Rover.
Cathy: At first I was comparing the Land Rover LR2 to the other Range Rovers we’ve driven in the $90,000 range; and realized it wasn’t fair to the LR2. It is a small, four-door luxury SUV with standard equipment including l8-inch alloy wheels, a dual-panel sunroof, leather seating, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker Alpine stereo with a six-disc MP3/CD charger and auxiliary input jack, push-button ignition, automatic headlights and wipers and rear parking sensors. Just a basic entry-level package considering its mother and cousins that are driven by Royalty.
Bill: Royalty aside, I appreciate the fact that Land Rover doesn’t have a boatload of trim levels that confuse an old boy like me by giving me too many choices. The LR2 SE bases at $33,985 and with destination charges included, my tester came in at $34,705 which isn’t too bad for a vehicle carrying the Land Rover moniker. The LR2 uses Volvo’s 3.2 I6 engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that has 230 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque and for what the LR2 is, that works fine despite the fact that it’s a transversely mounted engine which is very strange in a Land Rover.
Cathy: I don’t know about a transversely mounted engine but I do know that there are safety features I was pleased with; including side airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers and a driver’s knee bag, which you need more than me Bill. However, my favorite feature of all is the rollover sensor, to be activated especially when you’re driving.
Bill: I do like driving at the speed limit and especially on the highway. That’s where the LR2 is at its best because in truth, this is no king of the mountain off-road machine, although it is more than competent. The LR2 has no low-range gearing that’s usually needed for good off-road prowess, although it does have a rather sophisticated all-wheel-drive setup and a Terrain Response system that’s controlled by a console switch. The system alters powertrain and suspension calibrations to accommodate normal driving along with off road surfaces. The all-wheel drive mainly works in front-wheel-drive mode with only a small amount of power sent to the rear wheels during most driving conditions until more rear-wheel power is needed. But as I said, hauling kids around and chasing groceries is where the LR2 shines with a ride that is compliant and comfortable and enjoyable.
Cathy: I don’t know how many people even remember the Freelander but I do think the LR2 Land Rover is a great replacement with some nice improvements.
Bill: I agree and the LR2 is an inexpensive way to sample Land Rover if you so desire, but understand, it is an entry level vehicle and while dependability has been a problem in the past, a 5 year 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty can help offset some of the worries.
Specifications:
Engine:
3.2-liter I6
230 horsepower@6300rpm
232 lb-ft torque@3200rpm
Transmission: 6-speed AT O/D
Pricing:
Base $33,985
As tested: $34,705
EPA est.: 16/23
Base Warranty: 60 months 50,000 miles
Powertrain: 50,000 miles
