The Land Rover LR2 is the company's first attempt to bring it's legendary off road prowess into the larger market share of cross over vehicles. It has made a more trim, more efficient, and more affordable version of its go anywhere vehicles to suit a wider audience than before.
This new model from the famed British auto maker brings it's off road proven hardware with it to the crossover market. Standard all wheel drive is to be expected, though as standard it's also graced with 8.3 inches of clearance between the ground it's ultra rigid monocoque chassis formed from high strength steel. A Land Rover classic, the Terrain Response System, is also available, with a dial control to setup the vehicle to suit the current driving conditions.
The Land Rover offers a 230 hp, 3.2 liter, 24 valve, V-6 delivering its power through a six speed automatic transmission. This is good for a zero to 60 acceleration times of 8.4 seconds and a max towing capacity of 3500 pounds.
Land Rover's LR2 is offers some old world off road designed brought into the more modern crossover class.
The Range
Bodystyle: SUV
Engine: 3.2L V-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Model: HSE, HSE PLUS, HSE LUX
What's New
Option packages are configured differently for 2010, but nothing else is changed. Again, if you plan to do lots of off-road workouts, the LR2 has the goods to keep you happy -- it's ready for snow and muck, yet lean enough for easy city running. More versatile rivals exist, though.
Exterior
Land Rover has done a fine job with the styling. The LR2 looks fully at home against its larger LR4 and Range Rover stablemates. Lots of glass and an upright driving position make maneuvering easy.
Interior
At just 59 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down -- the competition has the LR2 covered. You'll find the same "stadium seating" (higher rear bench) of its siblings and a full suite of electronic conveniences.
Performance & Handling
For "regular extreme" driving -- say, runs to the ski chalet and slow crawls to idyllic camping sites -- the LR2 won't even break a sweat. On tarmac, it displays a confident, compliant ride free of the harshness of some of its rivals, though it probably lacks their ultimate handling tenacity. Steering feel is good, engine sounds are muted, and wind noise is minimal.
Safety
Dual front and front-side airbags, an airbag for the driver's knee, and side curtains for both rows are standard. The LR2 also includes enough electronic traction and stability systems to keep you on course in any weather.
EPA Fuel Economy
HSE: 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Off-road competence
- Solid on-road dynamics
- Saying "I drive a Land Rover"
You Won't Like
- Limited cargo room
- Lousy fuel economy
- Anemic performance
Sum Up
Solid but uninspired. For LR devotees only
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi Q5
- Acura RDX
- BMW X3
- Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class