When the LR2 was planned by the same makers of the Land Rover, consumers were excited. They anticipated a vehicle that was efficient, stylish, trim, and reasonably priced. They hoped for an SUV with brawn, power, and pizzazz. Did consumers get what they were waiting for?
Yes, and no. The LR2 has a durable body and it is making headway in the crossover SUV segment. It is sold with all wheel drive and it has an 8.3 inch ground clearance. Its body is engineered out of durable, moncoque steel. It has the Terrain Response consumers have come to appreciate. The latter system has dial controls for specific on the road conditions.
The LR2 sports a 3.2 Liter V-6 delivering 230 horsepower. The V-6 with 24 valves is satisfactory, but not exceptional. This SUV can achieve zero-to-sixty in 8.4 seconds: this is not necessarily an amazing record. The vehicle has a smooth mill and it is married to an auto six speed transmission. The towing abilities are mediocre at best: it can tow as much as 3500 pounds in all.
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