Land Rover LR2 Review

2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE SUV

As consumers gravitate toward car-based crossover SUVs (or CUVs), manufacturers are rolling out even more models to meet demand. Luxury-brand automakers, in particular, have recently been focused on introducing small crossover SUVs. One of the newest models in this segment is the Land Rover LR2.

The LR2 is Land Rover's smallest and most affordable model. In purpose and intent, it replaces the lackluster Freelander, which was sold for a short four-year run in the U.S. The LR2's small size makes it maneuverable in urban environments. At the same time, the LR2 still retains what Land Rovers are known for: superior off-road ability.

This dual-purpose approach leaves the Land Rover LR2 in a somewhat compromised position, however. On-road performance suffers a bit from trying to please its off-road master: Against such street-biased competitors as the Acura RDX and BMW X3, the LR2 gives up both straight-line performance and on-road handling feel. For the small group of consumers who want a small luxury SUV with a fair amount of all-terrain capability, these sacrifices might be acceptable, but among the vast majority of buyers, they're apt to be liabilities.

Current Land Rover LR2

The Land Rover LR2 is available in a single trim level. Motivation comes from a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission choice is a six-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard.

With its reputation for off-road performance to uphold, Land Rover endowed the LR2 with technologies to make it both capable and confident when the journey is off the beaten path. Chief among these is Terrain Response, which is standard on the LR2. Terrain Response adapts the responses of the vehicle's engine, transmission, AWD system, suspension electronics, and stability and hill descent control systems to match the demands of the terrain. It optimizes drivability and comfort as well as maximizing traction. All the driver has to do is select from one of four driving conditions via a rotary knob, and the LR2's computers automatically optimize the vehicle's systems for the selected setting.

On pavement, the LR2 offers the expected levels of Land Rover luxury and comfort. Standard are many features that are often optional on competitors. These include a keyless starter button; panoramic dual-panel sunroof with one-touch control; front and rear foglights and power headlamp washers; rain-sensing wipers; rear park distance control; power leather seats; 18-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control. Notable optional features include a navigation system, memory seating, bi-xenon adaptive front lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio and a 14-speaker surround-sound audio system.

In reviews and road tests, we've found the Land Rover LR2 a bit down on power. This, along with the vehicle's relatively hefty curb weight, has a negative impact on acceleration, which is mediocre for a luxury SUV. Handling is highlighted by a relatively soft suspension. On the road, both body roll and nose dive (under braking) are noticeable. Though these motions prevent the LR2 from feeling especially sporty, outright grip and stopping distances do not suffer, and the ride quality is comfortable.

If your intent is to take your small luxury crossover SUV off-road, then the LR2 should be near the top of your consideration list. The soft suspension settings that conspire to dampen a sporty on-road feel help to deliver superior control on light- and medium-duty trails. And while the LR2 lacks low-range gearing, the Terrain Response system does indeed give the driver a high level of confidence when the going gets rough -- essentially bridging the performance gap between the light-duty AWD systems on most car-based SUVs and the dual-range 4WD systems on more traditional SUVs.

Past Land Rover LR2 Models

Though the LR2 is all-new, Land Rover's first compact utility, the Freelander was sold in this country from 2002-'05.

SELECT A SPECIFIC LAND ROVER LR2 MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.