2008 Land Rover LR2

The new Land Rover LR2 is a compact SUV that replaces the Freelander, which was a hit in Europe but a flop in America.

The $33,985 LR2 should do much better than the Freelander here because it's all-new, with more power, room, luxury and versatility.

Land Rover and Volvo are owned by Ford, so the LR2 gets a smooth 230-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine from Volvo's S80 large premium sedan. The potent 3.2-liter aluminum engine is sophisticated, with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing.

The engine is compact enough to be mounted transversely, or sideways, which seems like odd positioning in a Land Rover. It has more than enough punch to give the heavy 4,255-pound LR2 strong acceleration for merging into fast traffic or passing on highways, although fuel economy is only an estimated 16 mpg in town and 23 on highways with all that weight. And premium fuel is recommended.

Starting and stopping the engine is annoying. It has push-button starting, like many new vehicles. But, before pushing the button to start the engine, one must jam the key fob into a narrow, nearly invisible slot near the steering wheel instead of just putting the fob anywhere in the vehicle, which is the case with other push-button-start vehicles.

To kill the engine, one must push the key fob farther into the slot to remove it -- and then push the button again. (Land Rover says this all keeps the fob's battery charged.)

A responsive six-speed automatic with a manual shift gate is the only transmission offered, but it suits the LR2 just fine. This SUV is too plush and prestigious to have a manual gearbox for the American luxury vehicle crowd.

Styling is rather plain, but the LR2 has a nice planted stance. Land Rover and the larger Range Rover models never won beauty contests with their utilitarian boxy shapes. However, the LR2 has a handy size and its clamshell hood, jeweled headlights, side air intakes and slotted grille give it a strong Land Rover identity recognized at all private country clubs throughout the nation.

Steering is precise and the turning circle diameter is tight. This is no sports sedan, but handling is good for a rather tall SUV, with little body sway when zipping through curves. The ride with the fully independent suspension is on the soft side, with some mild pitching on some surfaces. The brake pedal is firm and results in quick stopping.

Land Rovers are known for off-road prowess. The LR2 has no low-range gearing usually needed for tough off-road use, but it has a sophisticated all-wheel drive setup and a Terrain Response system controlled by a console switch. The system confidently alters powertrain and suspension calibrations to accommodate normal driving, grass, gravel, snow, mud, ruts and sand.

The all-wheel drive actually works mainly in front-drive mode with just a small amount of power sent to the rear wheels during normal driving conditions -- until more rear-wheel power is needed.

Anti-lock brakes, traction/anti-skid control with rollover sensors and hill-descent control are standard. So are a large number of comfort, convenience and safety items, which include front side air bags and curtain side air bags with rollover deployment.


Among the few options are a $700 package with such items as heated front seats and a heated windshield. A $3,500 technology package has a navigation system, upscale sound system, satellite radio, rear radio controls and a wireless cell-phone link.

Instrument numbers are too small for a quick read in bright sunlight, but the quiet interior looks upscale with its wood and leather trim and good detail assembly. Front cupholders are easily used. A low dashboard and lots of glass area, along with a power sunroof and fixed rear glass panel, allow good all-around visibility and an airy-feeling interior.

Four tall adults fit comfortably, although it gets tight behind the driver if he moves his seat back a lot. Front seats are supportive, and there is a mixture of large and small climate and audio systems controls that are fairly easy to use. All doors have large storage/bottle holder areas.

This is an SUV, so it takes extra effort to get in or out. Occupants sit high. Outside door handles are oversized, but rather narrow door openings inhibit back-seat entry and exit.

The cargo opening is high, and there isn't a lot of cargo space for an SUV unless you fold the rear seat backrests and bottoms forward, which is easily done.

The LR2 feels rock-solid but is too new to have a track record. Reliability has been an issue with some Land Rover and Range Rover models.

Rivals include the Acura RDX and BMW X3, but there's really nothing like a Land Rover.

2008 LAND ROVER LR2

PRICE: $33,985.

LIKES: Fast. Superb all-wheel drive. Prestigious. Roomy. Comfortable. Off-road ability.

DISLIKES: Tedious push-button start feature. Narrow rear door openings. Marginal cargo area without rear seats folded. No fuel miser.