Land Rover, the company known for producing ultra-luxurious, tremendously capable, exclusive SUVs, needed an all-new compact model.
Land Rover actually created the premium compact SUV segment with its Freelander when it arrived on our shores about six years ago, but sales were never as good as expected.
And not long after Land Rover brought Freelander to the U.S., competitive models that were sleeker and more athletic began popping up forcing Land Rover to go back to the drawing board.
The result is the all-new 2008 Land Rover LR2. It represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. At first glance, LR2's exterior styling is less upright and looks more like the eye-catching Range Rover Sport.
I like LR2's watch-like headlamps and taillamps, along with the Range Rover Sport-like metallic side vents. LR2's lines are sharp, chiseled and appealing. It's a look that makes you want to know more.
Under LR2's impressive sheet metal is a car-based SUV featuring a lightweight unibody construction. LR2 was designed more for on-road pleasure than for conquering difficult terrain.
However, because it's a Land Rover, it still offers standard all-wheel drive, Land Rover's Terrain Response System and 8.3-inches of ground clearance.
The four Terrain Response settings (General Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, and Sand) can easily be accessed by turning a knob. In each setting, the system automatically adjusts Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes, and Hill Descent Control to maximize traction and stability.
LR2 also includes large and powerful 4-wheel disc brakes and Roll-Stability Control. The only thing missing from LR2's off-road "toolbox" is a low-speed transfer case.
Still, I doubt that many Land Rover customers will actually take their SUVs off-roading. For those that do, LR2 is quite capable, but not as capable as the LR3 or Range Rover.
Powering the LR2 is a refined 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 230 horsepower. It's mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic that provides both "Sport" and "Manual" modes.
The combination provides good acceleration and quiet operation. While LR2 doesn't deliver the lively acceleration that some of its competitors do, I found the LR2 to provide a very pleasing, refined ride.
The ride is tuned to be pleasurable, not sporty, so there is a bit of body roll when taking highway on-ramps and off-ramps at speed.
The four-door, five-passenger LR2 is offered in SE and HSE trim levels. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter and humidity sensor, a dual-panel sunroof, Alpine stereo with six-disc CD changer, automatic headlamps with washers, and rear park assist.
The HSE trim level adds 19-inch wheels, body-colored bumpers and side sills, and upgraded front seats. Once you slip behind the wheel, you'll quickly find that the LR2 is seriously elegant and luxurious.
The comfortable cabin is nicely appointed and provides a commanding view of the road. Like other Land Rover products, the seats are upright, yet comfortable. There's plenty of head and legroom up front. Legroom for rear seat passengers is good as long as the front seats aren't in their rear most position.
The LR2, while much better than its predecessor, isn't as energetic or sporty as many of its competitors, and that could hurt sales.
2008 Land Rover LR2 HSE
Engine: 3.2-liter (230 hp) I-6
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive type: AWD
MPG (city/highway): 16/23
Base price: $35,375
As tested: $41,400 (including $775 for destination)
Web site: www.landrover.com 