2007 Land Rover LR3

PROS
Comfortable yet composed ride, Go anywhere ability, Roomy interior

CONS Terrible fuel economy, Budget interior fittings, Limited rear visibility

Something to be said for tradition
The LR3 plays at the top end of the SUV marketplace and is the only Land Rover offering with available seven-passenger seating. It was introduced in 2005 and competes with vehicles like the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class.

LR3 is available in one of three trim levels: V6 SE, V8 SE, and HSE. The V6 SE comes with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 216 horsepower. The V8 SE and HSE come with a 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 300 horsepower. Both engines mate to a six-speed automatic transmission that features a separate shift gate for manual operation. Full-time four-wheel drive is standard on all models. It comes with a low range and Land Rover's Terrain Response system.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction control, hill-descent control, stability control, and dual front, front side, and curtain side airbags that protect all three seating rows. Front and rear park assist and a rear-view camera are available.

Standard on V6 SE are dual zone automatic climate control, tilt-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats with center console, second-row split-folding seat, power locks, windows, and mirrors, keyless entry, sunroof, Harman/Kardon radio with 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and digital-media player connection, glass roof panels, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, load-leveling suspension, and alloy wheels. V8 SE models add rear-obstacle detection system, rear climate controls, third-row split-folding seat, steering-wheel radio controls, and headlight washers.

HSE adds to V8 SE front-obstacle detection system, memory system, navigation system, upgraded sound system, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, rain-sensing wipers, HID headlamps and fog lights. Key options include a center-console cooler box, satellite radio, and locking rear differential. A rear-seat entertainment system is not available.

Suggested retail price of the V6 SE is $42,150, V8 SE starts at $48,950, and HSE lists for $53,950. All prices include a $715 destination charge.

Get up and Go
Land Rover's V8 engine may be rated at only 300 horsepower (most competitors offer V8s with higher horsepower ratings), but it delivers adequate acceleration in the 5400-pound LR3. Land Rover claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, which places the LR3 mid-pack among other large luxury SUVs.

Speaking of off-road driving. The LR3 is one of two large SUVs (the Hummer H2 being the other) that's as happy on the road as it is off. Land Rover's Terrain Response system and the adjustable ride height make it easy for novice off-road drivers to navigate tough trails. In the hands of an expert mudder, the LR3 will go places you wouldn't dare to walk.

EPA estimates for the V8-powered LR3 are 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Obviously, those are less than thrilling ratings--especially when gasoline prices are well above $3.00 per gallon. The EPA numbers are on par with other large SUVs, and in routine driving the LR3 averages between 15 and 17 mpg. If your commute includes a heavy dose of freeway driving, you might be able to average 18.5 mpg. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel for best fuel economy and maximum performance.

On the Road
Despite LR3's large size, tall build, and impressive off-road prowess, it is gentile as a kitty cat on the road. The complaint suspension does an excellent job of absorbing impacts--both large and small. There's also very little secondary bouncing or bobbing on badly broken roads.

On the flip side, the LR3 remains composed when being driven quickly on twisty roads or on sweeping expressway on ramps. There's very little body lean despite the generously soft suspension. Still, you can't change the laws of physics, so it's best to maintain moderate speeds lest you end up on your side in the ditch.

Interior noise levels are on par with other large SUVs. There's some wind noise at highway speeds--thanks in part to the upright windshield and large outside mirrors--and the engine growls unimpressively in hard acceleration.

Simply put, what makes the LR3 so unique among large SUVs is that it is a tiger off road, a kitty cat on road, and doesn't drive like an elephant when the road gets twisty.

Behind the Wheel
Land Rover interiors have a long tradition of being different, but that tradition stems from a time when the phrase "English electronics" was an oxymoron. Today, Land Rover and sister company Jaguar use some of the most advanced electronic systems available.

Still, the interior of the LR3 is stark and awash in a sea of buttons and knobs. Gauges are simple and easy to read, but audio and climate controls are low in the center console and the navigation system is downright confounding at times. Confusing operation further, most controls are marked with unfamiliar icons or unhelpful phrases. The easiest control to understand is the knob for the little-used Terrain Response system.

Materials are nice, but the lack of wood and polished trim is out of place at this price point. Assembly was free from squeaks or rattles.

Front seats are very firm but supportive and comfortable on long trips. The driving position is upright and the standard tilt-telescope steering wheel makes it easy for drivers to get comfortable. Head room is excellent and leg room acceptable--even for large adults. Outward visibility is great to the front, but blocked to the rear because of thick roof pillars and very tall third-row headrests.

Step-in height isn't daunting, but it is higher than most SUVs. Also, the doors don't have well-defined detents, so they tend to close if the vehicle is parked on even the slightest of inclines.

Cargo area is tall and ample on five-seat models. Third-row seats take up considerably more space and leave scant room behind for packages. Both second- and third row seats fold flat, but the process is not easy and requires getting in and out of the vehicle multiple times. Clamshell tailgate eases loading of large items, but can make unloading smaller items a stretch.

Interior is awash in bins and cubbies, including two glove boxes and an available center console cooler bin.

Bottom Line
LR3 isn't perfect. Fuel economy is dismal, the interior controls are daunting, and the tall build somewhat limits garage-ability--that can be a real problem for some. Still, it emits a character and charm that is not found in many of its competitors and is easy enough to live with in daily driving.

As is the case with so many premium SUVs, no one needs the LR3. However, it offers an interesting blend of passenger space, off-road ability, and on-road comfort that makes it unique amongst its competitiors.

Sidebar: Off-road goes high tech
Range Rover's Terrain Response system is designed to take the hassle out of off-road driving by offering pre-programmed modes to optimize performance. Setting a console knob in one of five available positions adjusts throttle response, optimizes the transmission's gear changes, positions the air suspension at the appropriate ride height, and sets the center and rear differentials (if equipped) in a mode right for the terrain. Dynamic stability control, electronic traction control, antilock brakes, and hill-descent control functions are also altered by each Terrain Response setting. The five available modes are general, grass/gravel/snow, mud and ruts, sand, and rock crawl.

Electronic controls deliver a full suite of stability and traction benefits including emergency brake assist for maximum support in an emergency situation; antilock brakes to curtail wheel lock during aggressive braking as well on slippery off-road terrain; dynamic stability control to maintain guidance authority during extreme maneuvers; active roll mitigation to slow the vehicle in a tight bend when the vehicle senses overly aggressive driving; electronic brake force distribution to make balanced use of the stopping traction available at all four wheels regardless of how the vehicle is loaded; four-wheel electronic traction control; and hill descent control to creep controllably down steep grades.