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2008 Land Rover LR3 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

To assemble this comprehensive review of the 2008 Land Rover LR3, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com looked to several of the most respected review sources. Then TheCarConnection’s editors brought their own firsthand driving experience to bring you an especially insightful review.

Likes:

  • Array of electronics makes this tipsy-looking vehicle quite agile
  • Serious, rock-clambering off-road ability when you need it
  • Excellent front seats
  • Attractively designed instrument panel
  • Well-designed interior space for seven

Dislikes:

  • Dismal fuel economy
  • Cushy handling isn’t good for curvy roads
  • Center-stack controls can be hard to make out
  • High cargo-loading height and difficult third-row access
  • Spotty reliability

Buying Tips:


If you’re looking for a vehicle with better on-road performance than the 2008 Land Rover LR3 but you like the Land Rover styling, you might want to add the Range Rover Sport to your list.

The 2008 Land Rover LR3, the mid-price, mid-size luxury sport-utility vehicle from the British brand, borrows key styling cues from its larger showroom companion, the Range Rover. It returns in 2008 with some interior trim adjustments and a two-model lineup.

Both 2008 Land Rover LR3 models are now powered by a 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 and exhibit gutsy acceleration with the requisite six-speed automatic transmission. Both the sport-themed SE and the luxury-oriented HSE also have a central-locking differential that engages when conditions warrant maximum grip.

A four-corner independent height-adjustable air suspension and Land Rover's exclusive Terrain Response system help bring impressive off-road ability to the 2008 Land Rover LR3 without sacrificing on-road handling. The system has separate modes, commanding the behavior of an armory of electronics, for several different driving conditions, such as "mud and ruts" or "sand and dunes."

The LR3 isn't as responsive on the road as carlike crossovers, but it maintains impressive composure in tight corners and on rough road surfaces better than most truck-based SUVs, thanks to an independent double-wishbone suspension with height-adjustable rear air springs and the electronic aids. Those who plan to use the 2008 Land Rover LR3 for daily driving might be interested to know that it carries low fuel economy ratings of 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway.

If the LR3's upright, safari-chic look isn't enough, its interior styling also ranks among the most distinctive in any SUV, and after being on sale for three years, it still looks fresh relative to much of the competition--even though there are a lot of hard, dark-hued plastics. The seating position in the 2008 Land Rover LR3 is very high and upright in front, and taller folks may find the instrument panel controls seem low in the peripheral vision and difficult to make out among many nearly identical buttons. There's plenty of space in the second row of seating, and the "pedestal" third row, which tucks away nicely when not in use, has an elevated roof for more headroom and can fit adults. But it's very difficult to access.

Standard equipment on the "base" SE model is vast, including rear parking distance control, dual-zone climate control, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The 2008 Land Rover LR3 HSE adds bi-xenon headlamps, power heated mirrors, a navigation system with off-road features, front park-distance control, Bluetooth connectivity, and magnificent 550-watt premium surround sound. Options include Sirius Satellite Radio, adaptive front lighting, and a cooler box.

For 2008, the front passenger seat adopts eight-way power adjustments, while the 2008 Land Rover LR3 HSE also picks up a power-adjustable steering column with a memory function. The HSE also has new walnut trim on its center console, with black lacquer trim available at no charge. Lastly, the premium leather gets new stitching and an additional pocket on the driver seat.

Front side airbags are standard on the 2008 Land Rover LR3, along with side curtain bags covering first- and second-row occupants. Anti-lock brakes are also standard and include an all-terrain mode. The LR3 has not been crash-tested by either of the U.S. programs.

Another cause for concern for some is that Consumer Reports has flagged the 2008 Land Rover LR3 for poor reliability.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Land Rover LR3, also consider:

Reason Why:

Buyers looking to the 2008 Land Rover LR3 as a fashion statement should consider the Jeep Commander, which also has tall, boxy styling and serious off-road ability. However, the Jeep doesn't have the LR3's breadth of luxury equipment or its well-laid-out, space-efficient interior design. Then there are several large European SUVs in a similar, if not slightly pricier range. The Audi Q7 has some measure of off-road ability, though it's configured more for good on-road performance. However, it's very heavy, and its fuel economy is almost as low as the LR3's. The Porsche Cayenne is a bit lighter and more road-oriented, matching a sporty exterior to a more basic interior design that parallels those in Porsche sportscars, but it's not nearly as roomy inside. The Mercedes M-Class offers an especially intriguing alternative for those who are conscious about gas-guzzling: the diesel ML320 CDI, which gets 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Land Rover LR3 is hard to justify for fashion alone, but if you're living an off-road lifestyle, it's one of the best.

To assemble this comprehensive review of the 2008 Land Rover LR3, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com looked to several of the most respected review sources. Then TheCarConnection’s editors brought their own firsthand driving experience to bring you an especially insightful review. Likes:Array of electronics makes this tipsy-looking vehicle quite agileSerious, rock-clambering off-road ability when you need itExcellent front seatsAttractively designed instrument panelWell-designed interior space for sevenDislikes:Dismal fuel economyCushy handling isn’t good for curvy roadsCenter-stack controls can be hard to make outHigh cargo-loading height and difficult third-row accessSpotty reliabilityBuying Tips: If you’re looking for a vehicle with better on-road performance than the 2008 Land Rover LR3 but you like the Land Rover styling, you might want to add the Range Rover Sport to your list. The 2008 Land Rover LR3, the mid-price, mid-size luxury sport-utility vehicle from the British brand, borrows key styling cues from its larger showroom companion, the Range Rover. It returns in 2008 with some interior trim adjustments and a two-model lineup. Both 2008 Land Rover LR3 models are now powered by a 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 and exhibit gutsy acceleration with the requisite six-speed automatic transmission. Both the sport-themed SE and the luxury-oriented HSE also have a central-locking differential that engages when conditions warrant maximum grip. A four-corner independent height-adjustable air suspension and Land Rover's exclusive Terrain Response system help bring impressive off-road ability to the 2008 Land Rover LR3 without sacrificing on-road handling. The system has separate modes, commanding the behavior of an armory of electronics, for several different driving conditions, such as "mud and ruts" or "sand and dunes." The LR3 isn't as responsive on the road as carlike crossovers, but it maintains impressive composure in tight corners and on rough road surfaces better than most truck-based SUVs, thanks to an independent double-wishbone suspension with height-adjustable rear air springs and the electronic aids. Those who plan to use the 2008 Land Rover LR3 for daily driving might be interested to know that it carries low fuel economy ratings of 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway. If the LR3's upright, safari-chic look isn't enough, its interior styling also ranks among the most distinctive in any SUV, and after being on sale for three years, it still looks fresh relative to much of the competition--even though there are a lot of hard, dark-hued plastics. The seating position in the 2008 Land Rover LR3 is very high and upright in front, and taller folks may find the instrument panel controls seem low in the peripheral vision and difficult to make out among many nearly identical buttons. There's plenty of space in the second row of seating, and the "pedestal" third row, which tucks away nicely when not in use, has an elevated roof for more headroom and can fit adults. But it's very difficult to access. Standard equipment on the "base" SE model is vast, including rear parking distance control, dual-zone climate control, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The 2008 Land Rover LR3 HSE adds bi-xenon headlamps, power heated mirrors, a navigation system with off-road features, front park-distance control, Bluetooth connectivity, and magnificent 550-watt premium surround sound. Options include Sirius Satellite Radio, adaptive front lighting, and a cooler box. For 2008, the front passenger seat adopts eight-way power adjustments, while the 2008 Land Rover LR3 HSE also picks up a power-adjustable steering column with a memory function. The HSE also has new walnut trim on its center console, with black lacquer trim available at no charge. Lastly, the premium leather gets new stitching and an additional pocket on the driver seat. Front side airbags are standard on the 2008 Land Rover LR3, along with side curtain bags covering first- and second-row occupants. Anti-lock brakes are also standard and include an all-terrain mode. The LR3 has not been crash-tested by either of the U.S. programs. Another cause for concern for some is that Consumer Reports has flagged the 2008 Land Rover LR3 for poor reliability. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Land Rover LR3, also consider:Audi Q7Jeep CommanderMercedes-Benz M-ClassPorsche CayenneReason Why:Buyers looking to the 2008 Land Rover LR3 as a fashion statement should consider the Jeep Commander, which also has tall, boxy styling and serious off-road ability. However, the Jeep doesn't have the LR3's breadth of luxury equipment or its well-laid-out, space-efficient interior design. Then there are several large European SUVs in a similar, if not slightly pricier range. The Audi Q7 has some measure of off-road ability, though it's configured more for good on-road performance. However, it's very heavy, and its fuel economy is almost as low as the LR3's. The Porsche Cayenne is a bit lighter and more road-oriented, matching a sporty exterior to a more basic interior design that parallels those in Porsche sportscars, but it's not nearly as roomy inside. The Mercedes M-Class offers an especially intriguing alternative for those who are conscious about gas-guzzling: the diesel ML320 CDI, which gets 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. The Bottom Line:The 2008 Land Rover LR3 is hard to justify for fashion alone, but if you're living an off-road lifestyle, it's one of the best. To assemble this comprehensive review of the 2008 Land Rover LR3, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com looked to several of the most respected review sources. Then TheCarConnection’s editors brought their own firsthand driving experience to bring you an especially insightful review. ...

Other Choices:

Buyers looking to the 2008 Land Rover LR3 as a fashion statement should consider the Jeep Commander, which also has tall, boxy styling and serious off-road ability. However, the Jeep doesn't have the LR3's breadth of luxury equipment or its well-laid-out, space-efficient interior design. Then there are several large European SUVs in a similar, if not slightly pricier range. The Audi Q7 has some measure of off-road ability, though it's configured more for good on-road performance. However, it's very heavy, and its fuel economy is almost as low as the LR3's. The Porsche Cayenne is a bit lighter and more road-oriented, matching a sporty exterior to a more basic interior design that parallels those in Porsche sportscars, but it's not nearly as roomy inside. The Mercedes M-Class offers an especially intriguing alternative for those who are conscious about gas-guzzling: the diesel ML320 CDI, which gets 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Land Rover LR3

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Land Rover LR3

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Land Rover LR3 near you

See the Land Rover LR3 in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Harbmaster #1, Posted: 9/3/2008

    The landrover lr3

    First of all this review is kinda full of crap. Lets face it. The Landrover LR3 is very capable, can easily manuever around tight corners, how I know that is becauase i own a 2007 Landrover LR3 and im 18 y/o, I got the car when i was 16, almost 17. Kids my age love to speed, we take sharp turnes, and the vehicle has proven more than capable at handling a good ride, especially since the height adjustable air-ride suspension surely helpes the car make the road seem much smoother. The sounds system of the vehicle is phenominal and is comparable to systems that teens make on their cars, you know the ones with 13" subwoofers. Every seat of every car will always be uncomortable, not because the seat is uncomfortable, but the position in which the person is in is very uncomfortable, yet the seats of the car is completly comfortable, no one that has sat in my car has yet to disagree with me on that. Third row seating? Are you kiding me, it cannot be any easier to climb back their, all you need is one half and barely any strenth to pull a string, and fold, pull a tab and fold, it cant be any easier, unless you want the car to pick you up and sit you in the third row seat, but you go ahead and tell me who offers that option? you want a little more throttle in a car? The lr3 is a very heavy car, so what kind of throttle response do you expect from the lr3? 0-60 in 8 seconds? 6 if you put it in sports more maybe less in transcommand, ya i would know cuz i constantly speed in my car, im always speeding in fact, i have raced many cars, and suvs, i have not lost a sinle time. so what are you talking about the throttle response for? and why are you comparing an suv to a crossover? suv and crossover are two different things, otherwise it would be called the landrover lr3 crossover...so watch what you say and quit looking for things to pick on the car about, you have nothing to say, all your cons about the lr3 dont make any sense and pretty much are inelgible in any debate over the rating of a car.

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