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2008 Land Rover LR2 Review

July 28, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

looks good in an upscale-y sort of way
AutoWeek

the more traditional SUV look commonly found in larger models
Cars.com

plenty of leather and wood to go around
Edmunds

cabin takes a cue from more expensive Range Rovers
ConsumerGuide

TheCarConnection.com sees mostly positive comments about the 2008 Land Rover LR2's appearance inside and out.

The 2008 Land Rover LR2 is an all-new compact SUV model, occupying the space in the Land Rover lineup formerly filled by the Freelander. The 2008 Land Rover LR2 SE was launched early in the model year, with the upmarket HSE version joining in later. The 2008 Land Rover LR2 has design cues--such as the front-fender vents--that echo those of its bigger brothers, the LR3 and Range Rover Sport, but it's a little bit more rakish, practical, and carlike.

AutoWeek states that the Land Rover LR2 "looks good in an upscale-y sort of way," while Cars.com notes that it "has the more traditional SUV look commonly found in larger models--and some cheaper ones like the Ford Escape," but is "definitely more distinctive and handsome than most SUVs." ForbesAutos feels "the more elfish [2008 Land Rover] LR2 maintains a commanding presence, due to the prominent contours of its roofline...it's not as squared off as the LR3 and not as restrained as the posh Range Rover, but it incorporates forms from both larger SUVs."

This Land Rover definitely shares family traits with other members of the Range Rover family. "Although softened a bit around its edges, the LR2's angular sheetmetal still displays numerous current-generation corporate cues, highlighted by front and rear lamp designs and functional side vents reminiscent of the Range Rover Sport, and a subtle LR3-style rear roofline kickup," reports Kelley Blue Book.

There is plenty of praise for the interior as well: "The [Land Rover] LR2's interior design is modern and appealing...interior architecture mirrors the pricier LR3, with squared-off dashboard controls and a four-spoke steering wheel," says Cars.com, while ConsumerGuide reports that the Land Rover LR2's "cabin takes a cue from more expensive Range Rovers by offering high-quality wood and leather trim, solid-feeling plastics, and a blocky design imparting an upscale but sporty feel."

In any event, Edmunds comments that the Land Rover 2008 LR2 "has an unmistakable Land Rover feel to it, which means plenty of leather and wood to go around."

Conclusion

The 2008 Land Rover LR2 fits the British SUV mold, with clean lines and an upscale cabin.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:looks good in an upscale-y sort of wayAutoWeekthe more traditional SUV look commonly found in larger modelsCars.complenty of leather and wood to go aroundEdmundscabin takes a cue from more expensive Range RoversConsumerGuide TheCarConnection.com sees mostly positive comments about the 2008 Land Rover LR2's appearance inside and out. The 2008 Land Rover LR2 is an all-new compact SUV model, occupying the space in the Land Rover lineup formerly filled by the Freelander. The 2008 Land Rover LR2 SE was launched early in the model year, with the upmarket HSE version joining in later. The 2008 Land Rover LR2 has design cues--such as the front-fender vents--that echo those of its bigger brothers, the LR3 and Range Rover Sport, but it's a little bit more rakish, practical, and carlike. AutoWeek states that the Land Rover LR2 "looks good in an upscale-y sort of way," while Cars.com notes that it "has the more traditional SUV look commonly found in larger models--and some cheaper ones like the Ford Escape," but is "definitely more distinctive and handsome than most SUVs." ForbesAutos feels "the more elfish [2008 Land Rover] LR2 maintains a commanding presence, due to the prominent contours of its roofline...it's not as squared off as the LR3 and not as restrained as the posh Range Rover, but it incorporates forms from both larger SUVs." This Land Rover definitely shares family traits with other members of the Range Rover family. "Although softened a bit around its edges, the LR2's angular sheetmetal still displays numerous current-generation corporate cues, highlighted by front and rear lamp designs and functional side vents reminiscent of the Range Rover Sport, and a subtle LR3-style rear roofline kickup," reports Kelley Blue Book. There is plenty of praise for the interior as well: "The [Land Rover] LR2's interior design is modern and appealing...interior architecture mirrors the pricier LR3, with squared-off dashboard controls and a four-spoke steering wheel," says Cars.com, while ConsumerGuide reports that the Land Rover LR2's "cabin takes a cue from more expensive Range Rovers by offering high-quality wood and leather trim, solid-feeling plastics, and a blocky design imparting an upscale but sporty feel." In any event, Edmunds comments that the Land Rover 2008 LR2 "has an unmistakable Land Rover feel to it, which means plenty of leather and wood to go around." ConclusionThe 2008 Land Rover LR2 fits the British SUV mold, with clean lines and an upscale cabin. 2008 LAND ROVER LR2 STYLING | [8 out of 10] AutoWeek: "looks good in an upscale-y sort of way" Cars.com: "the more traditional SUV look commonly found in larger models" Edmunds: "plenty of leather and wood to go around" ConsumerGuide: "cabin takes a cue from more expensive Range Rovers ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

For most shoppers who are considering the 2008 Land Rover LR2, off-road ability takes second stage to practicality for the daily commute. For that, the RDX, X3, and EX each have their merits. The new Infiniti EX35 is perhaps the least practical and the sportiest for on-road driving. It has attractive styling, but sacrifices interior roominess. The RDX has a roomier interior that rivals that of the LR2, yet it handles very well, and its turbo four-cylinder engine feels perkier than the LR2's; the RDX is more fuel-efficient as well. Priced a little higher is the BMW X3, a vehicle that isn't quite as fashionable inside as the EX, RDX, or LR2, but has very competitive performance. One downside to the X3 is that its ride comfort lags behind the others. Finally, if you want a vehicle that goes in the opposite direction, toward traditional off-road ability, you might want to consider the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a roomy four-door SUV with most of the modern safety features of the LR2. However, the Wrangler doesn't offer the interior comforts, handling, or ride of the others.

Next Steps:

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See the Land Rover LR2 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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