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2009 Land Rover LR2 Review

February 23, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

more distinctive and handsome than most SUVs
Cars.com

it's not as squared off as the LR3 and not as restrained as the posh Range Rover
Forbes Autos

cabin takes a cue from more expensive Range Rovers
Consumer Guide

plenty of leather and wood to go around
Edmunds

TheCarConnection.com scans a wide range of reviewers’ comments and sees almost unanimously positive comments on the Land Rover LR2's appearance inside and out.

Launched last year, the Land Rover LR2 occupies the compact SUV spot in the Land Rover lineup formerly filled by the Freelander. The 2009 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.

Forbes Autos says "the more elfish 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." 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."

Kelley Blue Book reports that “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." The LR2 definitely shares family traits with the Range Rover family on the outside, notes a host of voices.

According to Consumer Guide, 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." There is plenty of praise for the interior from other sources as well: "The 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. Edmunds concludes that the Land Rover 2009 LR2 "has an unmistakable Land Rover feel to it, which means plenty of leather and wood to go around."

Conclusion

With clean lines and an upscale cabin, the 2009 Land Rover LR2 is stylistically in pace with the larger Range Rover.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:more distinctive and handsome than most SUVsCars.comit's not as squared off as the LR3 and not as restrained as the posh Range RoverForbes Autoscabin takes a cue from more expensive Range RoversConsumer Guideplenty of leather and wood to go aroundEdmunds TheCarConnection.com scans a wide range of reviewers’ comments and sees almost unanimously positive comments on the Land Rover LR2's appearance inside and out. Launched last year, the Land Rover LR2 occupies the compact SUV spot in the Land Rover lineup formerly filled by the Freelander. The 2009 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. Forbes Autos says "the more elfish 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." 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." Kelley Blue Book reports that “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." The LR2 definitely shares family traits with the Range Rover family on the outside, notes a host of voices. According to Consumer Guide, 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." There is plenty of praise for the interior from other sources as well: "The 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. Edmunds concludes that the Land Rover 2009 LR2 "has an unmistakable Land Rover feel to it, which means plenty of leather and wood to go around." ConclusionWith clean lines and an upscale cabin, the 2009 Land Rover LR2 is stylistically in pace with the larger Range Rover.  2009 LAND ROVER LR2 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "more distinctive and handsome than most SUVs " Forbes Autos: "it's not as squared off as the LR3 and not as restrained as the posh Range Rover " Consumer Guide: "cabin takes a cue from more expensive Range Rovers " Edmunds: ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

If you want a vehicle that goes more in the direction of traditional off-road ability, you might 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 other's interior comforts, handling, or ride. If off-road ability takes second place to practicality for the daily commute, then the RDX, X3, and EX each have their merits. The 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 more spacious 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 choppier ride lags behind the others (except the Wrangler). Finally, check out the new 2010 Volvo XC60, which offers the same engine as the LR2 but with a more family-oriented Volvo flavor and is configured for a sportier feel on the road.

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See the Land Rover LR2 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Bill #1, Posted: 9/1/2009

    Seriously, if you are going to write a review on a truck, at least post the right picture. You have a Range Rover picture up.

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