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.
