2008 Land Rover LR2

Fetching Little Rover

The stylish new Land Rover LR2 debuts for 2007 and comes with an impressive pedigree and better looks than the model it replaces.

The all-new compact Land Rover LR2 is a more powerful, more stylish and more rugged replacement for the lackluster Freelander, which was dropped after the 2005 model year. The LR2 — called Freelander in other markets —  competes at the high end of the compact SUV market with models like the Acura RDX and BMW X3.

Read the full Land Rover LR2 Review

The Land Rover LR2 cuts a more stylish profile than the model it replaces, with a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs. Styling cues, such as the headlight design, are borrowed from the larger Range Rover and LR3. The stepped roof of the previous model carries over to the LR2. A large two-piece panoramic sunroof and big side windows produce an airy interior.

The LR2 comes powered by a new 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine also used in the 2007 Volvo S80 (Land Rover and Volvo are both part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group). Here it generates 230 hp. By comparison, the Freelander offered only a 175-hp V6.

Land Rover LR2 Vehicle Summary

A new six-speed automatic transmission that includes a manual sequential-shift feature is the only available gearbox; it also features a “sport” mode that offers livelier performance. The Land Rover LR2 can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in just under nine seconds, according to Land Rover. This is hardly breathtaking acceleration, but is about average for a small SUV and should be sufficient for most owners’ needs.

While the LR2’s fuel economy ratings weren't available as of publication time, it’s expected to be comparable to, or just slightly better than, the Freelander’s 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway.

A Haldex-supplied “intelligent” full-time all-wheel-drive system similar to the one offered in various Volvos is standard. While the LR2 lacks low-range gearing to be able to tackle the toughest off-road situations, it makes the best of things with its own rendition of Land Rover's robust and high-tech Terrain Response system found on pricier models. It automatically adjusts the vehicle’s electronic controls and traction aids, which govern engine, suspension, transmission and brake response, according to four driver-selectable settings: grass; gravel; sand and snow; mud and ruts.

Riding on a car-like fully independent suspension and large 18-inch wheels and tires, the Land Rover LR2 promises on-road stability and agile handling superior to that of the Freelander. A host of traction aids are standard, as expected, including traction control, stability control and antilock brakes with Brake Assist, electronic brake-force distribution and corner brake control (the latter enhances rear-end stability when braking through a curve) .

Hill Descent Control automatically reigns in the vehicle’s speed during steep descents, while Roll Stability Control uses gyroscopic sensors to detect and prevent rollovers by selectively applying the brakes. Another system called Gradient Release Control keeps the vehicle from rolling backwards.

See all Land Rover models in the Land Rover Showroom

The LR2 boasts a maximum towing capacity that is actually heavier than its curb weight — an impressive 4,409 pounds — which is sufficient for pulling a modest boat or trailer.

A roomy leather interior includes raised “theater seating” in the rear for better outward visibility, especially for the kids. It affords 59 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seat folded forward. A generous assortment of standard amenities includes power front seats, rear proximity warnings, headlamp washers and an auxiliary input jack for playing an iPod or other device through the vehicle’s audio system.

Front side, side-curtain and a driver’s-side knee-height airbag (to help prevent leg injuries from the steering column in a frontal crash) are also included. Noteworthy options include adaptive high-intensity headlamps that automatically pivot to help illuminate the road at night through curves and a Bluetooth hands-free phone interface.

Did You Know ...

• The LR2 will continue to be called the Freelander in foreign markets, following in the steps of the larger LR3, which is sold in other countries as the Discovery.

• The LR2 is built at the same assembly plant as the Jaguar X-Type in Halewood, England, near Liverpool.

• The former Freelander was sold in North America between 2002 and 2005. While it was popular in Europe, it was far from being a sales success for Land Rover this side of the Atlantic, with only a little more than 33,000 total units sold here.

Is the Land Rover LR2 for You?

 

Buy this Vehicle if	You need a small but luxurious and fairly capable SUV; you want to spend the least amount of cash possible on a Land Rover.
Keep Looking if	A larger, more powerful and/or less expensive model better fits your needs; you want low-range 4x4 gearing for extreme off-road use.
Who Fits?	The LR2 seats five passengers, though as with most models of this size, it’s a tight squeeze in the back for three adults; a low step-in height favors shorter riders.
Options Worth Splurging on	The touch-screen navigation system can help negotiate far-flung adventures, while the 12-speaker Alpine surround-sound audio system can help keep passengers entertained along the way.
Closest Competitors	2007 Acura RDX 2007 BMW X3