Style, dignity and capability are among the Land Rover LR2's significant attributes.
As the littlest Land Rover, the LR2 has a pretty tough row to hoe. Remarkable though it is, there's some pretty stiff competition arrayed against it. Factor in the variable that most buyers in this category spend more time on pavement than on dirt, and unfortunately the substantial advantages the LR2 holds are somewhat mitigated.
One of the world's oldest and most venerable offroad brands, Land Rover, perhaps even more so than Jeep, has a reputation to uphold. A Land Rover has to be capable of going anywhere – anytime. Whether fording a raging stream, slogging thru mud up to its axles, or negotiating granite strewn trails, a Land Rover is expected to take it all in stride – and look good pulling up in front of a trendy restaurant too.
In this regard, the LR2 does not disappoint. Even with its smaller stature, the ruggedly handsome countenance still accrues the valet respect afforded its larger siblings. As for offroad prowess, with 8.3-inches of ground clearance, the LR2 boasts excellent approach and departure angles and can wade through nearly 20 inches of water. Further, the LR2 is equipped with Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response System. Optimizing the engine's output, the all wheel drive system's configuration, the transmission's settings, and the suspension system's pliability, Land Rover's TRS enables the LR2 to finesse any possible situation that might occur on grass, gravel or snow, as well as in mud, over ruts, or through sand.
Powered by a 230-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline six, the LR2 benefits from the engine's remarkable smoothness and outstanding tractability. Looking at the LR2's short hood, you might be surprised to learn it covers an inline six. Thanks to some clever packaging, Land Rover's engineers actually mounted the engine sideways – in a transverse configuration. Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, the six returns 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway.
A luxury automobile designed to thrive in mud; the LR2 offers a strong suite of comfort and convenience features. A panoramic dual-paneled tilt and slide sunroof crowns a package that includes 19-inch alloys, dual zone automatic climate control, a 320-watt Alpine audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and an auxiliary input for an iPod. Leather and woodgrain trim grace the cabin, along with heated, multi-adjustable electrically actuated seating. The optional technology package gets you DVD-based navigation, Dolby Pro Logic 7.1 surround sound, Sirius satellite radio, rear seat audio controls, and telephone integration via Bluetooth connectivity.
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Unfortunately though, much of what makes the LR2 so outstanding offroad hampers it a bit on the road. The LR2 feels a bit loose when compared to its competitors from Germany. The generous suspension travel and tall tires give the LR2 a tendency to wander a bit on the highway. You'll find yourself doing a fair amount of correcting to maintain a linear path. Interestingly though, on curving roads, the agility factor is high and body roll is nicely controlled. Overall the LR2 is reasonably competent on pavement, the problem is its competition is more than competent on pavement.
And therein lies the rub.
Offroad, the LR2 kicks its European competition's butts big time. BMW's X3 and Audi's Q5 don't even come close to matching the LR2's prowess out in the wild. In fact, there is absolutely nothing else in this class that can touch the LR2 when it comes to taming trails. On the road though, their designs optimized for the street, the BMW and Audi streak past the Land Rover without even glancing over their shoulders.
Which brings us back to our original premise.
The Land Rover LR2 is an absolutely outstanding answer to a question few people are asking.
Yes, the majority of SUV buyers in this segment are more about image than ability. Yes, they want their prestigious badges, go-anywhere looks, and high seating positions. Ironically though, the stability, smooth ride, and competent handling they've come to expect from their luxury cars also figures highly on their wish lists. In a street fight, the LR2 brings up the rear when compared to the Q5 and the X3. Throw some mud in the mix though, it becomes a different story altogether.
Unfortunately, most folks simply don't, thus, the uber-capable LR2 soldiers on down the trail – prodigies underappreciated. However, anyone looking for the real deal in the compact SUV segment need look no farther – the LR2 is absolutely a genuine Land Rover.
Pricing starts at $36,225, including destination.
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