Land Rover LR2 HSE Road Test, 2008
Wringing Out the Replacement for the Freelander
Land Rover, the British marque known for off road toughness, recently introduced a brute that’s comfortable on freeways even in the worst weather. It’s the LR2, a truck with features designed to beat both its Japanese and American rivals. Does it measure up? Mostly, a tall order for a $33,985 base price vehicle.
Viewed from outside, it's apparent the LR2’s sturdy. Its monocoque/body on subframe construction indicates it's pure truck. Overhead you’ll find a huge power sunroof; inside the vehicle’s plush with two of the most comfortable power leather front buckets anywhere. In back the split/folding three-passenger bench boasts plenty of leg room. The hatch compartment is surprisingly spacious and includes a cover to keep its contents from prying eyes. The spare, sadly, is a “donut.”
The Dash and Instruments
On the dash, drivers will discover an annoying push button start button. It’s wired to a hard-to-find keyfob insertion slot. The driver's foot must be on the brake and the keyfob inserted before the start button works. Why this is superior to the tried-and-true key start method is mysterious.
The balance of the mostly analog, wood faced instrument panel offers a full set of gauges. Nook and cranny storage is abundant and there's a plethora of well-designed cupholders.
Standard Equipment and Safety
The HSE’s factory equipment list isn't chintzy. Antilock power brakes with Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Electronic BrakeForce Distribution, Cornering Brake Control, Hill Descent Control and Emergency Brake Assist contribute to safe stopping. Power steering with a tilt/telescope column, cruise control, electric locks and mirrors, a burglar alarm, dual zone heating and air conditioning of adequate capacity and more are standard.
Safety hasn’t been neglected either. Dual front and side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag and side curtain airbags for the front and rear outboard passengers are built-in.
The Engine and Transmission
Land Rover and Volvo are affiliated with Ford and it’s no surprise the LR2 uses a 3.2 liter, 230 HP inline “six” sourced from Volvo. With four valves per cylinder, variable timing and dual overhead cams it’s state of the art. Using an accelerometer during the week-long road test the 4,255 pound LR2 clicked off 0-60 times of nine seconds. Using premium, fuel efficiency was measured at 14 city and 21 highway (EPA 16/23). Both the acceleration and economy figures are mid-pack.
The powerplant is mated to a six-speed automatic with marginally useful Normal, Sport and Manual shift modes. It shifted flawlessly.
Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive
The driveline incorporates Traction Control and full-time four-wheel drive. Its front to rear power allocation varies continuously but can be adjusted using a dash switch. There are settings to accommodate snow, mud, sand and other road conditions. Conspicuously absent is a Hi/Lo transfer case, essential for serious off-roading. Though few LR2’s will ever see anything but asphalt the absence of a transfer case affects the vehicle’s use spectrum.
Ride and Handling
Though high profile with almost nine inches of ground clearance the LR2’s ride is worthy of a luxury car. The four-wheel independent suspension does well, eliminating most harshness. Handling is similarly excellent ... for a truck. Corners are taken without excessive lean but the 40-foot turning circle is merely average. Together, ride and handling rate near the genre’s apex.
The Verdict
The HSE, the top of the line, is a fine vehicle. Missing, however, is a transfer case. Though drivers will probably never need it, its absence in a vehicle with such a famous name may hurt sales. Be sure to test drive both American and Japanese SUV’s before buying one.
