New 2009 Land Rover LR2

The 2009 Land Rover LR2 is a capable, rugged, and well-appointed small luxury SUV that gives Land Rover fans an option under $36,000.

The gutsy 3.2-liter, 230-horsepower DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine generates 234 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shifting, incorporating Normal, Sport, and CommandShift® modes. The permanent, intelligent all-wheel drive is highly responsive and adaptable to a variety of road conditions, working through a Haldex clutch pack. Although there is no dedicated low range setting, the LR2 is equipped with hill-descent control and Terrain Response, which has four selectable modes that vary throttle sensitivity, the levels of traction, stability, hill-descent control, and Haldex preload.  The LR2 receives 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway and competes with the Acura RDX and BMW X3.

The LR2 looks very upscale, incorporating multiple styling elements from other Land Rovers, like the LR3-style rear pillar and the Range Rover Sport–like front-fenders. Inside, head and legroom are very generous and storage capacity is 27 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 59 cubic feet with them folded. In keeping with its newfound luxury status, power front seats, supple leather upholstery, and a power tow-piece panoramic moonroof are all standard items. Swiveling high-intensity headlamps and a DVD-based touch-screen navigation system are included in the option packages.   Speaking of packages, Bluetooth connectivity, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a 440-watt Alpine Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 surround-sound audio system are part of the Technology Package.

Safety is emphasized throughout the Land Rover lineup, and the LR2 is certainly well-equipped. A total of seven airbags – dual front, side curtain, side thorax, and a driver’s knee airbag – sets a high standard for small luxury SUVs. In addition, the LR2 has a host of active safety technologies such as enhanced braking systems with four-wheel ABS and Roll Stability Control (RSC), which continuously monitors vehicle movement to immediately detect and counteract an impending rollover.

With a rugged exterior, excellent off-road capability, and a wide variety of safety features, the 2009 Land Rover LR2 is the perfect companion on the street or the trail.