The 2012 Land Rover LR2 is a compact sports utility vehicle, with the patented Terrain Response allows the driver to tackle tough driving conditions.
The four-door LR2 is more compact than most of its competitors, yet gives comfortable seating for five. It comes in a more street-friendly size, at the same time providing excellent off-road capability at an affordable price.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $36,550.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 l) | MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy |
| Length: 177.1 in. (449.8 cm) | Wheel Base: 104.7 in. (266 cm) |
| Height: 68.5 in. (174 cm) | Width: 79 in. (200.7 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4255 lbs (1930 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (21 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 26.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.2L Inline-6 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 10.8: 1 |
| Horsepower: 230 HP | Max RPM: 6300 RPM |
| Torque: 234 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1588 kgs) | Maximum Speed: 124 mph (200 km/h) |
| Option:HSE | MSRP: $39,000; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:HSE Lux | MSRP: $41,500; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy |
Engine
The six-cylinder, 3.2 liter, electronic fuel injected engine gives you 230 horsepower at 6300 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission with CommandShift, CamProfile Switching, and Variable Valve Timing technology provides power, and better spread of torque.
CommandShift allows the driver to make the manual changes necessary, and Sportmode offers a more lively performance. The LR2 accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in approximately 8.4 seconds.
Performance
The LR2 has independent suspension for responsive handling, and a comfortable ride on all kinds of on or off-road surfaces. The positive steering and compact turning ensures the most control and maneuverability. Terrain Response reconfigures the engine’s transmission and traction settings for the best driving experiences in gravel, snow, mud, or sand, with just a turn of the dial.
The LR2 has an 18.5 gallon fuel tank capacity, and can average 15 mpg city driving, and 22 mpg highway driving, with an average combined driving of 17 mpg. Its off-road maximum wading depth is 19.7-inches, and has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds.
Exterior
The Land Rover LR2 has a strong, single-unit body construction. Its angular lines and boxy shape give it a strong, athletic appearance that is seasoned with side vents for a sporty look. The new front bumper and grill feature halogen projector headlights, and fog lights in the front and rear.
The ten-percent larger side mirrors are heated, with electric adjustment. Privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels with a sparkle finish top off the rugged and sporty look. The line-up of colors available include: blue, white, black, red, green, silver, tan, and gray.
Interior
This five-passenger, four-door sport vehicle has comfortable front seats, and generous head, shoulder, and leg room. Stadium seating is used for the rear seats, which are 50 mm higher than the front seats, giving passengers more visibility, leg room, and a maximum of 58.9 cubic-feet of cargo room capacity when folded down. A choice of ebony, almond, or gray grained leather is offered, with three fascia finishes of silver-metallic, dark chestnut wood-effect, or black lacquer effect.
Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, a panoramic sunroof, and a trip computer with message center are standard, as well as six-way driver and four-way passenger seat adjustment. Two in-car entertainment systems are available which offer MP3 compatibility, satellite radio, and optional DVD satellite navigation, with large High-definition Touch-screen. Bluetooth is also available with compatible mobile phones.
Safety & Reliability
The LR2 has seven airbags including two curtain, two front, two thorax, a driver knee airbag, and rear-seat head restraints. Electronic brake-force distribution and electronic traction control make braking predictable under various road conditions.
Corner brake control is provided, minimizing the risk of rear-end sliding when braking hard. Dynamic stability control, roll stability control, and hill descent control are also safety technology features of the Land Rover LR2. Four-wheel disc, anti-lock brakes also give more driver control. The LR2 comes with a 4-year or 50,000 mile warranty, with roadside assist, and six-year corrosion warranty.
The Land Rover LR2 is an excellent choice for its off-road ability. It is compact, and more affordable than others. Fuel economy could be better, so if you are looking for a family, daily transportation vehicle, it may not be a wise choice. The Volvo XC60 (MSRP $33,300; 19 city / 25 hwy) is the most compatible in price range, has great safety scores, a stylish interior, more cargo space, and improved fuel mileage, but does not perform off-road tasks as well as the LR2.
The BMW X3 (MSRP $37,100; 19 city / 25 hwy) is quicker in accelerating, and more efficient, but is also more expensive, and not up to the LR2 in off-road driving. The Acura RDX (MSRP $32,895; 19 city / 24 hwy) has a more high-quality interior, but is also more expensive, and does not live up to the off-road performance of the LR2, and the Infiniti EX35 (MSRP $35,800; 17 city / 24 hwy) may have better gas mileage, but limited cargo and passenger space.
The 2012 Land Rover LR2 is an ideal crossover vehicle size, with off-road capabilities that no other competitive vehicle in this class seems to offer. The engine performs smoothly, but is not by any means powerful. The poor fuel economy seems to be a major drawback if you are looking for a commuter vehicle.
If you want an off-road vehicle, the LR2 will deliver with safety. If you need a transporter with great gas mileage, you may want to look elsewhere. The LR2 is great driving for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.
The LR2 can be compared to other mid-sized SUVs that include the Mercedes Benz GLK (MSRP $35,880; 16 city / 22 hwy), the Acura MDX (MSRP $43,030; 16 city / 21 hwy), and the GMC Yukon (MSRP $40,435; 15 city / 21 hwy).
Overall Rating
75 out of 100
What others say:
“It’s no Range Rover, but the Land Rover LR2 isn’t strictly peasant fare. The cabin’s put together well, and roomy enough for four adults and a significant amount of luggage, though the same adults will hunt for a place to stash their phones and other carry-ons.”Car Connection
“Stable and well-planted on-road feel, though LR2’s tall body leans more than we like in fast turns, and the steering is a tad sloppy and slow. One test model’s brakes felt touchy at times. The Terrain Response system and generous ground clearance provided sure passage on tricky off-road driving courses despite the fact that this vehicle doesn’t have low-range gearing.”Consumer Guide
“The 2012 LR2 is surprisingly comfortable for an SUV. A pothole-absorbing suspension system, excellent visibility and Land Rover’s “Command” driving position inspire confidence, whether negotiating a tight parking lot or jumping into the fast lane in rush hour.”KBB
“While the 2012 Land Rover LR2’s off-road prowess and all-weather capability are impressive, its lack of street-wise performance diminishes it compared to other compact luxury crossovers.”Edmunds
