2009 Land Rover LR2 Review
2009 Land Rover LR2 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Advanced technology gives it uncommon all-terrain skills for a car-based SUV
- comfortable ride
- roomy passenger quarters.
Cons
- Mediocre performance for a luxury-brand SUV, modest handling on pavement, workaday interior design and materials, below-average cargo capacity.
What’s new
After debuting last year, the Land Rover LR2 heads into 2009 with minimal changes. The base SE trim has been dropped, and the new HST option package adds an exterior body kit and other cosmetic upgrades.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Land Rover LR2 comes up short compared to other small luxury crossover SUVs in terms of performance, handling and cabin quality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$306/mo for LR2 HSE
LR2 HSE
vs
$186/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Gone are the days when the primary motivation for buying a Land Rover was to traverse rugged terrain far off the beaten path. Today, the marque's vehicles are more often seen lining the parking lots of high-end shopping malls rather than the watering holes of the Serengeti. It might come as no surprise, then, to know that the 2009 Land Rover LR2 small SUV was created mainly for a life on pavement.
The LR2 debuted last year as a replacement for the Freelander. With mechanical underpinnings from former parent company Ford's Volvo S40, the 2009 Land Rover LR2 is much more up-to-date and has all the luxury crossover basics down, with unibody construction, six-cylinder power and plenty of standard and optional features. The LR2 doesn't completely sell out Land Rover's heritage, though. The company still gave it a respectable 8.3 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. The latter provides four driver-selectable modes tailored for varying terrain and allows the LR2 to trudge through ruts and mud with considerably more gusto and poise than any competing vehicle.
Yet the 2009 Land Rover LR2 fails to be the top choice in the compact luxury SUV segment. Compared to its rivals, the LR2 suffers from merely adequate acceleration, lackluster handling on the pavement and a cabin that looks more utilitarian than elegant. Unless you truly need something with an off-road pedigree, other small luxury crossovers such as the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35 and Mercedes GLK-Class will all likely prove to be better choices overall.
Performance & mpg
A 3.2-liter inline-6, which makes 230 horsepower and 234 pound-feet of torque, powers the 2009 Land Rover LR2. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes. In our testing, an LR2 accelerated to 60 mph in a pokey 9.3 seconds.
The standard all-wheel-drive system sends nearly all of the engine's power to the front wheels by default, though it can redirect most of it to the rear wheels when needed to maximize traction in off-road situations. Serious off-roaders are out of luck, as the LR2 does not offer low-range gearing, but the built-in Terrain Response system helps to compensate by changing engine and transmission behavior in a choice of three off-road modes: Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts and Sand.
EPA fuel economy for the 2009 Land Rover LR2 is rated at 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined -- a disappointing rating considering the SUV's sluggish acceleration.
Safety
Side airbags for both driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers and a driver knee bag are all standard on the 2009 Land Rover LR2. Antilock brakes, traction control and stability control with a rollover sensor are also included.
Driving
Mediocre acceleration and sluggish transmission response off the line make the 2009 Land Rover LR2 a less-than-stellar on-road performer. The steering is well weighted but lacks much driver feedback, and the LR2 suffers from a considerable amount of body roll around corners. Braking performance is good with a progressive pedal feel, but the suspension allows a bit too much front-end dive. That said, we like the LR2's ride quality and off-roading abilities -- it's both more comfortable and better able to tackle rough terrain than many competing small luxury crossovers.
Interior
A traditional upright seating position, lots of wood and leather, and a utilitarian control layout with multiple buttons keep the LR2 looking and feeling like a typical Land Rover. The cluttered instrument panel is a little hard to read at a glance, and the climate and audio controls seem clunky to use at first. Materials quality is average and not up to par with what one might expect from a luxury crossover SUV. On the plus side, the optional navigation system's touchscreen is very simple to use.
There's plenty of legroom and headroom in the LR2, and a telescoping steering wheel makes it easy for drivers of all sizes to get comfortable. The backseat also offers a decent amount of room, but the low-mounted bench can hamper comfort for adults. When it comes to cargo space, the LR2 falls short -- there are only 27 cubic feet behind the rear seats due to the LR2's high cargo floor, and maximum capacity is just 59 cubes.
2009 Land Rover LR2 models
The 2009 Land Rover LR2 is a small luxury crossover SUV offered in a single trim level: HSE. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, a dual-panel sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, leather seating, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition and entry and a nine-speaker Alpine stereo with a six-CD/MP3 changer and an auxiliary audio jack.
Optional equipment is available via a variety of packages. The technology package includes a navigation system, an upgraded surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, rear-seat audio controls and Bluetooth (a smaller package that adds just Bluetooth and satellite radio is also available). The lighting package offers adaptive xenon headlights, as well as driver-seat memory settings. For chilly weather, the Cold Climate package adds a heated windshield, heated washer jets and heated front seats. New for 2009, the HST package includes painted front and rear bumper enhancements, a special grille and other cosmetic upgrades. In addition, 18-inch wheels are available as a stand-alone option.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#18 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Land Rover LR2 from 2008-2022.$630/yr
vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.91x/yr
vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.9%
vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
for Average Luxury Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Land Rover LR2.
5 star(63%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(4%)
140 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Some good, some bad
Ellie Higginbotto, 12/21/2015
2008 Land Rover LR2 SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
Bought in 2012 with 94,000 miles. Currently at 120,000.
The Good- This car is my personal listening room; the sound system is incredible, one of the best I've ever heard in a car. I have the cold weather package and the seats warm up so fast and the defroster a for the windshield and rear are quick as well. Off road, this car is a beast! Even without mudding tires I have never had a … moments hesitation, from knee deep mud to deep snow to off roaring on the side of a mountain. It's so comfortable and the way it handles has me weary to ever let the car go. The double sun roofs bring tons of natural light into the car and the visibility is excellent. I turn heads when I drive around town. Tons of small perks as well. I really do love this car. Now,
The Bad-EXPENSIVE to have worked on. Most mechanics will not work on them as the software required is incredibly expensive for them to purchase. Since I bought the car I have had to replace- Brakes, rotors ($800), new key fob ($425), gear shift spring broken ($800), fob insert detector ($600), rear ball joints ($1200). Also, the spring is broken in my front right; sheared right in half. I'm driving with it now and it's fine: no sounds or decreased performance, but I'm looking at $2200 plus to have it (and the other front) replaced. Yow. That's a lot in 30,000 miles in my experience. Resale is rough on them because of the cost to fix. I love how this car drives and I can haul kayaks, SUPs, my dog, etc.. Without problems. I want to keep fixing it forever, but I will eventually have to make a smart fiscal decision. Oh, and for the gas haters--I get about 17 city and 23-24 highway. Not bad, considering the car weighs 2 tons. You will win if you are in an accident. That alone makes me feel so safe, and if you've ever been in a bad car wreck you know how important it is to feel safe afterwards.
Update-car is now at 126,000 miles and the rotors are toast. That's 30,000 miles on them. O2 sensor went out ($500) replacement and the exhaust is getting noisy. Someone also keyed my front right panel, but I'm not even going to try to figure out how much that will cost. Probably going to sell the car soon; cost of fixing everything will total the car out. It still drives nice and is so comfortable. I will miss this car, but not the expense.
3.13 out of 5 stars
worst car ever
dk, 09/05/2010
2008 Land Rover LR2 SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
I purchased the LR2 last year and it has spent more time getting repaired than a car should be. Factory tires were wore out at 16,000 miles. Constant software and electrical issues. There has been a code that trips the check engine light that is apparently cannot be fixed until new software is produced. So the engine light comes on and off. Now the latest which happened today. Went … to start the vehicle and its like it shorted out everything. Will not start and would not eject the key fob. This car looks great from the outside but what a mistake I made trading in our STS for this thing. About to move cross country and now I cannot trust this car.
5 out of 5 stars
205,000 and still a nice vehicle
mks9, 03/15/2013
2008 Land Rover LR2 SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
205,000 miles.
Been a great vehicle.
Only thing that has gone wrong is AM radio, a broken spring on the shift lever and 1 wheel bearing.
Have only done routine maintenance.
On 4th set of tires, brakes replaced at about 75K & 185K and oil changes.
Best vehicle I have owned and have been driving for about 40 years.
Lots of nice little features, and well designed.
Handles great and has … been reliable.
I tow a small boat, carry bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards during the summer.
Average about 21 mpg, mostly highway. Interior & Exterior are still in great condition. Not even close to considering selling it.
4.75 out of 5 stars
94,000 mile review
mks9, 02/01/2011
2008 Land Rover LR2 SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.2L 6cyl 6A)
Been very reliable.
Only routine maintenance.
Oil changes, brakes at 75,000 miles, tires about every 42,000 miles.
Fun to drive, good gas mileage for it's size.
Still don't like te key, but it seems to be the new trend.
At the moment, it's the nicest vehicle I have ever owned.
It's my 6th vehicle and I never get rid of them with under 150K miles on them.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Land Rover LR2, so we've included reviews for other years of the LR2 since its last redesign.
2009 LR2 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $35,375 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $306/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 26.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the LR2 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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