2009 Land Rover LR3 Review
2009 Land Rover LR3 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Well-suited for both on-road cruising and off-road treks, comfortable and well-appointed interior.
Cons
- Excessive weight stunts performance, complicated audio and climate controls, spotty build quality and reliability.
What’s new
For 2009, Land Rover reduces the LR3 to a single trim level as features are juggled slightly. The previous HSE trim becomes an option package. Other changes include the fitment of 19-inch wheels as well as color-keyed fender flares, bumpers and lower tailgate trim as standard.
Edmunds says
Though not as ideal for daily on-road use as some other luxury SUVs, the 2009 Land Rover LR3 offers go-anywhere versatility, loads of luxury and a pedigreed nameplate.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Land Rover LR3 V8 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$378/mo for LR3 V8
LR3 V8
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
The midsize 2009 Land Rover LR3 bridges the gap between the brand's big-bucks Range Rover Sport and the entry-level LR2. Like those other models, the LR3 promises a balance between everyday usability and off-road capability. Being a modern luxury-brand SUV, the LR3 comes with plenty of standard features, three rows of seating arranged "stadium style," an abundance of headroom and a very useful cargo compartment. When the road turns to dirt, the LR3 is at the ready with a 300-horsepower V8, a sophisticated suspension and four-wheel drive.
But due primarily to some cheaper plastic trim, the cabin's overall quality doesn't match that of rivals such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GL450. Furthermore, we had a long-term LR3 a few years back that sadly held up the brand's reputation for spotty quality and reliability -- it was one of the most trouble-prone vehicles we've had in recent memory. Consumers who buy the LR3 shouldn't be surprised if they end up on a first-name basis with their Land Rover service writer.
You might also find that the Land Rover LR3 doesn't excel as a luxury family hauler as well as more on-road-oriented vehicles like the Acura MDX or Audi Q7. But if all-terrain adventures are a frequent family activity, and the thought of owning a pedigreed SUV appeals to you, it's hard to think of a better-suited vehicle for the task than the 2009 Land Rover LR3.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 LR3 is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 that makes 300 hp and 315 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system. Using a rotary knob, the driver can select one of five settings (general, snow/grass/gravel, mud and ruts, sand and rock crawl) that optimize everything for the conditions at hand, from throttle response to the differentials. The LR3 also features a fully independent suspension that utilizes electronically controlled air springs to automatically adapt to virtually any terrain or off-road challenge. This heavy SUV is expectedly thirsty. Fuel mileage ratings stand at 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined. When properly equipped, the LR3 can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
Safety
Safety features on the 2009 Land Rover LR3 include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control (with rollover mitigation technology), hill descent control, front-seat side airbags and three-row head curtain airbags. Rear parking sensors are included on all LR3s, while front bumper sensors come with the HSE package.
Driving
Even with 300 hp on tap, the hefty (nearly 6,000-pound) 2009 Land Rover LR3 is no rocket, especially when carrying a full load of passengers. Thanks to quick-thinking performance from the six-speed transmission, though, there is always adequate power available underfoot.
Communicative feedback from the steering lends the LR3 a crisp feel behind the wheel, and a tight turning circle makes it fairly maneuverable in parking lots and campgrounds. However, the vehicle's high center of gravity gives it a somewhat tippy feel when negotiating corners. The advanced suspension makes for a comfortable ride on the highway, though. With the sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, there's also plenty of traction if you ever feel the need to go exploring off-road.
Interior
Land Rover has a style all its own, and it's on display inside the LR3. Although filled with luxury features, there's a general rugged ambience that's been passed down through decades of adventure-seeking Land Rovers. The center stack is awash with black buttons and knobs, resembling some sort of navigational control panel from a yacht. That's not necessarily a good thing, though, as simple operations can be a little confusing. Also, our testing experiences have shown that build quality isn't universally solid.
In terms of everyday usability, the LR3 shines, with fold-flat second- and (available) third-row seats and a vast cargo space with a maximum of 90 available cubic feet. A commanding driving position and elevated "stadium" seating give the driver and passengers a clear view of the road (or trail) ahead.
2009 Land Rover LR3 models
The 2009 Land Rover LR3 is a midsize SUV. It is offered in a single trim level. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt (but not telescoping) steering wheel, a power tilt-and-slide front sunroof, a fixed rear sunroof and a nine-speaker stereo with an in-dash CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.
The available HSE package adds front and rear parking sensors, a Cold Climate group (front and rear heated seats, heated windshield-washer jets and a heated windshield), Bluetooth, a power-tilt steering wheel, satellite radio and a navigation system that has mapping capability for both on- and off-road.
Springing for the HSE LUX package adds Land Rover's adaptive bi-xenon headlights, higher-grade leather upholstery, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, a center-console cooler box and driver memory settings.
Some of the package features, such as the Cold Climate group and Bluetooth, are available à la carte. Also optional are a rear-seat entertainment system, a third-row seat, and a Heavy Duty package (locking rear differential and a full-size spare tire).
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2 out of 5 stars2/5Average
#28 out of 29 among Luxury Midsize 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 LR3 from 2008-2022.$793/yr
vs. $602/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize 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).4.07x/yr
vs. 1.09x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize 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).15.2%
vs. 9.4%
for Average Luxury Midsize SUV
for Average Luxury Midsize 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 LR3.
5 star(65%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
58 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best SUV
fallout79, 05/24/2014
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
I had always considered a Land Rover but been scared of the reliabilty. I finally went for a test drive and realized just how good this vehicle is. In terms of design, comfort, style, and capability there simply is not another vehicle that comes close. I bought an 08 with 70k on it and got an awesome deal. It had a full service history and was in mint condition.
I drive it all day for … business in the week and get around 18mpg. At the weekend I can load it up for weekend trips to the mountains and go on offroad trails that are extremely challenging.
Othertimes I tow our 25' boat with ease.
I'm at 90k with no problems. I have it regularly serviced by the LR dealer who are great. Best SUV!
Edmunds asked for an update so here it is: Now at 124k miles with no problems. Great car. Still looks awesome even though it's 8 years old. Hauls, tows, goes offroad anywhere you want to go. Found another place to service it closer than the LR dealer. Haven't had any issues - everything works great as it should. I have no complaints about this vehicle. It has been awesome.
Another update: 145k on the clock - no issues at all. Still love this car. Want a new one because they are shiny but can't justify it with this still looking and running great. It is a great ride on the highway, and does anything you ever want to do offroad. Also tows our camper and boat anywhere, anytime. I strongly recommend this vehicle. I keep waiting for something to go wrong, but nothing has. Even the seats still look brand new which is pretty amazing with 145k!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Not your average SUV
maddog72, 06/27/2012
2008 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
This is my second LR3 have over 150,000 miles of driving in both. Present 2008 has 63,000 miles. I have extensive driving experiance in all types of vehicles from H1 Hummers to Toyota Prius.
Land Rover LR3 is not for everyone, if trips to the mall or shopping is all you do get a mini van.
My LR3 is used 60/40 60 % on road 40% off road. It is the only vehicle that you can drive down the … interstate at 70 mph and then go off-road and back on the interstate and do so with the easiest driver input.
This is a truck, it is big, heavy to get good gas mileage you have to drive it like you want good gas mileage. I average 18 mpg with highs of 21 mpg on trips in flat country.
Off road this is a tool
4.38 out of 5 stars
No Worries!
Vance, 08/22/2009
2007 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
We needed a family utilitarian replacement SUV after all the negative safety issues with our Pathfinder. We stumbled across an 07 HSSE with less than 17K on it while looking at an 09. This was our first experience with Land Rover. We tried the Pilot and the Highlander, but then they are everywhere and very dull. This was love at first drive! Quite different than some of the negative … comments read before hand. It was smooth on the road and very comfortable, while having tons of room in 3 rows. Better yet its not a "manly man" truck like a Tahoe or similar. And the plastics are fine. Much better than what we were expecting. Yes, gadgets are plenty, but read the manual. It works!
4.38 out of 5 stars
Great all around Vehicle
RM, 12/06/2006
2007 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.4L 8cyl 6A)
So far it has been great. I especially enjoy the feeling of security when driving around in the LR3. In addition greatly enjoy the Logic 7 sound system, the simple to use NAV/GPS, the integration of Bluetooth and Voice Command. Voice Command takes a little getting used to and can be a little frustrating at first. When driving I enjoy using command shift. The brakes are amazing for a … vehicle of this size and weight. The steering is precise and the ride is very smooth thanks to the air suspension. The flexibility in seating/cargo configuration is amazing. The kids love just about everything about it. Can't hardly wait to take it on a long trip. The more I drive it the more I like it
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Land Rover LR3, so we've included reviews for other years of the LR3 since its last redesign.
2009 LR3 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $45,975 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $378/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 44.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the LR3 include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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