The 2011 Land Rover LR2 may be the company’s smallest SUV, but it is every bit as capable is its better known siblings, The LR4 and Range Rover. Although based on Ford’s C1 unit-body platform, the LR2 is unmistakably Land Rover, from its two bar grille and chrome side vents, to its boxy upright greenhouse. And, while the LR2’s full-time "intelligent" all-wheel drive setup lacks the same dual range transfer case as the LR4 and Range Rover, its off-road prowess is in no dispute. When placed shoulder to shoulder with BMW’s new X3 and Audi’s Q5, the LR2 appears a bit dated. But, if you’re a die-hard fan of the marquee, the LR2 is a great way to get into a Land Rover at a very reasonable price.
Used 2011 Land Rover LR2 Pricing
The 2011 Land Rover LR2 HSE has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $36,500, and with all the options tops out just over $45,500. Compare these prices to the Acura RDX AWD, which starts around $35,500 or the BMW X3 at nearly $37,500, and the LR2 seems fairly competitive. Our Fair Purchase Price, which represents prices consumers are actually paying at any given moment, can differ substantially from MSRP, so be sure to check it out before you buy. Land Rover’s entry-level models have historically maintained only average residuals compared to other entrants in their segments and the LR2 is no exception, posting weaker resale values over time than either the Acura RDX or BMW X3.
Driving the Used 2011 Land Rover LR2
The 2011 Land Rover LR2 is a comfortable and capable SUV. Its 3.2.-liter six-cylinder engine has more than enough power to help the LR2 scoot along, running from zero to 60 in a respectable 8.4 seconds. Better still, the 2011 Land Rover LR2 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is one of the best tow ratings in its class. The LR2 features a host of electronic aids to assist both on and off road, including Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, Roll Stability Control and Land Rover’s patented Gradient Release Control and Hill Descent Control. The full-time "intelligent" all-wheel drive system is bolstered by Land Rover’s Terrain Response System that features four different settings designed to tackle anything from slippery roads, to gravel paths, to deep snow or sandy trails.
Interior Comfort
The 2011 Land Rover LR2 receives an even more luxurious interior this year, with particular attention paid to the LUX Package’s seating. A choice between Napoli or Windsor leather is offered, each with its own complimentary trim and wood package, as well as unique floor mats. The LR2’s roomy cabin can comfortably fit four tall adults, and head room front and rear is never an issue; the LR2 also has a generous cargo hold, even with the rear seat in place. The LR2’s driver is presented with a simple but clear set of instruments and control panels, while passengers will discover the LR2 provides plenty of cup holders, power points (three 12-volt outlets total) and storage bins.
Exterior Styling
Land Rover wisely avoided trying to make the 2011 LR2 appear as a mini-Range Rover. While it still has enough identifiable styling cues to mark it as a Land Rover, the LR2 has a style all its own. Softer edges and more rounded sheetmetal mark the major difference between the LR2 and its older siblings and, despite its 8.3-inches of ground clearance, stepping in and out of the LR2 is nearly as easy as with a standard passenger car. The LR2 provides plenty of glass all around and even an enormous dual-panel glass sunroof to let in sunlight and provide excellent outward visibility. Available 19-inch wheels and tires further solidify the LR2’s premium off-road status.
Favorite Features
Terrain Response System Excellent Interior Space
This exclusive Land Rover standard feature matches up throttle, transmission, anti-lock brakes and ESP programming, by using one of four different computer algorithms that optimize power delivery characteristics, no matter what kind of surface you’re driving on – from grass to snow to sand to plain old pavement.
In keeping with a longstanding Land Rover tradition, the 2011 Land Rover LR2’s cabin is roomy and flexible. The rear seat can comfortably accommodate two adults or three children, and folds flat to expand cargo capacity from 26.5 cubic feet to a maximum 58.9 cubic feet of space.
Standard Features
The multifaceted 2011 Land Rover LR2 bolsters its impressive mechanical roster of all-wheel drive, Roll Stability Control (RSC), Terrain Response System, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Hill Descent Control/Gradient Release Control with numerous people-pleasing touches. Topping the list are a host of power assists, dual-zone climate control, nine-speaker AM/FM/MP3 320-watt Alpine sound system with single CD player, wood or metallic-look accent trim, and six-way power driver and four-way power passenger leather-trimmed bucket seats. Other standards include 60/40 flat-folding rear bench seat, a panoramic sunroof with a front sliding element and fixed rear glass, cruise control, rear park assist, front and rear foglights, headlamp washers, and rain-sensing wipers. Passive restraints include dual front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, plus an inflatable driver’s knee bolster.
Factory Options
With its extensive array of standard features, the list of 2011 Land Rover LR2 factory extras is decidedly brief. A Climate Comfort Package adds heating to the front seats, windshield and windshield washers, while the Bluetooth and Satellite package adds Bluetooth phone connectivity and Sirius Satellite Radio. The HSE package brings Bluetooth and Sirius, corner-following Bi-xenon HID adaptive front lighting, memory driver’s seat, HD Radio, and power tilt-down mirrors, as well as approach and puddle lamps. The HSE LUX package includes all this plus 480-watt 13-speaker Alpine/Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 Surround Sound audio system and rear-seat audio controls, Windsor leather seating and eight-way driver/six-way passenger front seats. Stand alone options include DVD navigation, 19-inch wheels and tires, and black lacquer or metal finish appliqués.
Engine & Transmission
Powering the 2011 Land Rover LR2 is a 3.2-liter DOHC in-line six coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. Shared with former Ford partner Volvo, this compact, all-aluminum engine features a variable intake system, Cam Profile Switching (CPS) and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) that optimize its responsiveness. In the LR2 it also receives additional modifications to improve resistance to dust, mud and water intrusions, as well as supplemental oil pan baffling to ensure consistent lubrication when the LR2 is being driven on severe inclines. The new six-speed automatic transmission is a solid match, providing both a Sport mode that holds gears longer for quicker acceleration and a CommandShift gate that lets it function like a sequential manual gearbox. 3.2-liter in-line 6
230 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
234 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22
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