Used 2013 Land Rover LR2

With the stylish and highly-capable Range Rover Evoque hogging the lion’s share of the limelight, it’s easy to overlook the entry-level Land Rover LR2. In an attempt to shift some attention away from its scene-stealing stablemate, the LR2 is treated to a number of functional and aesthetic revamps for 2013. Despite being the least-expensive vehicle in Land Rover’s lineup, the 2013 LR2 still embodies the go-anywhere bravado of the brand’s flagship models, thanks to ample ground clearance, plenty of off-road tech and standard 4-wheel drive. But when it comes to the type of refinement, comfort and panache expected of a luxury SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLK, BMW X3 and Audi Q5 simply outclass the LR2.

While “carlike” is a term often associated with luxury SUVs, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 feels noticeably more ponderous on the road than its rivals. Nonetheless, there’s a confidence to the way it negotiates corners and tight parking spaces. Bumps and road irregularities are absorbed with minimal fuss, yielding a ride that is neither too soft nor too stiff-legged. Wind and road noise, on the other hand, are constant companions at highway speeds. Inside, the awkwardly-tall seating position might cause some drivers to feel as if they are steering from a lifeguard tower, though it does make for exceptional outward visibility.

Once off-road, the 2013 LR2 is pure Land Rover. The broad power curve and smooth throttle response of the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine make negotiating slippery obstacles a cinch. And, unlike the outgoing 6-cylinder engine, the LR2’s new powerplant delivers the right amount of low-end torque for passing and merging.

The fully recast dash is more elegant and less cluttered than before with simple, straightforward controls in place of a sea of buttons. Materials quality is good enough to satisfy expectations in the segment, though there are some cheap-looking plastics in evidence. And, while the next-generation navigation features look good on paper, they fail to improve upon the previous system’s overly-complex menus, finicky location searches and jumbled graphics. On a more pragmatic front, the Land Rover LR2 can carry up to 59 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded, which is on par with or better than other vehicles in the category.

Although it takes a keen eye to identify the cosmetic revisions, the new 10-spoke wheels, redesigned upper grille and LED-infused lighting elements front and rear succeed in providing the 2013 Land Rover LR2 with a more contemporary appearance while still retaining its classic styling cues. High-end HSE and HSE Lux models further distinguish themselves with silver-painted grille bar inserts, fender vents and rear finisher strip. Even with the elevated seating position, the LR2’s step-in height is quite manageable for most adults. Likewise, the relatively low cargo floor helps minimize the strain of loading a week’s worth of groceries.

TERRAIN RESPONSE
To enhance traction and stability on a wide range of surfaces, the standard Terrain Response system can tailor certain vehicle characteristics by way of four driver-selectable settings, such as grass/gravel/snow, mud and ruts, sand, and normal driving.

MERIDIAN SOUND SYSTEM
Pumping out 825 watts of music power through 17 speakers, the newly-optional Meridian premium sound system provides audiophiles with the type of tonal accuracy, strong sound staging and crisp dynamics to which they’re accustomed.

The 5-passenger 2013 Land Rover LR2 is offered in base, HSE and HSE Lux trim levels. In base form, the LR2 comes equipped with the Terrain Response traction management system, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery and an 11-speaker audio system paired with a 7-inch touch-screen display. Mid-tier HSE models add a backup camera, rear park distance control and xenon headlights, while primo HSE Lux versions are highlighted by a Meridian premium audio system and an 8-way power driver’s seat (6-way is standard). In terms of safety, every 2013 LR2 includes seven airbags, rollover mitigation control and active head restraints designed to help protect against whiplash injuries.

Snowbelters and the terminally-cold will rejoice at the heated steering wheel and heated front seats that comprise the cold climate package. If navigation tops your list of must-have features, we suggest you look to the aftermarket in lieu of the optional factory unit. And, while it may not be a deal-breaker, the Land Rover LR2’s lack of a power liftgate is a glaring omission, particularly since nearly all luxury SUVs have offered such a convenience for the better part of a decade.

A new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine – the same Ford-designed EcoBoost powerplant used in the Evoque – replaces the 3.2-liter inline-6 of the former model. With 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of peak torque, it tops the outgoing 6-cylinder engine by 10 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque. The carryover 6-speed automatic transmission now incorporates Land Rover’s Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM), which recovers kinetic energy during deceleration and braking to charge the battery in the most energy-efficient manner. These powertrain changes translate to a 15-percent uptick in fuel economy while delivering an improved 0-60-mph time of around 8.2 seconds (down from 8.4).

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
240 horsepower 5,500 rpm
250 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg