Refined Utility: 2015 Land Rover LR2 SUV
Unique in the compact luxury SUV segment, the Land Rover LR2 offers the brand's renowned off-road capability in a vehicle that provides outstanding on-road ride comfort and agility. The combination of full-time intelligent four-wheel drive and the renowned Land Rover Terrain Response® control system gives the LR2 the ability to take trails unsuitable for some luxury crossovers.
Available in LR2, HSE, and HSE LUX trim levels, the 2015 model year will be the last for this iconic compact SUV. This year two special equipment packages are being offered. The Value Edition Black Pack and Silver Pack options each add a distinct design theme to the Land Rover LR2, along with the added value of the HDD Navigation system and a 19-inch wheel upgrade. The Black Pack's 10-spoke alloy wheels are painted black, complemented by gloss black exterior trim and badges. Inside, the Grand Black Lacquer trim and steering wheel face add a touch of sporty elegance seen on Range Rover Black Pack models.
The Silver Pack gives the LR2 a shot of design adrenaline with the Exterior Design Package, plus 19-inch 7-split-spoke alloy wheels with a Sparkle finish and bright exhaust tailpipe finishers. Silver Element interior trim brings some of the "sparkle" inside.
Power for the LR2 is generated by a 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine that deftly blends performance and efficiency. The engine is teamed with an Aisin AWF21 six-speed automatic transmission engineered with advanced neutral logic control to reduce internal drag when the LR2 is idling.
The transmission also features a remote breather, routed above the vehicle's water wading depth. In sport mode, the transmission is programmed to hold low gears longer and to downshift more readily, to assist acceleration. CommandShift® allows manual sequential gearshifts.
A Haldex rear axle coupling provides intelligent full-time four-wheel drive. The powertrain components and systems are protected from water intrusion, providing the vehicle with a 19.7-inch water-wading depth.
The LR2’s Terrain Response system delivers the most sophisticated four wheel-drive technology in the sector ensuring the Land Rover SUV is equipped for every surface it may encounter, from sand to tarmac. There are four settings that cater to the driver for general driving, slippery conditions such as grass, gravel, or snow, mud and ruts and sand. Terrain response also oversees the stability controls and traction aids according to the selected terrain. It also engages Hill Descent Control (HDC) to suit the selected terrain and changes the setting of the electronic center coupling to optimize the four wheel-drive system in off-road conditions.
The many functions of Terrain Response are underpinned by the high levels of body stiffness which provide the best foundation for excellent ride and handling characteristics as well as off-road performance. A structural under tray on the front sub-frame improves steering precision as well as protecting the underside of the vehicle and four point engine mounting aids engine stability and improves refinement.
Inside the passenger cabin, the LR2 and HSE models come with grained leather appointed seats as standard, while the HSE LUX gets an upgraded Windsor leather covered seat with double contrast stitching. The standard dual-panel panoramic sunroof provides a bright and airy feel in the cabin; the front section opens and slides over the second-row glass roof panel. With Keyless Start, the engine starts at the touch of a button as long as the key is inside the car.
The driver can control the standard Meridian™ audio system and the optional satellite navigation system through the standard seven-inch color touch-screen. The screen provides fast scrolling on the main navigation screen (when equipped) and a QWERTY keyboard for phonebook searching. A five-inch screen between the main dials within the instrument cluster displays primary vehicle-related information, such as temperature and fuel levels, gear position and Terrain Response® mode. Steering wheel toggle switches operate clear drop-down menus and vehicle setup details.
The LR2 HSE is equipped with a rear view camera, which shows the view from the back of the vehicle on the infotainment screen along with dynamic lines representing the boundaries of the vehicle and the predicted path as the vehicle reverses. The system also incorporates 'Hitch Assist,' a graphic superimposed on the camera showing the position of the tow ball.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 104.7; overall length: 177.0; width: 86.5; height: 68.5
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L direct injection turbo – 240 hp at 5,500 rpm and 250 lbs-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 17city/24 highway
Cargo capacity: 58.9 cu. ft.
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, side-impact door beams, front/rear fog lights, tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle security system with keyless entry, rear park distance control, four-wheel disc brakes with all terrain anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist, four-wheel electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, active roll mitigation, cornering brake control, hill decent control, roll stability control, alarm system, automatic headlamps, push button start, rear park distance control, and central locking system. HSE adds Bluetooth hands free phone system, rear view camera, HomeLink garage door opener, and adaptive headlamps.
Optional safety features include navigation system.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/50,000 mile 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Land Rover LR2 SUV starts from $36,600 for the LR2, $39,100 for the HSE, and $41,700 for the HSE LUX. Destination charges add $925.