2008 Land Rover LR3 [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 64 LR3 reviews and test drives.
Land Rover LR3 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Land Rover LR3 ranks 6 out of 15 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 64 published reviews and test drives of the Land Rover LR3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The LR3 has acceptable on-road handing, very good braking, and exceptional off-road capabilities. Though it can't match the power and reliability of others in its class, it still ranks in the top half.
According to our analysis, the Land Rover LR3 offers solid handling, versatile passenger/cargo room, and many modern standard convenience and safety features. However, competitors offer better reliability, fuel economy, and power. Still, Automobile Magazine says the LR3 distinguishes itself from more car-like competitors "with more tanklike architecture and as many toys as Land Rover could squeeze in along with real space for seven adults."
The LR3 -- which until the 2005 ground-up redesign was called Discovery -- is available in two separate trim levels, SE and HSE, with one V8 engine. Three-row seating is newly standard for 2008.
- "The LR3 in an impressive achievement. While other mid-luxury SUVs are surrendering off-road competence, the LR3 continues to combine responsive on-road performance with go-anywhere off-road capability in a single comfortable, safe and secure vehicle." -- New Car Test Drive
- "This all-new Land Rover, the first to be developed since Ford Motor Co. purchased the company, is a solid piece of work. It is comfortable, luxurious and roomy. Motor Trend magazine chose it SUV of the Year." -- The Family Car
- "The LR3, in fact, may be the most configurable vehicle I've ever driven. There are more choices than most people will know what to do with." -- U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman
LR3 Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2008 Land Rover LR3 ranks near the top of the class for performance, thanks to good on-road handling and excellent off-road capabilities. "The LR3 handles remarkably well for a box weighing 5,880 pounds and steers with reassuring composure," says Car and Driver. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why test drivers complain about the LR3's V8 engine and automatic transmission. continue
LR3 Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
Though it does get some criticism, the LR3's traditionally-SUV styling earns it a ranking near the top of its class. "The all-new LR3 is undeniably handsome, a crisply drawn, seven-eighths evocation of the big Range Rover, which is without question the finest sport-utility vehicle on earth," says Automobile Magazine. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn more about reviewers' mixed opinions on the LR3's boxy design, or check out our Land Rover LR3 Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
LR3 Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2008 Land Rover LR3's cabin offers roomy and versatile passenger and cargo space, as well as abundant interior features. Competitors offer more luxury, however, leading to an interior ranking in the bottom half of the class. "Our take on the LR3's cabin is mixed; get out of a Range Rover, and the LR3 feels like a cheap knockoff, but get out of a Cadillac SRX and you'll think the LR3 is opulence epitomized," says Automobile Magazine. Continue with our Interior Review to learn why reviewers offer praise for the new third row, or check out our Land Rover LR3 interior photos. continue
LR3 Safety - NA
Writers are generally impressed with the 2008 Land Rover LR3's long list of standard safety features, with Car and Driver noting that it's "comprehensively equipped." The federal government has not yet crash-tested the LR3. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the LR3's accident avoidance systems. continue
LR3 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Land Rover LR3 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The LR3 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about Land Rover's past reliability issues. continue