2009 Land Rover LR3
- Used Land Rover LR3
Land Rover LR3 - What the Auto Press Says
The LR3 is a luxury SUV with acceptable on-road handing and exceptional off-road capabilities. However, its fuel economy is quite low. For a more efficient vehicle, consider the Lexus RX 350 or RX Hybrid.
Land Rover leaves the LR3 relatively unchanged for 2009, with the exception of a few interior and exterior tweaks. Though it doesn't offer the raw power or better reliability of rivals, the SUV is praised for its unique blend of luxury and rugged performance. "The beauty of Land Rover is its ability to combine tough with posh," says the Detroit News. "If it were a sport, it would be rugby, given its British pedigree, raw power and finesse touches. Some people may tie a dead carcass to the hood of their LR3, but they'll get a manicure as soon as they return to civilization." However, a major downside in today's world is the LR3's low fuel economy.
The LR3 -- which until the 2005 ground-up redesign was called Discovery -- is available with two main trim packages, HSE and HSE Luxury. For 2010, it will be redesigned again and renamed the LR4.
- "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, regarding the redesigned 2005 model
- "If you have to have your cake and eat it, too, LR3 is it. If you don't plan to go trail-hunting, there are other vehicles in this segment worth looking at." -- Southtown Star
- "While I have no doubt the LR3 shines in the British countryside or African savanna, it didn't work quite as well in an American suburb. The LR3 is tall, thin and luxuriously appointed, but it lacks some of the typical kid-hauling SUV amenities of its competitors. It'll go on safari in the African savanna with aplomb, but it suffers in the U.S. drive-through confines." -- Mother Proof
- "In a class trending toward luxury crossover SUVs, the tall, off-road-oriented LR3 seems anachronistic. In reality, it's used exactly the way its car-like competition is, and in that capacity, delivers good passenger and cargo room and unexpected comfort. Ultimately, it's compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics as well as a hefty thirst for premium-grade gas." -- Consumer Guide
LR3 Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)
Thanks to good on-road handling and excellent off-road capabilities, the 2009 LR3 shines in the performance category. "The LR3 handles remarkably well for a box weighing 5,880 pounds and steers with reassuring composure," says Car and Driver. But test drivers aren't completely thrilled with the LR3's powertrain. Read More
LR3 Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)
The LR3 keeps its traditional Land Rover look, but also gets a few modifications for 2009. "That upright stance, raised rear roof and clamshell hood give the LR3 a distinctive Land Rover look," says the Detroit News. "The flat windshield and slab sides add to its appearance and make it easy to find in the concrete jungle of a parking lot." Read More
LR3 Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 Land Rover LR3's cabin has always been praised for its roomy and versatile passenger space, along with lots of standard features. Though some competitors offer more luxurious appointments, new interior materials for 2009 may help the LR3's case." The amenities in the LR3 are excellent," says Detroit News. "The well-crafted walnut wood trim and new almond leather interior (with Nutmeg carpet) look astonishing and they're all new for 2009 LR3s." Read More
LR3 Safety - NA
The federal government and insurance industry have not crash tested the 2009 LR3 or previous models. Writers are impressed with its accident avoidance systems. Read More
LR3 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 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. Read More
