First Class Mud Wrestling

Land Rovers are famous for conquering the Serengeti. Now the LR2 tackles the asphalt jungle while staying true to its roots.
By Bill Heald

The past couple of years haven’t been too kind to SUV fans. Fuel economy concerns, along with the clumsiness of the Hummer sect, have left those wanting true off-road capability along with acceptable fuel economy (and decent handling) stranded. True, there are a lot of fuel efficient compact SUVs out there, but most soil themselves at the sight of a mountain trail and don’t offer the proper amenities to woo passengers who require luxurious surroundings.

Now Land Rover has swooped out of the woods to rescue those seeking sophistication and muscle in an intelligent-size (and less thirsty) package. The LR2 HSE is an upscale jack-of-all-trails and a master at meandering through crowded urban environments. It’s also loaded with electronic wizardry that can help save your bacon, even if you’re somewhat inept behind the wheel.

The LR2’s singular personality starts under the hood with a 24-valve, 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that’s silky smooth at idle, and since it’s armed with both Variable Intakes and Variable Valve Timing, it pumps out a respectable 230 horsepower. The engine is also so compact that Land Rover mounted it transversely in the engine compartment like a V-6. This is impressive for an inline six, because when mounted lengthwise it can intrude on passenger space and/or necessitate a longer hood.

By mounting it crossways, the LR2 stays fairly compact, which helps in maneuverability.

The transmission is a very refined six-speed automatic, and a tour de force of electronic management—especially since it is incorporated into the Terrain Response System. First, there is a Sport mode where gears are held longer in the rev range before shifting, and downshifts occur faster for better acceleration. In Manual mode, you select gears sequentially at your discretion. To get the power to the ground, the LR2 has an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that channels most of the thrust to the front wheels on dry pavement. When things get slippery, torque gets transferred to the rear wheels. But as cool as this drivetrain is, the real off-road brains is the LR2’s patented Terrain Response System. A knob on the center console lets you select from Normal Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, or Sand modes. As Land Rover puts it, these modes modify engine, transmission, traction, and chassis systems to optimize mobility.

Of course, there’s a slew of other electronic aids onboard, including Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, and several braking programs. The idea is to let the LR2 do a lot of the motivational thinking, so you can focus on the boulders and bogs. I made extensive use of the Mud and Ruts setting, and was able to negotiate some nasty craters of goo with minimal hassle.

Like all Land Rovers, the seating position is high, with low windows for great visibility. One of my favorite instrument displays in this high-tech mule is an icon that tells you how the front wheels are oriented, which can be critical when climbing around obstacles. The last thing you want is to force Amber to slog through the muck to spot for you. That’s a real spoiler for a hot weekend getaway in the sticks.

With such capability, the LR2 is your personal valet no matter where you are, and the long-travel suspension and stout body structure keep the elegant cabin quiet and stable (to the point that Amber can apply her makeup while you’re conquering the wilds). The HSE trim line includes exemplary leather seating and a 320-watt Alpine sound system for worldclass auditory accompaniment.