There are many reasons why Americans love their compact luxury crossovers, but off-road capability isn't one of them. Unless, of course, you're talking to the owner of a Land Rover LR2. It's one of the few crossovers of any type that can carry you through the mud and wilderness with nearly as much confidence as a dedicated 4x4.
What's New for 2015
Two color-themed trim packages join the option list.
Choosing Your Land Rover LR2
While you can get all-wheel drive on just about any crossover, the LR2's full-time setup comes with Land Rover's sophisticated Terrain Response System, which optimizes traction for different driver-selected conditions: pavement, gravel, sand or snow. The LR2 also offers significantly more ground clearance than its competitors and standard hill-descent control.
Every example is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 240 horsepower, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
As before, the LR2 is offered in Base, HSE and HSE Lux trim levels:
All versions are eligible for the Climate Comfort package, which adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield. Also available across the board are 19-inch wheels and a navigation system with voice controls.
An Audio Upgrade package for the Base and HSE adds the Lux's 17-speaker sound system (including HD/satellite radio). Choosing the new Silver or Black Design package (Base and HSE only) gets you specific color-keyed 19-inch wheels and styling details throughout, plus the navigation system.
If go-anywhere ability is your goal, the well-equipped Base model will serve you well. If you also want a level of interior luxury approaching that of the brand's flagship Range Rover, the HSE Lux is your ticket to happiness.