2015 Land Rover LR2

Land Rover invented the luxury SUV when it started importing the Range Rover to the U.S. in the 1980s. Before that, rugged and capable Land Rovers were going where no vehicles had gone before, from the desert to the Arctic. Despite off-road prowess, the brand gained notoriety for building SUVs that broke down frequently and expensively. Even today, the brand retains its reputation, as Consumer Reports’ reliability data confirms. Used Land Rovers are risky purchases. Still, the Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport offer comfortable interiors, powerful engines, and a presence that makes them popular choices for Hollywood stars and British aristocrats alike. The Defender has matured into a luxe off-roader, losing some charm but gaining creature comforts. The brand is now part of Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by Tata, a conglomerate based in India.

The compact LR2 replaced the car-derived Freelander, a four-wheel-driver with fully independent suspension but no low-range gearing. Despite its unibody construction, the LR2 still provided good off-road ability. It uses a 3.2-liter, inline six-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission. The LR2 has a similar terrain response system as the LR3, which adjusts the AWD system according to terrain conditions such as mud and sand. It proved quite capable climbing boulders in our tests. The ride is firm but steady and the car benefits from good steering. In our testing the LR2 disconcertingly lifted two wheels at its handling limits, reducing driver confidence. Outward visibility is excellent, but the controls are confusing to use. The LR2 was discontinued for 2015, when it was replaced by the Discovery Sport.