If you think history can tell you what a Land Rover LR3 is about, think again.
For a while, the original LR3 blueprint — the Discovery — was praised for its off-roading capabilities but was drubbed by some auto journalists for too few extras.
That was then and this is clearly now. My recent test drive of an LR3 showed the sport utility vehicle has plenty of Indiana-Jones-as-an-SUV moves and has plenty of top-of-the-line extras to suit even techno-geeks. If those don’t satisfy, I submit that a buyer would be hard-pressed to find an automaker that offers more optional packages than Land Rover does for this SUV.
When Motor Trend named the LR3 its “2005 SUV of the Year,” the text went, “It’ll take you from the Rubicon Trail to Rodeo Drive.” If anything, that statement seems truer now than ever. And I’d submit wherever your drive, the interior will make you feel more Rodeo Drive than ever.
There is no mistaking the broad, masculine look of the LR3 — this is no SUV in name only. But that doesn’t mean the designers didn’t add some jazzy touches. Consider the optional 19-inch alloy wheels and fog lights, geometric bumpers and oversize windows, which offer some of the most unobstructed views available from modern SUVs. Much has been made about the standard third row of seats offered in the LR3 at no extra cost. What I found noteworthy was the comfort of the headroom and legroom in each row. Even the third row has a respectable 40.1 inches of headroom and 36.3 inches of legroom, just about six inches less than the front and second rows offer. I’ve read reviews noting that the third row is comfortable enough for 6-foot adults. I’m not that tall and I wouldn’t want to ride cross-country in the third row, but it’s a decent size for kids, smaller adults and even adults who are taking short trips.
If you’re like most drivers, you won’t use the third row for seating as much as you’ll want the extra space for cargo. The maximum cargo capacity with all seats folders is 90.3 inches. Nice.
It’s not tough to believe the 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 can tow 7,700 pounds. The drive is powerful and firm but never out of control. One of my personal requirements for a top ride — a tight turning radius — is more than ample on this SUV, which is amazing considering its size.
The smooth, powerful ride also belies the SUV’s size. There’s no hesitation when the car’s six-speed automatic transmission shifts and the ride is solid even on less-than-optimal roads. Braking is incredibly responsive.
The fuel economy rating of 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway is certainly not high, but when you consider the size and power of this SUV, it’s not surprising. And those who are in the market for this type of quality can’t seriously exclude the LR3 for that reason.
With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at just $46,825, buyers get more than their money’s worth.
