2008 Land Rover Models

Land Rover has a new entry-level model for 2008, the LR2. It replaces the Freelander and competes with compact luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. The LR2 packs new looks, a more powerful engine and plenty of offroad equipment. For cash-strapped Land Rover fans, it arrives not a moment too soon: The British automaker's other SUVs range from $38,000 to $90,000.  

Land Rover's LR3 can hold up to seven, and for 2008 the only engine available is a Jaguar-derived 300-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 that's been changed to handle severe offroad conditions. Terrain Response technology has five terrain settings for on-road to extreme offroad conditions. The LR3 competes with the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class on the road, but the Hummer H2 is probably its best competition when it comes to high-end offroad prowess.  

For 2008, Land Rover has tweaked the cabin of its largest model, the Range Rover. The SUV is offered with a supercharged V-8 or a naturally aspirated V-8, both derived from Jaguar engines and operating using drive-by-wire throttle control. It occupies a unique corner of the market; its closest competitor is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. 

Land Rover's venerable Range Rover can tackle tough offroad terrain that would foil less-capable SUVs, yet still has the cachet to warrant a front-and-center parking space at upscale hotels. Fortunately, much of the Range Rover's style has carried over to the automaker's less expensive Range Rover Sport, as well as some of its offroad-ready hardware. To be clear, the Range Rover is unrelated to the Range Rover Sport, which shares its platform with the LR3 and competes with the Hummer H2 and Porsche Cayenne.