What Changed for 2009:

• Standard 19-inch alloy wheels
• Body-colored wheel arches, front and rear bumpers
• Revised exterior door handles
• Clear side repeater signal lenses
• Third-row seating and rear climate control now stand-alone options

Overview
The 2009 Land Rover LR3 midsize SUV is mainly carryover from 2008. New for 2009 are a number of minor exterior changes like body-colored exterior trim items including wheel arches, front and rear bumpers, rear appliqué, and tailgate lift handle. Other minor exterior changes include Tungsten finish on the exterior door handles and clear side repeater signal lenses. The Land Rover LR3’s combination of off-road abilities and a luxurious interior keep the vehicle in consideration for consumers who want the Land Rover name plus the accoutrements of a midsize luxury SUV.

Model Lineup
Consumers can choose between two LR3 trim levels for 2009: LR3 V8 SE or LR3 V8 HSE LUX. Both are equipped with a V-8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, permanent 4-wheel drive (4WD), 4-wheel ABS, traction control, and stability control. The LR3’s panoramic Alpine roof features two fixed-glass sections with privacy glass and sunblinds for the second and third rows.

The LR3 V8 SE has leather seats with power-adjustable front seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; power sunroof; 9-speaker harman/kardon stereo; and new standard 19-inch alloy wheels. The V8 HSE LUX model sports fog lights; navigation system; Xenon headlights; standard straight-grained walnut wood or black lacquer wood interior trim; Nutmeg carpet; and a 14-speaker harman/kardon surround sound stereo.

Options on the 2009 Land Rover LR3 include heated first- and second- row seats; adaptive front lighting; DVD entertainment system; navigation system; third-row seating; rear climate controls; and Sirius satellite radio. Four option packages are available: Cold Climate, Technology, Luxury and Heavy-Duty.

Powertrain
The 2009 Land Rover LR3 is powered by a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that produces 300 hp at 5500 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a full-time, dual-range 4WD system. The LR3 also comes equipped with a ride-height control air suspension; Land Rover’s Terrain Response System; and a locking center differential (an electronic rear locker is optional). The 2009 LR3 can tow a 7700-pound load. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway.

Safety
The 2009 Land Rover LR3 is fully equipped with safety features. Standard equipment includes eight air bags, including dual front, side, and side curtain air bags (for all three rows). A range of other safety technologies are also included, such as ABS with brake assist and cornering brake control; traction and stability control with active anti-roll technology; Hill Descent Control; Park Distance Control sensors for the front and rear bumpers; and adaptive headlights.

The 2009 Land Rover LR3 has not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for crash protection or rollover resistance. Neither has the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the LR3’s crashworthiness.

Technology
The 2009 Land Rover LR3’s optional Technology package includes a premium DVD-based on- and off-road navigation system, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a 4WD driver information center, and a center console cooler box. The off-road navigation system can tell when the vehicle leaves marked roads, and sets up a “breadcrumbs” trail to help drivers find their way back to the highway once they’re done on the trails.