Land Rover Freelander Model Changes: The LR2 is a completely new model for 2008, replacing the Freelander in Land Rover's lineup as the smallest model from the British maker of off-road SUVs.

Land Rover Freelander Model Value: The 2008 LR2 is quite a departure from the Land Rovers of the past; it rides and drives much like a car, yet it has more off-road ability than a typical crossover SUV. Because of the innovative layout, seating is more spacious than expected for a compact SUV, and Land Rover says that the LR2's cargo space is among the best in class.

Land Rover Freelander Model Overview: The stylish 2008 LR2 looks every bit a boxy, off-road-ready Land Rover, yet it's oriented more toward on-road performance than the larger LR3 and Range Rover, with a "permanent intelligent" all-wheel-drive system that improves on-road fuel economy versus full-time mechanical systems, and gradient release control, a system that maintains vehicle control on steep, slippery slopes. All LR2s come with a 230-horsepower, 3.2L in-line six-cylinder engine that's nearly identical to that used in the Volvo XC90. It's matched with a six-speed automatic transmission with Command Shift, which allows the driver to control shifts. In the LR2, the six can propel the LR2 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. The LR2's interior has been designed to make the most of the space it has; like other vehicles in the Land Rover lineup, the LR2 has "stadium seating," where back-seat passengers sit slightly higher than those in front, for a better view and improved legroom. There's also a standard two-piece sunroof to give the cabin more of a sense of airiness. It has one of the most spacious cargo areas in its class, with 26.7 cubic feet found behind the rear seats and nearly 59 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The LR2 rides on a fully independent suspension that's tuned both for on-road performance and off-road ability. Electronic stability control, with roll stability control to help mitigate the chance of a rollover, is standard. Mud and snow tires are also standard. Both the SE and HSE trims that the LR2 is offered in come very well equipped, but the HSE adds such items as attractive 19-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, heated side mirrors, an on-and-off-road navigation system, parking sensors, walnut wood trim, Bluetooth hands-free, and a 550-watt harman/kardon Logic7 audio system with six-disc changer and 14 speakers. Options on the HSE include an active locking rear differential, heated rear seats and washer jets, and a cooler box.

Land Rover HSE Model Strengths: Off-road ability; acceleration (SC); Terrain Response system; versatile ride; interior comfort.

Model Changes: For 2008, Land Rover's Range Rover receives new leather dashboard trim. The entry-level HSE model now rides on revised seven-spoke alloy wheels, while the SC now features auto-dimming exterior mirrors. The optional cherry wood trim found on the SC in 2007 is no longer available. Also for 2008, the Range Rover Westminster debuts, with production limited to 500 units. Aside from a number of unique visual treatments, a four-zone climate control and a rear seat entertainment system are included.

Land Rover HSE Model Value: The 2008 Land Rover's flagship Range Rover has few peers and stands as one of the most luxurious and off-road-capable sport utility vehicles at any price. A proven platform, powerful engine choices, and well-equipped interior combine to form one of the most attractive true trail warriors available.

Land Rover HSE Model Overview: The 2008 Range Rover comes in two luxurious variants, the V8-powered HSE, with a 305-horsepower 4.4L engine, and the SC model, with its 400-horsepower 4.2L supercharged V8. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport and Command Shift modes. One of the Range Rover's primary strengths is its smart and sophisticated suspension design, which allows a smooth, quiet highway ride yet is rugged enough for some of the toughest off-roading situations. The Range Rover comes equipped with standard full-time four-wheel drive. Skid plates are included underneath, and both engines have special protective measures against dust and water contamination, rock damage, and driving at steep angles. Land Rover's Terrain Response system, which enables a wide range of vehicle components to change depending on terrain, is also standard on the Range Rover. Terrain Response has five modes: general driving, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl-each with specialized responses for the throttle, transmission, differential, brakes, and suspension. An electronically controlled variable-locking center differential, for increased traction in specific situations, is standard on both models, and a rear-axle differential is standard on the SC and optional on the HSE.The interior includes a handsome gauge cluster, plenty of storage bins, and a new three-zone climate control system with 15-percent better cooling capacity. Heated seats are standard, with cooled and ventilated seats (backrests included) available on the Land Rover Range Rover HSE and standard on the SC. Real wood trim is used throughout, and the interior includes triple-layer lamination for the windshield to help reduce noise. The high-performance SC model adds larger 20-inch wheels, along with stronger stopping power from larger Brembo brakes, plus chrome exhaust tips and an adaptive front lighting (AFL) system that helps illuminate into corners on dark roads. Options include a rear-seat entertainment package on both models, and a Luxury package on the HSE, with the heated and cooled seats, upgraded leather surfaces, and AFL. The Range Rover Westminster Package can be added to supercharged models. This package, which is limited to a run of 500, includes 20-inch alloys, oak interior treatments, special badging and floor mats, four-zone climate control, and a rear entertainment system. This premium option group adds $12,000 to the SC's list price.

Land Rover's Range Rover Sport Model Strengths: All-purpose functionality; luxurious and comfortable.

Land Rover's Range Rover Sport Model Changes: For 2008, Land Rover's Range Rover Sport gets power folding side mirrors, an eight-way power passenger seat, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel as standard. Dark Zebrano wood trim is now available on both the HSE and SC Range Rover Sport.

Land Rover's Range Rover Sport Model Value: The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is capable in just about any terrain, and it has a very powerful optional supercharged engine. Its interior appointments are terrific, with quality wood and leather trim abundant. The Range Rover Sport's list of standard safety equipment surpasses many other vehicles in its segment.

Land Rover's Range Rover Sport Model Overview: The 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxurious vehicle, with a standard power sunroof, automatic headlamps with power washers, front and rear fog lamps, leather seats, heated exterior mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a harman/kardon six-disc CD changer, and memory settings for the driver's seat, the steering column, and the exterior mirrors. Also included on the list are dual-zone automatic climate control and a DVD-based navigation system. The base HSE model comes with a 300-horsepower 4.4L V8 engine, while the SC trim comes with a supercharged 4.2L V8 that produces 390 horsepower. Both engines are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with Command shift. Standard handling features on both models include dynamic stability control, active roll mitigation, hill descent control, cornering brake control, and an enhanced electronic air suspension with automatic load leveling. While the Range Rover Sport HSE is well equipped, the SC trim adds even more items, including 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust extensions, heated washer jets, and wood interior trim. Much of the SC's standard equipment can be ordered on the HSE, including the Luxury Interior Package, which adds the heated windshield, heated premium leather seats, adaptive lighting, and wood trim. There is also a Cold Climate Package, a Rear Seat Entertainment Package, Sirius satellite radio, a rear differential lock, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The SC can add the rear differential lock and the Rear Seat Entertainment Package as well, in addition to adaptive cruise control, 20-inch Stormer alloy wheels.

Land Rover LR3 Model Strengths: Off-road ability; seating space and comfort; available technology and luxury features.

Model Changes: For 2008, the V6 engine is no longer available in the U.S. market, leaving only V8-powered Land Rover LR3 SE and HSE models. Seven-passenger seating is also now standard across the model line. A power passenger seat is a new standard feature, and the HSE model gets a power-adjustable steering wheel with memory function. New stitching is part of the premium leather upholstery. There's also a new walnut wood trim inside the HSE, along with a black lacquer finish available at no extra charge.

Land Rover LR3 Model Value: The LR3 is stands out in its class of premium sport utility vehicles with a good mix of tough off-road ability, interior comfort, and a good on-road ride. The Terrain Response allows even novices to get through tough off-road situations. Inside, it offers available appointments-such as second-row heated seats, a heated windshield, and adaptive lighting headlamps-that aren't widely available.

Land Rover LR3 Model Overview: The Land Rover LR3 is powered by a 4.4L V8 making 300 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque for 2008. The modern aluminum engine has chain-driven overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Power is delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission, which has a Sport mode for maximum acceleration and Command Shift mode for manual shift control. The permanent four-wheel-drive system uses an infinitely variable locking center differential to vary the torque distribution front-to-back. There's also a low range for steep or challenging off-road situations. A locking rear differential is optional. Supplementing the mechanicals is a wide range of electronic aids. Dynamic stability control helps maintain stability on- or off-road; hill descent control helps with steep descents while off-roading; and the anti-lock braking system includes electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist. A four-wheel independent suspension underpins the LR3, with unequal-length control arms and air springs with electronic control and three levels of driver-selectable settings, allowing a long range of wheel travel for off-roading yet tight control for on-road handling. Linking all of these systems together is Terrain Response, a system that automatically adjusts and coordinates the LR3's many electronic systems to suit the terrain. The system's five modes are General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl, with the latter only available with low range. With space for seven, the LR3 has three rows of upright seating, upholstered in soft leather. The second and third rows sit high so as to give occupants a view ahead, while the second-row seat is split 35/30/35 to allow sections to be folded forward to expand cargo space, and the third row folds completely down into the floor. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, and rear park distance control. The HSE model adds larger 19-inch wheels, heated mirrors, bi-xenon headlamps, second-row heating and cooling controls, a Bluetooth hands-free system, walnut wood trim, and a 550-watt Harmon/Kardon sound system with 14 speakers. All LR3s are equipped with front side air bags and side-curtain air bags that cover the first and second rows. Major options include premium leather surfaces, heated first- and second-row seats, a heated windshield and washer jets, an adaptive lighting system, a DVD entertainment system, and a center-console cooler box