2013 Land Rover LR2

Further proving that turbo 4’s are the new “in” engine, off-road icon Land Rover has unveiled the slightly restyled but mechanically enhanced 2013 LR2. As the entry model of a brand known for both all-terrain prowess and on-road luxury, the LR2 inherits welcomed upgrades.

 The turbo 4, a gutsy 2.0-liter from the Range Rover Evoque rates at 240 horsepower; it replaces last year’s 3.2 inline-6, and is complete with direct injection, variable valve timing, and weight-saving all aluminum construction. A six speed automatic trans with manual shift mode is again standard, as is the Haldex four-wheel drive system with Terrain Response selectable road-condition system.  All that tech, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance will take the LR2 well off the beaten path.

 Styling for the new LR2 has subtle exterior improvements; reworked head and tail lights, daytime runners, and polished trim accents.

 Interior takes a nice step up too with a new standard 7-inch center stack touch screen, a more informative gauge cluster, and of course leather throughout.

 GREG CARLOSS: So with the addition of some new standard features like touch screen and updated push button start, you’re really getting a combination of luxury and ruggedness with the new LR2. Now on the road, the 2 liter turbo has plenty of torque… and if you wanna go off-road, just slip it into any one of the selectable Terrain modes, and you can pretty much go anywhere.

 In dealerships soon, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 starts just over $37,000.