Land Rover Range Rover SUV-2013

PREVIEW

For years now, Land Rover has sought to make the Range Rover the luxury SUV benchmark for consumers who crave both jungle-conquering off-road ability and the kind of high-end cabin furnishings that make you feel like you're headed out on an expensive safari vacation every time you climb aboard. In most respects, the top Land Rover has been quite successful at this. The mission won't be any different for the redesigned 2013 Land Rover Range Rover, but in a nod to today's more environmentally sensitive and technology-oriented world, fuel economy ratings are up and the Range Rover's cabin electronics have moved into the modern era.

Starting things off for the redesigned 2013 Range Rover is a trip to the gym. All-aluminum body construction and numerous other measures have resulted in massive weight reduction compared with last year's model. Depending on trim level and options, this Range Rover is anywhere from about 400 to 900 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The result is a significant improvement in both fuel economy and acceleration. What's more, the new Range Rover handles better than before, and properly equipped, it can still tackle off-road trails normally reserved for Jeeps. Inside, the new Land Rover Range Rover is still one of a kind. Few SUVs can combine the old world ambience of high-grade leathers and woods with the contemporary electronic displays as effectively as the 2013 Range Rover.

The 2013 Land Rover Range Rover is indeed impressive, but in its effort to offer do-it-all capability under one roof, it makes some compromises. It doesn't ride particularly well for a vehicle in this price range, and its steering effort is overly heavy at higher speeds, which can get old on the interstate. And of course it's not your only option for a high-end luxury SUV. The roomy 2013 Lexus LX 570 offers similar off-road credentials and luxury furnishings, along with a stellar reputation for reliability. The comparatively ancient 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (wins points for its amazing rock-crawling ability and sheer audacity, and the 2013 Porsche Cayenne has some of the best road manners in this class and available diesel power for better fuel economy. If you just want a luxury SUV that goes fast, the Cayenne Turbo, BMW X5 M and Mercedes ML63 and GL63 are all compelling alternatives to a supercharged Range Rover.

None of these alternatives boasts the 2013 Range Rover's beguiling British heritage and elegant safari-ready aesthetics, however. If you simply must have a Range Rover, consider this year's model, as it is certainly the most refined and desirable one to date.

FEATURES

The 2013 Land Rover Range Rover is a five-passenger luxury SUV available in two trim levels: base and Supercharged.

The base Range Rover comes standard with 19-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, heated and power-folding mirrors, a power clamshell-style liftgate, automatic xenon headlights, keyless entry/ignition, tri-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, driver memory settings, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a heated steering wheel. Also standard are touchscreen navigation with voice control for most infotainment functions, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 13-speaker Meridian audio system with USB/iPod/auxiliary audio ports and satellite and HD radio.

Optional for the base 2013 Range Rover is a Vision Assist package that includes an automatic setting for the Terrain Response system, surround-view parking cameras, adaptive headlights with automatic high-beam control, a blind-spot monitor, reverse traffic detection, auto-dimming sideview mirrors and foglights.

Stand-alone options for the base Range Rover include an automated parallel-parking system, a rear-seat entertainment system, panoramic sunroof, an upgraded Meridian surround-sound audio system, adaptive cruise control and a tow package.

The Range Rover's HSE package adds 20-inch alloy wheels, the panoramic sunroof, the auto-dimming sideview mirrors, 12-way power front seats, heated rear seats and upgraded leather upholstery. With the HSE, you can further opt for 22-inch wheels and a couple of extra interior upgrade packages. The Front Seat Climate Comfort package adds ventilated and massaging front seats and a front cooler box. The Four Zone Climate Comfort pack further ups the Range Rover's luxury status with rear seats that have heating, ventilation, power recline and power lumbar adjustment. Four-zone automatic climate control is also included with this package.

Moving up to the Range Rover Supercharged model gets you a supercharged V8 engine, 21-inch alloy wheels, the automatic Terrain Response system and the contents of the HSE package. Options essentially mirror those available for the base Range Rover, though a locking rear differential is also available here.

For the Supercharged, you can also get the line-topping Autobiography package. It brings in almost all of the above standard and optional equipment but adds specific 21-inch wheels, extensive extra leather trim including the headliner and dashboard, 18-way adjustable front seats with massage and memory and 22 distinct exterior colors. The only options for the Autobiography-package Range Rover are a Rear Executive Seating package (it incorporates two individual rear seats with memory, extra power adjustments, massage functions and a center console) and a 29-speaker Meridian audio system with simulated 3D surround-sound technology that's said to provide a concert-like experience for every occupant.

INTERIOR

A big part of the 2013 Range Rover's appeal is its high-class interior. Few SUVs combine the old world ambience of rich leathers and woods with contemporary electronic displays as effectively as this Range Rover.

Once you get beyond the opulent materials, your attention turns to the massive 12.3-inch screen located directly ahead of the driver for the primary gauges and the 8-inch touchscreen in the center stack that controls most infotainment and secondary controls. On the center console is a unique rotary knob for transmission selection and a similar rotary dial for the Terrain Response settings -- and that's about it. The rest of the visual statement comes from the uncluttered design. As much as we like this interior, our early-production 2013 Range Rover test vehicle had a handful of quality glitches, and we'd advise prospective buyers to try all of the electronics before taking delivery.

Rear-seat headroom and legroom should be adequate for most adults, but 6-footers will find the accommodations a little cozy compared with those in such larger rivals as the Lexus LX 570 and Mercedes GL-Class. There are numerous options to enhance rear-seat comfort, including reclining seatbacks and an optional (and opulent) two-seat layout to replace the three-occupant bench. Note that a third-row seat isn't offered.

The 2013 Range Rover is only adequate when it comes to carrying cargo. With the rear seats in use, there are 32.1 cubic feet of cargo space. With them folded down, maximum capacity measures 71.7 cubic feet, which is significantly less than most competitors, including the Mercedes M-Class (80.3 cubic feet), the larger Lexus LX 570 (83.1 cubes) and the king-size Mercedes GL (93.8). One nice feature the Range Rover does offer is a clamshell-style rear hatch that allows for tailgate seating.

UNDER THE HOOD

The base 2013 Land Rover Range Rover is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that generates 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover Supercharged uses a supercharged version of the V8 that amps up the output to a stupendous 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. An all-new eight-speed automatic transmission is coupled to either engine and, along with the significant weight reduction, is a big reason for this luxury SUV's higher fuel economy numbers.

With the standard V8, Land Rover says the new Range Rover can hustle from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. At our test track, a Supercharged model thundered to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, which is nearly as quick as Porsche's Cayenne Turbo. The EPA rates the base 2013 Range Rover at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. The Range Rover Supercharged is nearly as efficient at 13/19/15.

All models come with full-time four-wheel drive, low-range gearing for serious off-roading and Land Rover's signature Terrain Response system, which allows the driver to optimize powertrain, suspension and electronic stability and traction-control functions for five distinct, mostly off-road traction situations. Standard on the Range Rover Supercharged and optional on base Range Rovers is Terrain Response 2, which features an automatic function that commands the system to employ its many sensors to select the most appropriate setting. A locking rear differential is optional on the Supercharged.

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Land Rover LR4 SUV-2014

PREVIEW

Though not as well known as some other top-tier luxury SUVs from Germany or Japan, the Land Rover LR4 has ranked highly in our book since its debut back in 2010. With a rich-looking interior, strong V8 power, available third-row seating and advanced off-road capability, the LR4 is a more utilitarian (and less expensive) companion to the flagship Range Rover. Now for 2014, this luxury SUV gets a number of significant revisions that bring it up to date without diminishing any of its desirable attributes.

The most noteworthy of those changes is underneath the LR4's hood. With an eye toward fuel economy, Land Rover has replaced the LR4's previous 5.0-liter V8 with a new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine. The V6 isn't as powerful as the V8, but it still generates a respectable 340 horsepower and is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission (the V8 only had a six-speed). These changes boost the Land Rover LR4's fuel economy numbers, and they're now more comparable to similarly powered, four-wheel-drive luxury SUV competitors.

Given the reality that most LR4 owners rarely leave the pavement, the four-wheel-drive system now comes standard with a less elaborate single-speed transfer case and Land Rover's useful Terrain Response system. Thankfully, an off-road-friendly two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing remains optional for those buyers interested in putting the LR4's reputation as a go-anywhere expedition vehicle to the test. Other new features include an available blind spot monitoring system, a standard rearview camera and updated audio systems. As before, buyers can stick with the standard five-seat interior or add an optional third-row seat that bumps passenger capacity to seven.

While it's hard to find serious flaws with this updated LR4, shoppers who don't plan on leaving the pavement may want to have a look at competitors like the well-rounded Acura MDX, the sporty BMW X5 or the larger Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The Lexus GX 460, meanwhile, comes closest to the LR4's off-road capability. All of these SUVs are solid candidates, but the 2014 Land Rover LR4 stacks up nicely in most respects. It's a smart, if often overlooked choice for a luxurious and capable seven-passenger SUV.

FEATURES

The 2014 Land Rover LR4 is a midsize luxury SUV offered in a single trim level. Five-passenger seating is standard, but an optional third-row seat increases capacity to seven.

The list of standard features starts with 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive air suspension, foglights, rain-sensing wipers, heated exterior mirrors, a power front sunroof, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors and keyless ignition and entry. Moving inside, you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an 11-speaker Meridian audio system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The optional HSE package adds distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, front parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, a two-person third-row seat, rear-seat climate control and a navigation system with voice controls.

A stand-alone Climate Comfort option package bundles a heated windshield, heated windshield washer jets, heated front and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel.

The HSE Lux option package includes all the above plus upgraded leather upholstery and trim, a driver seat with power-adjustable side bolsters, driver memory settings, a power-adjustable steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, a center console cooler box and an upgraded 17-speaker Meridian surround-sound audio system.

Other stand-alone options include a Heavy-Duty package that includes the two-speed transfer case, a locking rear differential and a full-size spare tire. A Vision Assist package adds adaptive xenon headlights, automatic high-beam control, a 360-degree-view camera system and a blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. A Black Design package consists of blacked-out exterior trim and black 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.

Finally, 20-inch alloy wheels, unique interior trim, the third-row seat package, the 17-speaker premium Meridian surround-sound audio system, satellite radio and a rear-seat entertainment system can all be had separately.

INTERIOR

The 2014 Land Rover LR4 offers a classy yet functional cabin with high-quality materials, including soft leather and genuine walnut wood trim. Large windows and a front sunroof with rear skylights combine to give the interior a spacious feel.

Those large expanses of glass also provide the driver with excellent outward visibility. Passengers get to enjoy the view as well, thanks to raised stadium-style rear seats. There's generous legroom up front and a decent supply in back, plus headroom galore thanks to the tall roof. Five-passenger models also offer plenty of room for cargo, with 42 cubic feet available behind the second-row seats and a generous 90 cubic feet with those seatbacks folded down. When the optional third-row seat is in use, however, you'll have just 10 cubic feet behind it to load up groceries.

The LR4's touchscreen and optional navigation system work adequately, but compared with the newer electronic interfaces found in various competitors, the setup is a little dated, with slower response times and less streamlined menu structures.

UNDER THE HOOD

Power for the 2014 Land Rover LR4 comes from a new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that produces 340 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also standard is an auto stop-start function that shuts down the engine when you're stopped in traffic to save fuel. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway) -- not great numbers, but a definite improvement over last year's V8-powered LR4. Properly equipped, the LR4 can tow a healthy 7,700 pounds.

Full-time four-wheel drive is standard, but this year's revamped system features a simpler single-speed transfer case that's more efficient in everyday driving. If you plan to drive off-road, the traditional two-speed transfer case, which offers low-range gearing and a locking rear differential, is still available as part of the Heavy Duty option package.

With either setup, you get Land Rover's innovative Terrain Response system, which has a center-console-mounted knob that allows the driver to select from four standard settings (general, grass/gravel/snow, sand, and mud/ruts). Models equipped with the two-speed transfer case also get a fifth "rock crawl" setting. Each of these modes alters engine, transmission and suspension calibrations to allow the LR4 to tackle a wide variety of terrain. The LR4's electronically controlled air suspension also helps in this regard, with settings ranging from a lowered height that enables easy entry and exit to a fully raised position that maximizes ground clearance on particularly gnarly stretches of trail.

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Land Rover LR4 SUV-2013

PREVIEW

It's a formidable challenge to design and build a vehicle robust enough for serious off-road use, yet still luxurious enough to mix it up with the Mercedes-Benzes and Lexuses of the world. But the 2013 Land Rover LR4 maintains this British company's standing as one of the foremost specialists in this narrow market segment. The LR4 is even more impressive when you realize it's just the middle child in Land Rover's lineup -- it's possible to spend more, a lot more, for Rover's flagship Range Rover, not to mention a number of rivals that don't have anything near the LR4's off-road capability.

The 2013 LR4 manages its impressive on- and off-road performance by blending muscle and magic. There's power in abundance from the 5.0-liter V8 and traction galore from an extensively developed four-wheel-drive system. Then high-tech electronic features like Land Rover's Terrain Response System and Hill Descent Control manage it all so effectively that the LR4's owner needs to do little more than twirl a console knob to conquer ridiculously difficult conditions.

That's all before you get to the impeccably turned-out cabin, which can accommodate five or seven in the kind of comfort that's usually the province of luxury cars, not SUVs. But do you really, really need all that off-road prowess? If not, there are genuine trade-offs: The big engine and rugged underpinnings ravage efficiency and curtail responsiveness on pavement. And as much as this brand is steeped in off-road lore, it's similarly hip-deep in a longstanding reputation for subpar reliability.

The fact is, if you aren't smitten just by the history behind the Land Rover badge and you truly don't have that much use for the LR4's admittedly indisputable off-road proficiency, there are plenty of utility vehicles packed with the same kind of luxury treatment -- they just lean more toward the "crossover" portion of the luxury-SUV spectrum. There's no going wrong with the 2013 BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The 2013 Lexus GX 460 will peg the reliability meter and still is pretty tough underneath.

But if you appreciate the Land Rover name for what it represents and the LR4's execution for what it can do both as a luxury car and an off-road tool, the 2013 Land Rover LR4 has no equal.

FEATURES

The 2013 Land Rover LR4 is offered in a single trim level. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power tilt-and-slide front sunroof, a fixed rear sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio and an 11-speaker stereo with touchscreen control, an in-dash CD changer, two USB ports, an iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

Any grade of 2013 Land Rover LR4 can be fitted with the Black Design package, comprising 19- or 20-inch black alloy wheels and gloss-black exterior trim and satin-black color for the extended roof rails.

The optional HSE package adds different 19-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, power-folding mirrors, front parking sensors, third-row seats (for two additional passengers), rear-seat climate control, a rearview camera, a music server and a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice control and real-time traffic.

The HSE Lux package tacks on the Climate Comfort package (front and rear heated seats, a heated windshield, heated washer jets and a heated steering wheel), adaptive bi-xenon headlights, premium leather upholstery, power steering wheel adjustments, interior ambient lighting, additional seat adjustments, a center console cooler box, driver seat memory settings and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Optional only for the Lux package is the Extended Leather package, which swaddles more of the dashboard and doors ? as well as the armrest, grab handles and instrument-cluster surround ? with soft, double-stitched leather.

Some of the features offered in the above packages are offered as stand-alone options. Other optional features include 20-inch wheels, a locking rear differential, a rear-seat entertainment system with six-DVD changer, satellite and HD radio and a 360-degree parking camera system.

INTERIOR

One of the most overwhelming initial impressions of piloting the 2013 Land Rover LR4 comes from the high and upright seating. This, combined with lots of glass, provides some of the most unencumbered sight lines you'll find in any type of vehicle. Rear-seat passengers don't get cheated either: Stadium-type seating and the tall roof mean superb comfort and the same expansive feel front-seaters enjoy.

Even the base LR4 surrounds you with high-quality, dense materials nearly everywhere you touch, while the metal and wood accents nicely bring together touches of old-world and new-tech. Given the sheer bulk of the LR4, the primary gauge cluster and the LCD screen in the center of the dash seem undersized, about the only drawback to this SUV's interior architecture.

The cabin also is filled with plenty of high-tech features, including a five-camera, 360-degree park-assist system that also can zero in on the rear to assist with towing hookups. Most buying the LR4 more as a family vehicle than a jungle tool will find convenience in fold-flat functionality for the second row of seats and the optional third row, too. The seats are heavy and sometimes reluctant, though, but in the end there's a maximum of 90 cubic feet of cargo capacity that will handle some extra-large loads.

UNDER THE HOOD

Powering the 2013 LR4 is a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 375 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and it distributes power to the LR4's full-time four-wheel drive.

The Terrain Response system's workings are governed by a knob mounted in the center console with which the driver can toggle among five settings (general, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl) that optimize engine, transmission and suspension calibrations for the conditions at hand. The LR4's suspension also uses electronically controlled air springs to help adapt to different driving conditions. Properly equipped, the LR4 can tow 7,700 pounds.

In Autoexpress testing, an LR4 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a quick 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy, however, is pretty poor, with EPA fuel economy ratings of just 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.

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Land Rover LR2 SUV-2014

PREVIEW

Compared to just about every other small luxury crossover SUV, the 2014 Land Rover LR2 blazes its own path -- literally. Thanks to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and ample ground clearance, the LR2 is the most capable model in its class you can buy when it comes to dealing with poor weather and off-road trails. But if you're not in full need of such capabilities, the LR2's attractiveness dims in the face of newer alternatives.

Mainly, Land Rover's LR2 comes up short in key areas that are likely to be more important to a majority of luxury crossover buyers. Some of the latest technology and safety features, such as in-vehicle smartphone app integration and blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning systems, aren't available on the LR2. Fuel economy and power from the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine are sufficient but hardly class-leading, and no other engine is offered as an upgrade. And as one of the older models in its class (and the Land Rover lineup), the LR2's overall look and design don't have as much of an impact as they once did.

Granted, this Land Rover is still a pretty nice vehicle. But we think most consumers who aren't regularly hitting up that mountain pass to the ski chalet will be happier with other choices. The 2014 BMW X3 offers gutsier engines and better on-pavement handling. The 2014 Audi Q5 is another worthy contender with stylish good looks and a much nicer interior. The newer 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is another option to consider. Not only is its handling sportier than the LR2's, it has a decent amount of off-road capability of its own, not to mention fresher styling and a wider array of tech features. And if you really do need a trail-ready SUV, the surprisingly upscale 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is priced similarly and offers much more in the way of powertrain options.

FEATURES

The 2014 Land Rover LR2 is a small, four-door luxury crossover SUV with seating for five passengers. It's offered in a single trim level.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors and keyless ignition/entry. Inside you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power front seats (six-way driver, four-way passenger), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen display and an 11-speaker Meridian sound system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The available HSE option package bundles xenon headlights, a rearview camera and driver memory settings. The HSE Lux package includes all the above plus upgraded leather upholstery, eight-way driver and six-way power passenger seats and a 17-speaker Meridian surround-sound audio system.

The available Climate Comfort option package adds heated front seats and steering wheel, a heated windshield and heated washer jets. Stand-alone options include 19-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system and satellite radio.

INTERIOR

Step inside the 2014 Land Rover LR2 and you'll find a cabin that feels more open than many vehicles this size. Much of the credit for that positive first impression goes to large windows and the panoramic sunroof that combine to bring in lots of natural light. Add the high seating position, including the elevated stadium-style rear seats, and you have an interior where everyone gets an equally good view of the scenery going by.

The combination of a large 7-inch touchscreen, which has been updated for better functionality this year, and analog buttons and knobs means most controls are easily accessible. The overall look of the cabin is on the plain side, however, and many buyers will find it a letdown compared to newer offerings in this price range, particularly Land Rover's own Evoque.

Up front, occupants will find seats that offer good comfort and plenty of room to stretch out in. The backseat is a little tighter, especially for taller passengers needing legroom. Cargo space is also in short supply compared to other compact crossovers, with a total of 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded down.

UNDER THE HOOD

Under the hood, the 2014 Land Rover LR2 sports a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. All-wheel drive is also standard on the LR2, and Land Rover offers driver-selectable settings to optimize traction in different driving conditions.

Land Rover estimates the LR2 will run from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Fuel economy is below average for a four-cylinder luxury crossover, with an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in combined driving (17 city/24 highway).

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Land Rover LR2 SUV-2013

PREVIEW

The mission of the 2013 Land Rover LR2 is to effectively deliver the brand's historic attributes of off-road ability and luxury at a price point that can be met by the majority of luxury vehicle shoppers. At this, the LR2 is largely successful. But that doesn't necessarily translate to it being a great small luxury crossover SUV.

With the LR2, you get many of the same features as the pricier models in the Rover lineup, such as the brand's neat Terrain Response system that optimizes traction-affecting vehicle components for any conditions. And its 8.3 inches of ground clearance imparts the same kind of high-stepping ability that enables the grander Range Rover to handle the gnarliest off-road challenges. Truly, the LR2 is the best off-roader in its class.

This year's LR2 is also notable for what's under the hood. Land Rover has dropped last year's underwhelming and not particularly frugal inline six-cylinder and replaced it with a smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder. The Ford-sourced 2.0-liter engine is also used in the flashy (but less useful) Range Rover Evoque. There are other changes as well, including an improved electronic interface and subtle exterior updates.

Even with these changes, though, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 is pretty underwhelming. BMW's X3 offers better handling, a more modern cabin and superior engines, while the highly refined 2013 Audi Q5 is another strong player with a similarly sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and up-to-the-minute styling. As such, we'd only recommend the LR2 if you think you'll truly need its trail-based abilities.

FEATURES

The 2013 Land Rover LR2 small luxury crossover SUV is available in a single trim level. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and power-folding mirrors, foglights, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

Selecting the HSE package gets you adaptive xenon headlights, satellite radio and driver seat memory functions. The HSE Lux package includes all the HSE equipment and adds a 17-speaker surround-sound audio system with six-CD changer, additional power seat adjustments and premium leather upholstery.

The optional Climate Comfort package adds a heated windshield, heated washer jets and heated front seats. Nineteen-inch wheels, a navigation system and satellite radio are offered as stand-alone options.

INTERIOR

One of the signature impressions of sitting in and driving any Land Rover model is the high, upright seating position, and the 2013 LR2 is no exception. Rear-seat occupants get their own "command" seating treatment with a stadium-style setup that assures that the view for those in the back isn't primarily the backside of the front seats. Such good sight lines mean riding in the LR2 is a less confined feeling for all, while the driver benefits from an expansive field of vision, a seldom-mentioned safety advantage.

Updates for the instrument cluster and center console bring some modernity to what remains a somewhat tired-looking layout. The new 7-inch infotainment screen in the center of the dash eliminates many of the buttons formerly scattered about the center console area. Yet there's still a certain starkness here, despite generally upscale-looking materials, leaving some to perhaps question the depth of the LR2's luxury credentials.

Cargo space also lags behind most other top competitors, with 26.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubes with the backseat folded.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2013 Land Rover LR2 is powered by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns out 240 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Land Rover claims the new engine will accelerate the LR2 from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. That would be quicker than the LR2 with the old inline-6 but still slow for the class. Fuel economy is also subpar, as EPA estimates stand at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.

Every LR2 has all-wheel drive, but it is a functionally different design than with the larger Range Rover and LR4. The LR2 does have Land Rover's much-copied Terrain Response System, which automatically sets several drivetrain and chassis parameters to optimize traction for four preset selections. Unlike other Land Rovers, however, the LR2's Terrain Response selections come via push-button rather than the signature chunky center console dial.

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Kia Sportage SUV-2013

PREVIEW

With its head-turning looks and long list of desirable standard features and options, the 2013 Kia Sportage offers an admirable balance of both style and substance. While the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine under the hoods of lower trim levels is merely adequate, the firm standard suspension makes for responsive handling. The sportier SX model raises things to a new level, with its 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and sport-tuned suspension delivering above-average performance.

Despite these admirable qualities, the Sportage does have a couple of notable drawbacks, not the least of which is a ride quality that will undoubtedly be a little too firm for some buyers. The interior is also a bit short on passenger and cargo room compared to several of its competitors.

As such, crossover shoppers focused on practicality might want to compare the Sportage to other, slightly roomier crossovers on the market including the Chevrolet Equinox, 2013 Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Those looking for a similarly sprightly driving experience will want to check out the new 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Mazda CX-5. Overall, however, the 2013 Kia Sportage is a strong contender in this group thanks to its fun nature and value for the dollar.

FEATURES

The 2013 Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five. There are a total of four trim levels available, including Base, LX, EX and SX.

Standard features on the base model include 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a four-speaker sound system with satellite radio, a CD player, an auxiliary audio input jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

Stepping up to the Sportage LX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass and keyless entry. The available Convenience package adds a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, roof rack side rails, heated outside mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a rear cargo area cover.

The Sportage EX includes all the goodies in the Convenience package along with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an easier-folding rear seat, the Uvo infotainment system and an upgraded sound system with HD radio, digital music storage and a small touchscreen interface. The SX model adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless entry/ignition, upgraded gauges, leather upholstery and distinctive exterior and interior styling details.

Other options include a Premium package that bundles a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery (standard on SX), heated front seats, a ventilated driver seat, keyless entry/ignition (standard on SX), upgraded gauges and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A touchscreen navigation system with real-time traffic info is available on all but the base model.

INTERIOR

Just as the 2013 Kia Sportage's aggressive exterior styling helps it stand out in a crowd, the handsome passenger cabin gives it an edge over several better-known competitors. There's no shortage of hard plastic, but it's nicely textured and there's a good amount of padding where it's needed.

Front seats are comfortable and supportive, with decent head- and legroom. The 60/40-split rear seats are a bit tighter, with room for a couple of smaller adults. The fact that these seats don't slide up and back like those in some competitors is a weakness.

Behind those rear seats is the Sportage's other principal shortcoming, namely its relatively small cargo hold. With just 26.1 cubic feet of cargo room with the seats up and 54.6 with both sections folded down, the interior has roughly 15 cubic feet of space (picture the trunk of a good midsize sedan) less than its larger rivals.

UNDER THE HOOD

Power for the 2013 Kia Sportage comes from one of two inline four-cylinder engines. Base, LX and EX models come with a 2.4-liter that puts out 176 hp and 168 pound-feet of torque. Base models are only offered with a six-speed manual transmission, while all other versions come with a six-speed automatic with a manual-shift feature. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option on all but the base model.

In Autoexpress performance tests, a front-wheel-drive Sportage with the 2.4-liter engine and automatic accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, an average time for this class. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 20/27/23.

The SX model gets a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that puts out an impressive 260 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. In Autoexpress testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in a very quick 6.5 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 21/28/24 with front-wheel drive and 20/25/22 with AWD, although we've found the Sportage SX struggles to match these numbers in real-world driving.

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