Land Rover has just unveiled a face-lifted version of the 2013 LR2. While the LR2's visual changes may not wow you, the big news is the addition of the Range Rover Evoque's 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 under its hood and the revisions inside its cabin.
The biggest update to the 2013 Land Rover LR2 is the addition of the Evoque's four-banger under the hood. There's no difference in power output between the Evoque and new 2013 LR2; the direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 makes a healthy 240 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The turbo-four replaces the LR2's old 3.2-liter 230-hp and 234 lb-ft of toque I-6. Land Rover conservatively estimates a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds.
The lighter engine will improve the LR2's fuel economy, though Land Rover has yet to release any consumption estimates. The outgoing LR2 with the I-6 was EPA rated at 15/22 mpg city/highway, while the LR2's new four-pot is rated at 18/28 mpg under the hood of the Evoque. As before, the LR2's engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive.
Outside, the 2013 Land Rover LR2's changes are minor; it gets revised headlights and taillights. Inside the 2013 LR2 gets a more modern interior. The center stack is entirely new, and comes with a 7-inch touch screen. The Terrain Response dial is replaced with buttons to mimic the Evoque’s layout. The LR2 also gets a new instrument panel similar to that of the Evoque and Range Rover Sport, with a 5-inch color information screen flanked by the speedometer and tachometer. The LR2 will also have a standard leather interior, rearview camera with hitch assist, and optional 825-watt 17-speaker sound system.
The base 2013 Land Rover LR2 will start at $37,250, the LR2 HSE at $39,750, and the fully loaded LR2 HSE LUX at $42,350. Those prices are $700-$850 above the 2012 Land Rover LR2, but still far below the base-model Range Rover Evoque four-door, which carries a $43,995 base price.