IMHO the LR3 and Cayenne are not SUV's in the same class. The large Range Rover and Cayenne are comparable trucks. LR3 can compete with X3 or Grand Cherokee both in size and price ranges.
Just my.02

 

The RR and the Cayenne scored about the same in quality surveys.

 

The LR3 will excel offroad. The Cayenne on road. No comparison for road handling manners. So the question remains...do you offroad a lot or are you like most SUV owners that utilize the vehicle 95% on the road. If you want a truck that drives like a car...Cayenne, otherwise the LR3

 

Thanks for all the replies. We will drive the CS this weekend.

Jaros comment regarding the LR3 being in the same class as the X-3 or Grand Cherokee leaves me perplexed though. I have always compared the following vehicles in this manner:

Range Rover=Lexus LX470=Toyota Landcruiser;
Cayenne=BMW X-5=LR3=Lexus GX430=VolvoXC-90 etc....
Cherokee=Bmw X-3=LR Freelander

I am not comparing the level of performance and/or luxury. I thought that prospective owners looking for an SUV would compare across the groups of cars listed above. I definitely have. Am I way off base here?

 

Rockitman.

The LR3 is directly comparable with the Cayenne, care to state why you think it is not?

Heck, it's even been compared to the RR (and stealing sales).

 

Well since I have not driven one and only the range rover, perhaps I assume similar bad road handling charateristics...ie: twisty rds.

It certainly is not comparable to the CT though...

 

What?? Well when you compare the RR road handling to the CS, it fails the test as in F. My daughter has one, it has a high center of gravity and the seats are not performance designed. It is like most other SUVs.

Lets talk about this BS about off road. If you put off road tires on a CS (but no one wants to) it will compare favorably with the RR with new chassis. I can hardly wait for prices to come down so these offroad guys can trick some Peppers.

On the SUV comparisons above, someone is forgeting the tow ability - which is one of the reasons I purchased.

 

I agree with all of that. At least a Cayenne is relatively flat in the turns unlike ALL other suv's...That's what driving is all about, imo...

 

Tow capacity on the LR3 is 7700 lbs.

 

Hmmm... right up until you need a live axle (which the RR mimics) or a spare tire (that the RR has... in full size no less).

John

 

If the Cayenne doesn't have enough space..then the RR is the next best thing. If you're into "boulevard cruising" versus the "driving experience" then the RR is a worthy consideration.

I chose the Cayenne TT, but may add the RR/LR3 for space reasons, again I will say each offers different things but there are no bad choices.

I don't buy the argument that the RR fails, I spent 3 days in Moab in one of these (on road and off road) and its impressive by any standard.

As for off-road my CTT has the detachable sway bars (one of the few) so we'll learn how it handles Hollister Hills over time.

 

I wouldn't buy the RR to improve trunk space. While larger then the C or X5, it isn't that much larger (at least to justify $80k). A Suburban is much better choice, and you can beat it to hell and not care since it doesn't cost all that much.

 

Never,

I'd sooner tow a trailer, besides I don't need a great deal more space.

Maybe I'm in a minority, I love the Cayenne and I also think the RR/LR3 are great vehicles. I'll be curious about any teething problems the LR3 experiences.

 

That's true, I was responding to:

"Range Rover=Lexus LX470=Toyota Landcruiser;
Cayenne=BMW X-5=LR3=Lexus GX430=VolvoXC-90 etc....
Cherokee=Bmw X-3=LR Freelander"

 

Just a comment, LR3 is a direct replacement for the Freelander. Freelander and X3 and Cherokee and RX are in the same class. The full size RR HSE and C are directly comparable vehicles with RR being more of the luxurious one with also a larger sticker price. I will not be convinced that in terms of performance, equipment and options as well as versatility the LR3 is in the same class of vehicles as Cayenne.