What Car? says
For Smooth on the road, and accomplished on the rough stuff: the Freelander is refined and desirable.
Against Passenger and boot space isn't great. Running costs are high and there are long-term reliability questions.
Verdict Capable in the wilds as a Land Rover should be. Running costs are only for the brave.
Go for… 2.2 TD4
Avoid… 3.2i HSE
- 1. The Freelander's ride smoothes out all but the worst road surfaces, and there's plenty of grip through bends. Body lean is never excessive, either.
- 2. The 158bhp 2.2-litre diesel is a good option. It's a bit flat at lower revs, but has enough pull to feel frisky once it's on the move.
- 3. Road tax isn't cheap, with CO2 emissions of 194g/km for the diesel and 265g/km for the petrol. With road tax charges hitting vehicles that produce higher emissions, costs look set to keep rising.
- 4. Clutch and gearbox issues have been reported, with Freelanders towing caravans particularly at risk. However, most of these should have been fixed under warranty.
- 5. The Freelander 2 is a much better buy than the original model, and a diesel is the only sensible choice.
advertisement
Read the full used car review
with expert trade views
Reader test team says:
Land Rover Freelander 4x4 2.2 TD4 Sport Auto 5dr
Bought nearly new exactly a year ago and the…
5
out of 5 stars
Land Rover Freelander 4x4 2.2 TD4 HSE Auto 5dr
I have owned this car for the last three years…
5
out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car
View all reader reviews
Buying your used car
Freelander used rivals
New Land Rover Freelander review
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2013
