Land Rover Freelander review (2006-2014)
You know that pretty much any car with the words ‘Land Rover’ on the bonnet is going to be a good off-roader, even this so-called entry-level car. The Freelander is much more than that, though. Though it ceased production in 2014, it could still be worth buying if you’re looking for a smaller SUV. Keep reading below for our road-tested Land Rover Freelander review.
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Pros
- Brilliant off road
- Comfortable cabin
- Ideal in all terrains
Cons
- Dated interior
- Newer Land Rovers have more tech
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
As it was meant to compete with other off-road cars from more prestige makes, Land Rover realised they needed to up their game when it came to the interior of the Freelander.
So, you’ll find plenty of soft-touch materials and metal detailing inside.
Driving position
It’s a tall car with a great driving position, allowing you to see right over the bonnet in front of you.
The seat can also be adjusted in six different ways, including making it higher still.
Tech and features
Passengers in the back will find that the legroom is a little cramped.
At least they will be high enough up to see over the heads of the driver and the front seat passenger.
The car is showing its age a little now, having been discontinued in 2015.
The sat nav and the infotainment systems are a little on the creaky side.
In fact, some cars even have a navigation system that relies on a DVD instead of the more modern hard drive or Wi-Fi equivalents, so it’s a question of always ensuring you have an up-to-date disk.
Overall, it’s probably better to look for a mid-to-high-spec model as the most basic ones are quite sparsely equipped for a car of this kind.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
The Freelander is a car for all seasons - and all reasons.
Handling and ride comfort
It’s composed and calm when you’re driving round town with suspension that can take the biggest of bumps and deepest of potholes in its stride.
Take it on the motorway and it cruises along beautifully with only a moderate amount of wind and road noise penetrating the cabin.
Head for the country and it manages winding lanes with minimal roll and off-road adventures with ease, especially in higher-spec models which have a feature called Terrain Response whose name says it all.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
Boot space
Boot space isn’t an issue with the Freelander, even when the back seats are up.
There’s plenty of room for shopping bags, buggies, golf clubs and even a bike.
Fold the seats down and it’s cavernous with the only downside being that the tailgate opening may seem a little too narrow.
Storage solutions
There are lots of practical touches like the boot cover that is carpeted on one side and wipe-clean on the other for when muddy boots, or wet dogs, are on board.
In the cabin there are plenty of cubby holes and other storage solutions including door bins that can easily swallow litre bottles of drinks.
Running costs
Our rating: 7/10
Fuel economy
Whichever of the Freelander’s diesel engines you choose, you’re going to be looking at between 40 and 45 mpg.
Not bad for a car of its size but quite a long way behind the BMW X3.
All models do have a stop/start system that can make city driving more fuel efficient, not to mention less polluting.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
7/10
You don’t need us to tell you that Land Rover lead the way when it comes to off-road brilliance.
We can also assure you that the Freelander glitters in most other road conditions too. It still makes for a great purchase.
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