Used Land Rover Freelander 2006-2014 review

The original Land Rover Freelander was a top seller and a huge success commercially, right across Europe, but this second-generation version represented a big step up for the British company’s smallest product. With smarter looks inside and out, it could take on premium-badged opposition such as the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 for the first time.

The most popular engine of choice is the 2.2-litre TD4 diesel engine, which produces 157bhp and gives the Freelander pretty good performance. If not, there was also a 190bhp version of the same engine in the SD4 that comes paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. You could also briefly get a 231bhp 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol (available until 2008) that was relatively swift, but you’ll pay dearly for the privilege at the pumps.

There’s a broad range of different Freelanders available used, with plenty of special editions toward the end of its life. However, the majority of cars for sale are either S, GS, SE, XS or range-topping HSE. S models are just a bit too bare inside for comfort, but GS versions are better, with cruise control, rear parking sensors and front foglights. SEs have heated seats, while XS models feature part-leather seats, electric adjustment for the driver and passenger and front parking sensors. Range-topping HSE Freelanders get full leather and sat-nav.

This second-generation Freelander also made a bit of history by becoming the first Land Rover product to be sold with front-wheel drive; that fuel-saving eD4 model was added to the range in 2008 and provides a noticeable reduction in fuel consumption. Plus, it’s not as useless in tricky conditions as you might expect, due to the weight of the engine over the driven wheels.

Most Freelanders are four-wheel drive and come equipped with a clever Terrain Response system (apart from S versions) that adjusts various vehicle parameters to help you when going off road. Provided you’ve got good tyres on your Land Rover, it should go farther than most from the beaten path.

When you venture back on to sealed roads, you'll find there’s a lot of body lean in bends. However, the Freelander grips well and has a very comfortable ride. Wind noise can be an issue at high speeds, but it’s still a relaxing car to take on a long cruise.

True, the interior plastics don’t feel as classy as those in contemporary Audis and BMWs, but they’re much better than the ones used on the original car. There's plenty of head and leg room in the front, and the high seating position gives an excellent forward view over the bonnet.

Adults won't enjoy sitting in the rear seats, though, because there isn't a great deal of leg room back there. The bench is at least mounted quite high to afford a good view out over the front seats. It’s also a shame that the Freelander’s boot is so small.

If you're interested in finding a used Freelander, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Second-generation Freelanders can now be had for less than £2500. These examples will have a high mileage, though, but if you can find one for that sort of money that's been well cared for and fully serviced, it could be something of a bargain. Spend between £5000 and £7000 on a 2009 example with reasonable mileage.

Later examples tend to be more expensive, though. Late 2014 examples have dropped down to a starting point of around £11,000 for something with a respectable mileage. The very last cars with minimal mileage that are listed at main dealers tend to go for at least £17,000.

Check the value of a used Land Rover Freelander with What Car? Valuations

MPG

Depending on the model, you can end up spending a lot on fuel. Post-2010 cars are generally more frugal than earlier ones, especially the front-wheel-drive version with the slightly detuned diesel engine; it has official combined economy of 47.2mpg. However, four-wheel-drive models aren't so frugal; the early 2.2 diesel should get 37.7mpg. Later models with stop-start (badged TD4-e) are better at 41.3mpg.

The 3.2-litre petrol engine is best avoided. While it’s smooth, you’ll get 25.2mpg out of it at best.

CO2 emissions

It's best you don't go for the 3.2 petrol here, because it coughs out a massive 265g/km of CO2. One for the very well heeled…

The one with the lowest CO2 output is the front-wheel-drive Freelander, which emits just 158g/km. Early four-wheel-drive diesels produced 194g/km, but the revised TD4-e got this down to 179g/km.

An automatic gearbox can raise CO2 emissions figures considerably, so check before you buy.

Road tax

Since all Freelanders will have been registered under the previous road tax system, the annual fee you'll pay will be based on the amount of CO2 produced (see above). To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here for further information.

Servicing costs

Land Rover servicing is generally reasonable compared with other premium brands such as Mercedes, but there’s a big, 10-year service to consider that covers the timing belt, as well as all of the fluids for the engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system. This can run to more than £1000.

Engine

Despite being four-wheel drive, the 2.2 TD4-e returns good fuel economy, especially in post-2010 models, which received a number of small mechanical tweaks to improve efficiency. Hence, it is a much better choice than the only petrol variant offered – a 3.2-litre engine – which is simply too thirsty.

Those seeking fractionally better economy should go for the front-wheel-drive eD4, which also features engine stop-start to save fuel in traffic, but it isn't as common.

Specification

We’d go for an XS, on balance, because you get plenty of equipment for not a lot of money.

Our favourite used Land Rover Freelander: 2.2 TD4-e XS 4WD

The premium SUV market expanded quickly during the Freelander’s time on sale, so there are many, many rivals.

The Volvo XC60 is a closely related one, being a car that dips into the same Ford family parts bin. It’s similarly roomy and looks more expensive inside and out, but it’s far less capable off road.

The Hyundai Santa Fe went on sale in its second-generation form in the same year that the Freelander 2 was launched, and while it lacks the premium badging, it’s still a fine car, well made and reliable, and with the bonus of seven seats.

Audi entered the market in 2009 with the Q5, which, while being more expensive than the Freelander, is generally a very fine car. Just choose carefully if you’re buying an early example, because these can have a stiffer gearbox and firmer ride.

You should also take a look at the BMW X3, because it's a little more practical than the Freelander, more efficient and faster, and it has a much nicer interior that comes complete with an excellent infotainment system.

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