Land Rover Freelander 2
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a compact SUV that can handle both the school run and weekend adventures? The Land Rover Freelander 2 might be exactly what you need. This versatile family SUV successfully combines genuine off road capability with everyday practicality, offering a taste of the legendary Land Rover heritage in a more manageable and affordable package. It’s the perfect choice for families who want the confidence of four wheel drive without the bulk and running costs of a full size SUV.

From first glance, the Freelander 2 strikes an impressive balance between rugged capability and urban sophistication. Its distinctive design and commanding driving position immediately set it apart from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. The interior feels solid and well built, with Land Rover’s attention to detail evident throughout. You get the sense that this is a vehicle designed to cope with whatever life throws at it, from muddy country lanes to busy city streets.

What really impresses about the Freelander 2 is how it delivers on its promises. The diesel engines provide strong performance with reasonable fuel economy, while the intelligent four wheel drive system gives you genuine confidence in challenging conditions. It handles daily driving duties with ease, yet transforms into a capable off roader when the weekend calls. While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, you’re investing in proven Land Rover engineering and the peace of mind that comes with genuine all terrain ability.

How Does the Land Rover Freelander 2 Drive?

The Land Rover Freelander 2 offers a range of capable diesel engines that prioritise torque and real world usability over outright speed. The popular 2.2 litre TD4 diesel produces around 160 horsepower and delivers strong pulling power from low revs, making it ideal for towing or tackling steep inclines. For those wanting more performance, the SD4 variant pushes out 190 horsepower, providing effortless acceleration and confident overtaking ability. Both engines feel refined and smooth, with minimal noise intrusion into the cabin during normal driving.

Where the Freelander 2 truly excels is in its all terrain capabilities. The intelligent four wheel drive system automatically sends power where it’s needed, giving you genuine confidence on wet roads, muddy tracks, or snow covered surfaces. The suspension provides a comfortable ride on tarmac while offering enough ground clearance and wheel articulation for serious off road work. On road handling is composed and predictable, with light steering that makes urban manoeuvring easy. This compact SUV feels planted and secure at motorway speeds, making it an excellent long distance cruiser for family holidays.

How Comfortable Is the Land Rover Freelander 2?

Step inside the Freelander 2 and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels genuinely premium for its era. The dashboard layout is logical and user friendly, with clearly marked controls and a good quality infotainment system. Materials throughout feel solid and durable, from the supportive cloth or leather seats to the well damped switches and controls. The driving position is excellent, offering that commanding SUV view while remaining comfortable for drivers of all sizes.

Interior space is generous for a compact SUV, with plenty of headroom and legroom for front passengers. The rear seats accommodate two adults comfortably, or three children with ease. Storage solutions are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin, with door bins, cup holders, and cubby holes providing homes for everyday items. The cabin remains pleasantly quiet at cruising speeds, with good sound deadening keeping road and wind noise to a minimum. Higher specification models add features like dual zone climate control and premium audio systems that enhance the overall experience.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 stands out as one of the most capable and well rounded compact SUVs of its generation. It successfully delivers on Land Rover’s promise of genuine off road ability while remaining civilised and comfortable for daily driving duties. The diesel engines provide strong performance with acceptable fuel economy, while the interior feels properly premium with excellent build quality throughout.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Land Rover Freelander 2 Expensive to Run?

As a premium SUV with four wheel drive capability, the Freelander 2 has running costs that reflect its positioning in the market. Fuel economy from the diesel engines is reasonable for the class, with real world figures typically falling between 35 and 40 MPG depending on your driving style and conditions. The TD4 engine offers the best balance of performance and efficiency for most users, while the more powerful SD4 trades some economy for additional performance.

Insurance costs are moderate for a vehicle of this type, though they will be higher than for a conventional family hatchback. The main consideration is the initial purchase price and potential maintenance costs. While the Freelander 2 has proven reliable for most owners, specialist Land Rover servicing can be more expensive than mainstream alternatives. However, the strong residual values and desirable Land Rover badge help offset some of these concerns. For those who need the genuine off road capability and premium feel, flexible car finance options can make ownership more accessible.

Land Rover Freelander 2 Practicality & Boot Space

The Freelander 2 excels in practical terms, offering one of the most spacious and versatile cabins in its class. The 755 litre boot is genuinely impressive, easily accommodating family holidays, shopping trips, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold flat to create an even larger load area when needed, while the wide opening and low loading lip make it easy to lift heavy items in and out. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin provide homes for the everyday clutter that families accumulate.

For families with children, the Freelander 2 hits the sweet spot perfectly. The high driving position makes it easy to keep an eye on the kids, while the spacious interior ensures everyone travels in comfort. The four wheel drive capability provides genuine peace of mind in challenging weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for those living in rural areas or frequently dealing with difficult driving conditions. Compared to other used Land Rover cars, the Freelander 2 offers the perfect balance of capability and manageability for everyday family use.

The Freelander 2 represents Land Rover engineering at its most accessible, combining genuine off road capability with family friendly practicality. It delivers the commanding driving position, robust build quality, and all terrain confidence that the Land Rover badge promises, wrapped in a package that works perfectly for everyday life. The generous interior space, impressive boot capacity, and refined road manners make it an excellent choice for growing families.

You choose the Freelander 2 because you want an SUV that doesn’t just look the part but can actually deliver when conditions get challenging. Its proven reliability, strong residual values, and distinctive character make it a smart long term investment. For families seeking a premium SUV that genuinely earns its keep, the Freelander 2 remains one of the best choices available.