Used Land Rover Freelander 2 review: 2007-2014

Graham Smith road tests and reviews the 2007-2014 Land Rover Freelander 2 as a used buy.

The second iteration of the Freelander put back some of the off-road cred

New

The Land Rover badge creates the expectation of a vehicle that can go anywhere but the first Freelander failed to measure up. Panned for lacking off-road ability, it was underpowered and generally underwhelming.

Land Rover's recovery vehicle was the Freelander 2, equally compact but completely new from the ground up — pretty much nothing carried over from the earlier model.

It looked neat and tidy with a familiarity of shape and line that recalled its larger sibling, the much loved Range Rover.

On the road the Freelander 2 was refined and comfortable, handled dirt roads with aplomb.

Its increased dimensions all-round mostly meant a roomier cabin that was more comfortable and had more legroom. There was also a little more boot space.

The five-seat wagon came in SE and HSE versions and there was an XS version from 2011.

The original six-cylinder engine was later replaced by a 2.0-litre turbo and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel in two levels of tune

With 171kW on tap, the Volvo-built petrol six was a strong performer, while returning a reasonable 11.2L/100km. Most buyers went for the diesel, with its appealing blend of torque and thrift.

At the beginning, the Freelander 2 used only a six-speed automatic with sports shift. A six-speed manual was added in 2011.

The Freelander 2's all-wheel drive sent power to the front wheels under most circumstances. Detecting a loss of drive, it automatically sent the urge rearward.

On the road the Freelander 2 was refined and comfortable, handled dirt roads with aplomb and, with the support of its electronic aids, it was quite at home off-road providing the going wasn't too challenging.

The owners of the Freelander 2 we surveyed were overwhelmingly supportive of their cars.

An update in 2011 expanded the range, adding the SD4 and the punchier diesel.

In a subsequent update in 2013 the six-cylinder petrol engine was dropped and Land Rover added the 2.0-litre turbo four, which delivered better performance and improved fuel economy.

Now

The owners of the Freelander 2 we surveyed were overwhelmingly supportive of their cars. Virtually none reported any problems in their time of ownership and most would be happy to recommend one to friends.

A couple of them would have liked a bigger boot, though this was more a comment than a criticism. Most praised its comfort and refinement and were happy with the economy.

From a reliability point of view that means the Freelander 2 can be bought with some confidence you'll avoid a lemon.

Check for a service record to be confident the car you've chosen has been well looked after.

Check for the signs of off-road use. It may be a Land Rover and have a level of off-road ability but the Freelander 2 wasn't designed as a rough-tough off-roader. Some owners might have tested the limits of its capabilities and taken it where it wasn't meant to go, so look for damage underneath.

Also check for a service record to be confident the car you've chosen has been well looked after.

There was a recall for the sunroof, which could become detached if the guide rails failed.

Another in 2008 related to a potential short circuit in the electric booster heater that could cause a fire. In 2013 there was a recall for a potential fuel leak with diesel models that could cause a fire. Check the remedial work has been done.