A Quick Review of the Land Rover Freelander 2

As a compact SUV, the Land Rover Freelander 2 is surprisingly a good car to drive, both on and off road. One of the biggest things that makes it appealing is that it actually feels like a tall estate car, rather than an off-road SUV. It offers top of the line Land Rover parts, a comfortable suspension, decent handling, front wheel drive, and a diesel engine. The newest 2012 version has a fresh new look as well, with lights at the rear and front, fewer buttons inside, and a fresh, cleaner looking interior.

But is it the right car for you? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of the Freelander 2

 Pros:

• Interior and Comfort- If you’re looking for a car that will offer town driving with off-road capacities, this is definitely the car for you. At low speeds there is virtually no road, wind, or tyre noise, making it perfect for in-town driving. Out on the motorway, however, its boxy shape and diesel engines do create some noise some drivers may not like. It’s a comfortable drive, though, and its suspension copes wonderfully with some of the poorer road surfaces in the UK.

• Drive and Performance- The driver’s seat is set high to offer a brilliant view out the front, while the dimensions of this compact car are perfect for town driving. It’s available in both manual and automatic, making it an easy car to drive no matter your experience.

• Boot Space- For a baby SUV, as it is often called, you get a lot of boot space with this Land Rover. By itself it’s 755 litres of space, but when you fold flat the back seats, that space increases to 1,670 litres. Its handy wipe-down surface also makes it easy to clean, which is great for moms of messy kids and pet owners.

• Resale- While other cars may cost less than the Freelander, one of its biggest advantages on the market is its ability to have a much strong resale value than other baby SUVs. This is mostly due to its original cost and the extras that come with it, including leather seats, sat-nav, climate control, and cruise control.

Cons:

• Reliability- While the interior of this compact SUV feels solid, there are quite a few negatives against that place its reliability in the con list. Some of the most concerning are poor handling and quality of the materials it’s made from. Unfortunately, many drivers have had problems with certain Land Rover parts that haven’t been improved despite an update to the vehicle in 2012. The majority of the problems seem to be electrical, concerning parking aids and batteries, however, hose failures and poor starting have also been issues.

• Running Costs- The Freelander 2 offers 47.2 mpg with combined fuel economy, but it may be more than you bargained for when it comes to maintaining car parts. Models built after 2006 have been known to have issues with certain Land Rover parts like air bags and heaters. Those built before 2006 have had common problems with handbrakes, the diagnostic connector, and even the rear suspension. In addition to regular car part maintenance, like oil changes and checkups, these additional problems can get expensive quickly.

Unsure of whether the Land Rover Freelander 2 is right for you? While there are a few things to consider, the majority of car owners who purchase this vehicle are happy with what it offers.