Land Rover Freelander (2006-2014) Review

It depends. If a capable budget off-roader is needed, the Freelander won't disappoint. A few people, my dad included, enjoy working on older Land Rovers. They are often kitted with chunky tyres, snorkels, lifted suspension, and other off-road goodies. Remember, Land Rover stopped making these cars over 10 years ago.

We'd suggest the 157bhp 2.2-litre TD4 diesel; it's a cocktail of performance and economy. There's also the SD4 - choose the six-speed manual if tackling any rough terrain is important. The 3.2 is decent, but it chugs fuel.

Regarding trim, S models are bare - an ideal choice for those not fussed about a dirty interior. GS versions have cruise control and parking sensors, while SEs have heated seats. If you're using it on-road, try to find a reasonably priced HSE - these come packed with toys. 

The Freelander's direct rivals were the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. Secondly, there was the Skoda Yeti 4x4 and BMW X3. If a newer car interests you, Land Rover makes the Discovery Sport, the Freelander's successor. There's also the Subaru Forester. 

The controls were easy to use, and the sat nav system (standard in higher specification models) was a simple touchscreen unit. However, it wasn't the best navigation system, and the stereo was dated.

The Meridian sound system, introduced in 2012, was delivered with a new seven-inch colour touch-screen and either the 380W, 11-speaker system for improved stereo sound quality or the 825W surround sound 17-speaker system with Trifield technology, which provided a concert-like experience.

Both were equipped with subwoofers for a deep, bass sound and Audyssey MultEQ audio tuning system. 

The Land Rover Freelander was a good family hauler. Its door bins swallowed one-litre drink bottles, and it had a few cup holders. Likewise, a reversible rubber cover in the boot caught muddy paws and boots. The 1,670-litre boot (seats folded) could take a bicycle. With the seats in place, the boot was 755 litres. 

Land Rover released two 2.2 diesel versions with 150 and 190bhp. A later eD4 with two-wheel drive appeared, while all-wheel drive versions were called TD4. The 190bhp SD4 paired with the automatic was the quickest with 0-62mph arriving in 9.5 seconds. Both automatic and six-speed manual 'boxes were offered. 

The Freelander was fairly smooth, but wasn't as precise as rivals. However, it sits on a decade-old chassis but still feels safe today. Once at cruising speed, the Freelander generated a bit more wind noise, but wasn't enough to cause upset. 

Cabin space and safety were improved with an intelligent electric parking brake, which adjusted brake force according to the vehicle's gradient. The system was so intelligent that it even considered whether the brakes were hot or cold. If hot, it ‘woke up’ periodically to ensure clamping force was not lost as the brakes cooled. 

Despite being operated by a single switch, the electric parking brake could be used as an emergency brake, automatically selecting the most stable braking method by employing skid prevention techniques. An additional safety feature ensured the brake couldn't be released unless the driving seat was occupied.

Before 2009, EuroNCAP didn't give an overall rating. Instead, cars were tested for adult occupancy, child occupancy and pedestrian safety. The 2007 Freelander was awarded five stars for adult, four for child occupancy and one for pedestrian safety. 

A test drive is a imperative when looking at used examples. When behind the wheel, listen for any rear rumbling, as this could indicate rear differential trouble. Power steering pumps are also known to fail. Likewise, diesel cars suffer from oil breather and fuel injector issues. 

Electrical systems are also known to develop faults. Sunroofs on cars from 2006-2008 are known to derail, and then there's the booster heater fire, which affects cars built between 1 Feb 2007 and 2 June 2008. Fires can be caused by a booster heater short circuit. Early signs are battery drain and hot or melted plastic smell. It's also worth checking for fuel leaks on cars built between 1 January 2012 and 31 October 2013. 

The cheapest car to tax is the 2.2 eD4 at £265, while the popular 2.2 TD4 costs between £265 and £430, depending on the year. The most expensive is the 3.2 six-cylinder at £760. 

In 2012, Land Rover installed an array of new features, including a new centre console. The original Terrain Response dial was replaced with clicky switches.

‘Dynamic’ also joined the range, which came in three new interior colours: Ebony, Ivory or Pimento, each with matching stitching and coordinated door casings. A crisp new instrument cluster with a 5-inch screen displaying primary vehicle-related information like temperature and fuel levels. Gear positions and the Terrain Response mode sat between the dials and were complemented by steering wheel toggle switches.

Passive Start replaced the key docking system, meaning the engine started at the touch of a button.

2012 cars also had a rear-view camera. The view from the back of the vehicle was displayed on the Infotainment screen with dynamic lines representing the boundaries and predicted path as you reversed. The system incorporated ‘Hitch Assist’, a graphic superimposed on the camera, showing the position of the tow ball.

The updated ‘Say What You See’ voice activation system visually prompted the driver with the commands needed to control audio, satellite navigation, climate and phone functions. It's clunky by modern standards.

The navigation system was enhanced with a faster hard drive-based system. This featured ECO Route planning, Dynamic Zoom, Visual Lane guidance, POI (Point of Interest) management and repeat TMC guidance. You could also manage waypoints, store locations and POIs by name.

Three new colours were added to the Freelander range: Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue, while XE models got a 17-inch alloy wheel design. Exterior updates across the range included Xenon headlights and revised front and rear bumpers.

The entry-level Freelander S had cloth seats, while the GS had full leather. The Dynamic version had a body kit, gloss black fender vents, grille bars and grille surround with three leather seat colour choices. Likewise, it had 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels.

HSE models, meanwhile, featured wood interior trim and a wide range of standard equipment including: panoramic sunroof, memory function for the electric driver’s seat and door mirrors and the 825W Meridian surround sound system. 

The range-topping HSE LUX added Windsor leather seats, Grand Black Lacquer finisher, premium carpet mats and 19-inch Diamond Turned Wheels.