Land Rover Freelander II

Freelander at a glance

The Freelander was produced in two generations. The first (1997–2006) was offered with a 3-door body, whose rear roof section could be removed, and a 5-door estate body. The second generation, the Freelander 2 (2006–2014), was produced only with a 5-door body and was significantly larger and more modern.

The Freelander was the first Land Rover with a unibody, frameless design, so it drives like a regular car on the road. Nevertheless, most of both generations' models feature all-wheel drive and hill descent control, while the Freelander 2 also has the Terrain Response system, allowing you to select a driving mode based on the terrain. Off-road, it outperforms most competitors in the same class.

Freelander 1 vs Freelander 2

The Freelander 1 is a simpler, smaller car, refreshed in 2003 with a new front end and interior. It was popular but had a reputation for poor reliability, and today most examples are old and high-mileage. It's worth buying only if you know the history and have assessed the cost of essential repairs.

The Freelander 2 was developed alongside Ford group models, so it shares some technology with contemporary Ford and Volvo cars. It's quieter, more refined, roomier and far more reliable than its predecessor. In 2010, diesel engines were updated and the front-wheel-drive eD4 version was introduced.

In 2012 (2013 model year), the Freelander 2 was refreshed again: it gained new front lights with LED elements, a new instrument cluster, a multimedia system and the 2.0 Si4 petrol engine. For many buyers, the best choice is a Freelander 2 from after 2010.

Engines and gearboxes

The Freelander 1 was offered with petrol engines of 1.8 (around 120 hp) and 2.5 V6 (around 177 hp), and diesel engines of 2.0 Di (around 98 hp) and, from 2001, the BMW-derived 2.0 Td4 (around 110 hp). The Td4 diesel is considered the most reliable.

The Freelander 2 is most commonly found with the 2.2 diesel engine: TD4 (around 150–160 hp), and from 2010, the more powerful SD4 (around 190 hp) and front-wheel-drive eD4 (around 150 hp). The petrol 3.2 i6 (around 233 hp) is quite rare, and in 2013 it was replaced by the 2.0 Si4 (around 240 hp).

The Freelander 2 has a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The four-wheel drive system is automatically engaged via Haldex, which transfers torque to the rear wheels when needed.

What to check when buying a used Freelander

Freelander 1's 1.8 petrol engines were notorious for head gasket failures — check if the engine hasn't been replaced and that there's no oil in the coolant. The transmission often suffers from issues with the intermediate gearbox (IRD) and the viscous coupling unit (VCU), especially if the car has been driven with mismatched tyres. All four tyres should be the same.

With the Freelander 2, the most important thing is the condition of the four-wheel drive system. Haldex pump or control unit failures aren't uncommon, so ask if the differential oil has been changed. Also, pay attention to any whining or grinding noises from the rear differential and the front transfer case.

For diesel cars that have done a lot of city driving, check the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the EGR valve. Always check that all the electronics are working, compare the mileage with service records, and inspect the underbody for damage — some of these cars have clearly been off-roading.

Trim levels

Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common Freelander 2 trims found in Europe.

Freelander 2 trim comparison

For most buyers, the best choice is the Freelander 2 in XS, SE, or HSE trim with the 2.2 TD4 or SD4 diesel engine and all-wheel drive. Before buying, it's crucial to check the drivetrain, not just the trim level.

Frequently asked questions