Huge 14 page roadtest putting it up against the BMW X1 (cough ), the Audi Q5 (on my future possibles list) and the Volvo XC60 (also on my future possibles list).

Test is split into 9 sections, scores as follows best through to worst
Performance - BMW, FL2, Q5, XC60
Ride and Handling - FL2, BMW. XC60, Q5
Behind the Wheel - Q5, XC60, FL2, BMW
Safety and Security - FL2, all others in second place
Equipment - FL2, Audi, XC60, BMW
Refinement - XC60, Q5, BMW, FL2
Buying and Owning - Q5, BMW, XC60, FL2
Space and Practicality - XC60, Q5, FL2, BMW


Overall ratings

1st XC60
2nd Q5
3rd FL2
4th BMW X1

Freelander 2 FOR - strong performance, loads of equipment, cushy ride
AGAINST - Practicality, Resale values, wind noise, sloppy handling (find that last one hard to believe!) Now - 2017 BMW X3 M Sport Carbon Black
Gone - 2014 BMW X3 M Sport Space Grey, faultless!
Gone - 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Bali Blue with xenons
Gone - 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Rimini Red with bodykit

Sloppy handling, yet it was the best in the handling section?!

I'm sorry, refinement it is definately not the worst, I've driven them all, Buying and owning, in what way is the BM or Volvo better, and seeing as though it is the only one i can comfortably sit behind the wheel of, as I'm 6'8, it definately wins on space for me too!

Not that I'm biased or anything...but we did all buy freelanders on here! Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

Just read the article. One of the main reasons for the FL2 coming last on ' buying and owning ' was shocking first year depreciation. However, the figures they quote bear no relationship whatsoever to the forecourt prices of the 1 - year old models that I see !! Am I missing something ??

I saw that review too. I beg to differ on many points raised and they're also missing one major thing - the FL2 is old now, whereas the others are a far newer design.

The SD4 facelift is just that really, whereas the FL3 will beat them all  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

Along with all the things that are mentioned in the "AGAINST" section that I slightly disagree with what I find the worse is "Wind Noise" !!
I think this is one of the best cars for supressing wind noise

The other bit that I find quite amusing is they put the FL2 as the best under over all Ride and Handling however, in the AGAINST section they mention slopping handling?  Land Rover Freelander 2 GS Santorini Black, 2.2 Td4-e, Rear Spoiler

They are all 4x4's, where is the section for off road performance ?
(Sorry, not read the article and just going from the above posts, so if that's a stupid comment please disregard). We Don't Care About Pot Holes !!

W.D.C.A.P.H. wrote:

They are all 4x4's, where is the section for off road performance ?
(Sorry, not read the article and just going from the above posts, so if that's a stupid comment please disregard).

I've had this argument numerous times, but I've been told they compare them, based on primary usage, as opposed to ability. Very good point though, as the FL2 is the only off roader in that test

I sometimes wonder if these so called 'experts' actually know what they are talking about  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

interesting they think they should compare the x1 and not the new x3 Surely the x1 is leagues apart from the others?

When I was looking I was keen on the XC60 just cus it has lots of space and looked good, I've heard to many bad things about the q5 from poor rear space (could not get three in) and they are woefuly expensive, the x1 in my mind is just too small.

Thats why I got an FL2...

I've come out of a 3 series so I'm still getting used to it but so far so good. It fits 3 kids in the back, we managed to go to the park today with 2 kids bikes in the boot and it is dead comfy and nice to drive, not only that but it has the land rover image. So I think I made the right choice... Give it a year or two and I will see if it is still up to the job  Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

So you should buy L/R. Lode Lane is at Solihull, yes? I know it well. And the Old Colonial pub!
Support your local team.
Well done.

Someone will shortly remind me that FL2 is made at Halewood.

W.D.C.A.P.H. wrote:

They are all 4x4's, where is the section for off road performance ?
(Sorry, not read the article and just going from the above posts, so if that's a stupid comment please disregard).

spot on son,......thats why i bought 2 fl2,off road they will out perform all them im sure personally if i didnt go off road i would have a estate car,.im sure volvo/bmw ect dont do experience off road day do they  Current: Freelander 2 GS, Orkney Grey, Factory fit privacy glass, design pack and Clearview pack. Almond Leather ,rear spoiler,rear mudflaps.my13.

Gone:Freelander 2, GS, "61"

Gone: Freelander 2, GS.e, "59"

Gone: Freelander 2, S, "08"

Pegleg wrote:

So you should buy L/R. Lode Lane is at Solihull, yes? I know it well. And the Old Colonial pub!
Support your local team.
Well done.

Someone will shortly remind me that FL2 is made at Halewood.

Yep I know it all well... In fact I did 2 weeks work experiance there many moons ago. There are several NAS spec Disco 2's with rounded off bolts on the prop shafts

Oh by the way - FL2 is built in Liverpool  Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Maybe the Evoque will be the new LR to compare against these models. The FL2 should be up against comparable offroaders, are there any? Mitsubishi Shogun? rrr im struggling.........