2009 Land Rover FreeLander 2 Review
January 9, 2009 by Alborz Fallah
Step inside and you’ll be amazed just how much room there is. Beautiful white leather all around with a massive panoramic sunroof mixed in with the open air ambience of the car’s interior will win you over.
Even though it’s only 50mm longer than its predecessor, the Freelander 2 has significantly more head, shoulder and legroom, in both the front and rear. The rear seats are even elevated (like a cinema) so the rear passengers get a better view.
We drove 300 kilometres to the beach with five adults in the car and the only complaint was the rear headrests were hard to adjust.
This FreeLander 2 was fitted with the technology pack option ($7890) which meant an Alpine, Dolby Prologic II 7.1 surround sound, 12×40W amplifier, subwoofer and 13 speaker sound system. Put simply, it’s brilliant. Of course you also get full colour DVD satellite navigation (a little annoying at times), adaptive bi-Xenon headlights and Bluetooth telephone integration. For almost $8000 it seems just a little too expensive.
My test car was powered by a 2.2-litre, turbo-diesel engine that manages 118kW at 4000rpm and 400Nm at 2000rpm. The diesel engine coupled with a six-speed automatic results in a not-so-impressive 0-100km/h of 11.2 seconds. However when it comes to pulling up hills or just driving around town, it doesn’t really feel inadequate.
Official fuel consumption figures are 8.5 litres per 100km but given the amount of highway driving, the test vehicle managed an impressive 8.3L/100km carrying five adults.
It’s also worth mentioning just how good the FreeLander 2 actually looks. Just look at it.
It’s beautiful, it’s aggressive yet not over the top, it’s chiselled but still handsome and riding on 19-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels (part of the premium pack option for the HSE) can’t hurt either.
Having finished the photo-shoot on the beach we drove back the longest possible way, making sure every Japanese 4WD owner could see that the FreeLander 2 had earned its glory. “You made it? I am impressed” said Mr Pajero.
If you’re thinking about buying a European built, semi-large city-friendly SUV with proven 4WD capabilities, it’s hard to go past the FreeLander 2. Even the chaps on TopGear (the UK one, not the horrid Australian one) gave the FreeLander 2 the title of “SUV of the year”.
The original FreeLander seems almost dwarfed by the size of the new one and as a result the FreeLander 2 is a great option for small families or young couples looking for a great all-around luxury vehicle, at a reasonable price.
CarAdvice overall rating: 
How does it drive:
How does it look:
How does it go: 
Engine: 2.2-litre TD4 turbo-diesel
Power: 118kW
Torque: 400Nm
Top speed: N/A
Safety: Seven airbags Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and Corner Brake Control Roll Stability Control system
0-100km/h: 11.2secs
EuroNCAP rating: Five stars
Turning circle: 11.4 metres
Fuel tank: 68-litres
Fuel consumption : 8.5L/100km
Fuel type: Diesel
I had one of the first Freelanders a 98 or 99. 2l Turbo Diesel. Was the best car I have ever owned. Yes it had some problems but they were minor and lets face it every car has issues. There has not been another car that has equalled that Freelander for comfort, drivability or fuel consumption. Best 21st gift I got myself. While it certainly couldnt compare on the beach to my Patrol it certainly could go far more places then anybody gave it credit for. More places then my sister in laws xtrail thats for sure! I am now looking to get out of my TI Patrol and am going back to the Freelander. They are a fantastic car!
Following Bret’s request for info on the pulling power of the FL2…can anyone update us on how the FL2 copes with pulling 1.5 tonne or more?