The Land Rover Freelander II (2007-2014) is often labeled as compact, yet it is broader than both the Qashqai and the Sportage. It was born in an era when Jaguar Land Rover operated under Ford, which led to a shared platform across numerous Ford and Volvo models. Although ownership changed soon after, the second restyling still featured a Ford-derived engine.
Land Rover Freelander II
Advantages
- Exceptional comfort and well-appointed equipment.
- Strong off-road capability, with a ground clearance of 210 mm.
- Resistant to corrosion with a durable body.
- Notable and distinctive appearance.
The interior is easy to read, and the ergonomic layout is solid.
Defects
- Mixed reliability reviews persist.
- Repairs and maintenance can be costly.
- Trunk space is modest.
engines
The most reliable and straightforward option is the Volvo-sourced 3.2-liter R6 engine (233 hp). It accepts AI-92 fuel and can surpass 350,000 km with proper care. There are drawbacks, such as accelerated wear of timing-drive gears and bearings, but the chain itself remains exceptionally durable.
This engine is rare in this model, representing roughly ten percent of sales. Most Freelanders are equipped with a 2.2-liter diesel in three power variants. The milder 150–160 hp tunes offer practicality and efficiency, while the 190 hp version delivers stronger performance. The diesel was a Ford-Peugeot joint venture (indices Q4BA, DW12M) and is common in commercial vehicles, with a practical life over 400,000 km. Diesel configurations feature economical fuel systems, an EGR valve, and a particulate filter. Heat exchangers can leak, and swirl flaps may fail; however, some units reach 250,000 km without major issues. Webasto heating is standard equipment.
In 2012, the naturally aspirated engine was replaced by a turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine (240 hp). It uses direct injection and requires at least AI-95 gasoline. Some early units suffered from reliability issues, including phase regulator faults, rear crankshaft oil-seal leaks, and cracked exhaust manifolds. The expected life is around 220,000 km.
Transfer
The six-speed manual M66 is paired only with the diesel engine and is known for its durability. In other versions, the six-speed automatic AF21, also called the Aisin TF‑81SC, is common. These units are reliable but require maintenance; lowering the oil-change interval to 50–60 thousand km is advisable. Otherwise, debris from the torque converter clutches can damage adjacent components and clog the heat exchanger. The unit can overheat, so upgrading with an external radiator is often recommended. The oil pump bushing is a known weak point. Typically, the gearbox can operate for about 200,000 km before needing intervention, with total life extending beyond 350,000 km.
All-wheel drive uses a Haldex clutch introduced in 2008 as the fourth generation. With proper maintenance, these systems prove reliable and long-lasting. The Freelander II is not a traditional full-size SUV: the clutch has wear limits, the body is unibody rather than a frame, and the suspension is independent and spring-based.
Operational ulcers
- Suspension remains solid up to about 120–150 thousand km, but steering components often wear out around 50 thousand km, with the steering column sometimes producing a creak.
- The electrical system can be fickle, with glitches affecting the clutch electronics, multimedia system, cameras, door locks, and other modules. Sometimes a simple engine restart helps, other times not.
- Earlier models displayed faster-than-expected battery drain. In some cases, even with infrequent use, the battery may fail during warm seasons.
EURo NCAP rating: 2007 — driver and passenger five stars, child five stars, pedestrian one star.
The most prevalent resale listing emphasizes the 2.2D automatic Freelander. An optimal pick is the 3.2-liter automatic variant. For similar money, options include the Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, VW Tiguan, and Volvo XC60.
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