2011 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4 (4x4) review - Drive

quot;The soft-roader for genuine 4WD tracks". All the reviews I read prior to purchase said "a genuine Land Rover off-road." I have a 2011 base-model 2.2 diesel, auto-box (6speed). It's very, very comfortable on the highway at legal speeds - and would be equally comfy at illegal speeds. This is most notable if you're doing over 500km in a day, one isn't exhausted. Off-road (as in, nasty fire-trails) it's remarkable - unfussed. (Note - I spent 13 years driving Toyota 4WDs, including bushfire fighting.) Another owner commented, 'off-road it's almost too-good, does everything for you'. With diff-locks it would be even more capable. Off-road as in long WA gravel, it's comfy 30kmh faster than most things. (It's easy to creep up to 110kph on gravel and feel confident, and not disturb the wife). The off-road limitation is 'clearance' - particularly on sand. Every time (3X only) I've had it stuck it's been because of 'belly-flop', if one wheel got traction it just walked out. Wading depth of 50cm (indicated by the black sill) has been found a slight underestimate. (Incidentally, the Evoque uses the same chassis and motors, just a more fashionable skin, and actually has a few more mm of clearance. But if you've got kids for the back seat, the rear-seat visibility in the Freelander 2 is much better. Stadium seating in both cars helps the rear passenger.) I've had 'no trouble' - a rear electric window went weird - and fixed itself, ditto door-lock same door. Nothing else. 120,000km done. Whilst I like the 'Discovery Sport' ("Freelander 3") I've concluded that to replace this one, I'd actually like a last-of-the-line Freelander 2 with 140kw motor and 9speed auto. The lower 1st would take you some impressive places. Highest 9th should get good economy. The 'angles' on the Freelander 2 are better than the Disco-Sport. (But, if I was rich I'd get a Jaguar I-pace!) Also good for towing; rated 2tonnes and 'hardly notices'. Note: ARB 50mm box towbar is better (and cheaper) than the 40mm 'genuine LR part', if only for interchange-ability. Recommended subject to use-history and service records. One that has done some long trips might be in better/cheaper fettle than one confined to the school-run (better for the diesel, particularly on the intake side). Tyres are a bit 'rare-bear' for 18" rims; 17" rims have an abundance of choice (probably better for Oz, actually). We've found Pirelli Scorpion Zeros (the off-road ones, not the 'Verde') are the best for comfort/handling/off-road traction. They don't wear as well, it's grip versus wear; need 'rotation' more often or the rear tyres get noisy. For some reason, these tyres are also brilliant in slippery slopes, as well as braking distance. We don't like it, we love it!!