Land Rover Freelander 2

I value the Freelander 2 for its roomy five‑seat cabin, solid build, high ground clearance and a 2.2‑litre diesel AWD layout that delivers 148–188 bhp with strong midrange torque, a compliant suspension that soaks up bad Indian roads, useful off‑road tech like Terrain Response and a full‑size spare, and premium features (heated seats, well‑insulated cabin and a good infotainment/controls package) that still feel upmarket; buyers in India should weigh its comfort and genuine all‑terrain ability against its dated dynamics, potential maintenance costs and lower fuel efficiency versus newer competitors when deciding.

The Land Rover Freelander 2, tailored for India via local assembly, is a five-seater compact SUV with a rugged 2179cc diesel engine producing 148-188bhp and 420Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic and full-time 4WD featuring Terrain Response for general, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, and sand modes that make it a off-road standout. I love its pliant suspension that glides over Indian potholes and speed breakers, quiet cabin with premium touches like heated seats, cruise control, and spacious boot with full-size spare, plus light steering for easy city drives despite some body roll. Nimble in traffic, stable at highway speeds up to 181kmph, and braked confidently, it balances comfort and capability, though not the sharpest handler. Available in seven colors like Santorini Black, it was priced accessibly before discontinuation, positioning it as a durable premium pick for versatile Indian conditions.

I appreciate the Freelander 2 for its composed ride, comfortable high-seating position and genuine Land Rover off‑road capability packaged in a premium compact SUV shell; the 2.2‑litre diesel delivers smooth, tractable performance for highway cruising while the Terrain Response system and AWD make it reassuring on rough Indian roads, but the steering lacks feedback and body roll is noticeable on twisty stretches which tempers driver engagement, and given its age in the Indian market owners should factor in potentially high maintenance and parts costs when compared with newer rivals.

I find the Land Rover Freelander 2 to be a compelling choice for buyers seeking premium off-road capability without the full Range Rover price tag, especially in India's diverse terrains from city potholes to rural trails. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers 150bhp and 420Nm torque, paired with a smooth six-speed automatic and Terrain Response system that excels in mud, sand, grass, or gravel modes, making it superior to most soft-roaders off the beaten path. On-road, I appreciate the absorbent ride quality that soaks up ruts and speed breakers effortlessly, quiet cabin insulation, and light steering ideal for urban maneuvering, though it rolls in corners and lacks sharp feedback for twisty roads. Features like heated seats, responsive cruise control, and spacious boot with full-size spare add luxury, but long-term costs for suspension bushes and maintenance demand careful budgeting. For me, it's a capable, comfortable 4x4 that justifies buying if you prioritize versatility over outright speed, though I'd recommend a thorough pre-purchase inspection given its discontinuation.

The Land Rover Freelander is set to return, but this time as an electric vehicle (EV) brand through a joint venture with Chinese automaker Chery. The new Freelander will be an EV-only brand, marking a significant departure from its off-road roots. It will initially be sold in China before being exported globally. I think this move could help Land Rover tap into the growing EV market.

New documents from China suggest that the 2025 Land Rover Freelander will not be the compact, off-road SUV it once was. Instead, it will be a seven-seat SUV over five meters long, based on Chery’s E0X platform. This model will feature battery electric and range extender hybrid options, drawing from Chery’s Exceed brand. I believe this change in design could attract a broader audience.

Land Rover’s joint venture with Chery, known as CJLR, has been in place since 2012 and has been responsible for assembling several Jaguar and Land Rover models for the Chinese market. The new Freelander project is another significant step in this partnership, leveraging Chery’s technology and Land Rover’s brand reputation. I believe this partnership will be crucial for Land Rover’s future in the EV market.

The new Freelander will distinguish itself from Chery’s Exceed Star Era products through a unique design language, even though it will use the same E0X platform. This will be the first JLR model developed using Chinese technology and platforms, highlighting the cost-effective benefits of this joint venture. I believe this collaboration will result in a compelling and competitive product.

Land Rover and Chery have signed a new deal to manufacture the Freelander EVs in China. The vehicles will be designed with input from both companies and will be marketed independently through a distinct retailer network. This move aims to create a new sub-brand offering mainstream EVs, which will be more affordable than current Land Rover models. I think this strategy could help Land Rover compete better in the global EV market.

Ex‑showroom prices for Freelander 2 examples in India historically ranged broadly when new, with recorded ex‑showroom listings around Rs. 34.95–47.87 lakh depending on variant and equipment, and used/remaining new‑old‑stock examples on dealer sites typically show similar bandings though actual on‑road prices (registration, insurance, state taxes) push the effective cost noticeably higher in different states.

In India, the Land Rover Freelander 2 was last priced with ex-showroom figures ranging from Rs 34.95 lakh for the base S variant to Rs 47.87 lakh for the top Sterling Edition, all with the 2179cc diesel automatic powertrain, reflecting local assembly at Pimpri from 2011 that cut costs by about Rs 2 lakh via the S Business Edition. On-road prices in major cities like Mumbai or Delhi would add 12-15% for road tax, insurance, and registration, pushing the base to around Rs 40-42 lakh and top-end to Rs 55 lakh or more, depending on location-specific levies and optional accessories. I view this as a strong value proposition for a Land Rover, undercutting rivals like the Fortuner Legender while offering unmatched Terrain Response and premium build; however, as a discontinued model since around 2015, used examples now trade at Rs 5-15 lakh based on mileage and condition, making it a smart buy for premium SUV fans on a budget, but factor in high servicing costs at JLR dealers or independents to avoid surprises in ownership.

Official ARAI figures and listed real‑world diesel returns are about 12.3 kmpl, but in Indian city driving you should expect mid‑single to low‑teens kmpl and that running costs will be higher than modern small‑diesel SUVs because of older engine technology and heavier curb weight.

I rate the Freelander 2's ARAI-certified 12.39kmpl diesel mileage as respectable for its 2.2-litre 4WD SUV class in India, delivering real-world 9-11kmpl in mixed city-highway use, better than thirstier V8 Land Rovers. Running costs stay manageable at Rs 2.5-3 per km with diesel at Rs 90/litre, but high maintenance offsets some savings—ideal if off-road prowess trumps efficiency for your needs.