I checked, the parking brake wasn't on, which leads me to my next question. Where has all the get-up-and-go from the 174-hp V6 got-up-and-gone? Again, independent* tests show compact 4-cylinder SUVs with less horsepower are quicker. For instance, both the 160-hp Honda CR-V and 148-hp Toyota RAV4 break 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. The Freelander can only muster 10.5 seconds to the same speed. What's worse, at 13.7 L/100 km combined city/highway it's hardly a fuel miser. The engine is extremely smooth, however, as is the 5-speed automatic transmission. The latter incorporates CommandShift, a sequential shifter that provides up and downshifts by actuating the gearlever. Overall, the Freelander feels substantial, solid and well built.
But this is a Land Rover we're discussing, so let's forget the car talk and delve into off-road performance. Technically, the Freelander hardly matches the legendary 4x4 capability of its Discovery and Range Rover siblings. That said it won't hang up an adventurous owner who needs to get away from it all, providing he understands its limits - the most obvious being its rather low 183 mm (7.2 in) ground clearance. Still, the Freelander's permanent all-wheel drive system, traction control, Hill Descent Control, and surprisingly capable suspension, easily surpasses the capability of car based compact SUVs in natures arena. For practical purposes, it comes closer to the off-roadworthiness of the impressive Jeep Liberty.
But this comparison highlights a category where the Land Rover falls short. Its interior fit and finish and quality of materials lags behind the much less expensive Jeep, as well as many other compact SUVs. Also, its premium price left me wanting for more luxurious features. For instance, its single-speed intermittent rear window wiper is what you expect in an economy station wagon, not a premium SUV. And what's with the single temperature heated seats? Also, the scattered placement of power window, sunroof and rear window switches is illogical and difficult to get used to.
But this is a Land Rover we're discussing, so let's forget the car talk and delve into off-road performance. Technically, the Freelander hardly matches the legendary 4x4 capability of its Discovery and Range Rover siblings. That said it won't hang up an adventurous owner who needs to get away from it all, providing he understands its limits - the most obvious being its rather low 183 mm (7.2 in) ground clearance. Still, the Freelander's permanent all-wheel drive system, traction control, Hill Descent Control, and surprisingly capable suspension, easily surpasses the capability of car based compact SUVs in natures arena. For practical purposes, it comes closer to the off-roadworthiness of the impressive Jeep Liberty.
But this comparison highlights a category where the Land Rover falls short. Its interior fit and finish and quality of materials lags behind the much less expensive Jeep, as well as many other compact SUVs. Also, its premium price left me wanting for more luxurious features. For instance, its single-speed intermittent rear window wiper is what you expect in an economy station wagon, not a premium SUV. And what's with the single temperature heated seats? Also, the scattered placement of power window, sunroof and rear window switches is illogical and difficult to get used to.