Land Rover Freelander Softback (1997 - 2003) review
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PROS
Proven 4x4 capability
CONS
Less secure than the Hard-Top
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At a glance
- New price: £14,835 - £24,035
- Used price: £220 - £1,455 Explore used prices
- Fuel economy: 22 - 37 mpg
- Road tax cost: £265 - £325
- Insurance group: 21 - 25 How much is it to insure?
Land Rover Freelander Softback rivals
Jeep
Wrangler Softtop
Toyota
RAV4
Freelander competes with the CR-V and RAV-4. Softback is the one with a detachable fold-down hood and removable targa style roof panels; it is the macho, fun choice. It offers more than its rivals, with three body styles, good off-road ability and lots of optional kit. However, it also costs more than its direct competitors. It's good to drive for a 4x4 (especially the Td4 and V6 models) and both fashionable and prestigious thanks to its Land Rover heritage.
The only real downside was patchy quality control on early models, resulting in variable build quality and so-so reliability.
