In the Land Rover SUV stable, the Freelander is the little guy. It’s their most affordable, entry-level model, the one intended to introduce young buyers to the brand. But despite its affordability, the compact Freelander has proven itself to be just as capable a Land Rover as its larger siblings. So maybe small size and small price really can add up to big SUV performance.

Well, from what we’ve seen, the 2004 Land Rover Freelander isn’t exactly suffering from a Napoleonic complex. The redesigned half-pint makes up in brute what it lacks in bulk. Competing with other unitized small-utes like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota’s Rav4, this stout little rock-climber offers a more serious choice to SUV-fans. Though they all seek to impress, you just can’t deny the Freelander’s great lineage.

The Freelander continues in three and five door body styles, with two trim levels, SE and HSE. But, with hopes of bringing even greater value to their customers, Land Rover has given the Freelander a once-over for 2004, adding new features including a new look.

The fresh exterior starts with an all new front end. The front bumper and grille have been re-styled and add distinctive twin-pocket headlamps borrowed from the Range Rover. This compact sport-ute sits on a 101.-inch wheelbase and weighs in at just over 3500 pounds. Around back, the taillights have been set higher for better visibility in off-road scenarios. Also adding to its new image is the Freelander’s overhauled cabin. With more comfort and luxury than previous years, the cockpit wears a host of new gems. Starting with a new dash that wears a Range Rover inspired instrument cluster, upgraded door trim panels and improved support front bucket seats, but still with no height adjustment.

Surrounded by new materials, drivers and passengers will enjoy the Freelander’s new curb-appeal, especially if they order the 240-watt Harmond Kardon stereo with in-dash CD changer. Driver and passenger front airbags are the only inflatable restraints.

The 60/40 spilt rear bench provides tight room for three, but keeps them all safeguarded with three-point safety belts. Folded down, the rear seats and trunk provide a tall 47 cubic feet of cargo storage. It’s accessed through a swinging cargo door with power window and spare tire.

But this pocket-sized terrain-tracker doesn’t stop there; the sturdy Freelander still has the muscle to pull-down a maximum towing capacity of 2500 pounds. And what gives this freewheeling Freelander its might? How about its V6 powertrain? The Freelander’s 2.5 liter, dual-cam, 24 valve engine delivers 174 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.

On the track, power proved to be unassuming, yet steady. Speeds weren’t high but consistent with last year’s SE 3-door model. 0-60 brought in a leisurely 10.6 seconds while the quarter mile pulled in an equally sluggish 17.9 seconds at 78 MPH.

An improved version of its class exclusive five-speed automatic with sport setting and manual shift mode did provide immediate, smoother shifting. And while our drivers were pleased by its non-power robbing shifts off the line, they did note that rpms build up slowly between second and third. An improved wheel balancing process reduces vibration and adds to the Freelander’s sprightly ride. Turn in is a bit slow, but the Freelander does respond well to driver input. The four-wheel independent, long travel MacPherson strut suspension really soaks up the bumps. It is tempered by moderate body roll, but never feels top heavy. The 17-inch all weather radials provide the necessary gripping action to aid the Freelander’s front-disc, rear drum ABS-equipped brakes, with electronic brake force distribution. Stops were very consistent and steady throughout and managed a fine 128 feet from 60 miles per hour.

Unlike most competitors that use all-wheel drive, the Freelander, like all Land Rovers, comes standard with permanently engaged four-wheel drive. Normal driving sees a 70/30 torque split front to rear. That plus Hill Descent Control and over 7-inches of ground clearance makes this one of the few compact SUVs that is truly capable off-road. As expected on road, the Freelander gets typical sport-ute mileage. EPA fuel economy ratings are 18 city/21 highway. Expect 18 in typical driving. The Freelander is not quite typical of its class in pricing. Land Rover’s prestige and the Freelander’s high level of content mostly warrants a base price of $25,995 for the 5-door SE, and $28,995 for the top drawer HSE. The 3-door SE with removable hardtop begins at $26,995.

So, here’s to a successful redo for the littlest Land Rover. Hardly needing more than their name to make a sale, the company realizes the value, comfort, and prowess young customers’ desire, and has found a way to deliver just that. With more of each than ever before, this littlest Land Rover doesn’t travel in the shadow of anyone.

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.5 Liter V6
  • Horsepower: 174
  • Torque: 177 Lb Feet
  • 0-60 MPH: 10.6 Seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 17.9 Seconds @ 78 MPH
  • 60-0 MPH: 128 Feet
  • EPA Mileage: 18 MPG City 21 MPG Highway
  • Motorweek's Mileage Loop: 18 MPG Mixed City/highway