Both models offer excellent interior appointments, reasonable trunk space and outstanding off-road capability. Seating for five is standard as well, with a surprising amount of rear seat space provided in the 3-door SE3. The only choice is whether you prefer a fixed roof design and four side doors, or two side doors and the option to remove the rear portion of the roof for true open aired driving. Either way, the Freelander is sure to impress with its design and careful attention to detail.

A potent 2.5L, DOHC V6 engines produces 177 horsepower @ 6,250 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. For a medium sized 6-cylinder, the engine supplies strong throttle response and plenty of power to accelerate onto a busy highway. Torque is maximized at low rpm, giving it a beefy advantage for off-road driving.

The Freelander runs on regular unleaded fuel, placing it ahead of several of its competitors. With a fuel tank capacity of 16.9 gallons, the baby Rover achieves a maximum range of approximately 355 miles.

A 5-speed automatic transmission provides reasonably smooth shifts, offering a locking torque converter, Sport/Normal shifting and manual gear changes.

In an SUV such as the Freelander, it is critical to offer a suspension that can multi-task. For this reason, Land Rover graces it with a fully independent system. MacPherson struts with lower control arms and long-travel coil springs make up the front suspension, while in back the lower control arms are replaced with trapezoidal links.

Long-travel coil springs are an important reason why the Freelander is such a great off-road vehicle. Ground clearance is excellent, allowing it to go where many other, much larger and supposedly tougher SUV's, wouldn't dare tread.

The Freelander has permanent all-wheel. It offers further refinement to the suspension with IRD, (Intermediate Reduction Drive) and VCU, (Viscous Coupling Unit). Four-wheel traction control is also standard, making this a hard package to beat.

If there is a downside to all this technology and ground clearance, it is only that the Freelander suffers in tight corners, requiring 3.2 turns lock-to-lock. While this may not pose a problem when negotiating dirt roads off the beaten path, it is an annoyance while attempting to maneuver in tight parking spaces. Be prepared to give yourself a little extra space when parking the Freelander.

To stop the Freelander as quickly as possible, power assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes work together with all-terrain ABS, EBD, (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and HDC, (Hill Decent Control). Wheel sizes are 16" on the SE model and 17" on the SE3.

Inside, the 2005 Freelander offers an almost unparalleled level of refinement in a vehicle this size and price range. Cruise control, power windows with one-touch down driver window and power rear cargo window is standard. The SE model offers a standard glass sunroof, while the SE3 offers removable rear panels and a rear top.

Additionally, variable speed wipers and a rear wiper/washer are included; as is tinted glass with both front and rear defrost. Front and rear foglights add extra safety, as do dual heated rearview mirrors.

Cupholders are conveniently placed two in front and two in back. A center console/storage bin offers plenty of space in a small package. Both front doors offer map pockets and expandable storage pockets, while behind each front seat resides an additional storage pocket capable of holding larger items.

Optional equipment for the SE model includes perforated leather seats and a 240-watt Harmon/Kardon 6-disc CD changer with steering wheel mounted controls, (standard on SE3). Our test vehicle also came equipped with the optional 18" alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, side rubstrips and the always-present Land Rover umbrella.

Exterior styling was upgraded in 2004, with subtle but important changes made to the front and rear headlights and fascia on the Freelander. Not only has this improved the outward appearance, but it is now easily recognizable as a full-fledged member of the Land Rover family.

Land Rover has made significant progress these past few years in its search for reliability. With looks that emulate the more expensive Range Rover and newly designed LR3, the Freelander makes a discriminating choice in the ever popular, small to mid-size SUV category.

JUST THE FACTS