Best Used Compact SUV
There are plenty of tough small off-roaders on the market, but which one do we think is best?
Winner: Land Rover Freelander 2
(2005 to date) Prices: £7,500-£29,000
It’s a second year at the top for the Freelander 2! Land Rover’s baby SUV is easily the most capable off-roader in its class, and it excels on tarmac, too. Prices are still high compared to rivals, but the Freelander is such a competent all-rounder, our judges simply couldn’t ignore it. And while its predecessor was hamstrung by reliability and build quality issues, the latest model is in a different class.
The Freelander 2 was initially available with a powerful 230bhp 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, but it was discontinued due to high running costs, and used versions are rare. By far the best – and easiest to find – option is the 2.2-litre diesel, with 158bhp and a hearty 400Nm of torque. The manual variant returns 42.2mpg economy on the combined cycle – which is impressive for a 4x4.
Rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai offer seven seats, but the five-seater-only Freelander compensates with a vast 755-litre boot, expanding to 1,670 litres when you fold the rear bench. Some owners have reported malfunctioning sat-navs with dim screens, so it’s worth trying them out before you buy. Fuel gauges and radios can also play up; pay close attention on the test drive.
Many good examples will still be within the dealer network, and Land Rover’s approved scheme covers older, higher-mileage cars than most rival set-ups. All models up to five years old with 75,000 miles are included, and buyers can extend it to 10 years and 100,000 miles for extra cost.
Nearly New: Nissan Qashqai
(2007 to date) Prices: £7,500-£19,000
It’s a crossover rather than a true off-roader, but the Qashqai is available with 4WD and has the pumped-up appearance of an SUV. The model has flooded the second-hand market, so values are tumbling. Running costs are low if you choose a 1.5 dCi diesel, and a seven-seater is available
Value Choice: Nissan X-Trail
(2001-2007) Prices: £3,500-£10,000
The original X-Trail is a real Auto Express favourite. Build quality is top notch, and it’s durable and capable off-road. Prices are exceptionally low, with early models now costing peanuts. Our pick is the frugal and smooth 2.2-litre dCi diesel. Cabin space and reliability are further strong points.
