Can anyone tell me more about the Freelander 2 ot new Honda CR-V. I am about to change my car for one of these two. The caravans Kerb weight fully loaded is 1480KG which leaves the Freelander at 84% and Honda at 89% (both have a towing limit of 2000kg). I am really unsure which to go for. The Honda is alot cheaper (£3500 for similar spec) but i felt the drive was better in the Freelander. Can you please tell me what they are like for towing and convince me why I should spend the extra cash
Freelander 2 v New Honda CR-V
- Thread starter Jason_374242390
- Start date
Hi Jason,
As these are both new models you might be lucky to find anybody who has done much caravan towing with either.
The outgoing model CR-V diesel (manual only - I believe that also applies to the new one) seems fine, but I do not tow as much as 1480kg - more like 1100kg probably, and an Eriba at that so relatively less affected by wind.
I can see why a Freelander is more expensive as it has more going on in the drive train department - I can't remember the set up on Freelanders and the website is no help at all other than to tell you there's a knob for selecting lots of modes, but the CR-V has a fairly simple system that engages drive to the rear wheels if the fronts slip - there's no centre differential so as soon as the slipping stops it disengages. It worked well enough in the recent snow in conjunction with the VSA (ESP)which is standard across the range on the new model.
To be honest, comparing the old models I found the Freelander aesthetically much nicer, but I thought I would deserve all I got if I paid out
As these are both new models you might be lucky to find anybody who has done much caravan towing with either.
The outgoing model CR-V diesel (manual only - I believe that also applies to the new one) seems fine, but I do not tow as much as 1480kg - more like 1100kg probably, and an Eriba at that so relatively less affected by wind.
I can see why a Freelander is more expensive as it has more going on in the drive train department - I can't remember the set up on Freelanders and the website is no help at all other than to tell you there's a knob for selecting lots of modes, but the CR-V has a fairly simple system that engages drive to the rear wheels if the fronts slip - there's no centre differential so as soon as the slipping stops it disengages. It worked well enough in the recent snow in conjunction with the VSA (ESP)which is standard across the range on the new model.
To be honest, comparing the old models I found the Freelander aesthetically much nicer, but I thought I would deserve all I got if I paid out
Hi,
I was looking at the new CR-V yesterday and it is a 4WD which is more baised to road use than the FL2, but for most vanning that would not be a problem. The kerbweighst go from 1650kg to 1690kg for the Ex diesel with satefy pack. There is not a diesel auto but the 2000kg tow weight and 100kg noseweight are okay too. Overall a nicely built car with some attractive faetures, and which then comes dwon to individual choice.
I was looking at the new CR-V yesterday and it is a 4WD which is more baised to road use than the FL2, but for most vanning that would not be a problem. The kerbweighst go from 1650kg to 1690kg for the Ex diesel with satefy pack. There is not a diesel auto but the 2000kg tow weight and 100kg noseweight are okay too. Overall a nicely built car with some attractive faetures, and which then comes dwon to individual choice.
I like the look of the new CRV as well
The salesman told me that an auto would be available in the diesel next year.
My neighbour when the CRV was mentioned replied that it was "boring"
Possibly to him as he works for a motor spares group !!
The salesman told me that an auto would be available in the diesel next year.
My neighbour when the CRV was mentioned replied that it was "boring"
Possibly to him as he works for a motor spares group !!
I think that the 2.2 diesel in the Honda is a cracking motor. I have been driving an Accord diesel as a company vehicle for the last two years which shares the same engine and covering 80k miles has been refined, econonomical and bullet proof in the reliability stakes. As has been said earlier the Freelander will undoubtably have far superior off road ability and can probably substantiate the extra cost with the technology used in the drivetrain. As regards towing a caravan both cars will be up to the job it probably comes down to what you want out of the vehicle and personal preference.
The December 06 issue of 'What Car' carried out a group test of the FL2, Hyundai Sante Fe, Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4 (I think the CRV was not available in time). The FL2 came out the winner with a very good write-up, the major complaint being the very high price. You may still be able to download the test (.pdf file, 3.5Mb) from the What Car web site. The conclusion was:-
"These cars are the best you can buy in this hugely popular class, so it makes the new Freelander's victory all the more impressive.
Land Rover has delivered a spirited drive, fine comfort and excellent refinement, but it didn't stop there. To ensure you glide out of sticky situations, there's a clever terrain response system, while a practical cabin, loads of safety kit and generous specification make it a perfect family-friendly car. It's not cheap and the boot isn't huge, but reasonable running costs and strong resale values will keep you and the bank manager happy.
Second place goes to the Santa Fe. It can't match the reelander's wide-ranging talents, but it's well built and its punchy engine delivers strong pulling power - something you'll appreciate if you make use of the seven-seat layout. Weak resale values are a concern, but a five-year warranty gives peace of mind. The X-Trail may not be outstanding in any particular area but it's
a great all-rounder. We love the fact that it's cheap to buy and run and that sat-nav is thrown in for free until the end of the year. However, it's showing its age in terms of safety equipment - something we find hard to forgive in a family car. Even so, the Nissan remains a rugged, practical all-rounder with a strong engine and a capacious cabin. The RA V4 may have finished last, but that's no disgrace. Its cabin is classy and built to an extremely high standard, even if it that side-hinged tailgate is rather impractical. It's not blessed with the Freelander's comfort and refinement, either, but its engine is strong
and frugal while its sharp handling is guaranteed to raise a smile."
"These cars are the best you can buy in this hugely popular class, so it makes the new Freelander's victory all the more impressive.
Land Rover has delivered a spirited drive, fine comfort and excellent refinement, but it didn't stop there. To ensure you glide out of sticky situations, there's a clever terrain response system, while a practical cabin, loads of safety kit and generous specification make it a perfect family-friendly car. It's not cheap and the boot isn't huge, but reasonable running costs and strong resale values will keep you and the bank manager happy.
Second place goes to the Santa Fe. It can't match the reelander's wide-ranging talents, but it's well built and its punchy engine delivers strong pulling power - something you'll appreciate if you make use of the seven-seat layout. Weak resale values are a concern, but a five-year warranty gives peace of mind. The X-Trail may not be outstanding in any particular area but it's
a great all-rounder. We love the fact that it's cheap to buy and run and that sat-nav is thrown in for free until the end of the year. However, it's showing its age in terms of safety equipment - something we find hard to forgive in a family car. Even so, the Nissan remains a rugged, practical all-rounder with a strong engine and a capacious cabin. The RA V4 may have finished last, but that's no disgrace. Its cabin is classy and built to an extremely high standard, even if it that side-hinged tailgate is rather impractical. It's not blessed with the Freelander's comfort and refinement, either, but its engine is strong
and frugal while its sharp handling is guaranteed to raise a smile."
Hi Jason,
I am planning to change my Passat petrol saloon, and am interested in the new 2007 Honda CRV 2.2 Diesel. I have also looked at and driven the attractive new Freelander 2, but feel it is expensive, and I do not really need the off-road qualities of the Land Rover. I tow a caravan with MPTLM of 1400kgs, and believe the Honda CRV would cope well, but I would like to know from other owners of the new CRV what fuel economy they get when towing and normal motoring. The quoted Combined mpg is 43.5. Is this achievable?
I am planning to change my Passat petrol saloon, and am interested in the new 2007 Honda CRV 2.2 Diesel. I have also looked at and driven the attractive new Freelander 2, but feel it is expensive, and I do not really need the off-road qualities of the Land Rover. I tow a caravan with MPTLM of 1400kgs, and believe the Honda CRV would cope well, but I would like to know from other owners of the new CRV what fuel economy they get when towing and normal motoring. The quoted Combined mpg is 43.5. Is this achievable?
Unfortunately reviews of new cars do not include reliability, look at the table of warranty claims per 100 cars. Having said that we bought a Ford S-max because we liked the car - not the manufacturer or the dealers and we would have paid more if the likes of Toyota or Honda produced an identical vehicle.
What car assesed the vehicles as offroaders NOT towcars, 4x4s make good towcars due to their weight and traction, but their soft suspension and high centre of gravity are detrimental to stability. Few people are going to tow their van up a mountainside so the 4x4 that is good on road and rubbish off is likely to be the best towcar unless you go for fancy and expensive suspension control (something else to go wrong)
What car assesed the vehicles as offroaders NOT towcars, 4x4s make good towcars due to their weight and traction, but their soft suspension and high centre of gravity are detrimental to stability. Few people are going to tow their van up a mountainside so the 4x4 that is good on road and rubbish off is likely to be the best towcar unless you go for fancy and expensive suspension control (something else to go wrong)
Drive them both and see what you think. I know of several people towing TA vans with Fl2, one who reckons it is better than their D3. I haven't towed with a Fl2 but have driven petrol and diesel ones. The difference between Fl1 and 2 is as big as Disco 2 and 3. It handles very well with a lot of punch and is a lot bigger inside. Cost wise the difference with competitors is not as big on a like for like basis, remember too that the car is not aimed at the CRV market but the X3. The petrol sounded great, but the TD4 was the better bet IMO. I've ordered an auto TD4 for my wife but they won't be out until April May time 
Hi,
an other option soon to be relased is the 4WD Octavia Scout Estate with a 140bhp diesel. Has a kerbweight enough for a 1400kg van at 85% and good economy for twoing and solo. It is the well tried VW group 4wd system and the car has been raised slightly to improve ground clearance. It is not an off roader but should cope with CLs and caravan sites.
an other option soon to be relased is the 4WD Octavia Scout Estate with a 140bhp diesel. Has a kerbweight enough for a 1400kg van at 85% and good economy for twoing and solo. It is the well tried VW group 4wd system and the car has been raised slightly to improve ground clearance. It is not an off roader but should cope with CLs and caravan sites.
Hi,
I tow a 1324kg caravan with a 55 plate 2.2CTDI CRV Exc (outgoing model) the car has no problems with pulling power even up hill in Cornwall / Devon - the family love the room, the car is also good for everyday use I get 38-40 mpg and when towing 28-30 mpg, sometimes its hard to know that the caravan is there behind you, All I can say is that the car is very reliable, cheap to run (avge
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