Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60
These upmarket SUVs are reassuringly high-and-mighty and come with cosseting interiors, making them perfect for winter – but which makes the best used buy?...
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/fit-in/760x503/migration/articles/c7aa3cc6e0a1e0d8d5141b86dff94a65b25330d0.jpg)
Our Verdict
In our recent group test of bargain used SUVs, the Land Rover Freelander fared pretty well, finishing second only to the Hyundai Santa Fe. Here, though, it’s a different story – up against its more upmarket rivals, it doesn’t quite pass muster.
It’s still not a bad SUV, mind you; it’s the most comfortable car here by a long chalk, it comes with a lusty engine and it comes with plenty of equipment. It also looks the part, and if you plan to do any serious off-roading it has the best credentials of the four.
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60 Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/7102cbb7026aa0445bbcd5bbc9484e2a6d96737d.jpg)
But that soft ride translates to a slightly sloppy driving experience; what’s more, the Freelander isn’t as spacious as its rivals here. Throw in its high running costs and a purchase price that isn’t far off that of the BMW X3, and it becomes a hard car for which to make a case.
The Audi Q5 is an awful lot more fun to drive, and that fact, together with its sturdy dashboard, supportive seats and spacious interior, gives it the edge over the Freelander.
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60 Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/40c9f7d6ee0493a437fdcc516b49be755f2d1b00.jpg)
The Q5 is a good car, then, but you don’t half have to pay for the privilege. It’s the most expensive car to buy here, and a poor reputation for reliability suggests it’ll be the most expensive to run, too. What’s more, its firm ride means it isn’t all that comfortable – all of which means it slides into third place.
That leaves the Volvo in second. You do get an awful lot of car for your cash with the XC60, and even though it’s the cheapest, it’s no poor relation. The interior’s spacious, its seats are wonderfully comfortable, and its chassis strikes a great balance between comfort and composure.
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60 Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/12b56140345084d0504836520141eb7fc09f6423.jpg)
But of course, the Volvo is the only car here that doesn’t come with four-wheel drive as standard, meaning you’ll have to seek a 4WD example out if that’s what you want. You also have to live with more noise from the diesel engine than you might like. If you can live with those flaws, though, and you fancy a stylish, comfortable SUV with a top-class interior, it should be on your list.
But it’s the BMW X3 which takes a resounding first place here. Not only is it great to drive, with a gutsy engine and involving handling, but it’s also comfortable enough for most people – in this SE form, at least – and endowed with a beautifully finished interior. Throw in stylish looks and quiet cruising, and it’s already looking like a winner.
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60 Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/9bcd614aa24e4f9a9961d325b176e28fa628a09e.jpg)
There’s more, though, because the X3 is also the cheapest car here to run, and not by a small margin. That should go some way toward mitigating its second-highest purchase price, and even if it doesn’t, the benefits the X3 brings to the table make it worth the additional outlay. Winter motoring has never looked quite so appealing.
Read our review of the Land Rover Freelander’s replacement – the Discovery Sport
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Also consider:
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60 Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/4802d3cc50c233bc4bcf9d061031992ab3cadea4.jpg)
For Exceptionally low running costs; sensational performance; handling
Against Quite pricey to buy
Verdict One of the most satisfying used SUVs out there
Rated 5 out of 5
Find a used BMW X3 for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
2nd – Volvo XC60
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60 Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/47d704ba28a0cb6fdbb009cbaca06121156fb601.jpg)
For Spacious cabin; great seats; comfortable cruiser
Against Short of pace; engine is gruff when pushed; 4WD optional
Verdict Excellent all-round family car majoring on space and comfort
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full used Volvo XC60 review
Find a used Volvo XC60 for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
3rd – Audi Q5
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60 Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/87ebf28e17d891eb4ef62e5412c146f1b6f21613.jpg)
For Exceptional agility; swanky image; strong resale values
Against Expensive to buy and run; poor reliability reputation; firm ride
Verdict Smart-looking 4x4 that’s great to drive, but expensive to run
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Audi Q5 review
Find a used Audi Q5 for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
4th – Land Rover Freelander
![Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60 Used test – winter warmers: Audi Q5 vs BMW X3 vs Land Rover Freelander vs Volvo XC60](https://media.whatcar.com/migration/article_inline/6e29ac933b9709af1c3639eeb9f60294697a92fa.jpg)
For Smooth ride; strong performance; plenty of standard kit
Against Too much body roll; cramped cabin; poor resale values
Verdict Well equipped and comfortable, and unbeatable off road
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full used Land Rover Freelander review
Find a used Land Rover Freelander for sale in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: BMW X3 xDrive 20d SE Auto
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £32,660
Price today £13,950
Power 181bhp
Torque 280lb ft
0-60mph 8.3sec
Top speed 123mph
Fuel economy 50.4mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 147g/km
Specifications: Volvo XC60
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £31,765
Price today £11,495
Power 161bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 12.3sec
Top speed 112mph
Fuel economy 41.5mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 179g/km
Specifications: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI 170 SE S Tronic
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £33,115
Price today £15,000
Power 168bhp
Torque 258lb ft
0-60mph 10.9sec
Top speed 119mph
Fuel economy 40.4mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 184g/km
Specifications: Land Rover Freelander 2.2 SD4 190 XS auto
Engine size 2.2-litre diesel
List price when new £31,765
Price today £11,995
Power 188bhp
Torque 310lb ft
0-60mph 8.9sec
Top speed 117mph
Fuel economy 40.4mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 185g/km
Price today is based on a 2011 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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