A fair comparison? Well the UK 4x4 magazines appear to think so, I am not so sure.
LIKES:
3.7L engine
Low Ratio
Great turning circle
7 anchor points in the rear storage area (3 on the back of the rear seats)
12V socket in rear load space
DISLIKES
Driver seating position
Lack on interior storage space
No clock or gear indicator
Nasty blind spot on the left, I had to always physically look behind me prior to overtaking or moving out.
Crap ground clearance
So "King of the Mountain" or "4WD Shopping Trolley"?
The Freelander may not have such a large engine (yet), but it has tiptronic gear change, loads of space inside for storing bits and bobs that are always on hand and much more comfortable to drive.
Overall the Cherokee's larger engine and low ratio gearbox give it an edge performance wise, but for how long?
Above photo by Stuart Carney-Graham
