The new Land Rover Freelander and new Honda CR-V have both entered the compact 4×4 market at the same time. But which is better for business? Jason King provides his expert view.Historically, the compact 4×4 market has been dominated by a small number of models.
The Land Rover Freelander, Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-trail and the Honda CR-V have accounted for the majority of UK sales.
As the market has developed it has become clear that a more car-like driving experience is preferred by 4x4s buyers of this size.
Extreme off-roading is not the domain of the CR-V, although it has always been deceptively capable when taken off the tarmac. The Freelander, of course, is a Land Rover – and that means it’s serious about going off-road.
But as this segment develops, it’s how capable they are on the road – and how much they’ll cost to run – that’s vital.
For small businesses considering one of these vehicles, the market will continue to be strong. Buyers are moving across from traditional saloons and estates into these compact 4x4s. So used car demand will remain strong.
But in overall terms, the new Freelander loses out to the new CR-V. Over 60,000 miles and three years it will depreciate L11,552. That’s equal to 44% of its new price.
The CR-V will depreciate less – losing only L11,007, while retaining 47% of its value.
Which makes the Honda the better business proposition.
New Freelander v new CR-V: which is better business value?
- Land Rover Freelander2 2.2 TD4 S, cost new L20,702: 44% retained value; -L11,552 lost in depreciation
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Honda CR-V 2.2 CDTi ES, cost new L20,607: 47% retained value, -L11,007 lost in depreciation
Source: EurotaxGlass’s, based on 36 months/60,000 mile predictions.
EurotaxGlass’s publishes Glass’s Guide, the expert book on used car prices. If you want to find out more, visit
www.eurotaxglass.co.uk.
