Freelander 2 was a modern take on the first Freelander with more sophisticated technology and better handling, both on and off road. From 2009 came stop-start technology and, later, the introduction of a two-wheel-drive base model. The final models featured a revised front grille, Xenon headlamps, LED running lights and electric handbrake.

In 2014 Land Rover announced a streamlining of its model names with the impending launch of a smaller car in the Discovery family, the Sport, effectively replacing Freelander. This SD4 Metropolis, therefore, has the distinction of not only being the last of over 300,000 Freelander 2 models to roll off the production line but also the last car to carry the Freelander name.