The Ford Freestyle was designed to straddle the line between a hatchback and an SUV. It offered extra ground clearance, rugged styling, and practical utility without losing city friendliness. Even though it is no longer sold new in India, the Freestyle remains popular in the used-car market. For buyers looking for a compact rugged crossover, it still offers value and capability.
Here’s a full, updated Ford Freestyle review tailored for Indian buyers. It covers design, cabin, performance, ride, safety, running costs, GST 2.0 pricing context, and tips for buying used.
Quick spec table – Ford Freestyle (India, typical)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Segment | Compact crossover / crossover hatch |
| Seating | 5 |
| Engines | 1.2L Ti-VCT petrol; 1.5L diesel (in certain markets) |
| Power | Petrol ~95 bhp; Diesel variant had stronger torque |
| Torque | Petrol ~119 Nm; Diesel higher depending on variant |
| Transmission | 5- or 6-speed manual; automatic in select markets |
| Ground Clearance | Higher than typical hatchbacks (approx ~190–200 mm) |
| Features | Touchscreen infotainment, smartphone integration, rear camera (variant dependent) |
| Safety | Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, parking aids, stability control (higher trims) |
| Approx ex-showroom last known price | ₹6.5 lakh – ₹9.0 lakh (engine/trim dependent) |
Why people loved the Freestyle
When it first launched, the Freestyle caught attention for blending urban usability with SUV looks. It had a bold design, riding height above regular hatchbacks, and a tougher stance. It appealed to drivers who wanted something more capable than a hatch but without the bulk of a full SUV. For many, it was the “SUV look” with car-like agility.
Even today, its mix of utility and compact size makes it a worthwhile option in many Indian cities.
Exterior design and street presence
From the start, the Freestyle stood out with its bold character. The body cladding around wheel arches, skid plates, roof rails and raised stance gave it a rugged look. The swept headlamps and bold grille added aggression. On Indian roads, it felt confident, not dainty.
Its compact footprint helped in narrow city streets, while the slightly chunky design gave peace of mind when roads grew rough. Over the years, its shape aged well — not flashy, but solid.
The cabin – practical and comfortable
Inside, the Freestyle is straightforward and usable. Materials are not premium but durable. The layout is clear and driver-friendly. The seats are firm but supportive. Front space is comfortable for tall drivers; rear is better for two adults than three on longer trips.
The infotainment screen is well placed and intuitive. Features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, rear camera and parking sensors were available in higher variants. The tall windows and large glass surface help visibility. For shopping, daily commuting or school runs, the Freestyle’s cabin remains practical even today.
Also Read Ford EcoSport Review 2025 – Compact SUV That Redefined Urban Driving in India
Performance – engines and drivability
The Freestyle had petrol and diesel engine options in its lifetime. The 1.2-litre Ti-VCT petrol was smooth, economical and ideal for city use. Many preferred it for its low maintenance cost and tolerance for Indian traffic.
The 1.5-litre diesel version offered better torque, especially for highway overtakes and loaded driving. It had a stronger midrange punch and better fuel efficiency on long drives.
The transmissions offered were manuals and a select automatic. Drive feel was composed. The suspension setup balanced comfort with a little firmness to control body roll. Steering was light at low speeds and gained weight at higher speeds — helpful on highways. The Freestyle is no sports machine, but it handles daily use and weekend jaunts capably.
Ride, handling and stability
One of the Freestyle’s strengths was its ride height. It cleared potholes and uneven patches better than conventional hatchbacks. On broken Indian roads, it absorbed bumps decently.
On twisty roads, it held its ground for a compact crossover. While not agile as a hatchback, the Freestyle offered more confidence than sedans in challenging curves. At highway speeds it felt stable, though side winds and crosswinds showed its lighter mass sometimes. Noise control was decent for its class.
Safety features and equipment
Ford equipped the Freestyle with safety features typical for its time. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and camera were among the offerings. Higher variants also got stability control and traction assist. These features made it a safer bet in its category.
If buying used, ensure the variant you pick has these safety features. Lower trims may lack some airbags or stability systems, which are essential for peace of mind.
Running costs and maintenance
One of the Freestyle’s selling points was lower upkeep. Because it borrowed parts from Ford’s wider parts bin, spares were relatively easy to source. Routine maintenance is manageable. Insurance premiums for a compact crossover are higher than for hatchbacks but lower than premium SUVs.
Diesel versions cost a bit more for servicing, especially turbo health and injectors. But many owners find the fuel savings make up the difference on longer runs.
GST 2.0 and price in India – impact and legacy
Ford exited large-scale car production in India in 2021, changing the way its older models like the Freestyle fit into the market. New Freestyles are not available.
During its active years, the Freestyle’s ex-showroom price ranged in the compact crossover band — roughly ₹6.5 lakh to ₹9.0 lakh depending on variant and engine. After GST 2.0 changes in 2025, many active manufacturers reduced prices across models. Because the Freestyle is discontinued, it did not receive new official price cuts. However, the overall market shift and price reductions on contemporary models influence how buyers value Freestyles in the used market.
This comparative pricing shift can work for or against used Freestyle owners depending on condition, features and upgrade levels.
Used purchase advice
When buying a used Freestyle, pay attention to:
- Service history and regular oil and filter changes
- Engine health, especially turbo condition in diesel versions
- Suspension wear, especially due to rough roads
- Condition of braking system and safety features
- Electronics and infotainment working condition
- Integrity of body panels, cladding and welds
Buy from a trusted dealer or certified used seller if possible. Ask for mechanical inspections and short dealer warranties if available.
FAQs — what Indian buyers ask about Freestyle
Q: Is the Ford Freestyle still being sold new in India?
A: No. Ford has discontinued new car sales in India for many models, including the Freestyle. It is available mainly as a used car.
Q: Should I pick petrol or diesel if buying used?
A: For city driving, the 1.2L petrol is simpler and low on maintenance. For highway use or heavy loads, the diesel offers stronger torque and better fuel efficiency. Inspect the turbo carefully.
Q: How reliable is the Freestyle today?
A: Many owners report strong reliability when the car was maintained well. Parts availability, especially for engines and suspension components, remains decent through Ford’s spare part network and independent workshops.
Q: Did GST 2.0 reduce the Freestyle’s price?
A: No. Since new Freestyles are discontinued, it did not get official price cuts under GST 2.0. But market comparisons with current models affect how used Freestyles are priced.
Q: Is the Freestyle worth buying used in 2025?
A: Yes, if you find a well-maintained example with service records, safety features and a reliable maintenance history. It offers many advantages over older compact cars: increased ground clearance, elevated driving position, decent features and a rugged look. But compare it to newer compact SUVs for price and support before deciding.
Conclusion — is the Ford Freestyle still relevant today?
The Ford Freestyle was a smart crossover for its time. It offered SUV styling, better ride height, and useful features while maintaining city comfort. Even though it is officially discontinued, it lives on in the used market. A well-kept Freestyle can still give years of sensible ownership.
If you value its combination of rugged design and practical usability, and find one in good condition, go ahead. Just verify condition and servicing before you buy. For buyers still wanting new car warranties, always compare newer models in the compact crossover class before committing to a Freestyle.
If you like, I can prepare a comparison between the Freestyle and current compact crossovers like Tata Punch, Kia Sonet or Hyundai Venue to see which gives better value today. Would that help?
