Vehicle Tests > Holden Jackaroo v Mitsubishi Pajero v Toyota Prado

If you wish to fit a second battery to any of these three you'll need to move other under-bonnet components although there appears to be a little more room in the Jackaroo's engine bay than in the other two. All three offer easy access to their air filters but where the Pajero draws air from just under the bonnet lip the other two take theirs from the inner guard which is a better proposition for deep fording.

Accommodation
All our testers agreed that the Jackaroo offers the best driving position of the three and while the heated seats may not be needed too often, the electric seat adjustment for both driver and passenger is a nice luxury touch. That said, the Prado has the most comfortable front seats and in most ways appears to have the best interior fit and finish. Feelings about the Mitsubishi's interior were mixed with one of our testers complaining that it felt and looked cheaper than the other two.

Surprisingly the second row seating in all three is not great for three adults, probably being better suited to two adults and a child. The Jackaroo got the vote as the best for three adults while the other two tied for second place. The Pajero actually has the most shoulder and leg room but is let down by an uncomfortable seat while the Prado's seat is better but the shoulder room too restricted for three people.

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As befitting their roles as family 4WDs all three of these vehicles offer third row seating but where the Jackaroo and the Pajero seat seven all up, the Toyota has seating for eight. However the third seat in the Toyota is not really any bigger than the other two, it just has a third seat belt that can accommodate three small children. The Pajero's third seat isn't great either but at least it tucks cleverly out of the way into the floor to make what is the biggest luggage area even bigger.

Sum up
One of the things that made a decision a little easier in this test was the fact that all three vehicles had covered similar kilometres. When you're testing a vehicle that has done 20,000km against a vehicle that has done 2000km, making comparisons can be very difficult. Yet despite this and the individual differences of these vehicles they are all very close in what they can and cannot do. There's certainly not a dud among them with all three providing easy performance, good road manners, comfortable accommodation and sufficient off road ability to keep most people happy.

But if a decision has to be made it's the Jackaroo that has to be the first to go. Unfortunately this vehicle is starting to show its age. It ranks third in on-road dynamics and has the highest fuel consumption and while its off-road ability is superior to the Pajero it could still be better without compromises elsewhere. However it's the least expensive, the most powerful and for the price is well equipped. The Pajero sneaks ahead of the Jackaroo courtesy of its impressive on-road stability and handling, and is well worth considering ahead of all comers if your needs run more to 4WD touring rather than rock hopping. If the Pajero was as good as the Prado off-road it would be a clear winner.

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