Vehicle Tests > Towing Comparison: LandCruiser v Prado v Patrol v Jackaroo v ML270

Descending Bulli Pass in high range/first gear the brakes were needed occasionally to keep the speed down but were more than enough to control the vehicle.

In previous tests with an automatic ZD30 Patrol we'd achieved some very impressive touring fuel figures (12.69L/100km on 4WDOTY). Although the 20.8L/100km recorded on the tow test was the highest usage in this comparo they are still good figures considering the size and weight of the vehicle and caravan.

Recomended retail price: $51,590
Price as tested: $54,045
Towing capacity with trailer brakes: 2500kg
Towing capacity without brakes: 750kg
Average Fuel Consumption: 20.8L/100km
Range*: 551km
4km Climb: 3mins 53sec
RPM at 100km/h: 2100rpm
Performance
0-60km/h: 15.0s
0-80km/h: 22.3s
80-100km/h: 13.7s
Best Points: Interior space, value for money
Worst Points: Inadequate engine, refinement
*Performance testing carried out with a 2000kg trailer in tow
*Range estimate based on fuel tank capacity, test average fuel consumption and a 50km safety margin.


Holden Jackaroo SE
We'd wanted to test the turbo-diesel Jackaroo in our last towing test (Overlander August 1999) but gremlins stopped the vehicle before we could start it. But with our long-term Jackaroo SE automatic in the Overlander garage there was no excuse this time and it was quickly hitched up to the Trakmaster van.

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The turbo-diesel Jackaroo SE auto with ABS brakes sells for $47,970. The only factory-fitted option is the tow kit which adds $440 to the price. Other aftermarket accessories you see fitted to our Jackaroo include the colour-coded ARB Deluxe bull bar, IPF 800 Series driving lights and a GME AE4700 UHF antenna used with a GME TX3400 radio. Standard features include dual SRS airbags, AM/FM/CD player, keyless central locking, power windows and seating for seven.

The Jackaroo uses a separate body-on-chassis design with a coil-suspended live rear axle and a torsion bar-sprung independent front end. The 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection, turbocharged and intercooled mill pumps out 118kW at 3900rpm and 333Nm at 2000rpm. The four-speed auto is a fuss-free affair that you couldn't say is good or bad - it just does what's required of it. The transfer case gives part-time 4WD with high and low ranges and auto-locking front hubs, while 4WD can be activated on the move via a dash-mounted button.

The Jackaroo's footprint covers a 2860mm wheelbase, 1455/1460mm front/rear track and the kerb mass is 2042kg.

WSX-157 has proven to be a great general duties performer and long-distance tourer and it didn't disappoint as a tow vehicle. It was more stable with the van on than both the Mercedes and the Nissan, making for more confident towing. It was a little lacking in acceleration and performance being slower than the previous pair and the overdrive shift button was in constant use to keep the highway pace up. We've mentioned in other tests that the auto Jackaroo's engine braking isn't up to par for its class and this was felt again as the brake pedal was required most of the way down the mountain.

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