For years now, the Isuzu D Max has been winning hearts and minds thanks to its excellent off-road handling and durable build quality. This is one of the reasons why it has become such a favourite among agricultural workers and general commercial users. It’s also available in several iterations offering varying engine powers and, given its size, is a deceptively nippy ride.
While it is an exceptional entry point into the world of off-roading, however, if you want to push it beyond its limits then upgrades are going to be a necessity. Sometimes, stock components are just not enough. With that in mind, here are the top 5 upgrades we recommend for your Isuzu D Max.
1. Suspension Lift Kit
The D Max is a massive vehicle but its stock suspension is rather basic. A suspension lift kit such as the industry-leading one offered by Old Man Emu completely replaces stock springs and shock absorbers to create a brand new suspension for your ride and can completely transform how the vehicle feels on the road and off it. Better suspension is particularly handy if you’re going to be carrying extra weight so is always recommended for commercial users.
2. EVC Throttle Controller
Perhaps the most compact and intelligent throttle controller on the market is the EVC iDrive, which gives you significantly improved control over throttle response for under £200. It looks sleek and compact and is a complete plug and play solution with no wires to cut and no fiddly interventions in your vehicle’s electronics to worry about. It’s an affordable and convenient upgrade that could be an ideal stocking filler for the 4×4 enthusiast in your life. Or yourself, of course.
3. Winch
Having a winch installed in your D Max will turn it into a multi-functional juggernaut. Given its popularity with the farming community, winch mounts are incredibly popular with D Max owners. If you fancy something less overt, meanwhile, a hidden winch mount is an option made from galvanised steel and will blend effortlessly into the chassis of your D Max. It’s designed to be compatible with the bumpers of individual models so is easy to install and is very much a “set and forget” installation that’s there for you if ever you need it. Of course, we like to hope you won’t need it but the peace of mind is worth the price of admission alone.
4. Wheel Arch Kits
A wheel arch kit will not only add a more aggressive aesthetic to your Isuzu D Max but will also offer added protection to your wheels. Wider wheel arches will also let you fit larger wheels than the factory arches would allow. The wheel arch kits from Kut Snake are some of the most durable that money can buy and are engineered specifically for your vehicle.
5. Roof Racks
While there is a decent amount of storage space in the average D Max, a roof rack is a sturdier way to carry heavier loads without giving up any space in the cab itself. The Deluxe ARB roof rack from ARB is designed to meet the most demanding of conditions and is an absolute must if you’re going to be taking part in any serious off-road adventures.
