4x4s we'd buy, and how we'd modify them: Isuzu D-MAX SX

The massive advantage of the D-MAX is its supremely over-engineered powerplant. While the paltry stock figures could make you think this thing is yet another breathless wonder, the hidden abilities this thing possesses are magical. But I’ll get to that in a sec.

First, I have to decide which model I’m going with. Given my personal needs revolve around solo touring and hard wheeling, I’d be looking hard at the SX. At under $50K, I reckon I could build an any-track-in-Australia-ready ute for roughly the same price as a Ranger Wildtrak, HiLux Rogue, or D-MAX Blade (a touch north of $70K).

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First things first, I’d throw a 2100 long canopy on the back from MW Toolboxes for $2900, which will give me plenty of space for a good 100Ah lithium set-up with Victron BMS ($3500), as well as all my camping, diving, and camera gear. I’d keep my fridge on the space cab’s back seat, if for no other reason than it will not have to work as hard while underway thanks to the AC, and is still easily accessed via the suicide door without needing the additional cost or weight of a drop slide.

From there, it’s engine time. We all know that 450NM from standard is hot garbage (yet so many manufacturers think it’s fine, whatever), but, as mentioned earlier, the beauty of the 4JJ3 in the Isuzu is its ability to produce and handle so much more. An upgraded factory turbo from G-Turbo, along with a PWR front mount intercooler and a custom dyno tune can (along with a few other bits and pieces such as a good catch can, like one from Process West) see power up around 280hp at the rims and torque slapping your lower back with a hefty 650NM—all while maintaining factory reliability. So yeah, I reckon that’s eight-ish gorillas well spent.

After that, it’s a Rival front bar, lightbar and winch ($4500), a 3in lift using Fox Shocks from CalOffroad ($3800), and a set of 33in Nitto Ridge Grapplers ($2500), and you’re ready for any gazetted track in the country—and most of the non-gazetted ones too, for that matter. And all for a similar cost of a stock D-Max Blade that won’t be able to even keep up, let alone follow you down half of them.

Oh, and if there were a few extra bucks left in the kitty, a Crashpad hard-shell roof-topper and 180º awning (both for $4200) would make camping that much quicker and easier—they’re hard to say no to.

That’s a keep-for-ten-years-ute in my eyes.