D-MAX gets Jungle 4x4 protection upgrade

One of the first and most essential modifications to my D-MAX was protecting the front end, panels and sills. While the MY24 D-MAX X-Terrain had steel side steps, they couldn’t be used with scrub rails, so they had to go. 

When you take your 4×4 off-road, you want the confidence that your rig can handle whatever the tracks throw at it. Protection is essential whether it’s crawling rocky high country trails, pushing through thick scrub or tackling remote outback tracks. That’s where the Jungle 4×4 Full Loop Deluxe Bar, Side Rails and Side Steps come into play.

I was recently on a Red Centre adventure when one of the crew hit a cow at 100km/h. His vehicle was protected by Jungle 4×4 gear and sustained minimal front-end damage, which impressed me greatly. You see, I’d struck a cow a couple of years earlier while travelling at 40km/h along the Great Northern Highway in WA and incurred significant damage to my Prado, requiring plenty of front-end gear to be replaced.

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The first thing I noticed about the Jungle 4×4 Deluxe bullbar is that it’s a complete bumper replacement. No cutting or dodgy panel trimming is required. It slots in seamlessly and transforms the front end of the D-MAX into something that looks ready to tackle the outback head-on. The front grille and internal wheel guards needed some trimming but you wouldn’t know it by looking at it. 

Jungle 4×4 bull bars are ADR approved and airbag compatible. Safety comes first, and Jungle 4×4 has ensured that this winch bar meets all Australian standards. The construction is heavy-duty, with 63.5mm reinforced steel tubing that is powder-coated for durability and resistance to scratches and corrosion.

The bull bar is winch-ready and designed to accommodate a 12,000lb winch, perfect for my Sherpa winch, which is more than enough to pull the D-MAX out of a jam. Integrated recovery points, reinforced jacking points and dual antenna mounts are also standard fitment.

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Pre-drilled holes allowed me to install a couple of Narva Ultima MK3 215 LED driving lights, which cast a powerful light on the road ahead when night driving. If you prefer, there are also pre-drilled holes for a light bar. Optimised approach angles have improved the front-end clearance of the D-MAX, so I can hit steep entries without grounding.

Jungle 4×4 bull bars come with integrated fog lamps and indicators, and they are compatible with the D-MAX’s safety radar and parking system. The Deluxe Bar looks aggressive, functional and tough, and having seen it do its job I am confident in the protection it provides.

The Side Rails and Side Steps provide extra armour where it matters, especially when driving on technical trails and overgrown tracks whenever the last thing I want is a rock or fallen branch ripping into the doors or sills. They are manufactured from heavy-duty 63.5mm tubing that matches the Jungle 4×4 Deluxe Bar for seamless integration and maximum strength. 

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The side steps are bolted directly to the chassis so they can take a hit without bending or breaking, while the integrated side rails’ three-bolt mounting connects them directly to the bull bar, providing full-length protection for the doors and sills. With a powder-coated finish, the side rails and side steps are tough, weather-resistant, and grippy, even when covered in mud.

I’ve regretted not fitting side rails in the past, especially on tight or overgrown tracks, where bush pinstriping can often occur and there is always a risk of panel damage. The Jungle 4×4 Deluxe Bar, Side Rails and Side Steps add an extra layer of defence, and for people like me who enjoy taking their 4x4s to challenging places, it’s a no-brainer upgrade.

Is it worth spending the money? You probably don’t need this setup if you’re cruising the bitumen and the odd gravel road but if, like me, you love hitting the tracks, the Jungle 4×4 bar work is a wise investment.

RRP: $2100 (Deluxe Bar); $990 (Side Steps); $690 (Side Rails)