Isuzu has built its reputation on workhorse reliability and durability. Its D-Max ute is well known to Aussies, with the new model building on the strengths of cars that came before it. This has the revered carryover 3-litre diesel with truckloads of pulling power, a swathe of new safety tech and revised and modern looks that make it a worthy buy. The mechanical underpinnings remain the same, that is, unbreakable, and the price undercuts its nearest rivals.
With sales figures soaring (the D-Max lies 7th in overall vehicle sales), buyers are also looking for practical additions. Toolboxes and canopies should be high up on shopping lists for anyone using the ute for work or serious off-roading, but less evident extras like seat covers are another functional extra worth considering. These will keep interiors clean, comfortable and blend in with the more upmarket feel.
Why Have Seat Covers for Your D-Max?
The new car takes a turn for the better by upping comfort with the different trim levels. Cloth seats are what you get in the entry-level SX and mid-tier LS-M trims, but leather comes standard in the highest LS-U cars. The seats are more ergonomically designed, to give a better fit, and side support in bends and turns, and more padding to make longer journeys a pleasure.
To retain the new(ish) feel of the car, an OEM or aftermarket Isuzu D-Max seat cover goes the length in protecting the fabric or leather, keeping away stains and spills, and avoiding any mishaps in typical work or off-roading uses. Covers also prevent dust, dirt, grease and grime buildup so throwing a few tools or experimenting in the dunes, won’t leave nasty traces. When they do get dirty, just give them a good hosing down, or throw them in the washing machine.
Besides being requisite in newer cars with lower mileage, covers also work well in older D-Max models with their fair share of abuse. Here, you’ll want to hide any tears or damage and keep up your looks. And with seat covers in plush materials and in a range of colour patterns, D-Max owners will get better comfort and designs to liven up the otherwise utilitarian feel of older utes. There’s also the choice of different materials, so getting what suits you and your ute is straightforward.
Choosing Between Universal and Custom Seat Covers
Universal covers are a generic one-size-fits-all option that may or may not work on your ute’s factory seats. The biggest issue is fitment. Price aside, the covers will take some work in getting on, and not leave a mess in the process, either being too tight, so not fully covering the seat, or too loose with excess material causing wrinkling and slipping. These are cheap for a reason.
Go with covers that are tailored to the seats in your model. And here you need to pay attention to MY and trim levels as well. Not only do they offer the best fit, but other details, like headrests and consoles are also given some thought, and this creates a neat and clean look throughout.
Which Materials Are Best?
There are dozens of choices when it comes to materials, but two are often regarded as a good balance between outright durability and comfort. Here you can go with neoprene or canvas Isuzu D-max seat covers. Neoprene is offered in different grades, standard, heavy-duty and premium, and is the same material you’d find in high-quality wetsuits. It’s 100 per cent waterproof meaning no worries in spills, dirt, dust or grease, and is way comfier than other materials, being breathable, yet sweatproof. Moreover, it’s soft to the touch, has ample padding in all the right places, and with the ribbed rubber non-slip backing is suited for both high-speed driving on highways, and keeping your posture on tougher technical terrain.
The material is durable too. It’s abrasion resistant, so you’ll need more effort in mustering up anything resembling a tear, and the UV resistance means it won’t fade under the hot Aussie sun. The different grades refer to thickness, ranging from 2.5, 3 and 4mm, with those higher up having better stitching and more attention to detail. Colour options start with the standard grey or black offerings, but other colour schemes are available too. An added bonus is that it’s easy to clean and maintain, being machine-washable.
Canvas is more of a heavy-duty option if you use your D-Max for work. If you want something that is flame-resistant, holds its own against tearing, doesn’t soak up water or spilt drinks, and works well against dust and grime, then get a canvas Isuzu D-Max seat cover. These too are sold in different thicknesses (14 and 16oz), and most types include rubber backing that sticks to the seat. The only downside is that they aren’t machine washable.
What to Look for?
Covers that are designed specifically for the type of seats in your D-Max are a no-brainer. Not only are they quick to get on or off, but come in half-back and full-back designs and accommodate things like factory back pockets, as well as child-seat points, side airbag activation, back armrests, centre consoles and more. They’re also made to the correct size and exact contours of the seats in both the front and back rows. While materials do make a difference in how durable and stylish the covers are, even the cheapest aftermarket covers for your D-Max offer good levels of protection and comfort. Spend a little more to get you more of everything and covers that should outlast your car.
