SUV Upgrades

Tinting/Graphics
Once your baby has new booties, the next step is a cool pair of shades—tinted windows, that is. "Window tinting also has an immediate impact," Weiner adds. "It adds more contrast—especially on a light-colored SUV—by making the greenhouse darker. It's creates a seductive, cave-like feel. But you don't want to go too far and break the law. You shouldn't make the tinting overly dark, or put it on the front windshield."


You can include in that treatment some smoke-colored thermoplastic headlight covers or wind deflectors for an even more mysterious look. But there's a new trend in covers: "We've found the clear or white, high-intensity lenses and turn signals are really taking off in popularity," Cates says. "It depends a bit on the area of the country. Back east, tinted lenses are still the thing, but in California, there's a different style."


Stick-on graphics and pinstriping are also a quick way to create visual impact. One caution, however: "Those graphics are not as easy to apply as you might think," advises Weiner. "I'd recommend having a window-tint shop handle that job."

Bars/Guards
For a more rugged, off-road appearance, trim items such as tubular brush guards are another approach. They can be used to cover lights and bumpers, and also serve as side step. Some body enhancements will add utility to a vehicle, too. For instance, custom-molded running boards will provide a little help getting into and out of a SUV. Grab bars also can make a stylish addition to the outside of a truck—and provide some assistance when you're getting into a tall vehicle. A rack of auxiliary lights on the roof fits in nicely with this type of package, but also come in handy in a roadside emergency.

Body Kits
You'll probably find that once you start making modifications to your SUV, it gets a bit addictive, and you'll want to do more and more. If that's the case, pump up the body with some racy and aerodynamic body kit components, such as bumper covers or ground effects pieces. A new grille, front fascia, side skirts, fender flares and a rear roll pan will give your SUV a radically different appearance. "The grilles are really in demand," says Cates, "because they're really affordable, easy to install, and offer the most dramatic change for the money." Except for the metal grilles, most of these body enhancements are made from fiberglass or high-quality plastic, and they come primered and ready for paint. Your local paint and body shop should be able to match them to your vehicle and handle the installation.