Best Lift Kits for Off-Roading This Year

Picture yourself smoothly climbing a rocky hill or gliding over muddy trails that regular cars would avoid. Sounds thrilling, right? If you’re serious about off-roading in 2025, a stock suspension won’t cut it. That’s where lift kits come into play.

Installing a lift kit is one of the best upgrades to your 4×4 or truck. It’s not just about towering over traffic, although that’s a cool bonus. It’s about raising ground clearance, improving approach angles, and making a rig ready for adventure.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best lift kits for 2025. We’ll cover how they work, which setups fit various terrains, and what you need for a safe truck lift installation. This guide will help you, whether you’re new to off-roading or an experienced trail warrior. You’ll make a confident, informed decision.

What Exactly is a Lift Kit? (And Why Should You Care?)

A lift kit modifies a vehicle’s suspension or body to raise its ride height.

• Fit larger, more capable tyres
• Conquer rougher terrain without underbody damage
• Improve visibility on trails and roads
• Create space for critical off-road accessories (e.g., skid plates)

There are two main types of lift kits:

• Suspension Lift Kits – Change or upgrade parts like shocks, springs, and control arms.
• Body Lift Kits—These kits use spacers. They sit between the vehicle’s body and frame, raising the height without changing the suspension.

Quick Tip: A suspension lift is the way to go if you aim for genuine off-road performance.

Best Lift Kits for 2025: Top Picks for Every Adventure

1. Rough Country Vertex 8-Stage Adjustable Coilovers

Perfect For: Hardcore off-roaders who love tuning their ride feel.

• 8-stage adjustable damping
• Monotube nitrogen-charged shocks
• Lifetime replacement warranty

These coilovers deliver an incredibly smooth ride off-road without compromising on-road comfort.

2. BDS Suspension 6″ Lift Kit

Perfect For: Big truck enthusiasts who want a commanding presence.

• Heavy-duty crossmembers
• Extended knuckles for factory steering geometry
• No cutting or welding required (model-dependent)

BDS kits are known for their toughness. This makes them perfect for big trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado.

3. ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 5 Suspension System

Perfect For: Adventure travellers and desert racers.

• Remote reservoir shocks for heat management
• Delta Joint technology for better articulation
• Rebuildable and re-tunable components

If money isn’t an issue and you want the best, ICON’s systems are true masterpieces.

4. Old Man Emu BP-51 Bypass Shock Lift Kit

Perfect For: Overlanders who value ride comfort over massive height.

• Internal bypass adjustable shocks
• Designed specifically for Australian outback conditions
• Superb load-carrying capacity

See also: Essential Mods for Off-Road Adventures in 2025

5. Skyjacker Suspension Systems

Perfect For: Budget-conscious adventurers.

• Affordable starter kits
• Durable, straightforward components
• Suitable for mild lift requirements (2–4 inches)

Ideal if you’re testing the waters without investing a fortune.

How to Choose the Right Lift Kit for Your Needs

Choosing the wrong lift kit is like picking hiking boots that are too big. It can be uncomfortable, unstable, and even dangerous.

Key Questions to Ask:

• How much lift do I need?
• 1–2 inches: Minor lift, suitable for light trails
• 3–4 inches: Moderate trails, rough backroads
• 5+ inches: Serious off-roading, deep water crossings
• What type of driving will I do the most? Rock crawling? Desert racing? Overlanding?
• What’s my vehicle’s primary use? Daily driver? Weekend warrior? Dedicated trail rig?
• What’s my budget? Basic kits start around £400; premium systems can exceed £3,000

Matching Lift Kits with Tyres

You can’t just lift your vehicle without thinking about tyres. Here’s a basic pairing guide:

Lift Height	Tyre Size	Notes
2″	31–32″	Light off-roading
3–4″	33–35″	Versatile setups
5–6″	37″+	Extreme terrain; heavy-duty axles recommended

Check for fender trimming needs or rubbing risks before getting larger tires.

Truck Lift Installation: DIY vs Professional Fitting

DIY Installation

Pros:

• Save labour costs (up to £1,000)
• Learn valuable mechanical skills
• Customise as you go

Cons:

• Time-consuming (often 8+ hours)
• Requires specialist tools (spring compressors, torque wrenches)
• Mistakes can be costly or dangerous

Professional Installation

Pros:

• Expert fitting ensures safe, legal setups
• Warranty on workmanship
• Faster turnaround

Cons:

• Higher upfront costs

Pro Tip: Always opt for professional fitting for suspension lifts over 3 inches.

What to Check After a Lift Kit Installation

Once installed, it’s critical to:

• Get a complete alignment immediately
• Check brake lines for adequate slack
• Inspect driveshaft angles (may need correction)
• Test steering response

Safety first. Always perform a post-installation shakedown before hitting the trails.

Real-World Case Study: Mike’s Land Rover Defender Build

Mike, a lifelong explorer from Wales, recently added a BDS 4-inch kit to his Defender 110. He’s preparing for an overlanding trip from Scotland to Iceland.

“The extra clearance made river crossings a breeze. Plus, paired with 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2s, it tackled loose scree slopes like a goat. Best money I’ve ever spent on my rig.”

Mike’s advice: “Buy once, cry once. Go for quality components from the start.”

Are Lift Kits Legal in the UK in 2025?

Yes — but there are necessary regulations to consider:

• Modifications must be declared to your insurer
• Lifts that raise ride height by over 50mm might need a special inspection under MOT rules.
• Lighting, bumper height, and steering geometry must remain compliant

Always check local laws if you plan to travel abroad, especially within the EU.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Off-Road Adventures with Confidence

A good lift kit can change your 4×4 from good to great. It opens up new terrains and experiences you couldn’t access before. Whether you’re preparing for weekend trails or big overland trips, the right suspension can enhance your experience.

Investing in quality and understanding your goals is key. Respect safety to avoid costly mistakes. You’ll get a tougher, better-looking, and more capable vehicle for years.

Ready to Lift Your Adventure?

• Choose a lift kit tailored to your adventures
• Budget for tyres, alignment, and accessory upgrades
• Enjoy the trails with greater capability and style