10 Best Tacoma Running Boards Review and Complete Guide

Even if you have a decent height, there’s a high chance that you feel difficult to get on and off directly on an SUV or a big truck. Well, you’re not alone, and many people feel the need that there should be some kind of steps in between to help.

Luckily, we live in an advanced world, and every solution has various remedies available. Running boards are the perfect solution to the problem we discussed, and in addition to providing you ease, they also enhance the exterior of your vehicle as well as protect the sides from any damages.

Why Best Tacoma Running Board Needed

Even though any Tacoma running board you find in the market would help you achieve what you are looking for, it might not be the most suitable option for you out there.

However, if you spend some time and look for the perfect product, it will surely provide you a whole different level of experience. So, make sure you always do your research and don’t just buy what comes after you.

Comparison table of Top 10 Tacoma Running Boards

Our 10 Picks of the Best Tacoma Running Boards

After going through some of the most famous and highly rated Tacoma running boards available in the market and personally reviewing many of them as well, below, I will be laying down the top 10 picks for the best Tacoma running boards out there.

I have added pros and cons to each product as well, so it may be easy for you to find the right product for you.

1. Tyger Auto TG-AM2T20048 Star Armor Kit

Tyger Auto has made itself quite a name when it comes to auto accessories, and it never fails to deliver amazing quality while not going way above your budget. This running board by Tyger Auto follows the brand legacy and comes on top as one of the best you could get your hands onto.

Coming with patented star metal step pads, provides you a lot of conveniences while going in or coming out of the SUV, and you never feel any kind of discomfort. It’s a truly heavy-duty running board, and no matter how heavy the person is, it will never pose any problems.

The one-piece design is not only great when it comes to the looks, but it also excels with other products when it comes to reliability, keeping you from bothering about the durability.

When it comes to the installation process, it outperforms its contenders once again and provides you a very simple and quick bolt-on installation, which can be done in a matter of minutes, without any need of external help.

There are a lot of people who care about the looks more than anything, so if you are one of them, this running board has a textured black finish with dual-stage powder, making it appear very slick and attractive.

Hence, in conclusion, I find this product to be one of the best you could find, with a truly heavy-duty performance, it’s an all-rounder, and there is nothing that you cannot expect from it. It won’t go anywhere for at least 6 to 7 years once you buy it and will keep providing you excellent performance. So, what are you waiting for?

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Bottom line
Since the Tyger Auto TG-AM2T20048 is my premium choice, I recommend this to every single one of you. The 2018 Tacoma might be tricky to deal with, but I’d recommend you keep the receipt nearby. And sure, it might come off as a little bulky as first, but trust me it compensates for that big in pure quality and overall performance. A must-have!

2. APS Auto Black Tubular Drop Down Style Running Boards

If you are someone who values strong build quality and classy looks, this APS Auto Black Tubular Running board could be the best pick for you for a lot of reasons.

First and foremost, the construction you will see on this product is simply amazing. Coming in either carbon steel or aluminum body, there is no way you won’t like the quality once you get hold of it. The drop-down design, along with a unique powder coating, adds further to the looks, giving the product a very stylish as well as attractive look.

Talking about the installation process, it totally stands out from the crowd and easily secures a place in the top products when it comes to the ease of installation. Even if you are not an expert at it, it won’t take you more than a couple of hours to get it up and to run.

However, if you are a bit familiar with the process, it might even be done under an hour, quite fast, right?

Just like the previous running boards we saw, which doesn’t leave behind any doubt about the amazing quality it has to offer.

Lastly, one thing I would like to add from my experience here is the perfect fitting this product offers. Even though it’s not a light board, it fits very close and tight to a wide range of different vehicles, which is something I personally liked a lot.

So, there is no reason you shouldn’t be getting these sturdy running boards right now and upgrading your vehicle both in terms of looks and robustness.

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Bottom line
Since the APS Auto Black Tubular Drop Down Style Running Boards is my premium follow-up choice, I’m sure you’re aware that I hold this model in high regards based both on its easy of use and quick setup. Hence, I recommend this heavily for new users. As for the spare parts, I’d suggest don’t sweat much because the APS Auto Black Tubular Drop Down Style Running Boards can definitely hold its own against damage.

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3. Tyger Auto TG-RS2T40158 Riser Running Boards

Yet another top of the shelf product by the same manufacturer we saw earlier. You would have realized by now how consistent Tyger Auto is in delivering top quality to its customers, given this is their second product in the top three.

Just like its predecessor, one of the main advantages of going with Tyger Auto TG-RS2T40158 is that they feature a very convenient installation process, which involves merely a bolt-on installation, which is easily achievable for people who are new to such projects. It hardly takes an hour, and if you are amateur, it could be even quicker.

Coming to the design of the product, it offers you 4-inch wide bars which are quite heavy-duty, with mild steel tubing and a black powder coating on top of it, making it an extremely durable product. The coating not only keeps the boards safe from any rusting, but it also prevents them from any action caused by the UV rays, which becomes a big problem after a couple of years.

Moreover, you get fantastic customer service with Tyger Auto, and no matter what’s your problem, the have your back.

As a whole, if you want something which provides you comfort and durability while staying within your budget, this could be a pretty good option. It’s hard to find a product that provides you such a high value for the money you pay, and you don’t need to put in a lot of effort on installation as well.

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Bottom line
I personally think the Tyger Auto TG-RS2T40158 Riser Running Boards would make for an excellent choice if you’re not familiar with the mechanics, or simply want to skip the detailed installation phase. The height might be an issue for some of you, which is why I’d think there’s other models to consider as well since you can’t really tweak this bit. But if you don’t mind that, then definitely go for it!

4. TAC Side Steps Fit Running Boards

These Double Cab Truck Pickup running boards are definitely amongst the top product which comes at the most affordable price.

However, to make myself very clear when I say affordable, I don’t mean that they make any kind of compromise upon the quality. Rest assured that even though the price is considerably lesser than the contenders, these running boards still provide all the features you need along with the durability.

If you are someone who doesn’t value stylish looks as much as you do build quality and price range, these running boards are definitely meant for you. Being capable of perfectly fitting your vehicle and making your stepping in and out of whole lot convenient, they offer a textured black finish, which is completely rust and corrosion-resistant. The looks are mediocre with respect to the previous products we have seen, but the quality is equally great, if not better.

Coming to the installation of the product, they don’t ask you to do troublesome tasks such as any kind of cutting or drilling. All you have to do is unpack the product and put the bolts on, and you’re good to go. Yes, it’s really that simple. During my review, it hardly took me around 40 minutes to get done with the installation, and honestly, it’s as easy as it could get.

So, if you are a person who doesn’t like to pay extra only for the brand name and stylish looks, and prefer saving your money instead, there definitely no other product in this price range which will meet your needs better than this does. Moreover, you won’t be compromising upon the quality in any way.

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Bottom line
Since the main features that describe the TAC Side Steps Fit Running Boards are more oriented towards functionality and getting the best output, I think this pick would be a good choice for serious users who want something that can hold its own. Of course, this demographic also accounts for users who don’t really focus on aesthetics. However, if you want the best of both worlds, I’d recommend you customize the exterior a little to truly make it work.

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5. TAC Side Steps Fit 2005-2020 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Truck Black Side Bars

If you have liked the previous product we saw by TAC, there is a high chance that you will find one extremely good too. Even though both products come in a very similar price range and have some basic overlaps in their features, there are some differences that you have to be aware about.

First off, these side steps by TAC go along pretty well with any kind of truck or SUV you put them on. I have personally never seen them not suiting any type of vehicle, making them highly adjustable, and if you are someone who changes vehicles quickly and want to get something once and for all, there is a thin chance you will find something better than this. One of the major reasons for this is the fact that they come with steel construction and black design on top of it, which adjusts to almost everything.

On the installation side, you get to enjoy the same hassle-free method we have seen previously. Just unbox the product, get it on the body of the truck, and put the bolts on to get going. No need to cut anything or make any changes to either the truck or the side steps. It took me less than 40 minutes to install, and if you are an expert, it might be even quicker.

The non-slip pads on each side are something we cannot really miss out on. They will never pose you any problem while getting on or off from the vehicle even though they are only 3” and not that wide. Not to mention the UV-resistance they offer, which adds a further layer of protection to them.

Last but not least, the affordability, the thing where TAC is good at. Just like the previous one, this model also provides you superior quality and a long-life while not going way out of your budget.

So, if you want something durable and decent, I highly recommend you give this budget-friendly product a chance.

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Bottom line
Since the TAC Side Steps will definitely require you to get your hands a little dirty, I think this model is a good choice for users who want to experience the complete learning curve when it comes to running boards. Other than this small thing, it’s a great choice for money and sturdy, so if you can overcome the setup hurdle, you’re practically set for life!

6. APS iBoard Running Boards Fit 2005-2020

If you are a fan of simple yet elegant designs and don’t want things to get more complexed than they need to be, this is one of the finest products you will ever come across when looking for the best running board.

The APS iBoard is probably the most anticipated top pick in this review, and I was really surprised at how effective they were at what they do. The 5” wide stepping bar not only makes it very easy to use, but it also increases the protection a lot as well, and even if you are a bit old-aged, you will face absolutely no problems while coming across to use this device.

Moreover, the stepping bars are non-slip, so once you place your foot on it, don’t worry about it going anywhere until you are on the truck.

When it comes to building quality, they boast high-quality aluminum build, and honestly, it cannot get any better than that. Not only you get a very durable and long-lasting product, but you are also free from all the worries about corrosion, strength, or rusting issues.

However, one thing that I was bothered about is the style of the side steps. Let me be clear here, they are nothing like the Tyger Auto Side steps when we are ignoring everything but the looks, they have to offer. They look rather classy than stylish and offer a minimal look.

So, the customers they are targeting are the ones who only aim to get convenience from their side steps and don’t really want to enhance the looks along with it.

Hence, I would strongly urge you to consider this product if you own a family truck and don’t really care a lot about the looks, but at the same time, you cannot compromise upon very comfortable and safe running boards.

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Bottom line
The APS iBoard Running Board is a pretty reliable model but falls short on two main aspects. The packaging might lead to damaged goods, but if anything, customer service would be more than happy to sort things out for you. as far as aesthetics are concerned, if you want to approach this model from the functionality angle, then I think a few customizations and paint job might make it work for you. in which case, make it happen!

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7. Westin 27-6620 Brite Step Board

Are you ever wondered about getting just the perfect fit side steps for your truck, which are completely custom made to suit your needs? Well, it’s hard to find such a product around, but luckily, this one will just satisfy your needs right. So, let’s get into it.

Westin 27-6620 is basically a very durable and heavy-duty running board for Tacoma, which comes with the aluminum build. Not only does aluminum promise you a long life, but it also eliminates some of the biggest problems such as corrosion and rusting, making the product a great value for the money it comes with.

Another thing I greatly admire about this product is the striped design it features. While you may not find it very attractive by just looking at the thumbnail, but when you actually install it on your truck, it would turn out to look quite decent. Not like the extra fancy ones out there, but it does the job.

If you want to introduce further customizability in your design, you can opt for any type of finishing from the three types that are offered, Brite Aluminum, Brushed Aluminum, or Black. Unless you really know what you want, I would highly recommend you go with Brite Aluminum since it provides you the best looks.

However, black is also a classic finishing to go with.

When it comes to usability, the step board once again excels in the performance. Featuring a firm grip, it doesn’t let your foot go anywhere once it is placed on it, so you get the safest stepping in and out irrespective of the weather conditions.

As a concluding note, I would highly recommend this step board if you own a family truck and want a decent look, nothing too fancy. Another thing you will have to consider before buying these it that the installation is not that simple and could easily take you around 2 hours if you are not an expert.

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Bottom line
Due to its complicated setup and sophistication, I would recommend the Westin 27-6620 Brite Step Board to professionals and people who are sufficiently comfortable with getting their hands dirty. I hate to say it, but there’s no easy way around this. However, of course if you’re willing to go the extra mile to reap the benefits of a good and decent build, then the Westin 27-6620 Brite Step Board would be one of the most reliable models to fall back on!

8. TOYOTA Genuine Accessories PT212-35055 Running Board

Are you someone who always likes to go for genuine products even when they have to pay a bit more for them? Well, you could always find cheaper products with comparable quality and even better looks, but it’s all about what one prefers.

This running board comes as a genuine product by Toyota, and even though it will make a dent in your pocket, it’s totally worth it. Upon reviewing it, I found it to be performing head to head to the most heavy-duty products that I came across, such as the TAC side steps and the TG products. They obviously have the edge over the fitting, and there is nothing they could be compared to when it comes to the exact fitting.

The skid-resistant nature of these ones is also great, and no matter what the weather is around, you never have to worry about your foot slipping on the board once you step on it. It is as safe to use as it could be, and during my course of the review, I ran into literally zero problems in that aspect.

However, one important thing that I want to talk about here is the aesthetic nature of this product. There are no fancy styles that come with the product, and you just get a basic type of running board that hardly adds to the looks of your vehicle.

Personally, I am not a huge fan of attractive and trendy design, so it didn’t bother me much, but it is something you certainly have to keep in mind.

In conclusion, if I were someone who didn’t consider anything but the genuine accessories with the brand name on them, this is surely the product I would go for without having any second thoughts.

However, if I were a bit young and liked to show off while being pocket-friendly, these running boards would have hardly made the cut.

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Bottom line
I recommend the PT212 to users who want to bank on a sturdy frame. As far as aesthetics are concerned, there isn’t much going on which is a bummer because then this model would’ve been a good choice for a wide range of users. I think the PT212 isn’t as good as the other frames due to the lack of cost-effectiveness but as I’ve emphasized above, it’s genuinely one of the strongest built featured on this list so if that’s what you’re after, this might make a difference for you.

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9. Rough Country HD2 SRB051785 Running Boards

Are you in for something which is one of a kind? I kid you not, never in my life have I ever came across such a perfect piece of product such as this Rough Country HD2 running boards.

To describe them in short, they are the beefiest and heavy-duty running boards out there, and nothing comes even close to it when it comes to toughness. If you want to experience how a product with absolutely zero flaws feels like, this is surely the way to go.

Featuring an all-steel construction along with a reinforced mounting system, you will never find any weak spot on these running boards. The humungous 10-inches wide steps are something you don’t get to enjoy every day.

Moreover, there is absolutely no gap between the board and the vehicle body, which is honestly a wonderful thing to have. Not only these wide steps make stepping in and out of the vehicle easy, but it also protects the underlayer of the vehicle from debris and other damages, making your vehicle a lot safer around the lower end of the doors.

So, my advice is, if you have uneven and rugged roads to pass through often, and you need a very unique and heavy-duty running board without any questions about its durability, don’t get confused as nothing can outperform this beast.

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Bottom line
Since the Rough Country doesn’t have any type of cons, drawbacks, or mishaps that I would’ve normally found concerning, I think it’s fair to say that I recommend this model for virtually all type of users out there who want something reliable, durable, and something that can definitely hold its own through thick and thin regardless of the activities that you have planned!

10. Body Armor 4×4 TC-4121 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab

Last but certainly not the least, these running boards by Body Armor is another great deal which comes as a head to head product with the big fishes in the market, however, the difference is that they are offered at a lot lesser price tag.

Along with a perfect fitting for Toyota Tacoma models 2005-2015, it leaves no space within the running board frame and the vehicle body. Not only does this increase safety while using the step board, but it also has a positive effect on aesthetics.

The installation is another area where these running boards are really good. Unlike most of the products which are available at a low price and need cutting and a lot of other things which demand hours, this one comes with a mere bolt-on installation. Just unpack the product and put the bolts on the pre-drilled holes, and you will be good to go.
This will save you a lot of time, and especially if you are a beginner, you wouldn’t need any external help.

However, one aspect which got me bothered is the thin style of the running boards, and they are only 6” where you actually have to step on, and not the whole board. So, this might pose a problem as you cannot step anywhere on it, or it might be dangerous. Other than this, it’s certainly a great product.

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Bottom line
One of the easiest model to set-up that comes with a pre-test guarantee, I think the Body Armor might make a difference for you if you want to get quick results. So if you’re looking to bypass the sturdy setup process, the Body Armor is for you. however, the stepping positions might be an issue but I think that’s something that trickles down to personal preference. So if you like the aesthetics and agree with the functionality, I’d recommend you give it a shot!

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Things to consider when buying best Tacoma running boards

To find the exact product according to your needs, you first need to have a minimal level of knowledge to differentiate between the products which all seem to be good. For this, you have to take care of certain points and be sure not to miss them.

So, let’s see what they are.

Width

The width of the running board is undoubtedly the main point you should be focusing at while choosing the best running board for you. While people who prefer stylish looks can go with something as less as 3”, people who buy the board for family usage should always make sure it’s at least 6”, to be suitable for elder people.

Material

There are a lot of different materials that running boards are available in. Now, the material of construction not only matters because it affects the looks, but it also matters a lot in the long run. A strong and durable material such as aluminum will last you many years more than other trivial materials and won’t become a prey to problems like corrosion or rust.

Style

This is something which is purely based on your personal preference. While young people looking to enhance their vehicle appearance may place this on the top level, others who are buying the board solely for their comfort might consider this as the last thing.

Finish

Although all the models that we have seen in this article come with a pretty decent finishing coating, it’s important to never ignore this as it’s the main factor which protects the running board against environmental damages. Moreover, they also provide you a premium look with textures, glossy finishes etc.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can a running board affect my vehicle performance?

The major affect a running board may have on a vehicle is the ground clearance. There is nothing else to be worries about. So, make sure you are aware of how long your specific model is.

2. How long does it take to install a running board?

It totally depends upon the product. Some are as quick as 40 minutes while some may take up to 2 hours, depending upon your experience and the installation way of product.

3. What is the best running board for heavy-duty use?

Rough Country HD2 are certainly the best heavy-duty running boards out there. They are 10” wide.

4. Should I go for aluminum or steel as build material?

It depends upon your needs but personally I prefer aluminum as it is more robust.

5. What are non-slip steps?

Steps which have a grip on them to keep your foot from slipping off them if they are wet or something.

6. What should be the width of side steps?

If you want them to be fully comfortable, 6” is the perfect size to go with. But it depends upon you, what you are comfortable with.

7. How do I check if the running board is compatible with my vehicle?

Go to the product page on Amazon. There you can easily check the compatibility.

8. Does weight of the running board affect its durability?

No. It depends more on the build quality. But the weight has a small effect on the max weight the board can support.

9. Do running boards affect mileage?

Yes, up to some extent. But it’s not as much to cause a noticeable difference as compared to other add-ons.

10. How much weight can running-boards for Tacoma hold?

There is no exact figure, but it is around 500 pounds, depending upon the specific product.

Final Thoughts

Running boards for Tacoma are something which adds quite a lot of comfort while getting in and out of your vehicle, and they have a bit effect on the looks of your vehicle as well.

To get your hands onto the best running board for Tacoma, make sure to go through all the above listed products and analyzing them according to your needs.