Best Chevy Colorado Side Steps, Running Boards, and Nerf Bars

Chevy Colorado-Specific Considerations

When shopping side steps for your Colorado, you’ll need to consider a few extra variables compared to other platforms. For instance, being a pickup truck, consider whether cab-length or wheel-to-wheel steps best suit your needs. 

The Colorado is also a popular platform for overlanding, especially in ZR2 or other off-road-focused trims. If you plan to use your Colorado for off-road driving, consider heavy-duty side steps with incorporated rock rails or sliders to stave off rocker panel damage.

Side Step Variations

When it comes to side steps, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. With a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes, you can easily find the option that best suits your Chevy Colorado. Let’s break down the main differences to help you choose the best side steps for your truck.

Styles

Side steps come in various styles, each offering a unique combination of functionality, aesthetics, and durability. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Running Boards: For those who prioritize ease of entry, running boards provide a wide, full-length step surface that makes getting in and out of your Colorado a breeze. These steps offer the stability and comfort most desire for everyday use. 

• Nerf Bars: Tubular and sleek, nerf bars feature a single rounded or oval tube running the length of the cab, with step pads positioned at each door. These steps are ideal for a more compact and rugged appearance while retaining functionality.

• Sliders: Looking for heavy-duty protection? Sliders are built for strength, providing robust protection for your Colorado’s rocker panels. These steps tuck tightly against the body for maximum durability, shielding your truck from rocks and debris on the trail.

• Hoop Steps: Hoop steps blend durability and style. They feature compact, rounded hoops at each door affixed to a central tube structure that runs parallel with the rocker panels. These steps are designed to provide extra rocker protection and exceptional accessibility. 

• Truck Steps: Truck steps are a great choice if you want minimal bulk but need a boost into your Colorado. These steps are located just below each door. While they don’t offer the full-length protection of nerf bars or running boards, they’re perfect for providing easier cab access without compromising your Colorado’s sleek profile.

Materials

A side step’s construction significantly affects its strength, weight, and corrosion resistance. Here’s a rundown of the most common materials you’ll encounter when shopping on RealTruck:

• Carbon Steel: Known for its strength, carbon steel is a stout and reliable choice for side steps. However, it’s heavier than other materials and more prone to rust if not properly coated.

• Stainless Steel: Offering the same strength as carbon steel but with superior corrosion resistance, stainless steel is perfect for Colorado owners in extreme climates. This material often comes in a lustrous polished finish that compliments any ride. 

• Aluminum: While aluminum offers less strength than steel, it makes up for this shortcoming with its lightness and excellent corrosion resistance. Aluminum is a great option if you’re looking for steps that won’t weigh down your truck.

Finish

When choosing side steps, the finish is equally important to the material. While most conflate finish and color, the term actually refers to the coating or plating applied to the steps to enhance aesthetics and corrosion protection. Here are some popular finish options:

• Polished: A lustrous, high-shine finish that gives your Colorado a pop of style.

• Chrome: Classic, eye-catching chrome finishes provide a shiny, mirror-like surface that resists corrosion.

• Powder Coated: Known for its durability and rugged appearance, powder coating offers a glossy, matte, or textured finish that resists scratches, chips, chemical exposure, and fading.

• Painted: Painted steps are treated with automotive-grade paints for the same quality and durability as your Colorado’s body panels. 

Cab-Length vs. Wheel-to-Wheel

Regarding length, side steps come in two main styles—cab-length and wheel-to-wheel.

• Cab-Length: These steps run the entire length of your Colorado’s cab, providing easy access to the front and rear doors. They’re perfect for a functional, streamlined look without adding too much bulk.

• Wheel-to-Wheel: For those who want full coverage, wheel-to-wheel steps extend from the front of the cab to the rear wheel well. These steps are beneficial if you need easy access to the cab and truck bed, offering an additional step for cargo loading.

Fixed-Position vs. Retractable

Side steps come in two distinct configurations—fixed-position and retractable. Each offers its own set of advantages.

• Fixed-Position: These steps are mounted solidly to your Colorado’s chassis, positioned low enough to provide a good foothold but high enough to prevent adversely impacting ground clearance.  They’re dependable, rugged, and great for daily use, providing constant accessibility without any moving parts.

• Electric Retractable: For a sleek, streamlined look, retractable steps automatically deploy when you open a door, giving you easy access to your Colorado’s interior. Once the door is closed, the steps retract, blending seamlessly into your truck’s rocker panels for a smooth appearance. Retractable steps are ideal for owners who want the best of both worlds—functionality and style.

Frame-Mount vs. Rocker-Mount

Lastly, side steps come in two mounting styles—frame-mount and rocker-mount.

• Frame-Mount: Frame-mount steps mount directly to your Colorado’s frame, often requiring drilling and bolting for a more permanent installation. Frame-mount steps offer superior strength and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty use.

• Rocker-Mount: If you’re looking for an easier installation, rocker-mount steps are a great choice. These steps attach to pre-existing holes in your truck’s cab, making them easier to install without extensive drilling. While not as heavy-duty as frame-mount steps, rocker-mount steps provide solid performance and a hassle-free installation.

Top Side Steps: Expert’s Picks

Now that we’ve finished our side-step variations 101 lesson, it’s time to get into our experts’ top picks. Check out five of Realtruck’s favorite steps for the midsize Chevy Colorado, in no particular order, including various styles and configurations to appease every Colorado owner. 

AMP Research PowerStep

Introducing the original power-retractable running board—RealTruck’s own AMP Research® PowerStep™. These running boards set the standard for power-retractable steps, offering durable construction, a premium single-motor design, and heavy-duty Teflon-coated aluminum construction. 

Enjoy their low-profile design and hassle-free installation. The included Plug-N-Play module (if supported) and bolt-on mounting brackets enable easy at-home installation. AMP Research backs all PowerSteps with a limited 5-year warranty. 

Features: 

• Premium, single-motor design automatically deploys and retracts boards

• Corrosion-resistant die-cast aluminum construction

• Military-grade black PTFE coating

• 6-inch wide, cab-length steps

• Textured, slip-resistant step surface

• Low-profile, integrated LED courtesy lights

• Includes vehicle-specific installation guide and mount kit

• Mounts to vehicle’s rocker panel

• Newer applications connect to OBDII port via Plug-N-Play module

• 5-year limited warranty

Go Rhino Dominator D6 Running Boards

Dominate the street and trail with Dominator D6 running boards from Go Rhino®, a RealTruck brand. Dominator D6 running boards are engineered for durability, featuring a heavy-duty all-steel construction and corrosion-resistant powder coat finish. With a dual-purpose slider/step design, these steps offer exceptional protection against impacts and abrasions on the trail. On the street, enjoy hassle-free entry with their extra-wide 6-in. step pads. 

Mounting the Dominator D6 steps is a breeze with the included Dominator Xtreme Mount Kit and install guide—no drilling is required. Dominator D6 running boards are backed by a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty. 

Features: 

• Durable tubular steel construction

• Extra-wide 6-in. step pad with raised hex pattern

• Textured black powder coat finish

• Dual-purpose design offers the benefits of a running board and sliders

• Optional bolt-on 4-in. drop steps available

• Mounts to vehicle’s rocker panels (Frame Mount available on select applications)

• Comes with Dominator Xtreme Mount Kit and install guide

• Simple bolt-on application with no drilling required

• Limited lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

Carr LD Hoop Steps XP3 Black

If you prefer minimalist styling without the added price of retractable steps, consider the sleek and modern LD hoop steps from Carr in a stealthy XP3 black powder coat finish. These stylish steps feature a unique angular design, unlike the more traditional step profile on Carr’s Carr Hoop Step II and Super Hoop steps. 

Carr LD steps feature a massive 5-in x 3-in. step area, ensuring safe, stable, and sure-footed entry in all weather conditions. Installation is straightforward, but some drilling is required on most applications. Still, Carr includes all necessary hardware and thorough instructions with every order. 

Carr LD hoop steps are proudly made in the USA. All orders are backed with a limited lifetime warranty.  

Features: 

• Corrosion-resistant cast aluminum alloy construction

• Attractive XP3 black powder coat finish

• Massive 15-in. x 3-in. step area for sure footing

• Non-slip step diamond tread for excellent traction

• Mounting hardware and install guide included

• Drilling is required on most applications

• Mounts to vehicle’s rocker panel

• Protrudes further than other Carr Hoop steps

• Made in the USA

• Limited lifetime warranty

Go Rhino RB30 Drop Step Running Boards

Rugged, slim, and highly functional—what else could you want from your running boards? Go Rhino’s RB30 drop step running boards encompass all the aforementioned characteristics, featuring a heavy-duty steel construction and a stylish design inspired by the steps on Ford Raptor pickups. 

These steps are manufactured from heavy-duty, 16-ga. galvanized steel for exceptional strength. Choose between stealthy textured black powder coat or bedliner finishes—both offer superior durability and corrosion protection. 

Fabricated steel drop steps are integrated into each running board, lowering the entry point by another four inches. These and the existing 7-inch-wide steps ensure effortless entry into your Colorado’s cab. Go Rhino RB30 drop step running boards are backed by a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty.   

Features: 

• Latest Ford-Raptor-inspired styling

• Durable 16-ga. galvanized steel construction

• Available in textured black powder coat or protective bedliner finishes

• Extra-wide 7-in. stepping surface with low-profile tapered ends

• Open flow-through design prevents the build-up of dirt, mud, and snow

• Includes one or two pairs of bolt-on drop steps depending on the application

• Drop steps provide an additional 4-in. lowered step surface

• Mounts to vehicle’s rocker panels

• Mounting kit and instructions included

• Simple no-drill installation

• Limited lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

Havoc HS2 Black Hoop Steps

Nothing beats the classic styling of hoop steps, like the Havoc HS2. These premium stainless steps offer exceptional corrosion resistance, especially with their matte black powder coat finish. 

Each primary tube features convenient drop stops with louvered, extra-wide 4.75-in. steps, providing a stable step into your Colorado’s cab. Installation is quick and easy with the included no-drill brackets and hardware. 

Havoc HS2 black hoop steps are backed by a limited 5-year warranty. 

Features: 

• Durable stainless steel construction

• Protective matte black powder coat finish

• 4.75-in. step width

• Simple, no-drill installation on most applications

• Sold in pairs

• Includes all hardware, bracketry, and thorough installation instructions

• Louvered step pads for superior grip

• Vehicle-specific fitment

• Limited 5-year warranty