The Best Toyota Tacoma Side Steps

Toyota Tacoma Specific Considerations

Considering side steps for the Tacoma requires additional considerations compared to other chassis. Tacomas are one of the most popular platforms for overlanding—a rough-and-tumble blend of off-roading and remote camping. This hobby demands beefier build quality, exceptional corrosion resistance, and robust rocker protection from steps, ensuring years of reliable service on the trail. 

Piggybacking on the requirements for overlanding, Tacoma drivers may also desire an extra step into the bed, which may necessitate the move from cab-length to wheel-to-wheel side steps.

Side Step Variances

Side steps come in several shapes and sizes, offering different aesthetics, characteristics, and benefits. Let's break down the main differences to help you choose the best side steps for your truck. 

Styles

Side steps come in a variety of styles, with each offering its own balance of functionality, durability, and style. Check out some of the top styles we carry:

• Running Boards: If easy access is your priority, running boards are the way to go. With a full-length, extra-wide stepping surface, these steps make getting in and out of your Tacoma effortless. They're perfect for everyday use and designed with stability and comfort in mind. 

• Nerf Bars: For a sleek yet rugged look, nerf bars are the way to go. These tubular steps run the length of your Tacoma's cab and feature molded step pads at each door, delivering a compact profile with solid step functionality.

• Sliders: Built for serious protection, sliders are designed to take a beating. They offer rock-solid defense for your Tacoma's rocker panels, tucking tightly against the body for maximum protection. These steps keep your truck safe against rocks, debris, and trail damage. 

• Hoop Steps: Want protection without sacrificing style? Hoop steps have you covered. Featuring compact drop steps at each door affixed to a robust, central tube structure, they provide extra rocker panel protection and easy access with a clean, stylish look.

• Truck Steps: If you want to keep things low-profile but still need a boost into the cab, truck steps are the answer. Mounted just below each door, they provide a low, stable step without the bulk of larger steps.

Materials

The materials used in side steps play a significant role in their strength, weight, and resistance to corrosion. Here's a breakdown of the most common construction you'll find for your Tacoma:

• Carbon Steel: Carbon steel is tough and durable, making it a solid option for side steps. While heavier than other materials, it offers the strength you need. However, it's more susceptible to rust without proper coatings or maintenance.

• Stainless Steel: A step up from carbon steel, stainless steel matches its strength but offers significantly better corrosion resistance. It's perfect for Tacoma owners dealing with harsh climates and salt exposure. Plus, its polished finish adds a sleek look to any truck.

• Aluminum: Lighter than steel and highly corrosion-resistant, aluminum is an excellent choice for those who want to reduce weight without sacrificing durability. It's a solid pick for Tacoma owners who want strong, rust-free side steps without the extra heft.

Finish

The finish on your side steps is equally important to the material itself. While many confuse finish with color, it refers to the protective coatings that enhance both the look and longevity of your steps. Here are some top finish options:

• Polished: This high-shine, lustrous finish instantly upgrades your Tacoma's appearance, giving it a sharp, eye-catching look.

• Chrome: Classic and bold, chrome offers a mirror-like surface and exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion.

• Powder Coated: Powder coating delivers a tough, durable finish that can be glossy, matte, or textured. It's known for its resistance to chips, scratches, chemicals, and fading—perfect for routine use and abuse.

• Painted: Automotive-grade paint gives your side steps a long-lasting, smooth finish that matches the durability of your Tacoma's body panels.

Cab-Length vs. Wheel-to-Wheel

When it comes to the length of your side steps, you have two main options—cab-length or wheel-to-wheel.

• Cab-Length: These steps run along the entire length of your Tacoma's cab, making it easy to access the front and rear doors. They provide a clean, functional look without the added bulk of larger steps.

• Wheel-to-Wheel: For full coverage, wheel-to-wheel steps span from the front of the cab to the rear wheel well. This style helps you access the cab and provides an extra step into the bed for loading up cargo or climbing inside.

Fixed-Position vs. Retractable

Side steps are available in two main configurations—fixed-position and retractable. Each has its own benefits:

• Fixed-Position: These steps are securely mounted to your Tacoma's chassis, providing consistent access without any moving parts. They maintain ground clearance while delivering everyday reliability, positioned low enough to offer a solid foothold.

• Electric Retractable: For a sleek, streamlined look, electric retractable steps automatically deploy when you open the door and smoothly retract when the door is closed. They are ideal for those who want functional, stylish steps that disappear when not in use.

Frame-Mount vs. Rocker-Mount

Side steps can be installed in two different ways—frame-mount or rocker-mount. Here's what you need to know:

• Frame-Mount: These steps attach directly to your Tacoma's frame, providing maximum strength and stability. Though they typically require drilling for installation, frame-mount steps offer serious durability, making them an excellent choice for heavy-duty use.

• Rocker-Mount: If you want a more straightforward installation process, rocker-mount steps are a solid pick. These steps attach to existing holes in the truck's cab, making them easier to install without needing heavy modifications. While they're not quite as heavy-duty as frame-mount steps, rocker-mount steps still offer reliable performance and a more straightforward installation.

Top Tacoma Side Steps: Experts' Picks

Now that we've covered various considerations and configurations, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty of this article—our expert recommendations. The following five side steps demonstrate exceptional strength, style, and functionality, making them the ultimate selection for a hard-working Toyota Tacoma.

AMP Research PowerStep

Take your Toyota Tacoma to the next level with RealTruck's AMP Research PowerStep™ running boards. These heavy-duty, power-retractable boards deploy when needed and tuck away when not in use, giving your truck a clean, streamlined look. 

Built with top-tier materials like die-cast aluminum and stainless steel, PowerStep running boards are engineered for maximum durability and corrosion resistance. A military-grade PTFE coating protects the surface from wear and oxidation, while low-profile LED lights illuminate the step area for easy entry in any conditions. 

Installation is quick and straightforward with a vehicle-specific mounting kit and plug-and-play OBD II module. Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, AMP Research PowerStep delivers style, strength, and convenience to your Tacoma.

Features: 

• The original power-retractable running boards

• 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

• Optional Override Switch is available for manual control

• 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

N-Fab Black EpYx Steps

Make getting in and out of your truck easier with N-Fab Black EpYx steps. These rugged steps feature an extra-wide 15-in. x 4-in. slotted step pad, providing superior traction in any weather. 

Built tough with a fully welded, one-piece steel design, these steps are engineered for strength and durability. The high and tight mounting position protects your truck's paint from rock chips and abrasions, while welded-closed ends keep moisture, dirt, and road salt out to prevent corrosion.

The modern, angular design and sleek textured black powder coat finish not only add a stylish edge to your truck but also resist impacts, abrasions, oil, and chemicals—protecting against rust and wear. Plus, N-Fab Black EpYx steps come with a limited-lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty, ensuring long-lasting durability.

Features: 

• Heavy-duty all-steel construction

• Welded end caps

• Corrosion-resistant textured black powder coat finish

• Rugged angular design

• Massive 15-in. x 4-in. drop steps

• Slotted step pads for superior traction

• Vehicle-specific brackets and hardware

• Simple no-drill design

• Limited-lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

N-Fab TrailSlider Step System

Can't decide between the protection of a rock slider and the accessibility of a side step? The N-Fab® TrailSlider step system delivers the best of both worlds. 

Crafted from heavy-duty 3/16-inch tubular steel, this system offers incredible strength while maintaining a sleek, subtle look. The 2-inch diameter main tube acts as a rock slider and a side step, protecting your vehicle's rocker panels from dents and scratches while providing a textured, non-slip surface for easy entry.

Fully welded and gusseted for maximum durability, the TrailSlider step system is designed to withstand harsh impacts without warping. Custom-tailored to your vehicle, it ensures a perfect fit and easy installation. N-Fab backs each TrailSlider step system with a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty.

Features: 

• Dual-purpose rock slider and side steps

• Durable 3/16-in. tubular steel construction

• Heavy-duty 2-in. diameter primary tube

• Fully-welded and gusseted for superior strength

• Corrosion-resistant textured black powder coat finish

• Simple no-drill installation

• Rocker-panel-mounted

• Limited lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

Go Rhino RB30 Slim Running Boards

Step into your ride with style and functionality with Go Rhino® RB30 slim running boards. These boards bring Ford Raptor-inspired design and unbeatable off-road appeal. With their slim, tapered profile, these boards aren't just sleek—they're built for performance. A 5-inch wide, cab-length step surface ensures a stable foothold, while the open flow-through design keeps snow, mud, and dirt from building up, giving you consistent traction in any condition.

Constructed from heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant 16-gauge zinc-coated galvanized steel, RB30 slim running boards are tough enough for the long haul. Choose from a textured black powder coat or bed liner finish for added durability. Installation is a breeze with vehicle-specific hardware and instructions for a seamless fit.

As a RealTruck brand, Go Rhino backs every order with a limited lifetime structural warranty and a 5-year finish warranty.

Features: 

• Inspired by the latest Ford Raptor style trends

• Durable 16-gauge zinc-coated galvanized steel construction

• Available in textured black powder coat or protective bed liner finish

• 5-in. wide stepping surface features high-clearance tapered ends

• Open flow-through step surface prevents build-up of dirt, mud, and snow

• Sturdy, rocker panel-mounted brackets

• Vehicle-specific mounting kit and instructions included

• 600 lbs. weight rating

• Simple no-drill installation

• Limited lifetime structural | 5-year finish warranty

Go Rhino 5" 1000 Series Polished Nerf Bars

Classic tubular styling, a lustrous finish, and easy bolt-on mounting—what more could you need from a pair of side steps? Go Rhino 5" 1000 Series polished nerf bars are the ultimate addition to a traditional truck build, complementing chrome and billet accents. 

These running boards are built to last. They feature heavy-duty stainless steel construction for unmatched strength and superior corrosion resistance. The included end caps prevent dirt, salt, and debris accumulation. Their 5-inch-wide textured step pads provide exceptional traction in all weather conditions.  

Go Rhino backs all 1000 Series polished nerf bars with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Features: 

• Sturdy stainless steel construction

• 5-inch-wide oval tube design

• Lustrous mirror-polished finish

• Injection-molded step pads at each door

• Integrated endcaps prevent excessive mud, salt, and dirt accumulation

• Cab-length

• Simple no-drill installation

• Limited lifetime warranty