Bull Bars Vs. Grille Guards

Updated on May 5, 2025

RealTruck Expert Team
Written by
 RealTruck Expert Team
Comparison of bull bars and grille guards on vehicles.

Protecting your truck’s front end can prevent damage such as dents, dings, and scrapes that result from minor collisions. Two of the most popular methods of front end protection are grille guards (also known as brush guards) and bull bars. While similar, the main difference between bull bars and grille guards is that a bull bar only protects the middle of your vehicle's front end while a grille guard covers the entire front end, even wrapping around the headlights. For a complete list of differences, see the images below.

Bull Bars


Coverage

Close-up of a vehicle's front grille with a LED light bar and a "Westin" logo.

Extends from underneath the bumper to just above the bumper on most trucks. Often includes a skid plate.

Additional Accessories

Front bumper guard on a vehicle with a LED light bar and a custom license plate.

Can include drilled holes for mounting LED light bars or round accessory lights.

Colors and Materials

Front view of a large, dark-colored truck with a chrome bumper guard, parked outdoors.

Black powder-coated steel or polished marine-grade stainless steel. Chrome-plated steel is also available.

Pricing

Black Ford F-150 truck with off-road tires and a front bumper guard.

Starts under $200.00.

Installation

Hands working on repairing or assembling a black object on a gray surface.

No drilling required on most applications.

VIDEO: How to Install Westin Ultimate LED Bull Bar on a 2016 Toyota Tacoma

Grille Guards


Coverage

Front view of a black Chevrolet pickup truck with a Westin grille guard.

Extends from the bottom of the bumper to the top of the grille. Usually includes brush guard covers for your headlights.


Additional Accessories

Silver pickup truck with a front grille guard and winch.

Can include hitch mounting plates, LED light mounts, and even a step to make it easier to access your hood for engine maintenance.


Color and Materials

Front view of a lifted pickup truck with a black grill guard on a grassy field.

Black-powder-coated steel or polished marine-grade stainless steel, sometimes combined in one unit. Chrome, silver, and white finishes also available.

Pricing

Red truck with black grille guard and large off-road tires on grass field.

Starts under $300.00.

Installation

Two men installing a black front grille on a red vehicle in a garage.

No drilling required on most applications, may require assistance to lift into place.

VIDEO: How to Install Go Industries Rancher Grille Guard on a 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty

If you have questions about grille guards or bull bars, contact our product experts.

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