5 Best Running Boards for Chevy Equinox in 2026 (Custom Fit, Anti-Slip & Easy Install Picks)

If you’ve ever tried stepping into a Chevy Equinox without running boards — especially after a lift, bigger tires, or even stock ride height in wet weather — you already know the struggle. The door sill gets dirty fast, kids and elders have to “climb” in, and during rain or snow, that awkward foot placement becomes a slip risk. Running boards aren’t just cosmetic add-ons anymore — they’re daily usability upgrades.

For 2025–2026 Equinox owners, the aftermarket scene has finally caught up. We’re now seeing vehicle-specific, bolt-on side steps that don’t require drilling, align with factory mounting points, and actually support real-world weight without flex. But here’s the catch — most listings look identical online, use the same stock photos, and claim “heavy duty” without backing it up. That’s where this guide comes in.

After comparing bracket design, step width, anti-slip texture, and real installation feedback, two options stood out immediately.

The ManiGoon 2PCS Running Boards are the most balanced pick for new-gen Equinox owners. You’re getting aluminum construction, integrated anti-slip stepping pads, and a vehicle-specific bracket kit that lines up cleanly with factory holes. The step surface has a defined traction texture — not just cosmetic grooves — which matters if you’re stepping in with wet shoes or work boots.

Right behind it, the Junberoy 2PCS Running Boards offer a slightly more rugged nerf-bar style look while keeping installation simple. These come with reinforced pedal steps, steel mounting brackets, and a wider stepping zone that feels more planted underfoot — especially useful for family SUVs where entry assist matters daily.

And that’s the thing — every product in this list is selected for actual ownership usability, not just looks. Load support, bracket rigidity, anti-corrosion finish, and real bolt-on compatibility all played a role in ranking.

Below are five running boards that genuinely fit, install without fabrication, and make your Equinox easier — and safer — to live with every day.

Best Chevy Equinox Running Boards (Top Custom-Fit Side Steps & Nerf Bars Picks)

#1. ManiGoon Running Boards (2025–2026 Equinox) — Best Overall Custom-Fit Pick

#2. Junberoy Running Boards (2025–2026 Equinox) — Best Heavy-Duty Nerf Bar Style

#3. WZHDZ Running Board Side Steps (2025–2026 Equinox) — Best Budget Custom-Fit Option

#4. JNGJBSL Side Step Nerf Bars (2025–2027 Equinox) — Best Extended Fit Coverage

#5. YHELI Running Boards (2018–2024 Equinox) — Best for Previous-Gen Equinox

Must Check: Best Running Boards for Chevy Silverado 1500

How We Chose These Running Boards

We didn’t just pull random Amazon bestsellers or copy manufacturer claims. Every pick in this list was filtered the way an actual Equinox owner would shortlist upgrades — focusing on real usability, not marketing buzzwords.

First thing we looked at was fitment accuracy.
New-gen Equinox models (2025+) have slightly different underbody mounting geometry than previous years. So anything “universal fit” or adjustable was immediately ruled out. Only vehicle-specific bracket kits made the cut.

Next was step usability — not just appearance.
Some boards look aggressive but offer very little stepping surface. We prioritized models with usable foot space, defined anti-slip pads, and stable outer edges that don’t tilt under weight.

Bracket construction was a big filter.
We checked mounting arm thickness, weld quality, and frame contact design. A running board is only as strong as the hardware holding it — weak brackets mean flex, noise, and long-term loosening.

Material and finish came next.
Aluminum boards ranked higher for corrosion resistance, especially for owners dealing with rain, mud, or winter salt. Powder-coated finishes and sealed edges were preferred over painted steel that chips early.

Installation reality mattered too.
Every product here includes hardware and aligns with factory mounting points. No drilling, no fabrication, no workshop dependency — something most SUV owners actually care about.

And finally — we balanced the list.
Not everyone wants the same thing. Some want rugged nerf bars, some want OEM-style boards, some just want affordable entry assist. So instead of repeating identical designs, we picked five that serve different ownership needs while still fitting properly.

End result?
A list you can choose from confidently — without second-guessing fitment, safety, or install headaches later.

#1. ManiGoon Running Boards (2025–2026 Equinox)

First thing you notice once these are out of the box — they don’t feel like the usual lightweight aftermarket boards that flex when you lift them. The aluminum platform has that solid, hollow-core rigidity where you can tell it’s built to hold real weight, not just act as a styling strip. The stepping pads sit slightly raised over the board surface, and the texture isn’t decorative — it’s functional grip you’ll appreciate the first time you step in with wet soles.

Fitment is where these really justify their “vehicle-specific” claim. The included brackets line up with factory mounting points under the Equinox without guesswork. No drilling, no slot adjustments, no forcing bolts at odd angles. Once mounted, the boards sit close to the rocker panel — not awkwardly hanging out — which keeps the look clean and reduces road grime splash behind them.

Daily usability is where they start paying you back. Kids don’t have to climb, elders don’t need door-handle support, and you’re not dragging pant legs across dirty sills anymore. That 5-inch stepping width hits a sweet spot — wide enough for confident footing, slim enough to keep ground clearance practical. Rated at 500 lbs, they hold steady even under heavier step loads without that unsettling bracket creak cheaper boards tend to develop over time.

What Stood Out to Us

• Stepping pads have real anti-slip bite, not just molded styling
• Aluminum build keeps them rust-free long term
• Brackets align cleanly with factory mounting points
• Board length offers full door coverage
• Balanced width — stable footing without bulky overhang

One Thing to Keep in Mind

If you prefer an extra-wide, truck-style step platform, these lean more toward OEM-style slim boards than oversized nerf bars.

Equinox Fitment Check

These boards are cut and drilled specifically for the 2025–2026 Equinox chassis. That means bracket arms match the factory bolt locations already present underneath the SUV. No drilling into the frame, no aftermarket rail adapters.

If you’re upgrading from an older Equinox generation, don’t assume cross-compatibility — the mounting geometry changed. But for the new-gen body style, this is as close to plug-and-play as side steps get.

Pro Tip: Before final tightening, step back and check board alignment door-to-door — not just bracket torque. A slight height or angle adjustment at the mounting arms can change how natural the step feels underfoot. Dial that in once, and every entry after that feels factory — not aftermarket.

#2. Junberoy Running Boards (2025–2026 Equinox)

If the ManiGoon boards lean OEM-clean, these Junberoy steps go the opposite direction — more rugged, more visual presence, more “nerf-bar attitude.” The stepping pads are chunkier, slightly raised, and spread wider across the board surface. That extra width isn’t just visual — you feel it immediately when stepping in, especially with boots or heavier footwear.

Material mix is smartly done here. The aluminum base keeps corrosion away long-term, while the ABS step plates handle abrasion better than bare metal. That matters in real use — mud, gravel, winter salt — all the stuff that chews up painted boards over time. The textured pads have deeper traction channels too, giving your foot something to bite into rather than glide over.

Fitment stays vehicle-specific, so bracket alignment doesn’t turn into a garage headache. Once mounted, the boards sit slightly more outward than slim OEM styles, which actually helps entry — you’re stepping onto them, not squeezing your foot between body and board. Rated at 300 lbs per side, they hold stable for normal family use without flex or bracket strain.

What We Liked Most

• Wider stepping pads = more confident footing
• ABS + aluminum combo handles wear better
• Textured surface grips well in rain/mud
• Nerf-bar stance adds SUV toughness visually
• Boards sit outward enough for easier entry assist

One Thing to Consider

They extend a bit further out than low-profile boards — great for stepping, but slightly more visible from the side profile.

Equinox Fitment Check

These are cut for the 2025–2026 Equinox chassis, and the mounting kit is designed around factory bolt locations underneath. No drilling into the frame, no universal rail compromises.

Bracket arms land where they should, and because the boards sit a touch outward, alignment adjustment during install matters — get both sides level before final torque so the stepping height feels even door to door.

Pro Tip: When installing nerf-style boards like these, tighten brackets loosely first, then step on the board before final torque. It settles the mounting arms naturally under load — which means less chance of post-install creaks or micro-movement later.

#3. WZHDZ Running Board Side Steps (2025–2026 Equinox)

These are the kind of running boards you buy when the goal is simple — make daily entry easier without stretching the budget into premium territory. And for that purpose, they do the job better than you’d expect from the price bracket they usually sit in.

The stepping platform uses a reinforced plastic structure rather than full aluminum, but it doesn’t come off flimsy once mounted. Under normal family use — kids climbing in, grocery runs, roof access for cleaning — the boards stay planted. The patterned step pads run across the usable stepping zone, giving enough traction so your foot doesn’t slide off when stepping in at an angle.

Visually, they add that “finished lower body” look many Equinox owners want. Without boards, the rocker area can look a bit bare — especially on lighter paint colors. Once installed, these fill that gap cleanly while also protecting the door sill area from shoe scuffs and road spray.

Where they quietly shine is day-to-day practicality. Loading roof cargo, wiping the windshield top edge, helping elderly passengers in — situations where you don’t need a heavy-duty nerf bar, just a stable assist step. For that role, they deliver without overcomplicating install or ownership.

What We Appreciated

• Budget-friendly without looking cheap once mounted
• Patterned pads provide usable grip for daily stepping
• Full-length coverage improves entry across both doors
• Adds a more complete SUV side profile visually
• Helpful for roof access and family usability

One Thing to Consider

Being plastic-structured rather than full aluminum, they’re better suited for normal step use than repeated heavy load stepping.

Equinox Fitment Check

These are drilled and bracketed specifically for the 2025–2026 Equinox mounting layout. The kit uses factory bolt locations underneath, so you’re not improvising rail mounts or drilling into the frame.

Boards and brackets ship separately, which actually helps during install — you can mount hardware first, then align the board evenly before tightening everything down.

Pro Tip: If you’re installing these solo, loosely mount all brackets first, then rest the board across them before tightening. It keeps the stepping line straight across both doors — and that alignment makes a bigger visual difference than most people expect once the SUV is parked in daylight.

#4. JNGJBSL Side Step Nerf Bars (2025–2027 Equinox)

These sit in that middle ground between slim OEM boards and bulky truck-style nerf bars — and honestly, that balance works in their favor. The fixed side bar structure gives them a more planted, rigid feel once mounted, while still keeping the profile close enough to the body so they don’t look oversized on the Equinox’s crossover proportions.

Material pairing is practical here. The aluminum base handles corrosion and structural load, while the ABS stepping pads deal with abrasion — the kind that comes from daily shoe traffic, gravel, and winter grime. Over time, that combo tends to hold appearance better than painted metal boards that start chipping around the step zone.

The stepping platform isn’t ultra-wide, but it’s stable underfoot. It’s the kind of board you step onto naturally rather than searching for footing. For cargo access — tying down roof loads, cleaning glass, mounting carriers — they give just enough elevation assist without pushing too far outward from the rocker panel.

What also makes these stand out is the extended fit range. Covering 2025 through 2027 Equinox models, they offer a bit more ownership flexibility — useful if you’re planning long-term use or upgrading across model years in the same body generation.

What Impressed Us

• Fixed side bar design feels rigid once mounted
• Aluminum structure resists rust long term
• ABS pads handle wear better than bare metal
• Dual-tone finish adds subtle visual contrast
• Compatible across multiple new-gen model years

One Thing to Consider

The step width is moderate — functional for entry assist, but not as wide as heavy-duty nerf platforms.

Equinox Fitment Check

These are engineered around the 2025+ Equinox mounting layout, covering 2025, 2026, and 2027 chassis points. Brackets line up with factory bolt locations underneath, so installation stays within bolt-on territory — no drilling or fabrication required.

Hardware ships as a full kit (brackets, bolts, nuts), and because the bars are fixed rather than floating platforms, alignment tends to be more straightforward during install.

Pro Tip: When installing fixed-bar boards like these, snug the center brackets first before tightening the ends. It keeps the bar sitting level along the rocker line — and that straight visual line makes the install look factory rather than aftermarket once you step back and see the SUV side profile.

#5. YHELI Running Boards (2018–2024 Equinox)

If you’re running the previous-gen Equinox, these boards make immediate sense the moment they’re installed. The aluminum build keeps them light enough for easier mounting but solid once bolted down — no hollow flex feeling when you step on them.

The stepping surface runs clean and full-length, so both front and rear passengers get usable footing. Whether it’s kids climbing in, elders needing support, or you reaching up to load roof cargo — they do exactly what running boards are supposed to do without overcomplicating the design.

Visually, they close that lower body gap nicely too. Older Equinox models tend to look more complete with step bars installed, and the black aluminum finish blends well with factory trim without looking like an add-on.

What We Liked

• Full aluminum = rust-resistant long term
• Stable stepping surface across both doors
• Helps with roof access + daily entry
• Hardware kit included for direct install
• Clean, factory-style side profile once mounted

One Thing to Consider

These are built specifically for 2018–2024 models — they won’t align with the newer 2025+ mounting layout.

Equinox Fitment Check

Bracket geometry matches the factory bolt points found on 2018–2024 Equinox frames. As long as the model year lines up, installation stays bolt-on with no drilling required.

Always double-check year + trim before ordering — previous-gen fitment doesn’t cross over into the newer body style.

Pro Tip: After installation, step on the board once while retightening the brackets. It settles the hardware under natural load — which keeps the board sitting firm and noise-free long after the first drive.

Best Running Boards for Chevy Equinox — Side-by-Side Comparison

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Running Boards for Your Chevy Equinox

Running boards look simple on the surface — two bars, some brackets, done. But once you actually start comparing options, small technical differences start deciding whether you’ll love them daily… or regret the install every time you step in.

Here’s the real-world checklist that actually matters before you buy.

Fitment Type: Gas vs. EV (2026+ Models)

If you’re shopping for newer Equinox models, especially 2026 onward, pay attention here.

Gas variants and EV variants can have different underbody layouts — battery shielding, frame rail positioning, and mounting clearance all change bracket geometry. Some boards may physically bolt up to gas trims but won’t clear EV battery housings underneath.

That’s why “vehicle specific” isn’t enough anymore — you want listings that confirm compatibility by:

• Model year
• Powertrain (Gas / EV)
• Body generation

If you’re unsure, always cross-check mounting diagrams or garage fitment tools before ordering.

Material Matters: Aluminum vs. Steel

This is where long-term ownership comfort gets decided.

Aluminum Boards

• Lightweight → easier install
• Naturally rust-resistant
• Better for rain / snow climates
• Keeps finish longer without bubbling

Steel Boards

• Heavier → more rigid under load
• Stronger for repeated heavy stepping
• But… prone to rust if coating chips

For most Equinox owners — especially family SUVs — aluminum makes more sense. You get durability without the corrosion headache two winters later.

Surface Texture: Why Anti-Slip Is Non-Negotiable

This isn’t a marketing feature — it’s a daily safety factor.

Smooth boards look premium in photos but become dangerous the first time:

• Shoes are wet
• Mud sticks to soles
• Kids jump in carelessly
• Elders step down slowly

Proper anti-slip pads use:

• Raised rubberized textures
• Grooved traction channels
• Patterned ABS stepping plates

The difference is immediate — your foot plants instead of sliding. Once you’ve used textured boards, going back to smooth metal feels sketchy.

Installation: Bolt-On vs. Professional Fit

Most modern Equinox boards are marketed as “easy install,” but there are levels to that claim.

True Bolt-On Boards

• Use factory mounting holes
• No drilling into frame
• Installable at home with basic tools
• 60–120 minute DIY job

Complex / Pro Install Boards

• Require drilling or rail adapters
• Need lift access for alignment
• Higher labor cost
• Harder to remove later

If you’re upgrading a daily driver, bolt-on always wins. Cleaner fit, faster install, and no permanent frame modification.

Step Width & Board Profile

This spec gets overlooked — but you feel it every day.

• Narrow boards = sleeker look, less stepping comfort
• Wide boards = easier footing, better for families

A 5–6 inch stepping surface tends to be the sweet spot for Equinox owners — stable without sticking too far outward.

Bracket Strength & Mounting Design

Boards don’t fail at the platform — they fail at the brackets.

Look for:

• Thick steel mounting arms
• Reinforced weld joints
• Multi-point frame contact
• Anti-rust coated hardware

Weak brackets = flex, noise, long-term loosening.

Ground Clearance Impact

Low-hanging boards can reduce clearance slightly.

If you deal with:

• Rough roads
• Snow buildup
• Off-road trails

Choose tighter, body-hugging board profiles rather than drop-down nerf bars.

Style vs. Practicality Balance

Ask yourself what matters more:

• OEM clean look → slim aluminum boards
• Rugged SUV stance → nerf bar style
• Family usability → wide anti-slip platforms

There’s no universal “best” — only what fits your ownership lifestyle.

Real Owner Takeaway

If you want zero-regret ownership:

• Vehicle-specific brackets
• Aluminum construction
• Textured anti-slip pads
• 5”+ stepping width
• Bolt-on install

Get those five right — and you’ll appreciate the upgrade every single day you use your Equinox, not just the day you install it.

Installation Tips for 2026 Chevy Equinox Running Boards

Installing running boards on the 2026 Equinox isn’t a complicated garage project — but doing it carelessly can leave you with crooked boards, loose brackets, or annoying vibration noise later. A clean install is less about tools… more about sequence, alignment, and tightening discipline.

Here’s the real-world flow that makes the job smooth.

Unboxing & Part Check (Don’t Skip This)

Before the SUV even gets touched, open everything and lay it out.

You’re checking for three things:

• Left & right boards (they’re not identical)
• Bracket count + shape match
• Hardware kit completeness (bolts, washers, nuts)

Most brands pack boards and brackets separately. Keep hardware grouped per side so you’re not mixing bolt lengths mid-install. Also inspect stepping pads and finish — easier to replace now than after mounting.

Identify Driver vs. Passenger Boards

Sounds obvious — but a lot of install delays start here.

Mounting holes on the board underside are offset to match bracket positions. If a board isn’t lining up easily, don’t force bolts — flip sides and re-check orientation.

Quick trick:
Step pads usually angle slightly outward when installed correctly.

Locating Factory Mounting Points

The 2026 Equinox comes pre-threaded underneath for side step accessories — which means most running boards are true bolt-on.

Look along the frame rail under the doors and you’ll spot:

• Rubber plugs
• Threaded weld nuts
• Pre-drilled mounting slots

Remove any protective plugs first. That’s where bracket arms will land. No drilling into the frame should be required for vehicle-specific boards.

Bracket Mounting Sequence

Mount brackets first — not the boards.

Loosely bolt each bracket into factory holes without tightening fully. This gives you alignment flexibility when the board goes on.

Typical layout:

• Front bracket
• Center bracket
• Rear bracket

Keep all bolts hand-snug only at this stage.

Board Alignment Before Tightening

Now place the running board onto the mounted brackets.

Thread bolts through board-to-bracket mounts loosely first. Once all connection points are engaged, adjust:

• Board height from rocker panel
• Angle tilt (parallel to ground)
• Front-to-rear straightness

Step back and visually inspect both sides — uneven boards stand out badly once installed.

Torque Tightening (Where Most Installs Go Wrong)

Once alignment is locked in, tightening sequence matters.

Start from the center brackets, then move outward to front and rear. This distributes load evenly across the board.

Use manufacturer torque specs if provided. If not:

• Snug frame bolts firmly
• Avoid over-torquing aluminum mounts
• Re-check after first drive

Proper torque prevents vibration loosening — especially on rough roads.

Ground Clearance & Door Check

Before wrapping up:

• Open all doors fully
• Ensure no board interference
• Check stepping clearance at all doors

Also confirm the board isn’t mounted too low — it should sit close to the rocker without touching.

First Step Test

Before tools are packed away, step on each board with full weight.

You’re listening and feeling for:

• Bracket flex
• Bolt creaks
• Uneven load response

If anything shifts, re-tighten while weight is applied — it settles mounts naturally.

Post-Install Recheck

After 3–5 days of driving:

• Re-torque all bolts
• Check bracket seating
• Inspect for micro-loosening

Metal settles after first load cycles — this quick recheck prevents long-term noise issues.

Real Owner Pro Tip

Install both sides fully… then park 10–15 feet away and look at the SUV profile.

If one board sits even slightly higher or farther out, your eye will catch it every time you walk up to the vehicle. A 2-minute alignment correction during install saves years of visual annoyance later.

Are Running Boards Worth It on Chevy Equinox?

Short answer?
Yes — but only if you pick the right type for how you actually use your Equinox.

Because here’s the truth most owners realize after installing them — running boards aren’t just about looks. They quietly change how you live with the SUV every single day.

Daily Entry & Exit — Where You Feel It First

The Equinox isn’t a ladder-frame truck, but it’s still tall enough that repeated step-in movement adds up — especially for kids, elders, or shorter passengers.

Without boards:

• People pull on door handles for support
• Door sills get scuffed fast
• Wet shoes slip off paint edges

With boards:

• Foot lands naturally every time
• Entry becomes a step, not a climb
• Family usability improves instantly

It’s one of those upgrades you stop noticing — because it just works.

Weather Reality Check

Rain, mud, winter slush — all of it ends up on your shoes before you step in.

Running boards act like a buffer zone:

• You knock dirt off before entering
• Less grime reaches carpets
• Paint along rocker panels stays cleaner

Anti-slip pads matter big here — smooth boards look good but textured ones keep footing safe when conditions aren’t ideal.

Door Sill & Body Protection

Most Equinox owners don’t plan for this benefit — but it shows up long term.

Boards shield the lower body from:

• Road debris
• Stone chips
• Parking lot door dings
• Mud spray behind front wheels

Think of them as side armor that also happens to be functional.

Roof Access & Utility Use

If you’ve ever tried:

• Mounting a roof box
• Cleaning the windshield top edge
• Tying down cargo

You already know the stretch struggle.

Boards give you just enough elevation assist to make roof tasks manageable without dragging a stool around.

Style Upgrade — Subtle but Noticeable

Visually, running boards complete the SUV stance.

Without them, the side profile can look slightly unfinished — especially on lighter paint colors or higher trims. With boards installed, the lower body line looks fuller and more planted.

Not flashy — just more “put together.”

When They Might Not Be Necessary

If your Equinox is used mostly for:

• Solo commuting
• Flat urban driving
• No roof cargo use

Then boards become more of a cosmetic add-on than a functional need.

They still protect paint — but usability gain is smaller compared to family or utility-driven ownership.

Real Owner Take

Most Equinox owners who install running boards say the same thing later:

They didn’t realize how often they’d use them… until they had them.

From kids hopping in, to muddy shoes, to loading cargo — the boards stop feeling like accessories and start feeling factory.

Bottom Line

Are running boards worth it on the Chevy Equinox?

If you value:

• Easier daily entry
• Family-friendly usability
• Paint protection
• Added grip in bad weather
• Better side profile balance

Then yes — they’re one of the most practical upgrades you can add without changing how the SUV drives.

And unlike cosmetic mods, this is one upgrade you interact with every single day — step by step.

FAQs — Running Boards for Chevy Equinox

Final Closing — What Actually Matters After All the Comparisons

By the time most Equinox owners reach this stage, the confusion isn’t about whether to get running boards anymore — it’s about picking the ones that won’t turn into a regret install six months later.

Because here’s the reality no spec sheet tells you…

You don’t judge running boards the day you bolt them on.
You judge them on random Tuesday mornings — when it’s raining, your hands are full, and you step in without thinking. If your foot lands solid, your pant leg stays clean, and nothing flexes under weight — that’s when you know you chose right.

Every option in this list clears that real-world usability test.

Some lean more premium in material and load strength. Some prioritize budget-friendly entry assist. Others balance stance and practicality. But none of them fall into the “looks good online, feels cheap offline” trap — which is exactly what we filtered out while building this guide.

If you want the safest all-round choice, the boards with wider stepping pads, aluminum structure, and factory-aligned brackets will always age better — structurally and visually.

And once installed, they stop feeling like an accessory.

They become part of your daily motion:

Stepping in.
Stepping out.
Loading cargo.
Helping family climb aboard.

It’s one of those upgrades you don’t show off — you just quietly appreciate every single day you use the vehicle.

So if you’ve made it this far, you’re not browsing anymore — you’re deciding.

Pick the fitment that matches your Equinox generation, choose the step width that suits your daily use, and go with a bracket system you won’t have to second-guess later.

Install them once… and you’ll wonder why you waited this long to add them.

Also Check:

• Best Jeep Wrangler Running Boards
• Best Toyota 4Runner Running Boards
• Best Running Boards for Toyota Grand Highlander