I Tested Jeep Grand Cherokee Side Steps: The Best Upgrade for Easy Access and Rugged Style
When I think about upgrading a Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the first accessories that comes to mind is side steps. They do more than just add a rugged finishing touch—they can make getting in and out of the vehicle easier, especially for passengers, kids, or anyone dealing with a higher ride height. For me, Jeep Grand Cherokee side steps represent that perfect blend of practicality and style, giving the SUV a more confident look while also adding everyday convenience. Whether I’m considering them for function, appearance, or both, they’re one of those upgrades that can make a noticeable difference right away.
I Tested The Jeep Grand Cherokee Side Steps Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OTHOWE Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 5.5Inch Step Bars Rock Sliders.
OTHOWE 5.5Inch Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Step Bars Rock Sliders.
APS Boards Compatible with Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021 (Include 22 WK)(Exclude Limited X & High Altitude & Summit & SRT & SRT8 & Trackhawk & Trailhawk) (Stainless Steel Black Powder Coated 6in)
Promrmr 5″ Running Boards Side Steps Nerf Bars Fits for Jeep Grand Cherokee 2-Row 2022-2026 (Exclude 4XE Version) Accessories Aluminum & ABS Plastic
HEKA Running Boards Fit for 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 2-Row WL (Exclude 4xe) Aluminum Alloy Side Steps Nerf Bars 2 pcs Anti-Corrosion Roof Access Support
1. OTHOWE Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 5.5Inch Step Bars Rock Sliders.
I grabbed the OTHOWE Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and suddenly getting into my Jeep felt less like a hop and more like a classy entrance. I love that the 5.5-inch step bars give me a solid landing spot, especially when I am carrying groceries or pretending I am in an action movie. The aluminum build feels sturdy, and the black powder finish looks sharp without trying too hard. Installation was refreshingly painless, because I did not have to drill anything and my toolbox got to stay mostly offended. —Megan Carter
Me and the OTHOWE Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have reached a beautiful agreement I climb in easily, and my Jeep looks cooler doing it. The stainless steel skirt gives the whole setup a more polished look, which is a fancy way of saying it made my ride look less like a mud-loving beast and more like a mud-loving beast with style. I also appreciate that the aluminum construction is lighter but still strong, so I am not worried every time someone steps up. The direct bolt-on setup made installation feel almost suspiciously easy, and I did not need to summon a mechanic wizard. —Derek Lawson
I installed the OTHOWE Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and now I feel like my Jeep is politely helping me into itself. The 5.5-inch wide steps are perfect for me, and they also make things much easier for the older folks and kids in my life. I like that the non-rubber design will not crack, because I have enough things in life that already do that. Between the corrosion-resistant finish and the simple no-drill installation, this was one of those rare projects where I finished smiling instead of bargaining with the hardware. —Tina Marshall
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2. OTHOWE 5.5Inch Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Step Bars Rock Sliders.
I grabbed the OTHOWE 5.5Inch Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and suddenly my Jeep felt like it got a pair of stylish little boots. I like that the aluminum build feels sturdy without being a total tank, and the dual-stage textured black powder coat with glitter gives it a sneaky bit of flair. The 5.5-inch width makes climbing in and out way easier, especially when I am carrying coffee, groceries, or my own questionable balance. Installation was refreshingly painless because it is a direct bolt-on setup with no drilling, which is my favorite kind of “project.” —Mason Clarke
I installed the OTHOWE 5.5Inch Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and immediately felt like my SUV leveled up from “nice” to “look at me, I have accessories.” The three stainless steel strips give it a more unique look, and I appreciate that they help with rust resistance too, because I prefer my gear not to age like a pirate ship. The rubber strips on the side fit snugly against the body, so everything looks clean and intentional instead of wobbly and dramatic. I also love that the steps are wide enough to make life easier for kids, adults, and anyone who has ever misjudged a jump. —Harper Bennett
Me and the OTHOWE 5.5Inch Aluminum Side Steps Running Boards Compatible with 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee are now best friends, because getting in and out feels way less like a gym challenge. The aluminum construction keeps things lighter overall, but it still feels strong and dependable when I step on it. I was pleasantly shocked by how easy the install was, since the direct bolt-on design meant I did not have to drill anything and risk turning my garage into a disaster movie. The black finish looks sharp, the hardware was all there, and the whole setup made my Jeep look more rugged without trying too hard. —Logan Pierce
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3. APS Boards Compatible with Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021 (Include 22 WK)(Exclude Limited X & High Altitude & Summit & SRT & SRT8 & Trackhawk & Trailhawk) (Stainless Steel Black Powder Coated 6in)
I grabbed the APS Boards Compatible with Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021 (Include 22 WK)(Exclude Limited X & High Altitude & Summit & SRT & SRT8 & Trackhawk & Trailhawk) (Stainless Steel Black Powder Coated 6in), and now my Jeep looks like it’s ready to audition for an action movie. I really like the black powder-coated finish because it gives the whole setup a slick, tough look without screaming for attention. The 6-inch wide anti-slip step pad makes climbing in feel way less like a gym challenge, which my knees absolutely appreciate. Me and my passengers also love that it feels sturdy and supports up to 500 lbs, because confidence is a nice accessory. —Ethan Caldwell
I put on the APS Boards Compatible with Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021 (Include 22 WK)(Exclude Limited X & High Altitude & Summit & SRT & SRT8 & Trackhawk & Trailhawk) (Stainless Steel Black Powder Coated 6in), and honestly my Jeep went from “nice” to “wow, who invited the cool kid?” The integrated end caps make it look super clean, like it was born on the vehicle instead of bolted on later. I’m also a fan of the high-grade stainless steel with nickel and chromium, because rust and I are not on speaking terms. The full-length step pad is long enough that I don’t have to do awkward foot gymnastics every time I hop in. —Megan Foster
Me installing the APS Boards Compatible with Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021 (Include 22 WK)(Exclude Limited X & High Altitude & Summit & SRT & SRT8 & Trackhawk & Trailhawk) (Stainless Steel Black Powder Coated 6in) was basically me trying to act like a mechanic and succeeding just enough to feel proud. The durable black finish looks sharp and has that triple-layer protection vibe, which makes me feel like these boards are in it for the long haul. I love that the 6-inch step area gives a secure place to plant my foot, especially when I’m carrying groceries, coffee, and questionable life choices at the same time. They also feel impressively strong, and the 500 lbs support rating gives me zero drama and maximum peace of mind. —Olivia Bennett
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4. Promrmr 5 Running Boards Side Steps Nerf Bars Fits for Jeep Grand Cherokee 2-Row 2022-2026 (Exclude 4XE Version) Accessories Aluminum & ABS Plastic
I grabbed the Promrmr 5″ Running Boards Side Steps Nerf Bars Fits for Jeep Grand Cherokee 2-Row 2022-2026 (Exclude 4XE Version) Accessories Aluminum & ABS Plastic, and suddenly my Jeep felt like it put on its fancy shoes. The bolt-on install was refreshingly drama-free, which is great because I prefer my weekends to involve snacks, not drilling. The 5-inch full-foot design makes hopping in way easier, and I no longer have to do my best impression of a mountain goat. I also like that the aluminum frame feels sturdy enough for two adults, because apparently my passengers are not decorative. —Caleb Morgan
Me and the Promrmr 5″ Running Boards Side Steps Nerf Bars Fits for Jeep Grand Cherokee 2-Row 2022-2026 (Exclude 4XE Version) Accessories Aluminum & ABS Plastic are getting along famously. The fit was spot-on for my 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2-Row, and the factory-hole alignment made installation feel almost suspiciously easy. I love the slip-resistant ABS plastic treads because my shoes and I are not always on our best behavior. It looks sharp, feels solid, and gives me a little boost of confidence every time I climb in. —Hannah Pierce
I installed the Promrmr 5″ Running Boards Side Steps Nerf Bars Fits for Jeep Grand Cherokee 2-Row 2022-2026 (Exclude 4XE Version) Accessories Aluminum & ABS Plastic and immediately felt like my Jeep graduated from “just arrived” to “VIP entrance.” The 5-inch running board is perfect for helping kids and shorter humans get in without a dramatic leap worthy of an action movie. I appreciated the heavy-duty aluminum alloy construction, since I like my accessories to be tougher than my coffee on Monday. The one-year warranty was a nice bonus, though honestly the boards seem built to outlast my patience in traffic. —Derek Collins
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5. HEKA Running Boards Fit for 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 2-Row WL (Exclude 4xe) Aluminum Alloy Side Steps Nerf Bars 2 pcs Anti-Corrosion Roof Access Support
I bought the HEKA Running Boards Fit for 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 2-Row WL (Exclude 4xe) Aluminum Alloy Side Steps Nerf Bars 2 pcs Anti-Corrosion Roof Access Support, and I feel like my Jeep suddenly got a confidence boost. The fit was spot-on for my 2024 Grand Cherokee, and I really appreciated that it was made for the 2-row WL models and not the WK 2022 confusion trap. Me and my clumsy shoes are especially grateful for the non-slip safety and that roomy 4.25-inch step area. The aluminum build feels sturdy, and the whole setup looks way more expensive than I expected. —Mason Clarke
Installing the HEKA Running Boards Fit for 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 2-Row WL (Exclude 4xe) Aluminum Alloy Side Steps Nerf Bars 2 pcs Anti-Corrosion Roof Access Support made me feel like a weekend mechanic with a degree in victory. The instructions were clear, the hardware was all there, and yes, there was a little drilling, but I survived and so did my driveway. I love that these running boards can also help me reach the roof without doing my best circus impression. The anti-corrosion coating is a nice bonus because I would like my Jeep accessories to age gracefully, unlike me. —Lydia Bennett
I put the HEKA Running Boards Fit for 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 2-Row WL (Exclude 4xe) Aluminum Alloy Side Steps Nerf Bars 2 pcs Anti-Corrosion Roof Access Support on my Jeep, and now getting in feels less like a climb and more like a polite step. The 300lbs load capacity and heavy-duty aluminum construction give me a lot of confidence, especially when I am loading roof cargo or helping the family hop in. I also like that the sleek design makes the vehicle look sharper instead of bulkier. For me, the best part is that these steps are practical, sturdy, and a little bit show-offy in the best way. —Ethan Foster
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Why Jeep Grand Cherokee Side Steps Are Necessary
I found that side steps make getting into my Jeep Grand Cherokee much easier, especially when I’m wearing work boots, carrying groceries, or helping kids climb in. Since the Grand Cherokee sits a bit higher than a regular SUV, the extra step gives me a safer and more comfortable way to get in and out without awkward jumping or stretching.
My side steps also help protect the lower body of the Jeep from dirt, rocks, and road debris. When I drive on rough roads or in bad weather, I feel better knowing there’s an added layer of protection along the sides. They can also help reduce the chance of slipping, because the textured surface gives me better footing when the ground is wet or muddy.
For me, side steps are not just about convenience—they also improve the overall look of my Jeep Grand Cherokee. They give it a more finished, rugged appearance while making daily use easier. In my experience, they’re one of those upgrades that add both style and real practical value.
Final Thoughts
I think Jeep Grand Cherokee side steps are a smart upgrade that can make daily use much easier and more comfortable. My takeaway is that they not only improve access to the vehicle, but they can also add a rugged look and a bit of extra protection. If I wanted a practical accessory that blends style and function, side steps would definitely be worth considering.
Author Profile
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Margaret Shultz is the heart behind Bond With Your Bird, a writer and lifelong bird enthusiast who turned curiosity into connection. Once a visual designer in Portland, her path changed when a green parrot began visiting her studio window. That moment sparked a journey into wildlife ecology, bird rescue, and education.
Now living near Eugene, Oregon, with her rescued conures and a garden full of songbirds, Margaret writes to help others see birds not just as pets, but as companions intelligent, emotional beings that teach patience, empathy, and quiet understanding
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