Adding running boards to your Honda Ridgeline will make getting in and out of the vehicle easier and safer. Running boards can also improve the appearance of your truck, giving it a sporty, tough look that you will be proud to show off. Choosing the right running boards depends on several factors, but you’ll want to find well-built designs that fit correctly and work great. We found the best running boards for Honda Ridgeline first and second-generation models. Our top-pick for the 1st Gen trucks is the APS iBoard (>>> Find on Amazon), while the genuine Honda running board (>>> Check on Amazon) takes top spot for the 2nd Gen Honda Ridgeline.
- APS iBoard Running Boards
- Off-Roader eBoard Running Boards
- Westin 27-6650
- Honda Die-Cast Running Board
- VanGuard OEM-Style
- TAC Side Steps
Best Running Boards for Honda Ridgeline – Top Picks:
| APS iBoard Running Boards | Off-Roader eBoard Running Boards | Westin 27-6650 | Honda Die-Cast Running Board | VanGuard OEM-Style | TAC Side Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
| Manufacturer Part Number | IB-H4124N | EB-FH875W | 27-6650 | 08L33-T6Z-100 | VGSSB-0958AL | T40-AC51707 |
| Exterior | Matte Black Powder Coated Finish | Aluminum | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | No data | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Model Years | 2006-2014 | 2006-2014 | 2006-2014 | 2017-2021 | 2017-2021 | 2017-2021 |
| Dimensions | 86 x 10 x 8 inches | 85 x 10 x 8 inches | 89 x 9 x 6 inches | 83 x 13 x 9 inches | 73.5 x 9.5 x 7 inches | 89 x 13 x 7 inches |
| Item Weight | 37 pounds | 49.9 pounds | 30 Pounds | No data | 19.96 pounds | 49.9 pounds |
| Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Best Running Boards for Honda Ridgeline Gen. 1 2006-14
Honda began selling the Ridgeline truck in 2006 in the United States. When you are searching for running boards for these trucks, you’ll want to find a combination of style and performance, along with a great fitting product that is easy to install.
Top Pick: APS iBoard Running Boards
Not only does this set of running boards for your Honda Ridgeline look tough, they are tough. Made from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum and finished in a durable powder-coated finish, you’ll never have to worry about rust or corrosion damage. The matte black finish is complimented by a UV-resistant non-slip coating on the top surface to enhance grip on the surface of the running board. One of our favorite features of this running board is the oversized 4-inch tread. It’s the most comfortable to use step board we found.
One common theme you’ll see with many aftermarket running boards is poor fit. Not with this running board from APS. Bolt holes are generous and line up perfectly, included hardware is the appropriate size and pitch, and everything is of high quality. These install in the factory location without modification to your truck.
Pros
- Has a tough, beefy look that it backs up with quality materials and construction
- Easy to clean
- Extra-wide step is great for people who lose their footing easily
Cons
- Not the sleekest appearance or as fancy looking as many popular designs
Runner-up: Off-Roader eBoard Running Boards
These look very similar to our top pick and provide a similar, tough appearance. We really like the “smartphone-inspired” design that provides clean, rounded edges on the flat board. The aluminum construction is durable and can handle up to 300 lbs safely. These have the correct look for the Honda Ridgeline.
Overall, these are very nice. Once installed, the fit and finish look good and with proper care, should last through many snowy winters and tough job sites. Off-Roader has designs available for the Crew Cab, Double Cab, Standard Cab, or Extended Cab and in widths from 3” to 6”. They also have a polished option if you are into shiny.
Pros
- Sleek and sophisticated “smartphone” design looks great
- Durable components should withstand extreme weather
- Provides a stable, safe way to get in and out of the truck
Cons
- Instructions are not clear about which brackets mount to the frame
Appearance Pick: Westin Sure-Grip Step Boards
While these aren’t designed specifically for the Honda Ridgeline, the universal design makes it easy to adapt the brackets to fit your truck. These have a neat, sleek, and aerodynamic design that improves the appearance without adding weight. They are made of aluminum with plastic components for durability.
The Sure-Grip boards are available in 54-, 69-, 72-, 79-, 85-, and 93-inch lengths to fit a variety of different trucks. Brackets are sold separately and are individualized for your Honda Ridgeline. An optional light kit is available to enhance your safety when exiting the vehicle.
Pros
- Aerodynamic appearance looks great when installed on the truck
- Easy to install in factory locations
- Carries a five-year warranty
Cons
- Universal sizing won’t work perfectly for everyone
- Added cost of brackets and hardware makes some competitor products more attractive
- Plastic end caps may need to be epoxied in place
Best Running Boards for Honda Ridgeline 2017-Current
The newest generation of Honda Ridgeline doesn’t have as many aftermarket options yet as the earlier models, but there are still some products that allow you to add running boards to your truck with ease.
Top Pick: Honda Die-Cast Running Board
If you are surprised to see a genuine Honda product as our top pick for the 2nd generation Ridgeline, you shouldn’t be. These are the real-deal and fit perfectly, function better than anything else on the market, and are designed specifically to improve the appearance of your truck. Sure, they are pricey, but this is the best way to add functionality and safety to your truck.
What we particularly like about this design is the die-cast construction that provides a strong and durable step. It’ll take a beating and can handle even the heaviest of steps with ease. If you want only the best for your truck, this is the running board you want.
Pros
- The best-fitting running boards around
- Designed to look great when installed
- Durable construction and finish
Cons
- Vehicle-specific design requires contacting Honda to order
- About twice the price of aftermarket competitors
Runner-up: VanGuard OEM-Style
If you like the design of the factory running board but wish it had a little more pizazz, this is the running board for you. It features the same shape and silhouette as the factory option, but has a bright, polished edge and a textured rubber step.
The running boards have a good, sturdy feel and only a little flex when installed. The step is made from extruded aluminum and mounts with steel brackets to the factory bolt locations. While the kit includes hardware, numerous buyers have recommended buying better-quality bolts due to manufacturing deficiencies in the included hardware.
Pros
- Looks much better than the factory design
- Comfortable rubber step
- Lightweight design doesn’t bulk up your truck
Cons
- Included hardware is sub-par and should be replaced prior to installation
- Numerous buyers report misaligned holes and missing parts
Appearance Pick: TAC Side Steps
Rather than have a full-length board hanging off the side of your truck, you can go with an option like these side steps from TAC that feature a tubular design for a performance-oriented appearance. The side steps are made from marine-grade T-304 stainless steel for a durable, shiny finish while the rubber steps are treated for UV resistance.
We really like the way these side steps look. They offer the cool, rock-crawler appearance without adding a ton of weight and bulk. The brackets could be better designed as they tend to hang a bit lower than they should, impacting ground clearance for some people.
Pros
- Looks great on the Honda Ridgeline
- Mirror-polished finish adds to the value
- Easy to install
Cons
- Brackets can corrode quickly
- Brackets hang lower than competitors
- Only two brackets presents possibility of bending the bar when reaching into the bed
Honda Ridgeline Running Board Buyers Guide
It’s important to pick the right product for your truck. Buying a low-cost, gimmicky running board set will give you headaches and frustration you don’t need. The products on this list are the best options around, but there are some things you should consider before buying any running board.
The design of every running board means you’ll lose some amount of ground clearance. If you drive your truck off-road or on job sites with major obstacles, you’ll want to find the most durable design with the lowest clearance possible. The factory-style running boards tend to be a great option for keeping as much ground clearance as possible.
How you use your running boards matters. If you live in areas that see snow and have salted roads in winter, you are better off with an aluminum product that won’t rust. Be sure to keep an eye on the brackets that can rust and cause an unsafe step.
When ordering running boards for your truck, make sure you pay close attention to the body styles that the boards fit. Many designs fit one model of the Ridgeline but are not universal. Sometimes, you’ll find companies that can use your VIN to accurately provide the correct parts for your truck.
Conclusion
Running boards provide you with the safety and security to easily get in and out of your truck. While they are nice all the time, they are particularly wonderful when the roads are wet, icy, and slushy. Running boards are typically easy to install yourself with basic tools. Good designs fit correctly, but you may find that you’ll want to improve the hardware over the supplied equipment. We recommend that you use stainless steel bolts and coat the threads in Never-Seize or a similar product to prevent the bolts from rusting into place.
Good-quality running boards can also prevent rocks, road grime, and other debris from striking the lower body and doors of your truck while you drive. This gives you added protection to ensure your truck stays looking great all the time. A running board set can be a low cost way to give yourself safety and protection while improving the look and functionality of your Honda Ridgeline.