Personalize Your Ride: Volkswagen Atlas Side Steps for Sale | Step Up in Style and Function
You slide out of the driver’s seat, and for a split second, you feel that familiar stretch—reaching for the ground that feels just a bit too far away.
If you drive a Volkswagen Atlas, you know the feeling. This SUV sits tall and proud, which is great for visibility but not always great for easy entry. That’s where side steps come in. They are the perfect blend of form and function. Whether you have kids climbing in the back, aging parents visiting for the weekend, or you just want to give your Atlas a rugged, customized look, adding a set of running boards is a game-changer. We’ve scoured the market to find the best Volkswagen Atlas side steps for sale right now, covering everything from OEM parts to heavy-duty off-road options.
TL;DR;
Side steps aren’t just accessories; they are investments in comfort and protection. For your Atlas, you have choices ranging from $400 to $900, depending on the style and brand. You can go with the sleek look of OEM aluminum steps, the heavy-duty protection of off-road boards, or the high-tech convenience of power-retractable steps. We break down the best options, what they cost, and how to pick the perfect set for your ride.
Key Takeaways
- Why Buy? Side steps make entry easier, protect your rocker panels from debris, and add a custom look to your Atlas .
- The OEM Choice: Genuine Volkswagen aluminum steps offer a perfect factory fit with anti-slip strips for about $899.99 .
- The Off-Road Option: Brands like Black Horse and Romik offer rugged, aluminum boards that can handle mud and snow while supporting up to 400 lbs .
- The Tech Upgrade: AMP Research PowerStep retractable steps disappear when not in use, keeping that clean look and max ground clearance .
- Installation Reality: Most are “no-drill” bolt-on designs, but some may require trimming the undercarriage felt liner .
Why Your Atlas Deserves Side Steps
Before we dive into the shopping list, lets talk about why you want these. The Volkswagen Atlas is a versatile family car, but that high step-in height can be a workout for kids, short adults, or anyone in a skirt or dress.
The Practical Perks
First, ease of access. A solid step surface means you glide in and out instead of hopping or sliding. Second, paint protection. Those rocker panels are magnets for gravel, salt, and mud. Side steps act as a shield, taking the abuse so your paint stays pristine . It’s like putting a guard dog in front of your doors.
Safety Reminder:
Always ensure the step surface is clear of snow and ice before stepping to prevent slips.
The Style Factor
Let’s be honest—they look cool. A set of polished stainless steel or matte black steps gives your Atlas a planted, confident stance. It breaks up the side profile and makes the SUV look more substantial.
The Best Volkswagen Atlas Side Steps on the Market
We dug into the top retailers and manufacturer sites to bring you the current lineup of the best Atlas side steps for sale. Prices and availability can shift, but here is the landscape as of early 2026.
1. The OEM Standard: VW Genuine Aluminum Side Steps
If you want a guarantee that they fit perfectly and look like they came from the factory, go straight to the source. The Volkswagen Genuine Aluminum Side Steps (Part # 3CN071691DML) are a top pick .
- The Look: These are full-length running boards with a sleek aluminum finish. They are designed to blend seamlessly with the Atlas’s lines.
- The Features: They come with embedded anti-slip strips for wet-weather safety. They are also compatible with Genuine VW splash guards if you want to add those later .
- The Price: They retail around $899.99 .
- The Catch: They require proper installation. While some DIYers can handle it, professional installation is recommended by VW .
2. The Rugged Contender: Black Horse Off-Road Storm Running Boards
For the Atlas owner who ventures off the pavement or just loves a tough look, the Black Horse Off-Road Storm series is a beast .
- The Look: These are wheel-to-wheel boards with a matte black powder-coated finish and ABS plastic end caps. They scream “adventure.”
- The Features: They are built from lightweight but durable aluminum and feature rubber traction dots for grip . They offer serious protection against mud and minor trail damage .
- The Fit: Designed for the 2018-2025 Atlas, they bolt on using factory holes. No drilling required .
- The Price: Summit Racing lists them for a competitive price (check site for current deals) .
3. The Heavy-Duty Hauler: Romik RAL Series Running Boards
Romik is a well-respected name in the industry, and their RAL Series is built for those who need serious support .
- The Look: These are flat, wide boards with a modern European style .
- The Features: Made from extruded aircraft-grade aluminum, they boast a massive 400 lbs weight capacity . That means you can practically stand on them to load cargo on the roof.
- The Fit: They are vehicle-specific for the Atlas but require trimming of the undercarriage felt panel .
- The Price: Around $602.91 at CARiD, making them a solid mid-range option .
4. The Slim Profile: Go Rhino RB30 Slim Running Boards
If you want function without the bulk, check out the Go Rhino RB30 series available at RealTruck .
- The Look: These have a slim, 5-inch step surface with a perforated design that prevents mud buildup .
- The Features: The tapered design actually increases ground clearance compared to bulkier boards .
- The Fit: No drilling required .
- The Price: Pricing varies, but they are generally in the affordable range.
5. The Tech King: AMP Research PowerStep
This is the luxury choice. The AMP Research PowerStep is an electric, retractable running board .
- The Look: When your doors are closed, these steps tuck up tight against the body, completely invisible .
- The Features: They deploy automatically when a door opens and retract when it closes. They feature LED courtesy lights and are built from robust extruded aluminum .
- The Benefit: You get all the help of a step when you need it, and maximum ground clearance and a clean look when you don’t .
- The Price: This is a premium feature, so prices typically start over $1,200 .
Comparison Table: Atlas Side Step Options
| Brand / Model | Style | Material | Weight Capacity | Price Range (est.) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Genuine Accessories | Full-Length Board | Aluminum | Standard | $899.99 | Perfect OEM fit, anti-slip strips |
| Black Horse Off-Road Storm | Wheel-to-Wheel | Aluminum / ABS | Standard | Mid-range | Rugged off-road look, rubber dots |
| Romik RAL Series | Flat Board | Aircraft Aluminum | 400 lbs | $600 – $700 | High weight capacity |
| Go Rhino RB30 | Slim Board | Carbon Steel / Alu. | Standard | $500 – $800 | Increased ground clearance |
| AMP Research PowerStep | Retractable | Aluminum | 600 lbs | $1,200+ | Electric deployment, LED lights |
Choosing the Right Steps: A Visual Guide
To help you visualize the differences in style and price, we put together a simple chart. It compares the average price points of the main types of steps available for the Atlas, based on current market data from RealTruck, CARiD, and Summit Racing .
As you can see, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) steps and Power Retractable steps sit at the higher end of the price spectrum, while standard running boards and tubular side bars offer more budget-friendly ways to personalize your ride.
Installation Reality Check
You found a set you like. Now, how hard is it to put them on? The good news is that almost all modern side steps for the Atlas use a bolt-on design that utilizes existing factory mounting points in the chassis .
What to Expect
Most kits come with all the brackets and hardware you need . You jack up the car, bolt the brackets to the body, and then hang the steps on the brackets. Sounds simple, right? It usually is.
However, there is a catch for some models. Several high-quality boards, like the Romik RAL series, note that “trimming of the undercarriage cover is required” . The Atlas has a felt underbody liner for aerodynamics and noise reduction. Some wider steps need you to cut this liner a bit to fit the mounting brackets.
“Expect to spend about an hour per side if you’re handy. If the thought of cutting that felt liner makes you nervous, paying a shop $100-$200 for installation is money well spent.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will side steps fit all Volkswagen Atlas model years?
Most running boards are designed for specific generations. You will find plenty of options for 2018 through 2026 models . Always use the fitment filter on sites like RealTruck or CARiD to confirm they fit your exact year.
2. Do side steps reduce ground clearance?
Fixed steps usually hang a few inches lower than the rocker panel, which can slightly reduce clearance. However, brands like Go Rhino make slim designs specifically to minimize this . If you off-road frequently, retractable steps like the AMP Research PowerStep are the best solution, as they tuck away completely .
3. Can I install these myself, or do I need a professional?
If you are comfortable with a socket wrench and jack stands, you can likely do it yourself. Most are “no-drill” installations . However, if your chosen steps require trimming the undercarriage felt (like the Romik or Vanguard models), a professional installation might save you a headache .
4. What is the difference between a “running board” and a “nerf bar”?
Generally, a running board is a wide, flat platform that you can put your whole foot on. A nerf bar (or side step) is usually a round or oval tube with a smaller step pad . Running boards offer more foot space, while bars often have a sportier look.
5. Will adding side steps void my Volkswagen warranty?
No, simply bolting on an accessory like side steps will not void your entire vehicle warranty. However, if the steps cause damage to the vehicle (e.g., improper installation leading to rust), that specific damage might not be covered. OEM VW parts are always the safest bet for warranty peace of mind .
6. How much weight can these steps hold?
This varies by brand. Standard steps usually hold around 300 lbs . Heavy-duty options like the Romik RAL series are rated for 400 lbs . The AMP Research steps boast a 600 lbs capacity .
References:
- Volkswagen Official Parts Site: Genuine Accessories
- RealTruck: Industry Leader in Truck & SUV Accessories
- Summit Racing: High-Performance Parts and Accessories
- CARiD: Vehicle Style and Performance Parts
Ready to step up your Atlas game? Have you installed side steps on your VW, or do you have a favorite brand we missed? Drop a comment below and share your ride with the community!
