Brush guards and bull bars are two common terms you might hear when considering truck and SUV accessories that protect the front of your vehicle. Is there a difference? Or are the two terms used interchangeably to describe the same accessory? Technically, both brush guards and bull bars do roughly the same thing--protect your grille and front end. But there are some differences, so let’s take a closer look.

What is a Brush Guard?

First, it’s important to know that brush guards are often called grille guards, so these terms can be used interchangeably. These guards have roughly an H-shaped frame that consists of two vertical parts called risers, and then a horizontal center part called a crossbar. The bar combination protects your grille in the event of a crash. However, the guard also protects your truck or SUV when you go off-road. Some grille guards feature smaller bars across the headlights to better protect them from damage. These are called headlight cages. Brush guards and grille guards are usually constructed to accept the addition of aftermarket lights as well.

Key differences vs. bull bars:

• Cover more of the front end
• Guards to wrap around the headlights
• No skid plate

What is a Bull Bar?

While brush guards have an H-shaped frame, bull bars have more of an A-shaped frame. The main outer tube curves in an A-shape down from the front of the grille to the underside of the bumper. A horizontal crossbar goes through the middle of the main outer tube. Bull bars typically sit in the center of the vehicle’s front end and cover only the lower-center part of the grille and an area beneath the bumper. The crossbar is often constructed to accept aftermarket lights, and there’s usually a skid plate beneath the crossbar to protect the area of the truck beneath the bumper.

Key differences vs. brush guards:

• Covers less front end area
• No guards for the headlights
• Usually includes a skid plate

Why Get a Bull Bar or Brush Guard?

For general on-road driving, one of the biggest reasons to get a bull bar or grille guard is to protect your rig from animal collisions. Hitting a deer or other large animal can cause major damage to your front end. Having a bull bar or grille guard can greatly reduce that damage.

If you drive off-road, then it can’t be overstated how much protection a bull bar or grille guard can provide. Hazards are everywhere off-road, from trees, fallen branches, rocks, and much more. These guards can protect your front end from the worst of it.

The other benefit of bull bars and brush guards is that they serve as excellent mounting points for aftermarket lights and/or a winch. As previously mentioned, many guards come already constructed with places for aftermarket lights. Some also have mounting points for a winch. Finally, bull bars and grille guards that are bolted to the frame can serve as recovery points if your truck gets stuck.

Let’s take a look at some popular brands for grille guards and bull bars.

Aries Grille Guards

Grille guards by Aries Automotive are constructed to fit several different vehicles, including the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Liberty, Ford Expedition, and many more. The typical Aries guard is H-shaped with mounts for aftermarket lights on the crossbar. The grilles also feature removable headlight cages. Many Aries grille guards are available in both polished stainless steel and semi-gloss black steel for a custom look.

Go Rhino Grille Guards

Go Rhino makes grille guards and bull bars for trucks and SUVs. Their grille guards are constructed with rugged steel front-end protection and a handy bumper-level step for easy engine access.

Warn Grille Guards

Warn makes both grille guards and bull bars. The bull bars are A-shaped with two uprights and two crossbars that bolts directly to the vehicle’s frame. Warn also makes winches, so these bull bars are constructed to provide a mounting place for a winch as well. Warn grille guards also have winch mounting points but are designed to cover more of the vehicle’s front end. These guards are available for many different vehicles, including the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-Series trucks, and many more.

Other great brands that make grille guards and bull bars include the following:

• Enthuze
• Steelcraft
• Onki

If you own a more modern vehicle, it's important to know that some grille guards and bull bars will inhibit certain sensors and cameras if they're located on the front end.

Rely on Action Car and Truck Accessories to outfit your truck or SUV with a quality bull bar or brush guard that fits. Action is Canada’s leading automotive accessory retailer with a wide variety of both interior and exterior truck accessories.