When it comes time to begin looking for a pickup truck, one of the largest decisions you will make (after selecting the make, model, and engine) is the cab style. Today’s pickup trucks are not just the workhorses on the job site or farm; they have come a long way to become multi-purpose vehicles to assist you in family dynamics, road trips, daily commutes, etc.
Thus, the arrangement of the interior space is just as important as the engine under the hood. Two of today’s most common cab styles for trucks are the Crew Cab and the Quad Cab.
Both cabs comfortably seat more than two passengers, but they will vary quite a bit in passenger comfort, cargo bed length, overall size, and certainly utility. These may not seem like large differences, but they will make a big difference in the manner in which you utilize the truck in your daily living or work life.
What is a Crew Cab?
The Crew Cab is the biggest cab type that most truck brands have. This cab style is made to maximize passenger space with two full-size rows of seats along with four full-size opening doors that operate in a traditional way (front-hinged).
Key Features:
More Roomy Rear Seats: The rear seating in a crew cab is just about as roomy as your front seating, with plenty of leg room and head room.
Better Access: Bigger rear doors create better access for passengers, including passengers that may have mobility concerns or need to accommodate child seats.
Great for Family: With interior space similar to a full-size SUV, a crew cab model is often considered the best family truck.
Pros of Crew Cab:
- Best-in-class passenger comfort
- Easier for families or work crews
- Full-size rear doors for convenience
- Higher resale value due to popularity
Cons of Crew Cab:
- Shorter bed length (in most cases)
- Heavier, which can affect fuel efficiency
- Higher initial cost
What is a Quad Cab?
The Quad Cab is formally known as an Extended Cab (which varies by the manufacturer) and is a smaller version of the Crew Cab. While it also offers rear seating and four doors, on most versions rear doors are smaller and sometimes rear-hinged.
Key Features:
Small Backseat: Provides room for children or occasional adult backseat passengers, although less legroom is provided than in a Crew Cab.
Longer Bed Lengths: Quad Cabs are usually available in longer bed lengths, making them more suitable for hauling purposes.
Affordable: Generally less expensive than Crew Cab diesel trucks.
Pros of Quad Cab:
- Lower cost
- Lighter weight = better fuel economy
- Longer bed for hauling
- More cargo space in the back if rear seats aren’t in use
Cons of Quad Cab:
- Cramped rear seats for adults
- Smaller rear doors = tougher access
- Not ideal for regular rear passenger use
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Crew Cab | Quad Cab |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Seat Space | Spacious and comfortable | Tight for adults |
| Rear Door Size | Full-size, front-hinged | Smaller, sometimes rear-hinged |
| Bed Length | Shorter (5.5 to 6.5 ft) | Longer (6.4 ft or more) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Ideal Use | Families, daily driving, crews | Occasional passengers, more cargo |
| Fuel Efficiency | Slightly lower | Slightly better |
| Resale Value | Generally higher | Moderate |
Use Case Scenarios
Choose a Crew Cab if:
- You regularly carry passengers, especially adults or children.
- You want your truck to double as a family vehicle.
- Comfort and accessibility are top priorities.
- You don’t mind a shorter bed or slightly lower fuel economy.
Choose a Quad Cab if:
- You need more cargo bed length for work or hauling.
- Rear seats are used occasionally or for short trips.
- You want to save on purchase price.
- You prioritize better mileage and utility over cabin space.
Which Is Better?
There’s no universal “better” option—it all depends on how you use your truck.
Crew Cab trucks are better suited for those who want a comfortable ride for multiple passengers and plan to use their truck like a family SUV with a bed.
Quad Cab trucks are ideal for work-focused tasks, where the truck bed is more important than passenger space, and keeping costs lower is a concern.
Manufacturers and Terminology
Different truck brands use various names for these configurations:
Ram Trucks:
Crew Cab = Largest cab
Quad Cab = Smaller extended cab
Ford:
SuperCrew = Crew Cab
SuperCab = Extended/Quad Cab
Chevrolet/GMC:
Crew Cab = Full-size
Double Cab = Extended/Quad equivalent
Final Thoughts
When deciding between a Crew Cab and a Quad Cab, first consider how you use your truck. If you favor passenger comfort, are planning family trips, or regularly haul others on daily commutes, a Crew Cab is the best choice for maximum space and ease.
If you’re more concerned with bed space, regularly haul skills, and take the occasional passenger, a Quad Cab could be the most practical option for you, and the best choice for your budget. Each has its benefits, so which is best will depend on your lifestyle and work needs.
Each of these cab configurations has value, try to test drive both of them in advance of making a final decision on which to purchase. Consider how you will be using your truck down the road before fully committing to a decision. When deciding between a Crew Cab and a Quad Cab, consider what’s most important to you: passenger space or cargo utility.
If you are regularly traveling with family, friends, or a work crew, the Crew Cab will most likely serve you better. But, if your truck is primarily for hauling cargo, and passengers are a concern occasionally, the Quad Cab may be the smarter purchase or better choice for your budget.
