The pickup truck market has grown exponentially in recent years, with a global market size of 112.5 billion in 2022 and an estimated growth rate of 5.2% in 2031. With the increased demand for pickups, manufacturers have introduced various cab styles to cater to the diverse needs of consumers.
Choosing the right cab style is essential as it can impact the truck’s functionality, passenger capacity, and cargo space. The three main cab styles available are the regular cab, crew cab, and extended cab, each with unique features and advantages. This article will delve into the differences between these cab styles to help you decide when selecting a pickup truck.
Regular Cab Trucks
Regular cab trucks are the smallest cab style available for pickup trucks, with only one row of seating and limited interior space. They typically have two doors and a shorter bed length than other cab styles. These trucks are designed primarily for work purposes and can carry heavy loads with ease.
One of the main advantages of regular cab trucks is their affordability, as they are often the least expensive option. They are also more maneuverable than larger cab styles, making parking and navigating tight spaces easier. Additionally, regular cab trucks are ideal for hauling cargo, as they have a more considerable bed length and can handle heavier loads.
The primary disadvantage of regular cab trucks is their limited seating capacity. They only have room for two passengers, making them unsuitable for families or larger groups. They also lack the same interior comfort and amenities as larger cab styles, such as crew or extended cabs.
Some popular regular cab truck models include the Ford F-150 Regular Cab, the Chevrolet Silverado Regular Cab, and the Ram 1500 Regular Cab. These models offer a range of features and capabilities, from basic work trucks to high-performance options.
Despite the rise in popularity of larger cab styles, regular cab trucks still hold a significant share of the pickup truck market. According to a report by Motor Biscuit in 2020, regular cab trucks accounted for approximately 3% of total pickup truck sales in the United States. This figure suggests that there is still a demand for these smaller, more affordable truck options.
Double Cab Trucks
Double cab trucks, or quad cab trucks, are a popular cab style for pickup trucks. They typically have two full-size doors in the front and two smaller, rear-hinged doors that provide access to a second row of seating. The interior space is more substantial than regular cab trucks, providing more passenger comfort and storage options.
The main advantage of double-cab trucks is their increased passenger capacity. They can comfortably accommodate up to six passengers with four doors and a second row of seating. They also provide additional storage space behind the rear seats, making them a more practical choice for families or those transporting passengers and cargo simultaneously.
One of the main disadvantages of double cab trucks is their higher cost than regular cab trucks. Additionally, the increased interior space and amenities can reduce cargo capacity and towing capability. They also tend to be larger and less maneuverable than regular cab trucks, making parking and navigating tight spaces more challenging.
Some popular double cab truck models include the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, the GMC Sierra Double Cab, and the Nissan Frontier Quad Cab. These models offer a range of features and capabilities, from essential work trucks to high-end luxury options.
Double Cab Trucks are one of the most popular cab styles in the pickup truck market. According to The Hustle, double cab trucks accounted for 63% of total pickup truck sales in the United States in 2020. This data shows a strong demand for pickup trucks with increased passenger capacity and storage space.
Crew Cab Trucks
Crew Cab Trucks are a popular cab style for pickup trucks, offering a spacious interior with four full-size doors and a second row of seating. They provide more passenger comfort and luxury than double cab trucks, making them an excellent option for families or groups who require additional seating and storage space.
The primary advantage of crew cab trucks is their ample passenger space, making them an ideal choice for families or groups. They offer more legroom and headroom than other cab styles, providing a more comfortable ride. They also have additional storage space behind the rear seats, making them a practical option for hauling cargo and equipment.
One of the main disadvantages of crew cab trucks is their higher cost compared to other cab styles. They are also larger and less maneuverable than regular cab and double cab trucks, making them more challenging to park and navigate through tight spaces. Additionally, the added weight and size of crew cab trucks can lead to a reduction in fuel efficiency and towing capability.
Some popular crew cab truck models include the Ford F-150 SuperCrew and the Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab. These models offer a range of features and capabilities, from basic work trucks to high-end luxury options.
Crew Cab Trucks are becoming increasingly popular in the pickup truck market, with a growing demand for larger, more comfortable vehicles. In the United States, crew cab trucks accounted for 23% of total pickup truck sales in 2020, according to a report by J.D. Power.
Comparing Cab Styles
When it comes to choosing the right cab style for your pickup truck, it’s essential to consider your needs and preferences. Each cab style offers unique advantages and disadvantages that can impact your driving experience.
- Size and Seating Capacity: Regular cab trucks are the smallest of the three cab styles, offering seating for two or three passengers. Double cab trucks, or quad cab or extended cab trucks, provide additional space with seating for up to six passengers. Crew cab trucks are the largest, with seating for up to six passengers and a more spacious interior.
- Cargo Space: Regular cab trucks have the smallest cargo space, with little room behind the seats. Double cab trucks have a slightly larger cargo space, with additional storage behind the rear seats. Crew cab trucks offer the most significant cargo space, with a full-size bed and extra storage space behind the rear seats.
- Price: Regular cab trucks are typically the least expensive option, starting from $20,000 to $40,000. Double cab trucks are slightly more expensive, starting from $25,000 to $50,000. Crew cab trucks are the most expensive, starting from $30,000 to $60,000.
- Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Regular cab trucks are often more fuel-efficient than double cab or crew cab trucks due to their smaller size and lighter weight. However, they have a lower towing capacity than larger cab styles. Double cab and crew cab trucks have a higher towing capacity but can be less fuel-efficient due to their larger size and weight.
If you are looking for a pickup truck for personal use or occasional hauling, a regular cab or double cab truck may be a suitable choice. However, a crew cab truck may be a better option if you require additional passenger space and cargo capacity. A regular cab or extended cab truck may be more practical for commercial or work use due to their lower price and better fuel efficiency.
Choosing the right cab style for your pickup truck should be based on your needs and preferences. Consider the differences between regular cab vs. crew cab vs. extended cab trucks and make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Use this article as a guide to help you make the right choice when selecting a pickup truck. With the right cab style, you can enjoy enhanced performance, cargo space, passenger capacity, and overall comfort when driving your pickup truck.
