Pickup trucks have long been a symbol of American culture, representing toughness, versatility, and rugged individualism. Despite changes in consumer preferences and market trends, pickups remain immensely popular in the United States, with sales continuing to grow year after year. In 2022, pickups accounted for an impressive 20 percent of the country’s total market share.
As demand continues to soar, manufacturers are constantly upgrading their models to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers. One area where these upgrades are especially evident is in the size of pickup trucks. Two popular sizes are the quad cab and the crew cab, each with its unique features and benefits. Choosing the right cab style is essential, as it can significantly impact your overall driving experience and the practicality of your vehicle.
Quad Cab Pickup Trucks
A quad cab pickup truck, also known as an Extended Cab, is a type of pickup truck with four doors and a smaller rear seating area than a crew cab. It typically has a shorter wheelbase and a larger cargo bed than a crew cab. The quad cab is designed to provide more passenger space than a regular cab while maintaining a relatively compact size.
Advantages of Quad Cab Pickup Trucks
- Increased passenger capacity
The quad cab provides additional seating space compared to regular cab trucks, making it a more practical choice for families or groups of friends who want to ride together. With four doors, getting in and out of the vehicle is also easier, especially for rear passengers.
- Additional cargo space
Quad cab trucks generally have a larger cargo bed than crew cabs, providing more space for carrying equipment, tools, or luggage. It makes an excellent choice for those who need to haul large items but don’t require the full towing capacity of a crew cab.
- Greater affordability compared to Crew Cab trucks
Quad cab trucks are generally more affordable than their crew cab counterparts. On average, the starting price for a quad cab pickup is roughly 10-20 percent lower than that of a crew cab.
Disadvantages of Quad Cab Pickup Trucks
- Smaller rear seating area
The rear seating area of a Quad Cab is smaller than that of a Crew Cab, making it less comfortable for adult passengers on longer trips. Additionally, the smaller space can make it more difficult to install child car seats or boosters.
- Limited legroom for rear passengers
While the Quad Cab offers more space than a Regular Cab, the rear legroom is still limited. This can be a disadvantage for taller passengers who may find it uncomfortable on longer trips.
- Reduced towing capacity compared to Crew Cab trucks
Due to their shorter wheelbase, Quad Cab trucks typically have a lower towing capacity than Crew Cab trucks. It can be a disadvantage for those who require the full towing capacity of a larger vehicle.
Crew Cab Pickup Trucks
A crew cab pickup truck is a type of pickup truck that has four full-size doors and a larger rear seating area than a quad cab or extended cab. It has a longer wheelbase than other pickup truck models, providing more passenger space and a larger cargo bed. When it comes to crew cab vs. extended cab, both offer additional passenger space and storage capacity, but the crew cab is more prominent and provides more legroom for rear passengers.
Advantages of Crew Cab Pickup Trucks
- Spacious rear seating area
Crew cab trucks provide a spacious rear seating area that is more comfortable for adult passengers than the rear seating area in a quad cab or extended cab. This feature makes it an excellent choice for families or groups of friends who want to ride together for longer distances
- Generous legroom for rear passengers
The larger rear seating area in a crew cab provides more legroom for rear passengers, making it a more comfortable option for taller passengers. This feature also makes it easier to install child car seats or boosters.
- Increased towing capacity compared to Quad Cab trucks
Due to their longer wheelbase and larger size, crew cab trucks typically have a higher towing capacity than quad cab or extended cab trucks. That’s why they are an excellent choice for those who need to haul heavier loads or tow larger trailers.
Disadvantages of Crew Cab Pickup Trucks
- Higher cost compared to Quad Cab trucks
Crew cab trucks are generally more expensive than a quad cab or extended cab trucks due to their larger size and increased features. Meaning they make a less practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Reduced cargo space compared to Quad Cab trucks
Crew Cab trucks typically have a shorter cargo bed than a quad cab or extended cab trucks, providing less space for carrying large or bulky items. It can be a disadvantage for those who need to haul a lot of equipment or cargo but still want the benefits of a larger passenger cabin.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Quad Cab and Crew Cab Pickup Trucks
When choosing between a Quad Cab and a Crew Cab pickup truck, there are several factors to consider. Depending on your specific needs and requirements, one option may be better suited to your needs than the other. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- Purpose of the Vehicle (Personal or Commercial Use)
Consider the primary purpose of your vehicle when deciding between a quad cab and a crew cab. If you need a truck for commercial purposes, a crew cab with its larger cabin and increased towing capacity may be the better option. On the other hand, a quad cab may be more practical if you need a truck for personal use due to its affordability and smaller size.
- Passenger Capacity Requirements
If you need to transport many passengers regularly, a crew cab may be the better choice, as it can comfortably seat up to six passengers. However, if you only occasionally need to transport passengers, a quad cab with its smaller rear seating area may still be sufficient.
- Cargo Capacity Requirements
Consider how much cargo you will need to transport regularly. Due to its longer cargo bed, a quad cab typically offers more cargo space than a crew cab. However, if you need to transport passengers and cargo, a crew cab may be a better option due to its larger cabin and shorter cargo bed.
- Towing Capacity Requirements
A crew cab may be the better option if you need to tow heavy loads or trailers due to its increased towing capacity. However, a quad cab may still be sufficient if you only need to haul light loads or small trailers.
- Budget Constraints
Consider your budget when deciding between a quad cab and a crew cab. Quad cabs are generally more affordable than crew cabs, so they may be better if you work with a tight budget.
- Driving Conditions (Urban or Rural)
Consider the driving conditions in which you will be using your truck. If you are primarily driving in urban areas with tight parking spaces, a quad cab may be the better option due to its smaller size. However, if you are going to rural areas with rough terrain, a crew cab may provide a more comfortable ride due to its longer wheelbase.
Top Quad Cab and Crew Cab Pickup Trucks in 2023
As pickup trucks continue to be a popular choice among consumers, manufacturers are constantly upgrading their models to meet the demands of their customers. Here are some of the top quad cab and crew cab pickup trucks available in 2023:
- Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck in quad cab and crew cab sizes. The quad cab offers a 5.5-foot cargo bed, while the crew cab offers a choice of a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot cargo bed. The F-150 offers impressive towing and payload capacities, with the ability to tow up to 14,000 pounds and carry a payload of up to 3,325 pounds. However, the F-150 can be expensive, and its fuel economy is not as good as some of its competitors.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s quad cab offers a 6.5-foot cargo bed, while the crew cab offers a choice of a 5.8-foot or 6.6-foot cargo bed. The Silverado 1500 is known for its powerful engine options and impressive towing capacity, with the ability to tow up to 13,300 pounds. But its interior is less luxurious than some of its competitors, and its fuel economy is average.
- Ram 1500
The quad cab offers a 6.4-foot cargo bed, while the crew cab offers a choice of a 5.7-foot or 6.4-foot cargo bed. The Ram 1500 is known for its smooth ride and comfortable interior, with features like a large touchscreen display and available leather seats. It also offers impressive towing and payload capacities, with the ability to tow up to 12,750 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2,300 pounds. However, its fuel economy is not as good as some of its competitors.
- Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a large pickup truck with both quad cab and crew cab setups. The quad cab offers a 6.5-foot cargo bed, while the crew cab offers a choice of a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot cargo bed. The Tundra is known for its reliability and durability, with a reputation for lasting for years without significant issues. It also offers impressive towing and payload capacities, with the ability to tow up to 10,200 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,730 pounds. In contrast, its interior is less luxurious than some of its competitors, and its fuel economy could be better.
In conclusion, the choice between a quad cab and a crew cab pickup truck ultimately depends on the specific needs of the buyer. While quad cab trucks may be more affordable and offer more cargo space, crew cab trucks provide more passenger space and increased towing capacity. It is essential to consider factors such as the purpose of the vehicle, passenger and cargo capacity requirements, budget constraints, and driving conditions when making a decision. Ultimately, the best option is the one that fits the buyer’s individual needs.
