The auto industry is a critical driver of the global economy, with an estimated 66.7 million units sold worldwide in 2021, according to Statista. One segment of the auto industry that has gained popularity over the years is regular cab trucks. These vehicles offer practicality and versatility, making them a top choice for many drivers.
This article will explore the importance of regular cab trucks in the auto industry and provide a comprehensive review of the top 10 regular cab trucks of 2023. From their features, pricing, and what sets them apart in the market, potential buyers and enthusiasts will learn everything to know when considering these vehicles.
Regular Cab Trucks Overview
Regular cab trucks are pickup trucks with a single row of seats and a cargo bed. These vehicles are popular among drivers needing a reliable and flexible option for work and leisure. They are designed to be practical, affordable, and versatile.
One of the main benefits of owning a regular cab truck is affordability. Compared to larger trucks with extended cabs or crew cabs, regular cab trucks are generally less expensive, making them a more accessible option for buyers on a budget. In addition, regular cab trucks are typically more maneuverable, making them easier to navigate through tight spaces or narrow roads.
Other benefits of owning a regular cab truck include its durability, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities. Many regular cab trucks also come equipped with advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning systems and blind spot monitoring, making them a safe option for daily driving.
So, despite the crew cab vs extended cab debate, the regular cab truck is still an excellent choice for many drivers. Famous examples of regular cab trucks include the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier. These trucks have consistently been among the top-selling regular cab trucks in recent years, with their rugged design and reliable performance making them a favorite among consumers.
News reports also support the popularity of regular cab trucks. In 2022, Chevrolet announced the launch of its redesigned Silverado, which sold out within minutes. That means regular cab trucks are still in high demand and remain a sought-after option in the auto industry.
Top 10 Regular Cab Trucks of 2023
If you want to buy a regular cab truck in 2023, you have a wide range of options. To help you make an informed decision, here is a compiled list of the best regular cab trucks of 2023 and a review of their features.
1. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a top contender in the regular cab truck market, offering a combination of power, performance, and reliability. With a starting price of $25,070, the Ranger comes equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, producing up to 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also features advanced safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, making it a safe choice for daily driving.
2. Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tacoma is another popular choice among regular cab truck buyers, known for its off-road capabilities and reliability. Starting at $26,150, the Tacoma features a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It also comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. With its impressive off-roading capabilities, the Tacoma is the best choice for adventure seekers.
3. Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a versatile and capable regular cab truck starting at $24,700. It features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. It also comes equipped with advanced safety features like forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
4. Nissan Frontier
This is a reliable and affordable regular cab truck, with a price starting at $22,790. It features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The Frontier also comes with a variety of safety features like anti-lock brakes and stability control.
5. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 regular cab is a powerful and spacious truck, starting at $33,940. It comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing up to 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It also features advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
6. GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra 1500 regular cab is a rugged and versatile truck, starting at $29,200. It features a 4.3-liter V6 engine, producing up to 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. The Sierra 1500 also comes with advanced safety features like front and rear park assist and lane departure warning.
7. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 regular cab is a reliable and durable truck, starting at $29,300. It features a 4.3-liter V6 engine, producing up to 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a range of advanced safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning.
8. Honda Ridgeline
This regular cab is a comfortable and versatile truck, starting at $29,540. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing up to 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Ridgeline also comes with advanced safety features like lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
9. Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator regular cab is a rugged and capable truck, starting at $33,565. It features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing up to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Gladiator also comes equipped with advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
10. GMC Canyon
This truck is a durable and versatile truck, starting at $23,790. It features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing up to 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. It also comes with a variety of safety features like forward collision alert and lane departure warning.
Comparison of Top 10 Regular Cab Trucks of 2023
When it comes to choosing the right regular cab truck, there are several important factors to consider. The top 10 regular cab trucks of 2023 offer a range of features and capabilities, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a comparison of the top 10 regular cab trucks in terms of interior space, towing capacity, fuel economy, and other important features.
In terms of interior space, the Ram 1500 Regular Cab and Ford F-150 Regular Cab offer the roomiest cabins, with spacious seating and ample storage options. The Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab and GMC Canyon Regular Cab, on the other hand, offer more compact cabins that are better suited for smaller drivers or those who prefer a more maneuverable truck.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Ford F-150 Regular Cab and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab are at the top of the list, with the ability to tow up to 13,200 pounds and 13,300 pounds, respectively. The Nissan Frontier Regular Cab and GMC Canyon Regular Cab, however, have more modest towing capacities of 6,720 pounds and 7,700 pounds, respectively.
In terms of fuel economy, the Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab and Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab offer the best mileage, with an estimated 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. On the other hand, the Ford Ranger Regular Cab and Ram 1500 Regular Cab have slightly lower fuel efficiency, with an estimated 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
When comparing these trucks, it’s essential to consider the trade-offs between different features. For example, a larger towing capacity may come at the cost of fuel efficiency, while a more spacious interior may sacrifice maneuverability. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each truck, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
Top Regular Cab Trucks by Category
While the top 10 regular cab trucks of 2023 offer a range of features and capabilities, some trucks stand out in specific categories. Here are some recommendations for the best regular cab trucks by category:
Best for Towing
The Ford F-150 Regular Cab and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab are the top picks for towing, with the ability to tow up to 13,200 pounds and 13,300 pounds, respectively. These trucks offer powerful engines, strong frames, and advanced towing features like trailer sway control and integrated trailer brake controller.
Best for Off-Roading
The Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab and Jeep Gladiator Regular Cab are the best choices for off-roading, with their impressive off-road capability and rugged features. The Tacoma Regular Cab offers an available TRD Off-Road package with features like skid plates and off-road-tuned suspension, while the Gladiator Regular Cab features standard 4×4 capability and a removable top and doors for the ultimate adventure.
Best for Fuel Economy
The Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab and Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab are the most fuel-efficient options, with an estimated 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. These trucks offer efficient engines and advanced fuel-saving technologies like automatic start-stop and cylinder deactivation.
Best for Work
The Ram 1500 Regular Cab and Ford Ranger Regular Cab are the top choices for work, with their impressive hauling and payload capacities. The Ram 1500 Regular Cab offers a maximum payload capacity of up to 2,320 pounds and a variety of available work-focused features like the RamBox cargo management system. The Ford Ranger Regular Cab offers a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds and features like an available towing package and trailer sway control.
Benefits of Owning a Regular Cab Truck
Owning a regular cab truck offers a variety of benefits that make it a popular choice for many drivers. Here are some of the main advantages of owning a regular cab truck:
Affordability
Regular cab trucks are typically less expensive than larger trucks or SUVs, making them a more affordable option for many drivers. Additionally, regular cab trucks tend to have better fuel economy than larger trucks, which can help save money over time. The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado starts at $25,000, significantly less expensive than larger trucks or SUVs such as the Ford F-150 or the Chevrolet Silverado.
Maneuverability
Regular cab trucks are often more maneuverable than larger trucks, making them easier to navigate through tight spaces and crowded city streets. It can be beneficial for drivers who frequently drive in urban areas. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a smaller turning radius than many larger trucks, which makes it more maneuverable in tight spaces and crowded city streets.
Ease of Parking
Regular cab trucks are typically easier to park than larger trucks or SUVs, thanks to their smaller size. It can be a significant advantage in crowded parking lots or urban areas with limited parking spaces. The 2023 GMC Canyon has a compact size that makes it easier to park in tight spaces, which can be a significant advantage in crowded urban areas.
Versatility
Regular cab trucks are highly versatile vehicles that can be used for various purposes. They can be used for work, play, or everyday driving, and they can be customized to fit a driver’s specific needs and preferences. The 2023 Ford Ranger can be customized with a variety of accessories and upgrades, including a tow package, a bed liner, and off-road tires, making it highly versatile and adaptable to a driver’s specific needs.
Durability
Regular cab trucks are built to be durable and long-lasting, which makes them a great investment for drivers who want a vehicle that will hold up over time. Many regular cab trucks are designed to handle tough terrain and heavy loads, which makes them a reliable choice for drivers who need a vehicle they can count on.
The 2023 Nissan Frontier is built to handle tough terrain and heavy loads. Additionally, many regular cab trucks are designed with durable materials that can withstand wear and tear over time, which can help drivers save money on repairs and maintenance.
Downsides of Owning a Regular Cab Truck
While there are many benefits to owning a regular cab truck, there are also some downsides that potential buyers should be aware of. Here are some of the most common downsides to owning a regular cab truck:
- Limited Passenger Capacity: Regular cab trucks typically have seating for only two or three people, which can be a problem for families or groups of friends who need to transport more people. Consider an extended or crew cab model if you need more passenger capacity or storage space. These trucks have additional seating and storage space while retaining many of the benefits of a regular cab truck.
- Limited Storage Space: Regular cab trucks usually have less storage space than larger trucks or SUVs, which can be a problem for drivers who need to haul large items or equipment. If you know that you’ll need to transport more people or cargo occasionally, plan and make arrangements to borrow or rent a larger vehicle if needed.
- Limited Comfort: Regular cab trucks often have a more basic interior and fewer amenities than larger trucks or SUVs, making them less comfortable for long drives or commutes. Many regular cab trucks can be customized with accessories and upgrades such as bed liners, tonneau covers, or roof racks, which can help maximize storage space and make the truck more comfortable for long drives.
Future of Regular Cab Trucks
The future of regular cab trucks looks bright in the auto industry, as manufacturers continue to innovate and improve their designs and technology. Here are a few potential changes we can expect to see in the coming years:
- More Efficient Engines: As fuel economy becomes an increasingly important concern for consumers and regulators; manufacturers are investing in new engine technologies that can improve the efficiency of regular cab trucks. For example, some manufacturers are exploring using hybrid or electric powertrains in their trucks, which can provide better fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
- Advanced Safety Features: Many regular cab trucks already have a range of safety features, such as lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. In the future, we can expect to see even more advanced safety features become standard on regular cab trucks, such as automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection systems.
- Lightweight Materials: To improve fuel economy and performance, many manufacturers are exploring using lightweight materials in their regular cab trucks. For example, some trucks are now built with aluminum bodies instead of traditional steel, which can help reduce weight without sacrificing durability.
- Autonomous Driving: While fully autonomous regular cab trucks may still be several years away, we can expect to see more advanced driver assistance systems become available shortly. These systems will allow trucks to drive themselves in certain situations, such as on the highway or in heavy traffic, which can help reduce driver fatigue and improve safety.
Regular cab trucks are a popular and important segment of the auto industry, offering a range of benefits. It’s important for consumers to evaluate their needs and research their options carefully before making a decision on which regular cab truck to purchase. With continued innovation and advancements in technology, the future of regular cab trucks looks promising, and they will continue to play an important role in the auto industry and for consumers.
