Crew Cab vs. Quad Cab

You love trucks. You love the way they look, the way they drive, and the utility you get from them. Whether you’re looking to buy your first truck or you’re trading in for the newest model, you want to make sure you get the perfect one. One of the main decisions is what cab size you want. Should you go with a crew cab or a quad cab?

You might not know the difference, and you wouldn’t be alone. Both have four doors and a full back seat, so really they’re the same, right? Well, sort of. While they are similar, there are pros and cons to both. Here’s a rundown of the features of each to help you make an informed decision.

What Are My Cab Options?

Choosing anything in life is about assessing your options and then deciding based on a predetermined set of criteria. So you should have all the information regarding cabs before you can decide.

Cab names vary by manufacturer. They might use the name crew cab, super crew, standard crew, or quad crew differently. The first crew cab was introduced by International Harvester in 1957. Dodge began producing them in 1963, and over the next 10 years, Ford and Chevrolet entered the truck market.

Regular Cab

Since the inception of the truck, they’ve been built with a regular cab. In fact, that was the only option for decades. A regular cab features two doors and one bench seat, although variations with a center console have popped up in the last 30-40 years.

Crew Cab

Today, a crew cab is defined by having four doors and two rows of seating. They usually have two bench seats in the front and rear, but bucket seats in the front are an option that varies by manufacturer, and you might have the choice between bench or bucket. A crew cab will also have larger doors in the rear. Typically, they open in the same direction as the front doors like cars and SUVs. They also have much more space in the rear for passengers. While you can ride more comfortably in the back seat of a crew cab, the cargo volume is typically smaller.

Quad Cab

A quad cab shares the same features but to different degrees. Two bench seats in the front and the rear allow for the same number of passengers. You still have options for front bucket seats but the cargo volume in the rear is usually larger. The sacrifice comes primarily in passenger legroom. To create the cargo space, manufacturers tighten up the space for passengers. The doors are usually smaller, too, and in many cases open in the opposite direction as the front doors.

Which Can Tow and Haul More?

This is a good question, especially if you work your truck. Your tow capacity is reduced with the more spacious crew cab. The crew cab is larger and therefore is made with more material, which adds weight. The quad cab is smaller and weighs less so the towing capacity is greater.

The powertrain has a maximum gross vehicle weight rating that it can move. If your cab weighs less, then your powertrain can haul that much more. A regular cab can haul the most because it has the least amount of weight allocated to the cab.

Will the Cab Size Affect My Bed Size and Maximum Cargo Capacity?

These days the bed size on your truck is optional. Many manufacturers offer multiple bed sizes for any cab. You’ll find 4-, 5-, and 6-foot bed sizes for just about any truck cab. As for cargo capacity, while you might think a larger bed can carry more, you’re only partly right. You can fit more in but your powertrain can only move so much. A larger bed will weigh more and therefore lower the gross vehicle weight rating. A smaller bed will have the opposite effect.

Which Costs More To Purchase?

Costs can vary for multiple reasons. Options like wheels, engines, and technology can make it difficult to ascertain exactly how much one costs versus the other, as well as an individual manufacturer’s truck configuration options. In general, you should pay less for a quad cab than you would for a crew cab simply because there is less material used in the construction if you are comparing all the same features.

Should I Choose a Crew Cab or a Quad Cab Truck?

Why Choose a Crew Cab?

The term crew cab began because people needed to transport their crew to the job site. If you need to bring three or more people along with you then the crew cab is roomier and more comfortable for everyone. Additionally, there are usually more comfort features for second-row passengers.

Another reason to choose the crew cab is if you don’t carry a lot of cargo regularly. If you only occasionally need to transport people you could opt for the crew cab and simply use the rear seat as cargo space.

Why Choose a Quad Cab?

If your commute is a long one or you find yourself driving long distances often, then a quad cab makes sense. It’s lighter and therefore more efficient, so you’ll save at the pump. If you need plenty of cargo space rather than passenger room then the quad cab is the choice for you. While they both can carry the same number of passengers, the quad cab passenger space is smaller.

Compare Crew Cabs and Quad Cabs for Yourself in Grand Forks

If you’d like to see for yourself the features and benefits of the different cabs you should come visit Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC today. One of our friendly, professional staff members will be happy to take you through our extensive inventory of trucks and answer any questions you might have. Or you can visit us online and browse the many features available on any of our trucks and get your new truck delivered to your door.

Tags: Crew Cab, Quad Cab
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