Pickup Truck Cab Styles

What is a Regular Cab?

A regular cab is the most basic pickup truck configuration. Regular cabs are sometimes called “standard cabs” or “single cabs,” depending on the car maker.

Regular cabs feature a single row of seating for two or three passengers, and a single set of doors.

Think of it as the no-frills option—perfect if you’re all about maximizing cargo space or if you primarily use your truck for work. Regular cab trucks usually have longer beds than their counterparts.

While there’s no industry-standard size, most regular cabs are around 55-62 inches long.

Let’s break down the good and the not-so-good about regular cab pickup trucks:

Pros: maneuverability, longest bed length, fuel economy.

Cons: cramped interior, can’t transport more than two passengers.

The following popular trucks are available in regular cab configurations:

• Nissan Titan
• Toyota Tundra
• Chevrolet Colorado

What is an Extended Cab?

An extended cab, also called a super cab or access cab, is a step up from the regular cab. It adds space behind the front seats. It has two rows of seats, though the back row is often smaller than a full-sized back seat. Access to this area is usually through small, rear-hinged doors, sometimes called “suicide doors.”

Think of it as the compromise option—you get a cramped back seat without sacrificing much bed length.

While sizes can vary between manufacturers, extended cabs add about 10–12 inches to the cab length, compared to regular cabs.

Pros:

• Extra interior space compared to regular cabs.
• Can transport more than two people.
• Secure, weather-protected storage space inside the cab.
• Versatile option for occasional extra passengers or cargo.

Cons:

• Rear seating is not as spacious or comfortable.
• Not ideal for having adult passengers in the back.
• Has a shorter bed length compared to regular cabs.
• Lower fuel efficiency than regular cabs due to increased weight.

These popular trucks are available in extended cab configurations:

1. Ford F-150
2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3. Toyota Tacoma

What is a Crew Cab?

Crew cabs bring the comfort of an SUV to the world of pickup trucks, without sacrificing utility. It features four full-sized doors and two rows of seating, comfortably accommodating five or six adults.

The crew cab shines as a family vehicle that also needs to haul cargo. Crew cabs offer plenty of interior space and comfort. This makes them suitable for long trips with multiple passengers.

Crew cabs typically add about 20–24 inches to the cab length, compared to regular cabs. This extra space usually cuts down your bed length, although many manufacturers offer different bed sizes to balance interior and cargo space.

Different automakers have their own names for crew cabs. For instance, Toyota calls it “CrewMax,” Ram uses “Quad Cab,” and Nissan refers to it as “Crew Cab.”

Pros:

• Spacious interior
• Comfortable seating for up to six adults
• Versatile for both work and family use
• SUV-like comfort in a pickup truck
• Ample storage space inside the cab

Cons:

• Less maneuverable in tight spaces
• Slightly lower fuel efficiency
• Typically shorter bed length
• Higher purchase price than smaller cab options

The following crew cab trucks have the best combination of interior space, comfort, and versatility:

• Ford F-150
• Ram 1500
• GMC Sierra 1500

What is an Extended Crew Cab?

An extended crew cab is the most spacious pickup truck cab configuration available. Ford calls it “SuperCrew,” Chevrolet and GMC use “Crew Cab,” and Ram refers to it as “Mega Cab.” It features four full-sized doors and two rows of seating, with extra legroom in the rear seats.

Extended crew cabs are perfect for long trips with adult passengers or for those who frequently transport clients or colleagues in comfort. Extended crew cabs add an additional 4–6 inches of legroom in the rear, compared to standard crew cabs.

Here are truck manufacturers that offer the extended crew cab configuration:

• Ram (Dodge)
• Chevrolet
• GMC
• Toyota

Which Pickup Truck Cab Type Suits My Needs the Best?

The right pickup truck cab type depends on how you plan to use your truck.

If you haul a lot of stuff and don’t have many passengers, get a regular cab. It offers a single row of seats and the longest bed options. This makes it ideal for hauling large items.

If you need a big bed but also need to bring more than two passengers, an extended cab offers a practical solution. It provides extra storage or seating behind the main row, accommodating occasional passengers or additional cargo.

If passenger capacity and comfort matter most (but you still want a truck), an extended crew cab is your best bet. It offers four full-sized doors and ample seating for up to five or six people, making it the most comfortable and versatile option for both work and family use.