Quad Cab vs. Crew Cab: What's the Difference?
by Josh BoydUpdated September 15, 2022
Today, more than ever, consumers routinely seek out trucks that feature extended or oversized cabs, capable of seating multiple occupants. Trucks of this design prove both practical, and utilitarian in nature. One can haul virtually any cargo, while also carrying a fair number of passengers along for the ride.
The term ¨quad cab¨ was pioneered by Dodge to identify their line of extended-cab, four-door trucks, which were somewhat less roomy within their rear compartment than a typical crew cab truck. By contrast, the term ¨crew cab¨ has been used on an industry-wide basis to describe trucks that feature a rear compartment.
The following is a side-by-side comparison of quad cab vs. crew cab trucks.
Quad Cab vs. Crew Cab
The difference between a quad cab and a crew cab is that crew cab trucks feature four full-size doors, while quad cab trucks feature full size front doors and abbreviated or shorter rear cab doors. Additionally, a crew cab truck tends to be slightly more spacious, offering additional legroom for passengers riding within the rear segment of the truck's cab.
Crew Cab | Quad Cab | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Doors | Crew Cab 4 full size doors | Quad Cab 2 full front/2 small rear doors |
| Occupancy | Crew Cab 6 | Quad Cab 6 |
| Passenger Room | Crew Cab Greater leg and head room in rear | Quad Cab Less leg and head room in rear |
| Cargo Space | Crew Cab Usually shortened bed | Quad Cab Usually Full size bed |
| Fuel Economy | Crew Cab Less than Quad | Quad Cab Greater Than Crew |
This being said, there is one major area in which most quad cab trucks do carry a distinct advantage. This relates to available cargo space. While crew cab trucks feature additional legroom for all occupants, they do so at the expense of cargo space and usable bed length. On the other hand, the majority of quad cab trucks retain a full-size bed, of traditional length.
Crew cab trucks are a favorite of tradesmen and work crews who travel from jobsite to jobsite together, and are even used as a secondary family vehicle due to their favorable cab size.
Fuel Economy & Cost
In addition to this, quad-cab trucks also tend to get slightly better fuel economy than their larger crew cab counterparts. This is due in large part to their somewhat smaller footprint and lighter frame. Nonetheless, these fuel savings are minimal at best and are unlikely to even be noticed by the bulk of motorists.
In terms of overall cost, the quad-cab proves more affordable. While crew cab trucks provide additional cabin legroom, each inch of extra space is dearly paid for by the end consumer. Meanwhile, though not overly cheap in their own right, quad cab trucks can generally be purchased for approximately ¼ less in price than the next closest crew cab alternative.
References
Writer Bio
Josh Boyd is an ASE certified, career automotive technician with an intense passion for all things of mechanical nature. Whenever Josh does not have a wrench in his hand, he can be found writing for multiple publications.
