When it comes to pickup trucks, there’s a wide variety of configurations to suit different needs and preferences. Among these, the Super Cab vs. Crew Cab battle is a common conundrum for buyers in this segment. Understanding the differences between these configurations can help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Brief History Of Pickup Truck Configurations
The evolution of the pickup truck can be traced back to the 1920s, but the main purpose of being a workhorse has never changed. The gradual development of the vehicle has morphed from an open-air wagon to an enclosed vehicle with various cab sizes. This ranges from single-row regular cabs cab trucks, to double-row crew cabs, and more.
The expansion of pickup truck configurations has been driven by the need for versatility and convenience. Manufacturers have long recognized the need to provide vehicles capable of transporting work crews efficiently. This led to the development of the crew cab, or double cab, which featured a full-sized front and rear row with rear access doors, and seating for up to six passengers. The concept began with International Harvester in 1957, followed by Dodge in 1963, with help from an independent third-party builder. Ford fell in line soon after, in 1965, and GM was the last to catch up with the add-on in 1973.
The idea of extended cabs, now commonly known as Access Cabs, King Cabs, and Super Cabs, caught on soon after. Ford introduced its SuperCab in 1974, giving truck owners extra seating and storage space behind the front seats, but without the full-size rear doors of crew cabs.
Over the decades, all major auto manufacturers have adopted each of these basic configurations. Today, the Crew Cab, which features four full-sized doors and additional seating space, is the standard across the board. As you can see below, we previously covered the Ford SuperCab vs. Crew Cab pickups – this comparison details the differences between these pickups from the Blue Oval only.
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Super Cab Vs. Crew Cab Differences
Ford
Super Cab Exterior Design
The difference between a Super Cab and a Crew Cab pickup begins with the exterior design. Super Cabs, also referred to as Extended Cabs or Access Cabs, typically feature a smaller rear passenger compartment. Today, pickup trucks will feature a hinged door for access, but wasn’t always set up that way. In the early days and up into the late 1990s, passengers could access the rear extended cab seating through the front doors only. The Ford F-150 was the first to introduce a third door on the passenger side in 1997. They doubled up to a fourth door in 1999. Back in the day, these rear-row access doors were rear-hinged (suicide doors) which could only be opened when the front doors were opened.
Ford
Now, most auto manufacturers have upgraded their versions of the extended cab to a smaller rear-row door that utilizes front hinges and can be operated independently from the front-row doors. For example, Toyota Tundra’s Double Cab, Chevrolet’s Silverado Double Cab, and Ram’s Quad Cab all completely forfeit the obsolete extended cab for a more accommodating front-hinged rear-row door. Still, Ford is the current exception to this rule, and the design is evident in the Ford F-150 SuperCab.
2024 Vehicle Descriptions
Trims
Bed Length
Base MSRP
Chevrolet Silverado Double Cab
WT, Custom, LT, RST
6.6-foot
$40,100
Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab
All Trims
5.8-foot, 6.6-foot
$42,500
Ford F-150 SuperCab
XL, STX, XLT
6.5-foot
$41,285
Ford F-150 SuperCrew
All Trims
5.5-foot, 6.5-foot
$43,620
Ram Quad Cab
Tradesman, HFE, Big Horn
6.4-foot
$39,420
Ram Crew Cab
All Trims except for HFE
5.7-foot 6.4-foot
$42,170
Toyota Tundra Double Cab
SR, SR-5, Limited
6.5-foot, 8.1-foot
$39,965
Toyota Tundra CrewMax
All Trims
5.5-foot, 6.5-foot
$42,015
Crew Cab Exterior Design
Crew Cab trucks, on the other hand, boast larger full-size rear doors that also open independently, providing easier access to the full-size rear-row seats. This configuration is ideal for those who frequently transport passengers. Additionally, each auto brand has its own unique naming convention for its Crew Cab trucks. Ford has labeled its Crew Cab as the SuperCrew. Toyota calls its Tundra Crew Cab model a CrewMax. GM and RAM have been content with the Crew Cab name as is.
Truck Bed Length Is A Distinguishing Factor
In terms of body length, Crew Cabs are generally longer than Super Cabs, contributing to their spacious interiors but often resulting in a slightly reduced bed length. For instance, the 2024 Ford F-150 SuperCab offers a bed length of 6.5 feet, while the Ford F-150 SuperCrew comes with either a 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot bed. This trend is consistent across other brands, where Crew Cabs prioritize passenger space over cargo bed length.
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Interior Configuration
The interior space is another significant factor in the super cab vs. crew cab debate. Crew Cabs provide more legroom and seating comfort in the rear seats, making them better suited for carrying passengers on a regular basis. To give you a clear understanding of what that means, take a look at this comparison of interior specifications for the Ford F-150 SuperCab and Ford F-150 Crew Cab.
Description
SuperCab (2024 Ford F-150)
SuperCrew (2024 Ford F-150)
Rear Head Room
40.3 inches
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room SAE
33.5 inches
43.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room
66.1 inches
66.0 inches
Rear Hip Room
62.6 inches
62.6 inches
Ford
As the table shows, the Crew Cab offers significantly more rear legroom, enhancing comfort for rear passengers. This extra space makes Crew Cabs a better choice for families or work crews who need to travel together. In the past, rear-row seating accommodations left passengers sitting upright, on a bench seat at best, with no reclining options, and much comfort to be desired. Since then, modern pickup trucks have evolved into rather larger and ultra-luxury passenger vehicles and have become feature-rich with very accommodating levels of comfort to be expected on crew cab trucks. However, the extended and double cabs of today are usually only available on lower-tier trim-model trucks.
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Super Cab Vs. Crew Cab Pricing
Toyota
Pricing is another crucial consideration when choosing between a Super Cab and a Crew Cab. Generally, Crew Cabs are more expensive than Super Cabs due to their larger size and enhanced interior space. For example, the 2024 Ford F-150 SuperCab starts at under $42,000, while the least inexpensive F-150 SuperCrew goes for $43,620, depending on the trim and features.
Similar pricing trends can be observed across other brands according to each respective manufacturer’s website. Of course, these figures do not take into account destination fees, taxes, and dealer markup.
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab is priced from $40,100, while the Crew Cab in the same trim level costs $42,500. The 2024 Ram 1500 Quad Cab begins at $39,420, with the Crew Cab starting at around $42,170. Finally, the 2024 Toyota Tundra Double Cab will fetch $39,965, whereas an entry-level Tundra CrewMax costs $42,015.
These price differences reflect the additional materials, complex construction, and additional assembly required to accommodate the larger cab size and additional features.
Which Truck Is Right For Me?
Ford
Deciding between a Super Cab and a Crew Cab ultimately depends on the vehicle user’s specific needs and priorities. If they often carry passengers and need the extra interior space, the Crew Cab is the better option. Its full-sized rear doors and ample legroom make it a comfortable choice for family outings, work crews, and long trips.
However, if the primary need is to haul cargo in the truck bed, with the occasional need to transport passengers, the Super Cab might be sufficient. It offers a good balance between interior space and bed length, making it versatile for both work and leisure purposes. Additionally, the lower price point of Super Cabs can make them a more budget-friendly choice for buyers who don’t need the extra passenger space of a Crew Cab.
When comparing models like the Ford F-150 SuperCab vs. SuperCrew, the Chevrolet Silverado Double Cab vs. Crew Cab, the Ram 1500 Quad Cab vs. Crew Cab, and the Toyota Tundra Double Cab vs. CrewMax, the differences in size, interior space, and pricing should be the primary discerning factors. Each configuration has its own advantages, catering to different preferences and requirements.
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