The enclosed area of a pickup truck, known as the cab, is the space designed to hold the driver and passengers. This structure is mounted directly to the truck’s frame, and its size dictates the vehicle’s passenger capacity and the available length of the cargo bed. Manufacturers offer various cab configurations to suit different needs, from maximizing cargo hauling capability to prioritizing interior comfort. These choices fundamentally affect the truck’s overall dimensions and utility.
Regular Cab
The Regular Cab represents the most traditional and compact configuration available in the pickup truck market. This design features a single row of seating and is characterized by having only two full-sized doors. The interior space is limited to the front row, typically accommodating two or three people depending on whether bucket seats or a bench seat is installed.
Because the cab occupies the least amount of space on the truck’s frame, this configuration allows for the longest possible cargo bed, maximizing the vehicle’s hauling utility. This makes the Regular Cab a common choice for commercial work trucks and buyers who prioritize maximum payload and towing capacity. The shorter overall length also contributes to better maneuverability in tight spaces. The reduced size and simpler construction mean the Regular Cab is generally the lightest and most affordable option. Manufacturers often refer to this design simply as the Regular Cab, but it is also known by names like Standard Cab or Single Cab.
Extended Cab
The Extended Cab configuration serves as a middle ground, offering a compromise between passenger space and cargo bed length. This design adds a secondary, smaller space directly behind the front seats, which can be used for occasional passengers or secure interior storage. The most defining feature of the Extended Cab is its door arrangement, which typically includes two full-sized front doors and two smaller rear doors.
These rear doors are often rear-hinged, sometimes referred to as “suicide doors” or access panels, and can only be opened after the front doors are unlatched. The rear seating area usually consists of small jump seats or a narrow bench, providing limited legroom best suited for short trips or children. The Extended Cab is known by manufacturer-specific names, such as Ford’s SuperCab, Nissan’s King Cab, Ram’s Quad Cab, and Toyota’s Access Cab or Double Cab.
Crew Cab
The Crew Cab is the largest cab size available, designed to prioritize passenger comfort and interior space. This configuration features four full-sized, front-hinged doors, providing easy entry and exit for all occupants, similar to a sedan or SUV. The rear seating area is a full bench seat that offers generous legroom and shoulder room, making it comfortable for adult passengers on long journeys.
The spacious interior often includes amenities like under-seat storage and folding rear seats, enhancing its utility for daily driving and travel. This focus on passenger volume means the Crew Cab takes up the most space on the truck’s frame, necessitating a shorter cargo bed compared to the Regular or Extended Cab versions. Manufacturers use several distinct names for this largest cab size, including Ford’s SuperCrew, Toyota’s CrewMax, and Ram’s Mega Cab. While the Crew Cab is typically the most expensive option, it is the preferred choice for consumers who regularly transport a full complement of passengers.