Trucks are excellent for transporting goods and passengers from any distance. But they come with a price, and you either get more space for goods at the expense of seats or vice versa.
Manufacturers have different names for the many cab sizes they offer. Using regular, extended, and crew cabs, you can identify them using three distinct styles.
The regular cab has one row for seats and more cargo space. Extended crew cabs have two rows of seats, with crew cabs offering more room for the second passenger row than the former. The quad cab is essentially a crew cab with more cargo space.
Dodge RAM offers only two cab options – the crew and the quad cab, and both are great options.
In this article, we compare the two cab styles Dodge RAM offers to help you decide which one is best for your needs.
The Dodge Ram Crew Cab can comfortably seat up to six people at the expense of cargo space.
In contrast, the quad cab accommodates six people but offers more cargo space.
However, the second row of the passenger seat in a quad cab is not as spacious as the crew cab.
Most families in the United States use the crew cab because of its functionality as a family vehicle.
It makes hauling loads easier while still providing comfort for the average nuclear family (in terms of passenger space).
As a side effect, it will not take much weight since it is already heavy from the extra construction materials. Families who often go camping or hunting find it an indispensable device.
On the other hand, quad cabs offer more cargo space at the expense of the second row of passenger seats.
They are lighter, cheaper, and more efficient but offer uncomfortable traveling for groups of more than three people.
They are great for moving heavier and higher amounts of load than a camping trip would require. Quad cabs are also more efficient at moving loads on rough off-road terrain.
To thoroughly investigate the differences between the quad cab and the crew cab, we look at it through these three different captions:
1) Interior Features Differences
Feature | Quad Cab | Crew Cab |
Front legroom | 41 inches | 41 inches |
Rear legroom | 35.6 inches | 45.2 inches |
Folding rear seats | Present | Present |
Rear cargo space | 61.5 cubic feet | 53.9 cubic feet |
The quad cab has a smaller passenger interior than crew cabs.
Their front legroom is the same, but the rear legroom and rear seats are different, with the quad cab having smaller space.
However, the quad cab compensates for its smaller passenger space and bigger cargo space.
Therefore, a crew cab will seat five or six passengers comfortably if the front has a bench for a seat.
Meanwhile, the quad cab can only seat three passengers comfortably at a time, not more than five, which is uncomfortable for those behind over long distances.
In compensation, the quad cab has more rear cargo space, implying that you can fit more enormous items.
They both have folding rear seats to allow for more cargo space should the need arise.
2) Truck Bed Comparison
Feature | Quad Cab | Crew Cab |
Bed size | 6 feet, 4 inches | 5 feet, 7 inches |
Bed length | 76.3 inches | 67.4 inches |
Bed width | 66.4 inches | 66.4 inches |
Payload | 2,300 pounds | 1,930 pounds |
Quad cabs have the upper hand in the truck bed, and their size and length are more extensive than that of a crew cab, with their bed widths roughly similar. Also, there is a big difference in their payload.
Heavier cabs will take on less load, ensuring that the total weight of the vehicle and the burden is something the tires can carry.
Crew cabs have more materials in their making due to the extra space, unlike quad cabs.
Consequently, they are heavier when empty and take less load than the quad cab. You can fit heavier goods into the quad cab without much fuss.
3) Performance Distinction
Criteria | Quad Cab | Crew Cab |
Drive Type | Rear-wheel | Rear-wheel |
Towing capacity | 7,730 pounds | 6,520 pounds |
Fuel economy | Better fuel mileage | Less fuel mileage |
Weight (GCWR) | 12,900 pounds | 11,900 pounds |
Both quad and crew cabs have rear-wheel drive types. The main advantage of rear-wheel drive is that it does not lose traction around fast corners and provides enough power and control for your truck to go about anywhere.
In contrast, owing to size, the quad cab has better fuel efficiency and towing capacity than crew cabs—the bigger the truck, the less fuel efficient it is.
A smaller truck dispenses less energy than a bigger one and will tow more weight since it does not have much of its own to push to the limit.
The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the truck’s weight, passengers, and attachment (the trailer).
The quad cab has a higher GCWR value than crew cabs because it can carry more weight in its trailer and supports carrying only a few passengers.
Since the crew cab is heavier on its own, its trailer cannot support as much weight as the quad cab.
Another reason for the quad cab’s higher GCWR is that the smaller room in the second row of passenger seats allows for more cargo room.
4) Cost
The crew cab demonstrates that comfort comes at a higher price. Some crew cabs cost as much as two thousand dollars more than their quad counterpart.
Similarities in a Dodge Ram Crew Cab and Quad Cab
The difference between the Dodge Ram crew cab and the quad cab hinges solely on space. Aside from that, they share many similarities, such as:
a) Electronic Accessories
Dodge offers a standard infotainment system and additional ones for the crew and quad cab styles. They also feature single and dual sunroofs and automatic climate control.
b) Safety Features
Both cab styles have good NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings. Their safety features include various technologies, such as blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and a surround-view parking camera system.
c) Drivetrain
Dodge offers rear-wheel drive for both cab styles with an optional four-wheel drive.
Rear-wheel drive is less costly to maintain and gives better handling with weight distribution.
d) Child Seats
The quad and crew cab have tether anchors for children. Tether anchors can be hard to find and are easily confused with other seat hardware.
However, Dodge makes it easy on both the crew and quad cabs as they are easily identifiable.
Benefits of Quad Cab and Crew Cab
The quad and crew cab have the same purpose (to move goods and people around) but different concentrations.
Nevertheless, they have specific benefits, which we present in subsequent paragraphs.
The foremost benefit you will appreciate in a quad cab is that it is cheaper, costs less to buy, and uses less fuel annually.
It has a higher cargo capacity, and its small size gives it an advantage in mileage.
On the other hand, crew cabs ensure more comfortable rides with armrests for the back seats.
In addition, taking items in and out of the back seats of a crew cab is more accessible since their doors are bigger.
To that end, some personal effects (no matter how large) have better chances in a crew cab.
Cab Style | Specifications | Benefits |
Crew Cab | Length – 232.9 inches Height – 77.6 inches Bed length – 67.4 inches Overall width – 82.1 inches Maximum payload – 1,930 pounds |
The foldable bench comfortably seats five people, with one extra passenger. The second row of doors is easily accessible with most objects. It is great for traveling long distances with more than three passengers. |
Quad Cab | Length – 228.9 inches Height – 77.6 inches Bed length – 76.3 inches Overall width – 82.1 inches Maximum payload – 2,300 pounds |
Has more cargo space. Carries more weight. Better fuel economy. Saves money, both during purchase and usage. |
Ram Crew Cab Vs Quad Cab: What Should You Choose?
The decision to choose between the Ram crew cab and the quad cab should be based on why you want a truck.
Someone intending to use the truck as a family vehicle would have different preferences than someone going solo with the truck.
The crew cab is an excellent choice if you are interested in keeping a truck as a personal or family vehicle.
It will help you not only when you move from one apartment to another but also during trips and simple vacations.
The quad cab, however, is more suited for people who do not expect much company while driving. It is excellent for professional hauling services and helps you save a lot.
If your pocket has more inclination towards the quad cab, it will still serve you as well as a crew cab.
However, if you crave more comfort for your passengers, the crew cab is the one you should consider.
Therefore, if you want more practicality, get the quad cab. It perfectly interprets trucks’ original purpose of carrying goods.
Dodge Ram vs Other Manufacturers With The Crew Cab
01. Toyota Tundra
The first thing you notice about this pair is that the Dodge RAM has more room in the rear passenger seat.
The difference in their towing capacity is negligible, with the RAM leading in the payload.
However, the Toyota Tundra offers good performance and reliability at a lower price and is a good substitute if you wish to save a bit more.
02. Nissan Titan
Dodge Ram offers better speed and powerline options than the Nissan Titan, which is more expensive.
The Nissan Titan compensates for this by having a maximum towing capacity of 9320 pounds. They share the same drive styles with minor differences in passenger space.
03. Honda Ridgeline
Dodge Ram towers over the Honda Ridgeline with its higher cargo space, powertrain options, horsepower, towing capacity, and exterior length and width.
The Honda Ridgeline offers a slimmer body for finding a parking spot and a smaller turning radius, allowing it to get through tight spots easily.
It fares well as a cheap alternative for less strenuous usage.
04. Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a cheaper but dependable alternative to the Dodge Ram, and they offer the same warranty, roadside assistance, and drive types.
However, Chevy still offers regular cabs, which means a longer bed space option.
05. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 and the Dodge RAM 1500 are two powerful competitors.
What the Ford lacks in space, it makes up for in power upgrades, driver aids, tech features, and broader availability.
Moreover, the Ford F-150 is more expensive, up to $10,000 more than the Dodge RAM. If you are looking for more finesse, the Ford F-150 is a nice catch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Tell If My RAM Is Crew Or Quad?
You can tell if your RAM is crew or quad by checking the second-row passenger seat space.
You have a crew cab if it is roomy and comfortable for anyone with smaller cargo space.
Quad cabs do not leave enough room for passengers sitting in the second row to stretch their legs like crew cabs.
What is The Difference Between The Crew Cab and The Mega Cab?
The significant difference between the two is that the crew cab comes with a long (8 feet) and short bed (6 feet, 4 inches) option, while the mega cab comes only with a short bed.
The mega cab is fantastic for those seeking more interior room than cargo space.
Is The Quad Cab Better Than The Crew Cab?
It all depends on what you want to do with the vehicle. The quad cab is better for a more professional work experience, as it can take more loads and tow more pounds than the crew cab. The crew cab is better for family use since it is roomy.
However, using the crew cab for professional hauling services is not a bad idea either, as you can quickly get a longer bed.
You will need a good driver, though maneuvering long beds is no easy task. Also, you would not be able to take on much load since the crew cab is very heavy.
Which Other Brands Use Quad Cabs Too?
Only Dodge uses the style name “Quad cab.” Other brands use crew cabs and regular cabs.
Dodge does not offer a regular cab option; its quad cab is a hybrid of a regular cab and a crew cab.
It gives just enough seats with better cargo space and performance than the crew cab.
Final Thoughts
The quad cab is a testament to Dodge’s thoughtfulness. It provides more room for cargo while simultaneously considering more passengers.
The crew cab is more common as other manufacturers have it in their product lines, but the fast-rising popularity of Dodge’s quad cab may bring new light to the truck line.
Therefore, the crew cab is your best choice if you seek more room for passengers.
But if you are looking for a cab style that will take more passengers than a regular cab and more cargo than a crew cab, the quad cab is the perfect choice.
Bruce William is a professional content writer and vehicle engineer with extensive car maintenance and repair knowledge. His expertise spans all vehicle parts, offering practical solutions for various automotive issues. Bruce provides valuable insights through his website articles to help readers maintain their cars for optimal performance and longevity.