What is the difference between Crew Cab and regular cab Ram?
In short, a Crew Cab Ram has four full-size doors and a rear seat with more legroom, while a Regular Cab Ram has two doors and little to no rear seating, often paired with a longer cargo bed.
This article explains how these two cab configurations differ in terms of doors, seating, interior space, bed options, and practical use. Ram pickups have historically used several naming conventions for four-door variants, including Crew Cab and Quad Cab in older generations, but today the key distinction for most buyers is door count and rear-seat space. Availability of specific bed lengths and trims can vary by model year and generation, so always verify the exact configuration with a dealer for the truck you’re considering.
Cab layout and seating
Understanding how many doors each cab has and how many people it can accommodate helps determine daily practicality and comfort for passengers and crew.
Below is a concise comparison focused on doors, seating, and access.
- Doors and seating: Crew Cab has four full-size doors and a rear bench that can seat up to three passengers; Regular Cab has two doors and typically seats two to three, with little to no usable rear seating in most generations.
- Rear access and space: Crew Cab provides easier rear-seat access and substantially more rear legroom; Regular Cab prioritizes a compact cabin with more emphasis on the front seating and bed length.
- Interior layout implications: Crew Cab cabins prioritize passenger comfort and rear-passenger amenities; Regular Cab cabins emphasize cargo bed access and volume in the front area.
In practice, Crew Cabs are chosen for passenger comfort and crew versatility, while Regular Cabs are favored when long cargo space and payload are the primary goals. Always confirm the exact seating configuration for the year and trim you’re considering.
Bed lengths and cargo options
Bed length options and how they pair with the cab type vary by generation and model year. In general, Regular Cab variants are more likely to be offered with longer beds, while Crew Cab variants tend to pair with shorter beds to maximize rear-seat space.
Before listing typical patterns, note that Ram’s bed offerings have evolved across generations; some models may provide multiple bed lengths within the same cab, while others restrict longer beds to specific configurations. Always check the exact year and trim.
- Bed length availability: Regular Cab configurations often allow longer cargo beds, making them suited for tools, equipment, or materials; Crew Cab configurations typically feature shorter beds to enhance rear-seat comfort and access.
- Payload and utility balance: Crew Cab prioritizes passenger space, which can influence payload distribution and how much cargo can be hauled in a given setup; Regular Cab can lean toward maximizing cargo length and payload capacity.
- Year-to-year variations: The exact bed lengths offered depend on model year, Ram variant (e.g., 1500, 2500, 3500), and trim level; verify current options with a dealer.
Ultimately, bed length choices reflect the cab configuration: longer beds are more common with Regular Cab, while Crew Cab setups lean toward shorter beds to accommodate rear passengers.
Choosing the right Ram cab for your needs
Deciding between Crew Cab and Regular Cab comes down to how you plan to use the truck—how many people you carry regularly, and whether you need maximum cargo length or comfortable rear seating.
Before selecting, consider:
- Passenger needs: If you regularly transport adults in the back, a Crew Cab is usually the better choice for comfort and convenience.
- Cargo length vs. people: If your work involves hauling long items or equipment and you don’t need rear-seat space, a Regular Cab may be preferable.
- Trim and availability: Some trims or model years may limit cab options or bed lengths; confirm the exact configuration with a dealer.
Conclusion: The decision hinges on whether you value rear-seat comfort and passenger access or maximum cargo length and payload capability. For many buyers, Crew Cab is the default for everyday driving with passengers, while Regular Cab is favored for long-bed practicality and work use.
Summary
The Ram Crew Cab vs Regular Cab distinction centers on doors, seating, and bed length options. Crew Cab adds two extra doors and a rear seat with more legroom, typically pairing with shorter beds. Regular Cab offers two doors and a longer cargo bed, prioritizing cargo length and payload. Always verify the exact configuration for the model year and trim you’re considering to ensure it meets your needs.
What's special about a Ram 1500 crew cab?
Crew Cab RAM 1500 Advantages
Larger rear doors, make it easier to load and unload larger items in the rear seat.
What are the disadvantages of a crew cab?
What Are the Drawbacks of Choosing a GMC Crew Cab?
| Drawback | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Higher cost | More space and features mean a higher price than Regular or Double Cab trucks. |
| Shorter bed on some trims | You may lose cargo space if you pick a full-size cabin with a short bed. |
How do I tell if my truck is a crew cab?
Your truck is a crew cab if it has four full-sized, front-hinged doors and two rows of seating that offer ample legroom for all passengers. These are typically the largest cab options and are designed to comfortably fit multiple adults, unlike extended cabs which have smaller rear doors or less passenger space.
This video explains the differences between different truck cab sizes, including crew cabs: 59sThe_Car_MomYouTube · Apr 12, 2024
Key features of a crew cab
- Four full-sized doors: All four doors open in the same direction like a standard car.
- Spacious rear seats: They have a full-sized rear bench seat with plenty of legroom for adult passengers.
- Family-friendly: They are ideal for carrying passengers comfortably and are often used as a family vehicle.
How to distinguish from other cab types
- Extended cab (or Double Cab): Has four doors, but the rear doors are smaller and often rear-hinged, requiring the front door to be opened first. The rear seating is less spacious.
- Regular cab: Has only one row of seating, two doors, and a smaller interior.
What is the difference between crew cab and regular RAM?
Difference Between Crew Cab and Quad Cab
Crew cabs typically offer the most room for your passengers, as well as four full-sized doors for easier access. On the other hand, quad cabs can usually seat the same amount of passengers as crew cabs while providing less room for rear passengers.
