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What is the difference between extended cab and crew cab Chevy?

The Crew Cab is the larger, four-full-door option with more rear-seat space, while the Extended Cab (often called Double Cab in GM literature) uses two doors plus smaller rear doors and offers less rear legroom. In Chevy trucks, Crew Cabs prioritize interior comfort for passengers; Extended/Double Cabs emphasize bed length and a more compact rear seating area.

What these terms mean in Chevrolet trucks

Chevrolet uses “Crew Cab” and “Double Cab” to describe two different cab styles in pickups like the Silverado and Colorado. The Crew Cab has four full-size doors and generous rear seating, while the Double/Extended Cab has two primary front doors and smaller rear access doors with tighter rear-seat space.

Below is a side-by-side look at the core distinctions you’ll typically encounter when choosing between these cabs.

Door count and access: Crew Cab offers four full-size doors; Double/Extended Cab features two main doors plus smaller rear doors for access.

Interior space: Crew Cab provides more rear-seat legroom and headroom, making it more comfortable for adults in back seats.

Rear seating practicality: Crew Cab generally accommodates larger passengers more easily and often includes larger rear seats; Extended/Double Cab seats are smaller in the back and may be best for occasional passengers or kids.

Bed length options: Availability of longer bed lengths can vary by cab type and model year; Extended/Double Cab configurations are more commonly paired with longer beds on some trims, while Crew Cab options may restrict bed lengths to shorter options on certain years or trims.

Usage scenarios: Crew Cab is preferred for families or crews needing easy rear access and space; Extended/Double Cab suits buyers who want a longer bed for hauling and don’t need as much backseat space.

Price and fuel economy: Crew Cab configurations typically cost more due to the larger interior; differences in fuel economy are usually small but can vary with cab size and bed length.

In practice, Chevrolet’s current lineup emphasizes Crew Cab and Double Cab terminology. If you’re shopping, confirm the exact door configuration and interior dimensions for the model year and trim you’re considering, since GM has rotated labels and specs over the years.

Which configuration is right for you?

Choose Crew Cab if you need maximum passenger comfort

Opt for a Crew Cab when you regularly transport adults in the back seat, plan carpools, or want easier access with full-size rear doors and more interior space. It’s the go-to choice for families and service crews who value comfort and convenience over bed length.

Choose Double/Extended Cab if you prioritize bed length or footprint

Pick the Double/Extended Cab if you frequently haul long items or need a longer bed and you don’t regularly carry adult passengers in the back seat. This configuration tends to be more space-efficient for the cab area and can offer longer bed options on more trims or model years.

Note: Availability of bed lengths and exact door configurations can vary by model year, trim, and market. Always check the specific Silverado or Colorado configuration you’re considering to confirm door size, rear-seat space, and bed options.

Context for current Chevrolet pickups

In recent model years, Chevrolet has largely used the terms Crew Cab and Double/Extended Cab to differentiate four-full-door cabs from two-door/front-door-plus-small-rear-door variants. The Crew Cab is the larger, more spacious option, while the Double/Extended Cab trades rear-seat space for additional bed length or a more compact footprint. When shopping, verify the exact cab type and interior measurements for the truck you want, as labeling and available configurations can shift with new updates.

Summary: For Chevrolet pickups, Crew Cab = four full-size doors, more rear legroom, and easier rear access. Double/Extended Cab = two main doors plus smaller rear doors, less rear space, often with longer bed options. Your choice should hinge on how you plan to use the rear seat and bed space, and you should verify the exact specs for the model year you’re considering.

What's the difference between a Chevy Crew Cab and a Chevy Extended Cab?

A crew cab truck has four full-size doors and can comfortably seat up to six adults. An extended cab truck has smaller rear doors and typically seats four adults comfortably.

How do I tell if my truck is a crew cab or extended cab?

How to Know Which Cab Size Your Vehicle Is

Extended cab trucks have 2 full hinge doors and 1 to 2 suicide doors.
Crew cabs have 4 full hinge doors that open in the same direction, just like a 4 door car.
Extended cab trucks have 2 full hinge doors and 1 to 2 suicide doors.

What are the disadvantages of an extended cab?

The main disadvantages of an extended cab are limited rear-seat comfort and space, making it best for occasional passengers, not adults on long trips. Other drawbacks include reduced cargo bed length compared to a regular cab, difficult access to the back seats, and potentially lower towing or payload capacity due to the added weight and shorter bed.

Rear seating and accessibility

Cramped rear seats: The rear seat is often small, with limited legroom and headroom, making it uncomfortable for adults, especially on long drives.
Difficult entry/exit: Rear doors are typically smaller and may require the front door to be opened first, making it inconvenient to get in and out, particularly in tight parking spots.

Space and cargo

Shorter bed: To accommodate the extra cabin space, the truck bed is usually shorter than a regular cab truck, reducing the amount of cargo you can haul.
Less interior cargo room: The rear seating area can also intrude on interior cab space, limiting what you can store inside.

Performance and cost

Reduced towing/payload capacity: The extra weight from the extended cab and seating can reduce the truck's towing and payload capacity, though the impact is often negligible for most users.
Higher price: While often less expensive than a crew cab, extended cabs are still more costly than regular cab models.

Safety for children

Increased injury risk: Compact extended-cab trucks may pose a higher risk of injury to young children in crashes due to the smaller, less-padded area and lap-only seatbelts, a risk that is sometimes mitigated by having them ride in the front seat.

Is a crew cab or an extended cab better?

A crew cab is larger, featuring full-size doors and spacious rear seats, making it ideal for passenger comfort, while an extended cab is smaller, with less rear legroom and smaller or smaller rear-hinged doors, making it a better choice if you prioritize cargo space and towing capacity over passenger room. Crew cabs typically come with shorter beds, while extended cabs can be paired with longer beds.

You can watch this video to learn about the differences between crew cab and extended cab: 43sAuto GearYouTube · Sep 25, 2022

Feature	Crew Cab	Extended Cab
Rear Seat	Spacious with ample legroom, comparable to a sedan	Smaller, with less legroom, often suitable for short trips or smaller passengers
Rear Doors	Always full-size, four-door configuration	May be smaller, rear-hinged, or may not have doors at all, depending on the model
Bed Length	Shorter bed length is standard	Can be paired with a longer bed
Price	Typically higher due to increased interior space	Usually lower than a crew cab
Best For	Hauling passengers, families, and long road trips	Towing, heavy hauling, and when rear seats are needed only occasionally

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.