DodgeForum.com

Dodge Ram 2009-Present: Crew Cab vs. Quad Cab

The difference between the Dodge Ram Quad Cab and Crew Cab is more than simple looks. Let's go through and detail the differences; it could sway you one way or the other.

By Nick Vaughn - August 27, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).

It doesn't really matter if you're a truck novice or you've been driving a truck for years now, knowing all the details about a particular brand and specific options can sometimes be daunting. Most of the major truck manufacturers have a layout and options similar to one another, and the Dodge Ram Quad Cab and Crew Cab are no exception.

Ready for a little bit of trivia? Dodge is the only manufacturer that calls their truck a "quad" cab, while all of the manufacturers have a line called a "crew" cab. Chevrolet calls their equivalent of the "quad" cab a "double" cab. Ford calls their equivalent of the "quad" cab a "super" cab. Toyota calls their equivalent of the "quad" cab, well, nothing, because they don't provide a similar option. Anyone else hearing a USA chant in the background?

So let's break down the difference in the Dodge Ram Quad Cab and Crew Cab. Details are important and, other than there being a visual difference between the two, there are differences you may not be able to easily pick out.

Exterior Visual Comparison

So what's the first thing that jumps out to you about the two images below? The first thing noticed are the differences in the back doors. The Quad Cab does not have full size doors like the Crew Cab. The second thing is that the Quad Cab has a longer bed compared to the Crew Cab. Until you get inside either of the two trucks, that's really the most significant difference between them. Both will have the same trim and options where it counts most. So let's take a look at the smaller details between the two.

Figure 1. Quad Cab vs. Crew Cab.

The Details

Let's list the items that are the same between both trucks:

  1. Doors: 4
  2. Seating: 6
  3. Front leg room: 41 inches
  4. Exterior cargo width: 51 inches
  5. Exterior cargo maximum width: 66.4 inches

Let's list the items that are NOT the same between both trucks:

  1. Rear leg room: Quad Cab - 34.7 inches -- Crew Cab - 39.4 inches
  2. Exterior cargo length: Quad Cab - 76.6 inches -- Crew Cab - 67.4 inches
  3. Exterior cargo volume: Quad Cab - 57.5 cubic feet -- Crew Cab - 50.3 cubic feet
  4. Pickup bed depth: Quad Cab - 20.1 inches -- Crew Cab - 20.0 inches

Benefits of the Crew Cab

There is one obvious thing that the Crew Cab offers over the Quad Cab and that is space. A lot of space, including more leg room and more comfortable seating. The rear seats of the Crew Cab also have arm rests. As mentioned previously, the rear doors of the Crew Cab are full sized. So, if you are needing to use the back interior for hauling something, you'll have more space to get that item in and out.

Benefits of the Quad Cab

One item that is commonly overlooked is that while the Quad Cab is smaller, it's also lighter. The fuel economy of the Quad Cab may not be vastly different from its larger brother, but there will be a difference nonetheless. The Quad Cab is cheaper than the Crew Cab. The cargo capacity of the Quad Cab is better than the Crew Cab.

The Breakdown

So which truck should you go with? Only you can answer that question. What we can tell you is that the quality of truck has leveled over the last several years, meaning that the Quad Cab used to be the wrong choice almost every time. However, that has changed recently. Getting the Quad Cab can now be a good option for those wanting the ability to get more than three people in a truck and still have a somewhat "entry level" truck cost. Good luck coming to a decision that works best for you!

Figure 2. Which one will you choose?

Related Discussions