Best Crew Cab Trucks: Which 6 Seater Truck Is Right for You?

Anthony Sophinos

Anthony Sophinos has been infatuated with cars for as long as he can remember, and that passion has fueled his journey from nerdy gearhead to professional writer and content creator who covers all things automotive. His byline has appeared at CarsDirect, New Car Test Drive, iSeeCars, and other online publications. To read more of his work, visit anthonysophinos.com. When he’s not penning articles, you can find Anthony outside biking, hiking, or exploring New England in his Miata (in the summer, of course).

Buyers have flocked to these four-door models for their added practicality; unlike single or extended-cab designs, crew cabs can comfortably fit up to six adults without sacrificing the ability to tow and haul serious weight.

We’ve found the trucks that best combine the usefulness of four full-size doors with the expected utility of a pickup. Our winners come from every size and price point, but the bottom line is the same for all: these multifaceted four-door trucks will satisfy an astonishingly wide spectrum of vehicular needs.

Let’s start with the largest and most capable of them all. You can also find our top picks for the best double cab and single cab trucks.

Check out all our picks for the best trucks by cab size >>

Read about how we rank our trucks >>

How Many Passengers Can a Crew Cab Truck Seat?

Crew cabs, available on models like the Ford F-150 and Honda Ridgeline, are the largest cab sizes for trucks. With its four-door configuration and two rows of seating, a crew cab can seat up to five or six adults.

Best Heavy-Duty Crew Cab Truck: RAM 2500 HD

Heavy-duty trucks are the kings of the truck mountain. Of these ultimate workhorses, the Ram 2500 and 3500 remain the truck to beat.

The reasons are manifold, but we’ll start with the most important: its available diesel engine. Ram employs a Cummins-built turbocharged straight-six diesel that can be had in two states of tune: the standard-output 375 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, or the uprated variant - only available on the 3500 -  pushing a full 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Yes, you read that last figure correctly. Four figures of torque has become the norm for HD diesels, and the Ram is currently the torquiest of them all.

Equip a 3500 with 1,075 lb-ft of torque and the result is up to 34,470 pounds of crew-cab towing capacity. Meanwhile, a Ram 2500 crew cab with the standard-output diesel maxes out at 20,000 pounds. Both represent the utmost capability.

The Ram also shines in the cabin, where decadent materials and surprisingly stylish design elements give off heavy whiffs of luxury SUVs. While the Ford F-Series Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado prefer less aesthetically pleasing materials and motifs, the Ram impresses with an eye towards luxury.

If the Ram’s crew cab is somehow too small, the brand also offers something they call the Mega Cab. This cab style is exactly what it sounds like: an XL-sized crew cab. It features 43 inches of rear legroom versus 40 inches for the crew cab.

We are somewhat disappointed by the lack of available towing technology - something Chevy and GMC have done particularly well - but the in-car tech, the styling, and above all, the capability have won us over. This is our favorite HD crew cab.

What’s New?

There will be a number of redesigns for the 2023 edition of the RAM 2500 HD. That includes new Ram-air style hood scoop that helps the engine’s cold air intake. Additional upgrades include a Magna-sourced Clearview camera monitoring system. Also, a fully-electric version of the RAM 2500HD is expected sometime in the middle of the year as a 2024 model.

Check out our picks for the best heavy-duty trucks here.

Current RAM 2500 Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's RAM deals and average prices paid.

Best Light-Duty Full-Size Crew Cab Truck: Ford F-150

Ford has owned the light-duty full-size pickup segment for a long time, and for good reason: they’ve whittled down the building of a desirable truck to an exact science. The latest 2021 F-150 shows their expertise with numerous engine options, copious amounts of technology, and best-in-class towing and payload stats.

Let’s start with engines, because Ford has separated themselves from the pack with their variety of available powertrains. Of the six total powertrains, we’re smitten by the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, which comes in either gas or hybrid form. The latter is actually the most powerful engine in the lineup, beating even the stalwart 5.0-liter V-8 in output: 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque versus 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque for the V-8.

The hybrid powertrain also returns some of the best fuel economy among full-size trucks, with rear-drive versions netting 25 mpg combined. That’s better than even the available PowerStroke diesel, which can only muster 23 mpg combined. Oh, and did we mention the hybrid tows up to 12,700 pounds? That isn’t as much as the best-in-class 14,000-pound max of the traditional 3.5-liter engine, but still better than the top output of most competitors.

New tech isn’t just under the hood: it’s also in the cabin. The latest version of Ford’s Sync infotainment software - with twice the computing power of the outgoing iteration - is housed in a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, though a 12-inch screen is available. The two screen sizes, newly enlarged with the 2021 redesign, now line up with the ones found in the Ram 1500.

Lots of engine choices, lots of tech, and lots of performance - the F-150 leaves no stone unturned in its quest to be the truck of choice for shoppers of every stripe. For that, it’s our best light-duty crew cab.

What’s New?

The 2023 Ford F-150 gets an all new Rattler trim. This off-road version of the pickup will have hill-descent control, a rear locking differential, and a suspension built for off-road. Also look for an all-new hybrid powertrain in the 2023 edition.

Check out our picks for the best full-size trucks here.

Current Ford F-150 Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Ford deals and average prices paid.

Best Off-Road Crew Cab Truck: RAM 1500 TRX

We’re calling it the best off-road model you can buy, but feel free to swap in a superlative of your choice. The TRX isn’t only an epic off-roader; it also is a general beast in the truest sense of the word, a hulking machine that ravages any terrain up to and including drag-strip tarmac.

The T-Rex, as Ram engineers like to call it, takes the fight to the Ford F-150 Raptor by utilizing numerous tricks and upgrades made in the name of going fast off-road. The list of bespoke equipment includes special off-road shocks from Bilstein and an extensively modified frame that only shares about 25 percent of its content and construction with regular Ram 1500s. Knobby off-road tires are standard, of course, as is full-time four-wheel drive. The result is a truck that can tackle desert running, rock crawling, or anything in between.

Because those wimpy upgrades weren’t enough, Ram fits the TRX with the Hellcat 6.2-liter V-8. This supercharged monster engine has been making waves in various Dodge products since it first launched in 2015; in the TRX it’s tuned to 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. That power goes to the wheels via a beefed-up eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Hellcat transforms the TRX into something lesser Rams can only dream of. 0-60 mph happens in less than four seconds; the quarter-mile goes by in under 13 seconds. Note that the TRX also weighs well over 5,000 pounds and can tow 8,100 pounds. These figures are as astounding as they seem. The downside, of course, is fuel economy: the EPA warns not to expect more than 15 mpg in any type of driving, highway stints included.

Ford may have opened the floodgates for modern performance pickups with the original Raptor, but Ram’s TRX has officially stolen its thunder. Big motor, big performance, big ability: nothing is modest about this midsize truck. Consider it the best off-roading truck on the market.

What’s New?

Going into its third year of the current generation, there are no new significant changes to the RAM 1500 TRX.

Current RAM 1500 Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's RAM deals and average prices paid.

Best Midsize Crew Cab Truck: Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon

The Chevrolet Colorado (and mechanical twin, the GMC Canyon) has been around in its current form for quite some time now, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is one of the most versatile and capable small trucks on the market. There’s much to be said about Chevy’s efforts in this market, and we find they’ve nailed the midsize truck formula better than any other competitor.

The Colorado impresses for a few reasons, but high on the list is its versatility. There is no shortage of trims to choose from when configuring one of these trucks. Want a stripper truck with vinyl seats and no carpet? The WT is your choice. What about an extreme off-road option that can run with Jeep Wranglers? Check out the ZR2. Just need a nice truck with a bit of capability? The LT and Z71 won’t disappoint.

Most of the aforementioned trims offer a choice of three engines that together cover the needs of nearly all buyers in this segment. The base option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that is best for keeping the price down. The most popular choice is the excellent 3.6-liter V-6, which turns out a stout 308 horsepower via an eight-speed automatic. It can tow up to 7,700 pounds, a segment benchmark.

The most unique engine here is the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel. The Colorado is unique among midsize trucks to offer diesel power; you won’t find it available on the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, or Nissan Frontier. The diesel churns out 260 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It doesn’t tow as much as the V-6, but it will return up to 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, making it the most efficient choice among midsize trucks.

While other midsize crew cabs limit buyers to one bed length, the Colorado offers two lengths: a 5.0-foot bed and a 6.0-foot bed. With the longer bed, buyers can expect 50 cubic feet of cargo space.

Despite a cabin that is beginning to feel downmarket, the Colorado continues to impress with its many personalities, excellent towing capability, and available diesel. It’s a well-rounded truck for not much money, and buyers would be hard-pressed to find something more affordable and versatile.

What’s New?

For the 2023 model year, the Chevy Colorado gets a redesigned body, updated powertrain options, and a vastly improved interior. In fact, this model will be all-new for the 2023 model year. Standard power will come from a 2.7-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that puts out 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque at 5600 rpm.

The GMC Canyon is also all-new for the 2023 mode year. It will receive many of the same attributes and features found on the 2023 Chevy Colorado. However, one notable difference is the introduction of the ATX4 trim. This off-road-focused edition will feature an exclusive Obsidian Rush interior with Ceramic White Accents. Other features include an 11.3- inch Diagonal Center Touchscreen and 11-inch Digital Driver Information Center.

Check out our picks for the best midsize trucks here.

Current Chevrolet Colorado Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Chevy deals and average prices paid.

Current GMC Canyon Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's GMC deals and average prices paid.

Best Front-Drive Crew Cab Truck: Honda Ridgeline

Yes, we know what you’re thinking: a Honda product on a best-truck list? We know - it doesn’t seem to compute. But while the big players in the pickup segment go head-to-head on towing, torque, and power ratings, Honda quietly builds a capable, quiet, refined hauler that expertly blends a crossover’s effortless usability with the practicality that comes with a truck bed.

The secret of the Ridgeline - and also the very thing that keeps it from being more popular than it is - lies in its front-wheel drive, unibody chassis. Shared with the Pilot and Odyssey, these underpinnings give the truck a smooth ride and car-like handling; whether it’s empty or loaded, you’re sure to forget there’s a bed behind the second row. Even the cabin is more reminiscent of Honda’s crossovers than any pickup truck. The Ridgeline is best thought of as a Pilot whose hatch and third row have been replaced with a 5.3-foot bed.

The 3.5-liter V-6 is also shared with Honda’s big family chariots. Making just 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, it’s one of the most modest six-cylinder engines in the midsize truck segment. It does return great mileage, though: per the EPA, an all-wheel drive Ridgeline is good for 18 mpg city, 25 highway, and 21 combined. By contrast, the four-wheel drive Toyota Tacoma will only return up to 22 mpg highway.

As for how it works as a truck, the Ridgeline can’t beat the segment leaders. It has one of the smallest bed volumes (34 cubic feet) and tows just 5,000 pounds. Max payload is a respectable 1,600 pounds, which puts it in the thick of the segment but doesn’t land it on the podium.

But dominating the towing and payload categories was never the mission of the Ridgeline. Instead, this is a truck for those who only want or need a truck on the weekends. Drive the Ridgeline to work, take the kids to school, and go pick up some wood and mulch from Home Depot on the weekends. It’s a jack-of-all-trades that is more comfortable than a typical truck for commuting and more practical - and cool - than a Pilot when it's time to haul dirt bikes or buy lumber.

For those who want a midsize truck but don’t want to sacrifice the efficiency or comfort of their car or crossover, the Ridgeline is the answer.

What’s New?

The Honda Ridgeline does not receive any no changes for the 2023 model year.

Current Honda Ridgeline Deals & Incentives

You may qualify for additional deals and incentives, check out this month's Honda deals and average prices paid.

Which Is the Best Crew Cab Truck?

Depends on your needs. We called out a number of different trucks here, all for different reasons.

For towing supremacy, go with the HD Ram. For everyday workhorse practicality, a Chevy Colorado or Ford F-150 will do. Off-roaders will want the Ram TRX, and commuters the Honda Ridgeline.

Want to learn more about truck cab and bed configurations? Check out our detailed breakdown here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which truck has the largest crew cab?

The Ford F-150, with nearly 44 inches of rear legroom. The Ram Mega Cab is a close second, and nipping on their heels is the Toyota Tundra and Ford Super-Duty.

Which crew cab truck tows the most?

The Ram 3500 with the high-output diesel. Other HD trucks follow closely behind. Of light-duty trucks, the hauling champ is the F-150, which maxes out at 14,000 pounds with the crew cab.

What is the best family pickup truck?

The Ram 1500 is the best bet for families thanks to its focus on interior quality and usage of coil springs in the rear rather than leaf springs. The result is a more fluid, smooth ride with only a marginal sacrifice in total capability.

What is the best crew cab truck for off-roading?

Ford may have opened the floodgates for modern performance pickups with the original Raptor, but Ram’s 1500 TRX has officially stolen its thunder. Big motor, big performance, big ability: nothing is modest about this outsized truck. Consider it the best off-roading truck on the market.

What is the best crew cab truck for everyday work?

Despite a cabin that is beginning to feel downmarket, the Chevrolet Colorado impresses with its many personalities, excellent towing capability, and available diesel. It’s a well-rounded truck for not much money, and buyers would be hard-pressed to find something more affordable and versatile.

What is the best crew cab truck for commuters?

For those who want a truck but don’t want to sacrifice the efficiency or comfort of their car or crossover, the Honda Ridgeline is the answer.